Discover Greece Ancient Wonders and Scenic Isles - 8 Days

Upon your arrival in Athens, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and unwind. Use the free time to explore the vibrant city at your leisure or simply relax. Later in the afternoon, make sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception for essential details regarding the start of your tour. This will help you prepare for the exciting days ahead, allowing you to maximise your time exploring the wonders of Athens. 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'll delve into the captivating city of Athens alongside a knowledgeable local guide. Our exploration includes iconic sites such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the inaugural modern Olympic Games took place. We'll also see the impressive National Library and the lively squares at the heart of the city. As we journey through Athens, we'll visit the newer neighbourhoods that flourished after the 2004 Olympic Games, adding a fresh dimension to our tour. Our exploration concludes at the historical Acropolis, although please note that entry is not included. In the evening, we'll whisk you away to the enchanting Plaka district, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and rich folklore—a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.

On the third day, we will set off early, heading north through Greece. Our first stop is Kamena Vourla, a lovely seaside town surrounded by picturesque landscapes—an ideal spot for a brief respite. Continuing our journey north, we will pause at the Thermopylae Mountain Pass, a renowned site known for its pivotal battle. Our next destination is Kastraki, a scenic village offering sweeping views across the valley. Here, you will have some free time to enjoy lunch and take in the charming surroundings at your leisure. Our exploration continues with a visit to the spectacular Meteora, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its impressive rock formations and historic monasteries. Admission is included for one of these extraordinary monasteries. In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner in Kalabaka.

We begin our day journeying south through the Thessaly region, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Our first stop is Delphi, home to an exquisite archaeological site perched above the Gulf of Corinth. As we explore, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, and there will be time to enjoy lunch. Our exploration continues at the Hosios Loukas Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated as one of Greece's most beautiful Byzantine monasteries. Here, you'll discover remarkable 11th-century mosaics that are truly a sight to behold. As the day winds down, we'll return to Athens, arriving in the evening to complete our journey.

Today's excursion offers a fascinating glimpse into Greece's remarkable network of islands, with nearly 6,000 in total and over 100 inhabited. We begin our day with an early morning ferry ride from the hotel to Aegina, a quaint island with a history spanning more than 4,000 years, located less than an hour away. You'll have time to explore the charming harbour, wander the traditional streets with their delightful houses and ancient churches, or visit the Greek Temple of Apollo.

Following this, we will continue with a ferry journey lasting about an hour and fifteen minutes to the enchanting isle of Poros. Here, you'll enjoy some free time amidst its lively tourist atmosphere and historic homes that ascend toward the clock tower, offering picturesque views and the perfect setting for strolls and lunch.

After lunch, we'll take a brief 15-minute trip to the coastal village of Galatas in the Peloponnese. From here, our journey continues by road through spectacular hillside landscapes to the ancient site of Epidaurus. Admission is included to the remarkably preserved Ancient Theatre, which dates back 2,400 years and continues to host performances, accommodating up to 14,000 spectators.

The day concludes in the charming coastal city of Nafplio, celebrated for its citadel and Venetian fortress. You'll have leisure time to explore this captivating area. Dinner is included. Please note that ferry schedules are subject to change, particularly in the low season, during which the ferry service between Aegina and Poros may not operate, and Aegina Island may consequently not be visited.

Today, we will travel through the mountainous terrain of the Peloponnese hinterland to reach Tripoli, the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region. Here, you will have free time to explore the bustling Areos Square, known for its delightful cafés and restaurants. Our journey continues to Olympia, where we will visit the renowned Archaeological Site, with both entry and a guided tour included. This historic location hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, drawing athletes from across Greece and its colonies. Key attractions include the Temple of Zeus, the ancient Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Afterward, we proceed to Patras, Greece’s third-largest city. This lively port city is marked by a medieval fortress, the country’s largest cathedral—a major pilgrimage site—and the quaint old church of St. Andrew. Dinner will be included this evening.

Following breakfast, we will traverse the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a stunning cable-stayed structure linking the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland. Our first destination is Nafpaktos, a charming town nestled along the Gulf of Corinth. Here you’ll find a Venetian fortress perched above, serving as a historical sentinel of its time as Lepanto, a site where Christian and Turkish fleets once clashed in a renowned battle, during which the celebrated writer Cervantes lost his arm. You will have some free time to wander around the delightful harbour and explore the charismatic old town. As we continue along the Gulf, we will arrive at the ancient citadel of Mycenae—considered the cradle of European civilisation and dating back to the 18th century BC. Admission is included, and you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Our next stop is the mighty Fortress of Acrocorinth, where tickets are included. Take in the remains of an ancient temple of Aphrodite at the summit of this settlement, offering panoramic views. Our journey continues with a brief pause at the Corinth Canal, a remarkable piece of engineering, before we arrive in Athens in the evening.

After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Athens, leaving you with cherished memories of your adventure.