Greece

Zante - Turtle Cruise to Marathonisi 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.

Kos - Zia by Night

Leave the beach behind and head for the hills to the mountain village of Zia for the evening. Sitting high in pine-forested Mount Dikaios, it's bagged itself gorgeous views of the island's North coast and across the Aegean to Turkey. And from up here, the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular.

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 or snorkel 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.

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.

Zante - Secrets of Zante with Blue Caves visit and local 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 tour of Symi with Panormitis Monastery visit

‘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.

Kos - Full-day volcanic island of Nisyros tour with boat trip from Kos

If there's one must-visit while you're in Kos, it's the volcanic island of Nisyros. Greek legend says it was created from a stone thrown by the god Poseidon. And it's a scenic gem of an hour-long trip that takes you there. Visit Mandraki, Nikia, the Stefanos crater and more.

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.

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.

Zante - Smuggler's Cove half-day cruise with panoramic drive

Smuggler's Cove is a picture-postcard white pebble beach with a surprise – a shipwreck from an alleged smuggler who ran aground here in the early 80s. On this half-day boat trip, you'll cruise along the coast to see this famous spot, discover secret coves, swim and soak up the scenery. Kay, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Smuggler's Cove is also known as Shipwreck Beach, or “Navagio” in Greek. It's only accessible by boat, and it's one of the most photographed places in the whole of Greece.'After pick-up, enjoy a scenic drive to Porto Vromi – it takes up to 90 minutes – and hop on a boat towards Smuggler's Cove. You'll have half an hour or so to take in the vistas from the deck before the imposing white cliffs appear, sheltering the cove and its famous wreck. The 200-metre-high cliffs curve and swoop down behind the beach, dwarfing the shipwreck. Kay says, ‘To preserve the natural beauty of the area, instead of disembarking at Smuggler's cove, we'll pause here to admire the scenery and take a few Insta-perfect snaps.'Next, your captain will drop anchor at a nearby bay, and you'll have time to swim in the dazzling waters surrounded by Zante's coastal landscapes – don't forget your snorkel mask for spotting the colourful fish, coral and starfish here. Then, as we cruise back towards Porto Vromi, your captain will take you to a smooth, white-pebbled beach, a place so secret it doesn't even show up on Google. Cool off with a swim stop here and hear the story of the 'Poseidon's Face' – a rock formation believed to depict Poseidon, God of the sea – before setting off for the final leg back to shore.