On Location: “Opa!” What’s it like touring Greece with Globus? PAX hops islands with agents

"Opa! We shouted it once. OPA! We shouted it twice, this time a little louder.

By the time we hit the third OOOPAAA!! – hollered with such intensity it felt like we had awoken the Greek gods – we were finally catching on to what it meant to truly enjoy Greece.

Savouring the moment. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Sharing a long meal with loved ones. Celebrating life!

Lessons our vibrant tour guide, Vassiliki, an Athenian with a flair for fun and fashion, had been trying to instill all week as she pried us away from our phones, urging us to unplug, connect with each other, and embrace Greece’s laid-back rhythm.

“Sit. Enjoy,” she’d often insist, capping off sentences with an affectionate “darling.”

It was over dinner one night at Kalokerinos, an old and traditional Greek tavern in Athens – in the heart of Plaka, a cobblestoned neighbourhood under the Acropolis – when it clicked.

Let a little Greece in, and it will awaken your senses—faster than a shot of ouzo (a boozy aperitif that’s poured in these parts).

The food! The servers at Kalokerinos piled it on: rich moussaka (eggplant, potato, and beef/lamb casserole), salad topped with chunky feta, flaky spanakopita (spinach pies) and parsley-infused meatballs with chilled tzatziki on the side.

The dancing! Greek musicians—on bass, drums and the metallic-sounding bouzouki—accompanied folk dancers, arm-in-arm, springing into the air on one foot, while tapping the other foot in a rapid, scissor-like motion. The audience clapped along.

At one point, stacks of chalk plates were distributed and tossed into the air. One by one, each one crashed to the ground, shattering on the Kalokerinos stage.

“OPA!!” The performers urged the crowd to shout it again. This Greek exclamation—used to express joy or enthusiasm (or when something breaks)—only got louder as the night went on.

And what about “Opa?” It’s more a feeling than it is a word, Vassiliki later told us. “It’s about appreciating company and moments,” she said. “Shout it, as loud as possible, when you feel it, darling.”

It also fosters a sense of spontaneity. 

Just when it seemed like Kalokerinos was winding down, a singer appeared, motioning for audience members to join her on stage. Before we realized what was happening, we were swept into a joyful tangle of dancing tourists, belting out “Mamma Mia! Here we go again!”—the famous ABBA lyric that inspired Mamma Mia! The Musical, which is set on a Greek island.

Sit, enjoy…and dance? Greece had us under its spell.

Greek island adventure

It was a culmination of comfort, culture, and camaraderie that got us here.

We’d already spent a week unlocking Greece’s rich history, mountain-and-sea landscapes, and cultural legacy on a Globus family of brands-produced tour, called Greek Island Adventure, with Canadian travel advisors (primarily from Ensemble) and everyday consumers.

The itinerary from April 26 to May 2 was an odyssey bookended by Athens, the ancient capital, home to the marble-made Panathenaic Stadium (host of the first modern Olympics in 1896) and the world-famous Acropolis (a UNESCO Site dating back to at least 4,000 BC, featuring the iconic Parthenon).

In between were visits to the idyllic islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros – three of Greece’s 6,000 islands and islets (227 of which are inhabited) – where clusters of white-and-blue villages with sugarcube-like buildings line the coast.

Family-owned Globus has been selling guided tours for nearly a century (97 years!), all around the world, using a fleet of modernized coach buses.

But Greek Island Adventure – part of Globus’ Undiscovered collection, which features bucket-list spots as well as lesser-known gems – isn’t your typical tour on wheels.

While spacious buses are utilized, the itinerary also includes regional ferries and airlines, giving guests a chance to move around like some locals do. It's road, sky and sea. 

Beyond the bus window

“This tour offers a more in-depth look,” said Elaine French, Globus’ business development manager for Southwest Ontario, who led the FAM, which PAX was invited to cover exclusively. “It’s about finding unique experiences you wouldn't see if you were on a coach bus every day, travelling to different countries.”

Like a pottery demonstration in Damalas, one of the smallest villages on the mountainous island of Naxos, where artisan Manolis Libertas – the fourth generation of potters – keeps pottery traditions alive in his workshop. The man could operate a pottery wheel with his eyes closed.

Or sitting at a café in the port city of Heraklion in Crete, where Venetian and Ottoman influences fill the air, to people-watch and sip Greek coffee – a boiled brew with foam on top and grounds at the bottom – without feeling rushed.

Or spending an afternoon getting lost, on purpose, in the labyrinth of narrow laneways in easygoing Paros, where white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and vibrant doors capture timeless beauty.

We visited remote villages like Apeiranthos, built on the foothill of a mountain in Naxos, with its traditional marble-paved alleys filled with shops and restaurants. Our guide in Naxos even let us into his coastal apartment to show us how locals really live.

And there were off-road finds, too, like an ancient “kouros” (a colossal statue of a naked young man), believed to have been carved in 570 BC, but later damaged and abandoned during an unsuccessful transfer.

Today, the statue with a broken leg sits on a tucked-away slope in Naxos, in a private orchard.

Welcome to Greece: the land of abandoned artifacts.

Must-sees, must-dos

“In Greece, there are so many different islands to discover – and Globus can take you to these places,” French said.

“Undiscovered” goes beyond guidebooks with a balance of guided touring in the morning, communicated via “whispers” (audio transmitters), and free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. The days are structured, yet flexible.

But these tours also cover the must-sees. Like the Acropolis in Athens, where an expert guide led us through the ancient citadel that sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sprawling city.

It paid having expertise walk us through this impressive complex, showing us how there’s more to the Parthenon, a temple dating back 2,500 years, than meets the eye.

