Highlights of Mainland Greece

  • thumbnail image_highlightsofmainlandgreece
  • thumbnail map_highlightsofmainlandgreece

Duration: 8 days

Begins: Athens

Ends: Athens

Trip Code: EGAA

From

£1,495 per person

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    History and culture, vibrant sights and sounds, mouth-watering food – like seriously, what more could you ask for in a trip to Greece? On this eight-day odyssey, wander around the iconic Acropolis and gaze at the Parthenon dominating the skyline, follow ancient footsteps along the beautiful cobblestone streets of Nafplio, and marvel at the sanctuary of Apollo, surrounded by statues, where offerings and rituals took place in years gone by. Your senses will thank you as you explore this historic centre of civilization.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your G for Good Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and a Beverage, Athens
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class Athens, Athens
    • Athens orientation walk
    • Guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon
    • Acropolis and Parthenon entrance fees
    • Visit the site of Thermopylae Information Center
    • Guided tour of Ancient Delphi
    • Visit the Corinth Canal
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD290-380 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Athens

    Arrive at any time.

    We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

    There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Optional Activities - Day 1

    Syntagma (Constitution) Square Visit

    Athens 0h30m - 1h

    Most of Athens important sights and interesting neighbourhoods border this central square. The square was built in the early 19th century in front of the Old Royal Palace of King Otto of Greece. Walk around to admire the architecture, stop at a café and people watch, or watch the ceremonial changing of the guards called Evzones.

    National Archaeological Museum Visit

    Athens 1h

    Take a tour of the National Archaeological Museum, home to some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greece. In the collection are various sculptures, vases, as well as metal works and is considered one of the most impressive museums in the world.

    Ancient Agora Visit

    Athens

    Explore the ruins, located in the heart of modern Athens, which were once the site of the marketplace in ancient times. It was the political, cultural, social and economic centre of the ancient world, where the likes of Socrates, Plato and affluent Athenians used to gather to discuss philosophy, political issues, exchange gossip and trade.

    Day 2 : Athens

    Explore the city on a guided walking tour to the Parthenon and Acropolis with a refreshment stop at a local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home, along the way. Enjoy a free afternoon to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; opt to visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. Later in the evening attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations.

    Athens Walking Tour

    Athens 3h - 4h

    Immerse yourself in Athens' streets on this guided walking tour of the Plaka neighborhood. Oozing with energy, wander the cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafes as you learn about the incredible history of Athens and of the Greek empire. Finish the walk at the the monumental Acropolis.

    Tour of Shedia Home and a Beverage

    Athens

    Take time to relax at Shedia Home, a non-profit cafe providing purpose and employment to over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness in Athens. You'll enjoy a drink while one of Shedia's guides recounts the recent history of Greece's financial crisis which has made initiatives like Shedia even more important for those who have found themselves without work and shelter. Your stop here supports their programs - including the cafe, art program, and magazine - all dedicated to supporting the community.

    Guided Visit of Acropolis and Parthenon

    Athens 2h

    Discover the most famous of Athens’ eight hills: the Acropolis, the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Visit the Parthenon, built for the Goddess Athena in 447 BC. This Greek temple, despite the gradual state of ruin and damage sustained over time, still symbolizes the key ideals of harmony and balance that defined the Classical style of Greek architecture.

    Cooking Class Athens

    Athens

    Enjoy a cooking class and dinner with a local chef who will share the secrets of Greek cuisine.

    Optional Activities - Day 2

    Ancient Agora Visit

    Athens

    Explore the ruins, located in the heart of modern Athens, which were once the site of the marketplace in ancient times. It was the political, cultural, social and economic centre of the ancient world, where the likes of Socrates, Plato and affluent Athenians used to gather to discuss philosophy, political issues, exchange gossip and trade.

    Acropolis Museum Visit

    Athens 1h - 3h

    Visit the Acropolis Museum to see some of the artifacts and artworks discovered during excavations of the Acropolis. With over 25, 000 square meters (82,020 ft) the museum is architecturally as interesting as the collection. The museum is built over an archaeological dig site and there is an impressive view of the Acropolis from the third floor.

    Syntagma (Constitution) Square Visit

    Athens 0h30m - 1h

    Most of Athens important sights and interesting neighbourhoods border this central square. The square was built in the early 19th century in front of the Old Royal Palace of King Otto of Greece. Walk around to admire the architecture, stop at a café and people watch, or watch the ceremonial changing of the guards called Evzones.

    National Archaeological Museum Visit

    Athens 1h

    Take a tour of the National Archaeological Museum, home to some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greece. In the collection are various sculptures, vases, as well as metal works and is considered one of the most impressive museums in the world.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 3 : Athens/Meteora

    Travel north from Athens by bus to Kalambaka, the perfect base for visiting the monasteries and the area of Meteora.

    Perched on high cliffs there are monasteries built on immense natural pillars and make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

    Local Bus

    Athens - Meteora 5h

    Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Optional Activities - Day 3

    Meteora Sunset Tour

    Meteora 4h

    Listen to the stories and legends of Meteora from a local guide, visit one of the 6 active monasteries, the Byzantine church of Virgin Mary and enjoy great views from the most panoramic spots. The tour ends with the an awe-inspiring sunset which you will watch from a magical spot high up on the rocks of Meteora.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Meteora

    Spend a full free day in the area. Head out and visit the mountain top monasteries on your own by bus or pre-book the Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour to do it on foot with a local guide.

    Free time:

    Meteora Full day

    Explore the Meteora area with free time today and if you're feeling adventurous, lace up your hiking boots and explore the local trails and monasteries on foot.

