Glory of Greece - 11 Days

Upon arriving in the city of Athens, you'll be transferred to your hotel in one of our private vehicles. One of our English-speaking team members will greet you at your hotel, help you get settled, walk you through your trip details, give you an overview of the city and its daily life, and answer any questions you might have. After, you will have the remainder of the day to unwind and explore Athens at your leisure.

Please note: This tour is conducted in English. However, dependent on the mix of the group, touring may also be bilingual, in one additional language as well as English.

Athens - Epidaurus - Nafplio - Mycenae - Olympia. Today, we'll head to the Corinth Canal for a brief stop, where you can capture photos and admire this renowned channel, which links the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. This remarkable engineering achievement allows ships to bypass a lengthy 400 km journey around the Peloponnese peninsula to reach the Ionian Sea.

As we continue our journey, we'll visit the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and still hosting various performances, particularly in the summer. We will also visit the museum dedicated to Asclepius, regarded as the father of modern medicine.

Afterwards, we'll travel to Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece. The journey proceeds to Mycenae, where we'll explore the prehistoric Acropolis, the Lions Gate, and the so-called tomb of "Agamemnon." In the afternoon, we'll journey across central Peloponnese, arriving in the city of Olympia by early evening. Once we have arrived, we will have dinner and spend the night in Olympia.

Olympia - Delphi. In the morning, we will explore the site of the ancient Olympic stadium, where the first games were held around 776 BC. The significance of these games was clear, as Greek cities would cease hostilities in honour of the celebrations. The Olympiad was the only universally recognised chronological framework across Greece, marking the four-year interval between events.

Olympia was also the most significant sanctuary in Ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus, the chief of the gods. The enormous gold and ivory statue created by Phidias was renowned as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

After visiting the Museum of Olympia, we will journey on to Delphi, crossing the impressive Rio-Antirion suspension bridge, a testament to modern engineering.

Delphi - Kalabaka. In the morning, after enjoying breakfast, we will visit Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the centre, or navel, of the ancient world. Here, the famous Oracle of Delphi, a trusted advisor to kings and pilgrims, once resided. Be sure to explore the museum, home to the "bronze charioteer," an exquisite example of Greek sculpture.

After concluding our tour of Delphi, we will depart from the slopes of Mount Parnassus and proceed to the plains of Thessaly, where the city of Kalabaka is situated. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, we will have dinner and spend the night here.

Kalabaka - Meteora - Athens. In the early morning, we will visit Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. This enigmatic landscape showcases a fusion of natural beauty and the striking presence of timeless monasteries perched atop massive rocks. Of the original monasteries, only six remain active today—five for men and one for women.

On our return journey to Athens, we will pass by Thermopylae, where we can view the statue of Spartan King Leonidas I, known for his leadership in the battle against the Persians in 480 BC. We will arrive in Athens in the afternoon, and we will be dropped off at our hotel or the nearest one.

Please note: the monasteries have a dress code: Men must avoid sleeveless tops and shorts above the knee; skirts and shawls are available at the entrance for women if needed.

After breakfast, you can enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace—whether you prefer to sleep in, explore nearby areas, or simply unwind. At 15:40, meet our guide at Syntagma Square to witness the Changing of the Guards in front of the Hellenic Parliament at 16:00.

Shortly after, we'll board our vehicle for a panoramic city tour, providing a comprehensive introduction to Athens and its key landmarks. During, we'll see the Athenian Trilogy, (the National Library, the University of Athens, and the Academy of Athens), the Presidential Residence, the Kallimarmaro Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium), the Zappeion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Gate. We'll make brief stops to appreciate these landmarks and take memorable photos.

Our tour will conclude at the top of Philopappou Hill, where we'll find stunning views of the city. Here, our guide can offer recommendations for further independent exploration, whether you're interested in visiting the Acropolis, discovering Monastiraki, or enjoying a meal in Plaka. This tour is scheduled to end around 19:30, giving you some time to rest before heading to Monastiraki for the Athens by Night Walking Tour, where we'll see another side of the city under the moonlight.

Athens - Mykonos. In the early morning, one of our private vehicles, along with our guide, will be ready to take us to the port of Piraeus. Here, we will board a ferry bound for the renowned island of Mykonos. The crossing is perfectly timed to allow you to bask in the sun on deck and admire the Aegean Sea's deep blue waters.

Traditionally, the island's name is believed to mean "the heap of stones" or "rocky place," although another story connects it to the hero Mykono, son of King Aniou of Dilos. Upon arrival, an English-speaking representative will greet us and escort us to our hotel while introducing us to the island's highlights. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and experience the island's leisurely lifestyle.

Today, you will enjoy a day at your leisure on this stunning island. Mykonos is a renowned hub for the international "jet set", celebrated for its beautiful beaches, dazzling shops, and lively nightlife.

The island's cuisine is primarily Mediterranean, incorporating vegetables and olive oil as staples, alongside certain spices like oregano and basil, and frequently featuring fish and seafood.

Just a short ferry ride away lies the historic island of Delos, mythologically recognised as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This small island, inhabited since 3000 B.C., was one of the most significant cultural centres of ancient times.

Mykonos - Santorini. After enjoying breakfast and embracing the Greek way of life, one of our vehicles will pick us up at the designated time to transport us to the port.

From there, we'll continue to our next destination: Santorini, an island rich in inspiration. As we approach Santorini, you'll have the chance to admire Fira, the capital city, with its iconic white houses perched on the cliffside overlooking the volcano.

Upon arrival, one of our English-speaking representatives will greet us at the port, assist us with directions to our hotel, and share insights about the highlights of this charming island. You will have the rest of the day free to explore the narrow streets at your own pace.

Today, you can enjoy a free day for you and your travel companions to explore this enchanting island, often associated with the legendary lost continent of Atlantis.

The island's name was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi, inspired by a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. His family stayed on the island until 1576, at which point it became part of the Duchy of Naxos, lasting until the Turkish conquest by Piyale Pasha.

Alternatively, you can opt to embark on an exciting sailboat tour that includes visits to the small islands within the caldera, Nea and Palea Kameni, known for their hot springs with green and yellow waters.

At the designated time, we will be taken to Santorini Airport to catch your flight back to Athens. It is recommended to book your international flight to depart after 12:30 PM, to align with your onward flight.