Athens & Corfu Explorer

Name: Spend eight days in Greece exploring Athens and Corfu
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.95 (33 reviews)

8 Days / 7 Nights

Athens, Corfu

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

You could spend a lifetime exploring the treasures of a wondrous place like Greece. But what if we told you that you can get a very good taste of this sunny Mediterranean country in just a few days? This carefully planned 8-day itinerary allows you to get to know Athens and the island of Corfu in depth. With its many layers of history, sun-drenched ancient ruins, divine dining scene, and vibrant nightlife, Athens is the perfect start to this fast-track Greek odyssey. From there, continue to Corfu, a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea, known for its gorgeous Old Town that has a scent of neighboring Italy. Beyond the town, lies a world of spectacular natural landscapes that alternate from beaches with emerald waters to cypress-filled vistas to quaint villages tucked away in the mountains or caressed by the sea breeze.
One of our team members in Greece will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best this country has to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

3 Nights in Athens

3 Nights in Athens

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Athens

Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Love at First Sight

Suggestion to explore on your own

Taking advantage of the opportunity for views of the Acropolis shining in the night, Athens has plenty of rooftop venues, which have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT a - the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT a has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki District, you should definitely visit A for Athens, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that perfectly provide romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Athens

The Bohemian Side of Athens Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Apart from its ancient history, Athens also has an alternative, bohemian side. During this tour, you'll be introduced to the Greek capital's lesser-known neighborhoods, where you can admire impressive street art, explore hidden courtyards, and people-watch at indie cafés. In the company of your local guide, you will discover why bohemian Athens is considered the new Berlin.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 4 hours

Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

As the sun sets, embark on a truly decadent foray into Greek gastronomy and viticulture. This immersive food tour includes two authentic eateries, followed by a wine tasting, in which an expert sommelier takes you through five different varieties, plus ouzo.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Athens

Explore Athens' Surroundings

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

If you find yourself with ample time in Athens, consider indulging in a day trip for a refreshing change of scenery. The bustling city center can be overwhelming, and venturing outside Athens offers a unique perspective on the country. Experience a day among the monasteries in the sky in Meteora, explore the renowned archaeological wonders of Delphi, or opt for a leisurely horse ride around the picturesque island of Hydra. These excursions promise a delightful escape and a chance to embrace the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures that surround Athens.

Meteora Day Trip from Athens

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Take the bus from Athens to Kalabaka and marvel at the breathtaking Greek landscapes en route! Upon arrival, delve into a captivating tour of the stunning cliffs and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These towering heights have long served as a haven for spiritual contemplation, providing an unforgettable experience of tranquility and wonder.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 13 hours

Delphi Private Day Trip

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Get ready to discover the core of ancient Greek history and culture with a day trip to the majestic town of Delphi. Enjoy a private guided tour around the archaeological site of Delphi and take the opportunity to discover the picturesque modern-day town nearby.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 10 hours

Hydra Island Private Day Trip

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Less than two hours from Athens, Hydra island is ideal for a day-trip. Completely traffic-free (no cars or scooters), the charming port town, lined with magnificent 18th-century mansions, is full of history and cultural charm. Hydra's beaches are stunning and tranquil, and the laid-back atmosphere of Greek island living will win your heart!

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 11 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Corfu by Airplane

From Athens to Corfu the best option will be to take a flight on one of the low cost airlines. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Athens

Acropolis for Families Private Tour

Moderate2 hours

Ancient Corinth Tour & Nemea Wine-Tasting Private Tour

Moderate9 hours

Athens Highlights Mythology Private Tour

Moderate4 hours

Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

Moderate4 hours

4 Nights in Corfu

4 Nights in Corfu

The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu exudes a sense of elegance, nostalgia and aristocratic grandeur. Its charming old town, with its noble architecture, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable sea views, has a prime spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Corfu’s multicultural history is a juxtaposition of conquests by the Venetians, French, and British. Their stories are reflected in the island’s eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Corfu's historical center is protected by two Venetian Fortresses: the Old Fortress which played a crucial role in Corfu’s history protecting the island from many sieges, and the hilltop New Fortress, with its vaulted passageways, underground galleries, and astonishing views of the Old Town. Discover the island’s unique history by visiting a few of its grand palaces, like the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elizabeth ("Sisi") of Austria in 1892, with its luscious gardens and impressive collection of marble statues. Corfu's countryside is dotted with pretty villages, expansive olive groves, vineyards, and herbal gardens. The coastline is a dream world of its own, with crystalline azure waters and secret coves only accessible by boat.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Corfu

Upon arrival at the airport, our driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

For Your Eyes Only

Suggestion to explore on your own

After your arrival in Corfu, we recommend heading to one of the main town's must-sees: Palaio Frourio, a 15th century Venetian fortress. Separated from the town by a moat, the fortress boasts two small peaks, or korypha, that are the source of Corfu's name. While the fort tends to draw visitors for its history, some come for its breathtaking views, or because it was one of the settings for the Bond film, "For Your Eyes Only."