    Optional Activities - Day 4

    Guided Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour

    Meteora 4h

    Set off on foot with a local guide along the paths of the first monks, to visit the striking mountaintop monasteries of Meteora. First, visit the Megalou Meteorou Monastery, known for it’s dramatic location atop a towering rock formation Afterward opt to hike to Varlaam Monastery, accessible by climbing 195 steps and known for breathtaking views and richly adorned with frescoes and religious icons. Choose to finish the day with a hike to Saint Nikolai Monastery, a lesser known but equally as beautiful complex, or otherwise head back to Kalambaka.

    Natural History Museum of Meteora

    Meteora 1h - 2h

    Located along the highway and a short distance from the city centre, the Natural History Museum of Meteora houses over 300 exhibits featuring mammals, birds and local flora and fauna.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 5 : Meteora/Delphi

    After breakfast, transfer to the site of Thermopylae and Information Centre to learn of the famous battle that helped create the Greece we know today. Continue on to Delphi for an orientation walk before touring Ancient Delphi with a local guide. Spend the evening as you wish with free time.

    Travel through mountain scenery around Mt Parnassos to Delphi.

    Enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Delphi, then spend the evening exploring the charming little town or relaxing in a small café enjoying the views of the nearby valley.

    Private Vehicle

    Meteora - Thermopylae 2h 155km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private bus.

    Thermopylae and Information Center Visit

    Thermopylae 0h45m

    Explore the Thermopylae site and Information Center, dedicated to commemorating the historic Battle of Thermopylae, a pivotal event in ancient Greek history. Learn about how Spartan warriors defended against a Persian invasion at this site in 480 BC through exhibits featuring multimedia presentations and artifacts.

    Private Vehicle

    Thermopylae - Delphi 2h15m 80km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private bus.

    Delphi Orientation Walk

    Delphi

    Enjoy a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a free evening in the ancient city of Delphi.

    Ancient Delphi Tour

    Delphi 3h - 3h30m

    Visit the ancient city of Delphi, at the base of Mount Parnassos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes ancient buildings like treasuries, a stadium, a gymnasium, an altar, hippodrome and the Temple of Apollo.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 6 : Delphi/Náfplio

    Travel Nafplio with a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Take part in a brief orientation walk then spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets with free time. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to take in the views.

    Described as one of Greece's prettiest towns, the narrow pedestrian streets of old town are begging to be strolled upon.

    Private Vehicle

    Delphi - Corinth Canal 3h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private bus.

    Corinth Canal Visit

    Corinth Canal 0h30m

    Take a quick break at the Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, connecting the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf in Greece.

    Private Vehicle

    Corinth Canal - Náfplio 1h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Orientation Walk Nafplio

    Náfplio 0h30m - 1h

    Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

    Free time:

    Náfplio

    Lose yourself in the narrow pedestrian streets of the old town and explore the many sights, sounds, and smells it has to offer.

    Optional Activities - Day 6

    Bourtzi Castle

    Náfplio 1h

    Take a short ferry ride to this Venetian landmark - a medieval castle off the coast of Nafpilo. A visit here offers visitors the chance to explore the castle's rooms, and a great views of the city on shore.

    Archaeology Museum

    Náfplio 1h - 2h

    Located in one of Nafplio's best preserved Venetian buildings near Syntagma Square, the Archaeological Museum exhibits a wide range of artifacts from the Argolis region, including a full set of armour cast in bronze from the Mycenean era. It's certainly worth a visit!

    War Museum

    Náfplio 1h - 2h

    Explore the history of Nafplio through the Greek Revolution, Macedonian Struggle, the Balkan Wars and succeeding conflicts at the War Museum, housed in the building of the First Academy.

    Acronafplia Fortress Visit

    Náfplio 2h - 3h

    Climb to the top of the Akronofplia fortress tower to enjoy the phenomenal view from the top that looks back over the bay to Argos and out into the Saronic Gulf.

    Palamidi Fortress Visit

    Náfplio 2h

    Explore the Palamidi Fortress, built by the Venetians in the late 1600s when they occupied the area for the second time. Climb the 999 stairs from the town to the fortress, or 913 depending on who you ask—either way expect to feel the burn tomorrow. The view over the Argolic Gulf and the city are worth the work to reach the top.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 7 : Náfplio/Athens

    Enjoy free time to explore Napflio and the surrounding areas. Choose to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae then transfer in the late afternoon to Athens for the night.

    There is a wealth of ancient sites to explore within easy reach of Nafplio on a free day such as Epidavros, which is highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. Or choose to visit the famous Mycenae, also close by, with its spectacular treasury and ruins, or for another lesser-known Mycenean site visit Tiryns, just in the suburbs of Nafplio itself.

    Free time:

    Náfplio

    Head out and explore the city or nearby landmarks.

    Private Vehicle

    Náfplio - Athens 2h30m 140km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Optional Activities - Day 7

    Epidavros Visit

    Epídavros 1h

    Visit Epidavros, highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. The site houses a huge, well-preserved theatre famous for its incredible acoustics, as well as the remains of an important medical sanctuary. Please note to partake in this optional you will need to take a taxi. The pricing listed does not include the cost of roundtrip transportation needed.

    Mycenae Site Visit

    Mycenae 1h - 2h

    Visit the famous Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological site with spectacular ruins and a treasury. Once a major settlement of Greek civilization, Mycenae was occupied during the Neolithic period around 4000 BC, and is linked to the mythology in Homer’s epics the Iliad and the Odyssey. Please note to partake in this optional you will need to take a taxi. The pricing listed does not include the cost of roundtrip transportation needed.

    Tiryns Site Visit

    Náfplio 1h

    Explore the lesser-known Mycenean site, hidden in the suburbs of Nafplio. Along with Mycenae, Tiryns is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site first excavated in 1831 by German archaeologists.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 8 : Athens

    Depart at any time.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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