Premium Greece - 8 Days

Kalimera! Welcome to Athens, Greece's storied capital. When you arrive, a local representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do – after all, you’re in one of the world's oldest cities! Maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens to brush up on some history or hunt down the best souvlaki. After your welcome meeting, head out for dinner with your group at a local restaurant and toast the beginning of the trip – maybe with a glass of ouzo.

Today, you’ll get to know ancient Athens with visits to two of the city’s most famous sites. First, explore the Acropolis – one of the Western world’s most significant landmarks. Meet an expert local guide who'll share deep insights into the history and legacy of the civilisations that once lived in this citadel. Start with an ascent through the towering Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis. Inside, you’ll see the Parthenon – considered the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Then join your trip leader for an included lunch featuring traditional Greek pies and delicious vegetarian specialities. In the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka at the base of the Meteora Mountains. Along the way, stop at Thermopylae – the site of the famous 480 BC battle during the Greco-Persian wars, and the inspiration behind the movie 300. When you arrive, you might like to check out one of the local tavernas for dinner.

Travel into the hills this morning to the monasteries of Meteora. These ancient stone buildings sit on towering sandstone cliffs and are among Greece's most extraordinary sites. Join a local guide to explore the ruins of the Varlaam or Great Meteoron monasteries and learn about their history – settlement in the area dates back to at least the 11th century when hermit monks sought refuge in the caves. Next, visit a family-run winery at the foot of Meteora. You’ll go on a guided tour to see the equipment and techniques used in wine production, then taste some local varietals paired with snacks like graviera, feta and breadsticks. Then, return to Kalambaka where you’re free to explore the town or relax at the hotel. Regroup in the evening to watch the sunset from the hills surrounding Meteora with an included drink.

After breakfast, travel to Delphi to visit the Delphi Museum and explore the complex with a local guide – including the Temple of Apollo, the most important building where statues and offerings to the gods were housed and where rituals took place. Later in the afternoon, visit a family of local beekeepers for a Signature Experience where you’ll see the hives, learn about honey production and, of course, taste their produce. Continue to your overnight stop in the small coastal town of Nafpaktos. For dinner tonight, maybe treat yourself to some seafood by the water.

After a leisurely morning, drive to the archaeological site of ancient Olympia – a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings and was the site of the first Olympic Games. You’ll join an expert local guide to tour the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera and the hippodrome. Then, visit the museum to brush up on more history. Continue to the medieval village of Dimitsana to settle into Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel – your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights. This traditionally decorated stone mansion dates back to the 19th century and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Today, join a local guide to explore the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and Lousios Valley. Walk deep into the valley where you’ll have a Signature Experience at the working monastery of Prodromos – an incredible wood and clay structure built into a rock face. Learn about the monks’ lives as they show you around before sitting together for coffee and Greek delight. Then, see the splendid 14th-century frescoes decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. After, continue your hike to Ancient Gortys, the remains of a temple dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek God of Medicine, which dates back more than two thousand years and sits on the banks of Lousios river. With the hike complete, stop at a traditional village of the Arcadia region for lunch at a restaurant which is a favourite with locals, before returning to Dimitsana for a free afternoon.

Visit the Mycenae archaeological site this morning – a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the most important cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. Then, drive to the seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio) – the original Greek capital – and take some time to explore its narrow alleys and Venetian and Ottoman landmarks at your own pace. Continue your drive towards Athens, making a stop along the way to take in views of the Corinth Canal. This narrow canal connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Arrive in Athens in the late afternoon and head out for a guided walking tour through Plaka, one of the oldest and most historically rich neighbourhoods in Athens, led by a local journalist. As you explore, you’ll learn how Plaka earned the nickname ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’. With a focus on Greek philosophy, your knowledgeable guide will share quotes, stories and questions to prompt philosophical discussion and reflection with your fellow travellers. You’ll also make a stop at a cafe to try some Greek coffee or herbal tea. This evening, join your group for an included farewell dinner at a local restaurant – don't forget to say yamas (cheers) to a brilliant adventure!

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.