Discover Ancient Greece's Timeless Wonders - 7 Days

As you arrive in Athens, we welcome you to the start of your exciting journey. We will take care of your transfer to the hotel, where you will have some time to relax and explore the vibrant city at your leisure. In the afternoon, detailed information about the commencement of your tour can be found on the boards located in the hotel reception. Please be aware that fellow travellers may join or leave the tour at different stages, but rest assured, the group size will always stay within its maximum limit. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we will enjoy a guided tour of Athens, exploring this vibrant city's remarkable history and modern charm. Our journey takes us past notable landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, famous as the venue for the first modern Olympic Games. We'll continue to the National Library and the lively squares in the heart of the city. As we explore, we'll also witness the transformation of newer neighbourhoods that emerged after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour concludes with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, offering you the opportunity to explore this ancient marvel further (entry fee not included). In the evening, we’ll head to Plaka, one of Athens’ oldest districts. Here, you'll find an array of traditional Greek tavernas where you can delight in local cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich cultural folklore of Greece.

On our third day, we venture into the Peloponnese region, starting with a short stop at the remarkable Corinth Canal. This engineering marvel, completed in the late 19th century, provides a direct route for maritime passage between the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Continuing our journey, we traverse the mountainous terrain to arrive in Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. You'll have a chance to explore Aeros Square, a lively hub dotted with inviting cafés and eateries.

Our travels then lead us to Olympia, where, with the expertise of a local guide, we delve into its famed archaeological site. As the birthplace of the original Olympic Games in 776 B.C., Olympia attracted athletes from across ancient Greece. Key attractions here include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena—all integral to the site's historic charm.

Following Olympia, we head to Patras, Greece's third-largest city. Patras boasts an impressive medieval fortress and is home to the nation’s largest cathedral. Adjacent to the cathedral is the quaint church of St. Andrew, a notable pilgrimage site. To conclude our day, dinner will be provided, allowing us to unwind and reflect on the day’s explorations.

In the morning, we embark on our journey by crossing the impressive Rio–Antirrio Bridge, one of the longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges in the world, which elegantly links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our travels take us through the picturesque regions of Central Greece and Epirus, bringing us to the port town of Igoumenitsa. Here, you'll have some leisure time to explore and soak in the coastal charm before we board the ferry to the enchanting island of Corfu. The ferry ride across the Ionian Sea, skirting the Albanian coast, lasts approximately an hour and a half — it's an ideal time to enjoy a leisurely lunch with stunning sea views. Upon arriving in Corfu, often referred to as the jewel of the Ionian Sea, we explore its capital, Kerkyra, renowned for its well-preserved Venetian-style historic centre. We also visit Kanoni, famous for its picturesque Byzantine church perched on a small island. After a fulfilling day of exploration, we return to mainland Greece by ferry, with accommodation arranged in Igoumenitsa or a nearby location for the night.

After breakfast, we will travel through the majestic mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a charming Balkan village tucked away between the peaks. This area, isolated by its rugged landscape, retains a distinct culture shaped by Slavic and Turkish influences. You'll have time to wander through Metsovo's streets, which feature traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and intricately carved wooden balconies. As we move into Thessaly, we'll stop in Kastraki, a picturesque village that offers breathtaking views of the Meteora Valley. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch before we explore Meteora, a truly remarkable World Heritage Site. The name "Meteora" aptly describes these towering rock formations topped with ancient monasteries, appearing as if suspended in the sky. These monasteries have been sanctuaries for monks seeking solitude for centuries. Our visit includes entry to one of these famed monasteries. We will conclude the day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be included.

We’ll set off on our journey through the Thessaly region, where you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes before arriving in Delphi. At this illustrious archaeological site, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, we'll savour both its historical significance and the stunning views it offers. Following a leisurely lunch, our next stop will be the revered Hosios Loukas Monastery. Known for its exquisite 11th-century mosaics, this World Heritage Site is a splendid example of Byzantine artistry. We’ll then continue our journey, reaching Athens by evening.

After breakfast, our journey draws to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.