Things to do in Greece

Zante - Turtle Cruise of Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula

Loggerhead sea turtles have been residents of Zante's beaches for thousands of years, and with a bit of luck, you'll see them first-hand on this boat trip. Join an expert local guide for an educational day out at sea, passing by nesting sites, swimming in hidden bays and spending time in the village of Keri. Bianca, one of our guides, says, ‘In just one trip, you get to jump into clear waters, cruise along the Keri peninsula and, with luck, see turtles.'Available either in the morning from Zante harbour or the afternoon from Keri harbour, this half-day cruise is a real treat for all the family. You'll pass by the golden beaches of Vassilikos and Marathonisi, a pine-clad islet dubbed ‘Turtle Island'. The reason's simple – one of its beaches is a favourite turtle nesting site. Bianca, who's lived on Zante for more than 20 years, says of the scenery, ‘You can do this tour a thousand times and every day is different.' Be sure to keep a lookout for loggerheads, and you may even spot a wild dolphin or two.Plus, you'll sail along the Keri peninsula, cruising by its sea-plunging cliffs, caves and lighthouse before dropping anchor for a swim stop at the Bay of Oasis. In the small village of Keri, you have a quick stop to shop for souvenirs, relax in a typical taverna or hit the beach. What's more, a volunteer from local conservation group ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece – will be on board to tell give you the lowdown on its work.

Crete - Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion

'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city centre. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.

Rhodes - Lindos Acropolis & Rhodes Old Town Highlights Tour

Few islands in Greece can match the heritage of Rhodes. And this wealth forms the centrepiece of this tour. Discover it all with an expert local guide. Dimitris, one of our guides, says, ‘Lindos was built in the 10th century BC by the Dorians. It's the third-most visited site in all of Greece, which shows just how significant it is.' You'll also enjoy a walking tour of the old town of Rhodes and see the Palace of the Grand Master. Headsets allow direct connection between you and your guide.Dimitris believes Rhodes is blessed with some of the best scenery in Greece. He says, ‘Lindos lies near a fantastic sandy beach, surrounded by hills hiding the village, protecting the place from the attacks of the pirates. On top of the small sugar cube houses stands the ancient Acropolis and the Temple of Athena.' You'll get to appreciate these very views during a coffee stop at a typical family-run café. Climb to the mountaintop Acropolis as your guide brings to life the myths and legends of the ancients as you take in views of St Paul's Bay below.Rounding off the day, we'll head to the old town Rhodes – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – for a guided tour. Because so much of the excursion is walking, it reduces the activity's carbon footprint. Wander the winding, cobbled streets, lined with historic houses and boutiques, and walk down the Street of the Knights. The star attraction is the Palace of the Grand Master – an enormous 13th-century fortress originally built by the Knights of St John.

Corfu - Theo's Boat Trip in Corfu and Mainland Greece with Beach BBQ

The azure waters and secluded coves of eastern Corfu are ideal for a day at sea. On Theo's boat, you'll cruise past dramatic coastline to picturesque places where you can sit back and relax with a tasty barbecue on the beach – exclusively for our guests. Captain Theo says, ‘I've been sailing for over 45 years. My passion for the sea started from an early age and remains as strong today as ever. But I enjoy even more welcoming guests on board, telling them stories about Corfu and sharing a meal with them.'Once you step aboard Theo's boat, you'll be in full-on holiday mode as we sail past coves, bays, soaring cliffs and beaches. Jump into the sea for a swim, relax on deck and enjoy a day out with all the family. Larger-than-life Theo and his crew are a barrel of laughs and as much of an attraction as the coastal scenery. We'll sail towards sandy Kalamas beach on the west coast of the mainland.Come lunchtime, the crew will rustle up a barbecue made from locally sourced ingredients on the beach – washed down with free-flowing wine and soft drinks. And if that's not enough, there's also be fun and games for the kids so that you can put your feet up. On the way back to port, there are swimming stops. Theo likes to spring a surprise, so it could be near a cave, at a ‘blue lagoon' or even both. You might even be joined by a dolphin or two along the way. Also, Theo has a great ear for music – so expect tunes to match the mood. Theo's boat is a holiday within a holiday.

Corfu - Day Trip to Albania

Albania is just a short boat ride from Corfu. This often-overlooked country was closed to outsiders for decades and it's only now really beginning to flex its tourist muscles. On this full day excursion, you'll visit the ruins of ancient Butrint, go for lunch and enjoy free time in Saranda.

Zante - Secret Zante Tour with Monastery, Blue Caves and Local Speciality Tastings

It's easy to see why the Venetians called Zante the ‘Flower of the East'. This exclusive tour takes in some of the island's prettiest villages and the remote Anafonitria monastery, too. And that's not all. There'll also be local wine and sweets to taste, plus a short boat trip to the Blue Caves – one of the deepest points in the Mediterranean.

