In-depth Exploration of Greece

Upon arrival in Athens, you’ll be met by your local representative at the airport and escorted to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have time to relax before your guide picks you up for a fun, cultural evening at a local taverna, with dinner and a traditional Greek folklore show.

After breakfast, you’ll be met by your guide for a scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf via the Corinth Canal, to Mycenae—the Homeric city of Atreides—the ancient poets’ city “rich in gold.” Here, you’ll visit the Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, and the Royal Tombs, before proceeding to a local winery. After lunch, drive through Argolis, a picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff and crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress, as you make your way to Nafplio, and continue onto Epidaurus to visit the Ancient Theatre. It’s then time to make your return journey to Athens via the coastal road.

After breakfast, your exploration of Greek culture continues as you enjoy a scenic drive to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological Site, via Thebes, Levadia, and the picturesque Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The panHellenic sanctuary of Apollo where the oracle spoke, was the site of the omphalos, the ‘navel of the world,’ as represented by a stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and depart for Kalambaka, known as the gateway to Meteora. Check into your Kalambaka hotel for the night. Dinner at famed family-owned restaurant, Gkertsou, known for its world-class moussaka and pastitsio, a Greek baked pasta dish.

This morning, meet your guide and driver to visit World-Heritage listed Meteora, an extraordinary place with its ageless monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop impressive rocks. You’ll be hosted by a local historian who’ll speak of the importance of this site in Greek history. Following lunch at a local restaurant board the coach for the return drive to Athens via the impressive landscape of central Greece. Arrive Athens and check in at your hotel.

After breakfast embark on a city highlights tour, featuring visits at the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum. Drive through Syntagma Square viewing the Evzones guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the House of Parliament, and the National Library. On your way to the Acropolis you’ll see Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and make a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Then, onto Athinas Street, famous for its homeware stores for a glimpse into Greek kitchen life, and Varvakios Agora, where nut vendors and greengrocers vie with butchers and fishmongers, and the Monastiraki flea market. Lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. In the evening transfer to Dionysos restaurant beneath the Acropolis for a farewell dinner with wine.

This morning at a pre-arranged time, you’ll be assisted to the airport for your onward flight.