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Much like baklava, Greece is layered with history so rich that the only way to do it justice is with a knowledgeable local leader. Travelling from Athens to the Meteora Mountains and back along the coast, you’ll learn how Meteora’s hanging monasteries protected modern Hellenic culture from invading Turks, uncover the stories of the Oracle of Delphi and explore the site of the first Olympics. With Exclusive Experiences – like visiting beekeepers to discover the secrets of Greek honey – and a Feature Stay in a traditional stone mansion, this well-rounded adventure brings Greece’s past and present to life.

Itinerary

Day 1: Athens

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.

Day 2: Athens / Kalambaka

Today, you’ll get to know ancient Athens at 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, then see the Parthenon – considered the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Your local guide will then bring history to life at the Temple of Olympian Zeus – one of the largest temples in Greece. Later in the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka at the base of the Meteora Mountains. You might like to check out one of the local tavernas for dinner tonight.

Day 3: Meteora / Kalambaka

Travel into the hills this morning to the monasteries of Meteora. These ancient stone buildings sit precariously on towering sandstone cliffs and are among Greece's most extraordinary sites. Join a local guide to explore the ruins of the Pantokrator and Varlaam monasteries and learn about their fascinating history – settlement in the area dates back to at least the 11th century when hermit monks sought refuge in caves. Then, head out for a hike through the lush forest surrounding Meteora with your leader. Return to Kalambaka for a free afternoon.

Day 4: Delphi / Nafpaktos

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 an Exclusive Experience where you’ll see the hives, learn about honey production and, of course, taste their products. Continue to your overnight stop in the small coastal town of Nafpaktos. For dinner tonight, maybe treat yourself to some seafood by the water.

Day 5: Olympia / Dimitsana

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 has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 6: Central Arcadia / Dimitsana

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 an Exclusive 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, visit the tenth-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou and learn how it was the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio' run by monks during Ottoman rule. Continue to the medieval village of Stemnitsa – known for its silversmiths – and Zigovisti (or a similar village) for a traditional lunch before returning to Dimitsana for a free afternoon.

Day 7: Mycynae / Nafplion / Athens

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 at your own pace. Before returning to Athens, stop to sample ouzo and learn how Greece’s national drink is made. A taste of this anise-infused alcohol will take you straight to the heart of Greek culture. Arrive in Athens in the late afternoon and head out for an included farewell dinner at a local restaurant – don't forget to say yamas (cheers) to a brilliant adventure!

Day 8: Athens

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.

Departure Dates