One of the structure’s secrets is that its marble columns are not perfectly straight—they lean slightly inward. This technique, called entasis, was used to create the illusion that the columns are perfectly straight from a distance.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Hellenic Parliament in Athens was equally exciting. "Only the best-looking soldiers are selected for this," our city guide shared, discreetly.

Another must-do? Knossos Palace on Crete (the largest Greek island). This archeological site, with roots dating to the 7th millennium BC, was once the ceremonial, political, religious, and economic centre of the Minoan civilization.

It’s often regarded as the oldest city in Europe—an impressive example of Bronze Age brilliance lost to time, then rediscovered and excavated in 1900.

Globus’ tours are also led by pros at the top of their game.

Our tour director, Vassiliki, who spent the entire trip with us, managing all logistics—from wakeup calls and ticketing to restaurant reservations, flights and transfer times—shared everything we needed to know about her homeland with passion and enthusiasm. She’s been in the business for 35 years.

With humour, charisma and style, Vassiliki was one of those guides who made the trip. (“Yes, darling,” she might say, in agreement.)

Most Globus guides come with years of experience—including the bus drivers.

“They’re sometimes from all generations, from grandfather to father to son,” French said. “They know the streets and how to get places. You don’t have to worry about parking. Guests just sit back and relax. Everything is taken care of.”

Sit, stay, sleep 

Indeed, Globus is a hassle-free way to experience Greece—or Europe for that matter. 

What glowed was the service. Everyone’s luggage was carried into each hotel and delivered directly to rooms. Drivers and hotel staff did the heavy lifting so no one else had to.

As for the hotels, your clients can expect four and five-star stays that promise a unique connection to the destinations.

Each hotel on Greek Island Adventure had a different vibe. The Stanley in Athens, with a spectacular rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the city, was a cosmopolitan experience. Likewise, in Crete, the Galaxy Hotel—steps from the heart of Heraklion—offered modern, spacious rooms.

As we journeyed deeper into the islands, the atmosphere became more regional. In Naxos, we stayed at the Naxos Palace Hotel, set in the countryside with more of a resort feel.

The accommodations, here, felt more residential. Located between the beaches of Agios Prokopios and Naxos Town, the property has a bus stop out front. You can buy tickets directly from the hotel for €2.50. There's also a wonderful pool—though it was a bit too chilly to swim during our trip.

Our final stay, Hotel Narges on the island of Paros, was our favourite. Family-owned and operated, this boutique property blends Cycladic architecture, bright colours, minimalist luxury, and Greek hospitality—meaning, you’re treated like family.

It’s also steps from Aliki, a coastal village where idyllic beaches, sunsets, and seaside restaurants await.

"Everything’s taken care of"

Vanessa Romeyn of Roblin Travel & Cruise in Chilliwack, B.C., was experiencing her first Globus tour and was impressed by the seamless, worry-free approach to touring.

“You see numerous places, everything’s taken care of,” she said.

Usually drawn to adventure travel, Romeyn appreciated the expert guides who enriched the experience. “Usually it’s me doing all the research, but here, it’s presented to you,” she said. “The guides leave a big impression.”  

She also challenged the idea that coach tours are just for older travellers. Our group included many age groups, from retired couples to parents and grandparents with adult children in their twenties.

“That’s a big sell for me,” Romeyn said. “If a family wants to see Europe, why not do a coach tour?”

There was even one solo traveller – a retired man in his 60s, on a mission to see at least three new countries a year. His determination had a contagious energy. 

My Big Fat "Greek" Family

We lucked out with our group size—just 20 of us on a tour that’s designed for twice as many. Maybe it was the early season timing, but it made a difference.

What unfolded, though, wasn’t just a trip across Greek islands—it was a shared experience that brought us all together. Strangers became friends, offering directions, swapping travel tips, and gathering over dinners and glasses of wine.

By the end, it felt less like a tour group and more like a big fat Greek family—warm, lively and full of connection.

A fitting reflection of the country, and culture, we came to explore. Opa!

Greece with Globus - need to knows

• If you want to avoid intense heat, April and May are ideal months to visit Greece. Spring generally offers pleasant weather—typically between 10°C and 22°C—making it perfect for sightseeing without the discomfort of July and August’s scorching temperatures.

• Spring in Greece brings a mix of weather (including rain), so packing a variety of clothing is key. Some days are warm enough for shorts and t-shirts, while others may call for pants, a light jacket, or a sweater—especially in the mornings or evenings.
• Visiting Greece in spring means fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed experience at popular sites.

• The Acropolis is always busy—it sees as many as 20,000 visitors daily! For those with mobility concerns, it’s important to note that reaching the top involves a steep climb up uneven stone steps and sections of smooth, often slippery marble. While there is an elevator available, it’s not well-publicized as it’s known for malfunctioning. In other words, it shouldn’t be counted on as a guaranteed option.

• Ferry rides between the Greek islands are convenient, but don’t expect to linger once you arrive. With a rapid turnaround, attendants were quick to shout “go go go!”, urging us to disembark as swiftly as possible. There was no time to waste! By the time we caught our breath on solid ground, the ferry, hilariously, was already zipping off to its next stop. The voyages are generally smooth, but they can be affected by rough seas. If your client is prone to seasickness, they should pack Gravol just in case.

• Each morning, Globus includes a walking tour as part of the package, but additional excursions come at an extra cost. For instance, day trips to the Palace of Knossos or a detailed tour of Naxos Island are available for a fee (prices range).

• Globus includes some meals, like breakfasts and a few dinners, but many others are at your own expense. Luckily, Greece offers many dining options to suit every budget. If you're looking to save, a gyro—sliced meat, jammed into a pita with tomatoes, onions, fries and tzatziki—makes for a filling (and affordable) meal!

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