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Corfu

Corfu Food Walking Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Get enchanted by the historic city of Corfu and indulge in a delightful walking food tour around the town. Seize the opportunity to experience the Greek gastronomy in depth and feel just like a local. Explore the narrow streets – or ‘Kantounia’- of Corfu with the help of your knowledgeable local guide and discover the city’s hidden gems!

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 3 hours

Follow the Corfu Trail

Suggestion to explore on your own

Corfu, an idyllic Greek island, beckons hikers to explore its varied landscapes, ranging from the stark karst formations of Mount Pantokrator's summit to the fertile expanses of the Ropa Plain. At every turn, a captivating scene unfolds, making the island a treasure trove for avid walkers. The optimal seasons for hiking in Corfu are spring, when vibrant wildflowers carpet the ground, and autumn, offering a reprieve from summer's heat and unveiling a fresh array of blossoms with the initial rains. To fully immerse in the island's allure, traverse the Corfu Trail, a long-distance walking path that allows you to absorb the beauty at your own leisurely pace, ensuring a truly enriching experience.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Corfu

Best of Corfu Half-Day Private Driving Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Engage in this half-day Corfu highlights tour and explore the most important attractions of the island from the comfort of your private luxury vehicle. Ideal for those visiting the Homeric island of the Phaeacians for the first time, immerse into the beauty and history of the jewel of the Ionian Sea. From imperial palaces to tiny picturesque islands and of course, the Italianate beauty of the magnificent town of Corfu, it is certain that this tour will captivate your senses and create a memorable experience for you, your family and friends.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours 30 minutes

Mingle with Locals in Picturesque Villages

Suggestion to explore on your own

Corfu is stuffed with humble hamlets, so don't spend all your time on the beach! If you're interested in history, or just want to immerse yourself in the island's traditional culture, head to Old Perithia. As the name implies, this is Corfu's oldest village, although most of its traditional homes have been abandoned. Located at the base of Mt. Pantokrator, this village is located in a secure location, with views of the sea, but invisible from the coast. Corfu's second largest town, picturesque Lefkimmi boasts astonishing architecture, with tall Venetian-style houses, quiet squares, hidden churches, and a canal linking the town to the sea.

Mingle with Locals in Picturesque Villages

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Third Full Day in Corfu

Private Paratrike Flight

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Fly with the pioneer of paragliding in Corfu-Greece, exclusively. Away from the crowds, one of the most unique locations to experience the thrill of a lifetime paragliding adventure! Fly with them in the Thermals, taken on photo or video with GoPro camera, and soar above the ionian sea and it's amazing beaches, Glyfada and Kontogialos.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 20 minutes

Artemis' Sanctuary

Suggestion to explore on your own

Just outside of Corfu lies the remains of the Temple of Artemis, an early Doric temple built around 580 BC at the ancient city of Korkyra. Partially excavated by a vacationing Kaiser Wilhelm II on the eve of WWI, this was one of the first buildings to include all the elements of Doric architecture. The pediment that once crowned it, depicting Perseus killing the Medusa, can now be admired in the town of Corfu's National Archaeological Museum.

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you straight to Corfu's airport, with plenty of time to catch your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Corfu

Admire the Most Iconic Sights of Corfu in a Day Private Tour

Easy7 hours 30 minutes

Cape Drastis and Loggas Cliffs Private Hiking Tour

Moderate3-4 hours

Corfu Old Town and Olive Oil Tasting Half-Day Private Tour

Easy4 hours 30 minutes

Corfu in a Day Private Tour

Light7 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Athens

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Athens Airport Transfer

The Bohemian Side of Athens Small Group Tour

Athens Airport Transfer

Athens - Corfu Flight

Corfu

4 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Corfu Food Walking Private Tour

Best of Corfu Half-Day Private Driving Tour

Corfu Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Ian & Solange

Alberta

Our JayWay experience was 100% perfect from beginning to end. The JayWay team was professional, knowledgeable, helpful, supportive and responsive throughout and, most importantly, they made both the planning of the trip and the trip itself easy and FUN! We loved our trip and we love JayWay!!

Year : 2023
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania, Athens
Rating :

5 / 5

Anna, Virginia, Andre & Jody

Rhode Island

JayWay travel company delivered as promised. Visited all places I requested. The transportation was excellent! The guides, trained in a guide school, were extremely knowledgeable! The hotels were very good. I would use this company again.

Year : 2023
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Santorini
Rating :

4.8 / 5

Deborah Christensen-Short

California

Trust the Jay Way reps, they truly care about the travelers' having the very best experience possible.

Year : 2023
Visited : Turkey, Greece
Itinerary : Izmir, Istanbul, Athens, Nafplio, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Athens, Santorini, Athens
Rating :

5 / 5

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