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.
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, discover the small fishing village of Keri 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. In the small fishing village of Keri, you can 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.
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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.
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Crete - Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport
'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. There'll even be a chance to see the Labyrinth, where the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as Minotaur was said to have lurked. 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. 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.
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On this half-day outing, you'll explore Kos town under your own steam. As the island's capital, it offers up plenty of stuff to see and do. You'll be picked up from your hotel and dropped off in the centre, where the time's all yours to do as you wish.
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Rhodes - Rhodes Town – Transfer Only
Rhodes Town is a capital ripe for exploring on foot. And with hassle-free transport to and from, you'll have plenty of time to tour all the best bits. Stroll the medieval Knights Quarter and feel the history amongst the old city walls. Or hit the high street for some last minute shopping. Fancy a coffee on the harbour, or a saunter down the seafront? Explore at your own pace on this laidback day out.
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Corfu - Paxos & Antipaxos Cruise
If you're in search of glittering azure waters and a healthy dose of Greek culture then a boat trip to Antipaxos and Paxos from Corfu is a must-do. These islands might be small in terms of size, but they pack a punch with scenery and laidback Mediterranean feel.
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Life moves pretty slow in Lindos, so why rush? Explore Rhodes most charming village at your own pace, with hassle-free transport, to and from. Visit the ancient Acropolis, perched on the horizon. Or take time to wander the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. The choice is yours. Free time at the beach or lunch at a local taverna are all possibilities too. On this day, you decide.
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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. Then, as we cruise back towards Porto Vromi, your captain will take you to a 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.
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Corfu - Boat Trip from Corfu to Sivota with Barbecue on Board
This exclusive-to-TUI tour offers up a delightful foray to the west coast of mainland Greece. Cruise on over from Corfu, stopping to swim in the famous Blue Lagoon and Papanikolis sea cave, then tuck into a barbecue lunch before exploring the pretty fishing village of Sivota.
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Kos - Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros
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.
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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.
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