Rhodes - Full-day Symi tour including Panormitis Monastery

‘Symi is one of the smallest and most picturesque Greek islands. The sight of the colourful houses as soon as you enter the harbour never fails to impress,' says Fotini, your born and bred local guide on this full day excursion. You'll discover its laidback charm and visit sights such as Panormitis Monastery and a sponge maker.

Rhodes - Rhodes Airport exclusive lounge access

Travel in style with the lounge at Rhodes airport. Enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.

Corfu - Boat trip from Corfu to Sivota with barbecue and Blue Lagoon

A delightful foray to the west coast of mainland Greece from Corfu. Skippered by local legend Captain Theo, you'll cruise over to Sivota, enjoying a barbecue on board along the way. Theo, who's been sailing these waters for four decades, says, ‘I love the sound of guests whooping with joy – the sound of summer – when they jump into the Blue Lagoon for a swim. We then explore Papanikolis sea cave, which is also popular.'You'll board the boat ready for a picture-perfect journey across the Ionian Sea towards the mainland. And between taking in the scenery of pine-clad islets, you'll cruise into Papanikolis sea cave, where you'll see the sea glittering on the roof. The next stop will be for swimming in the Blue Lagoon. Its fluorescent-turquoise waters look radiant – and inviting – when contrasted against the tree-topped white headland that shelters the lagoon. Captain Theo will anchor here for 90 minutes, during which time you can swim and feast on an on-board barbecue with free-flowing wine.After all that fun, Theo will rev up his engine to glide over to a scenic little bay for one more swimming stop where you can make the most of the sparkling Ionian Sea. Afterwards, it's time to hop back on board for the return cruise to Corfu.

Kefalonia - Discover Kefalonia with Lake Melissani and Fiskardo

Natural wonders, impressive beaches and pretty villages – when it comes to sightseeing, Kefalonia is an A-lister. And on this full day bus tour, you'll see some of its best bits, both above and below ground. Lake Melissani, Drogarati Cave, Fiskardo and Agia Efimia are all on the menu, as well as a photo stop at Myrtos Bay. Georgios, one of our local guides, says, ‘With around 250km of coastline, Kefalonia is home to some of the very best beaches in Greece. But if you can tear yourself away from the pristine sands, there's tonnes more to see and do.'You'll kick off your adventure on Lake Melissani, for an underground boat trip to Melissani Cave. When sunlight shines in through the opening of this cave, it creates a glistening fluorescent hue on the water below – it's a sight to behold. Georgios says, ‘There are many myths and legends surrounding the history of the lake. Some say it was named after Melissanthi, whose spirit still haunts the cave to this day. Others say it was discovered by a shepherd, who chose to spend the rest of his days here.' You'll also stop by the nearby Drogarati Cave for a chance to see its stalactites and stalagmites.Next up is a short visit to the port of Agia Efimia, before we hit Fiskardo. Here, you'll have around two hours to explore the fashionable fishing village, do a spot of souvenir shopping or grab a bite to eat in one of its many pastel-coloured tavernas. You'll round off the day at a viewpoint overlooking Myrtos beach. Lapped by clear blue waters, it's one of the most photo-worthy spots in Greece.

Crete - Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch

The tiny isle of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a true local on this full-day tour of its must-see monuments.

Rhodes - Rhodes guided tour of traditional villages with local tastings

Spend the day getting to know the rustic villages of inland Rhodes and sample some of the island's favourite dishes. Pretty Orthodox churches, an olive oil mill, a winery in Siana and a typical local lunch are on the menu in this adults-only tour. Fotini, one of our local guides, says, “I was born and raised in Rhodes, so I am thrilled to be showing the island's hidden gems, revealing its authentic and traditional identity, and the customs that we still keep today.”The fun starts in Asklipio, a charming hillside village of whitewashed homes built around an ancient castle and an 11th-century stone church. Admission to the church is included, helping to support its upkeep. Next up is the mountain village of Siana, where you'll get a snapshot of Rhodian life in the rugged hills away from the coast. After you've tried some locally pressed olive oil at a nearby mill, it's time for a wine tasting at one of Siana's newest wineries.And then we are off to Apollona for lunch made from locally sourced produce in a family-run and sustainably conscious taverna – you won't find any use of plastic here. Even the water served comes from a local well. Take a tour of the village to walk off lunch and see the ruins of the temple dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god who the village is named after. In the afternoon, there's a pit stop for coffee in Profitis Ilias at the Italian inspired hotel Elafos. Your final stop is at the only microbrewery on the island, where you'll taste four house beers before heading back to your hotel. It's a day that'll satisfy both your cultural curiosity and taste buds.