Glories of Greece

Discover the wonders of Greece, beginning with the ancient Acropolis in Athens, then head to Olympia for a hands-on cooking demonstration where a local chef creates a feast using fresh, regional ingredients—think generous pours of olive oil, creamy Greek cheeses, moussaka, and tzatziki. Journey on to admire the Temple of Athena, the Arch of Hadrian, and the towering rock pillars of Meteora, where your Travel Director will guide you to a historic cliff-top monastery; then stand where the Olympic Games began at the Temple of Zeus and explore Mycenae’s legendary Cyclopean walls and traditional pottery-making techniques at a local studio.

Pricing

7 days 

from

$4,225*

per person, twin share

Based on 1, 29 Nov 2026 & 10, 24 Jan 7 7 Feb 2027 departures.

What's Included & Highlghts

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
• Superior dining in top rated restaurants
• Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
• 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
• ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom* 
  Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
• Local discovery led by Local Experts
• Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.

Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.

Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.

Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Athens

Venture back to a time when great philosophers roamed the halls of the Agora and gods vied for supremacy. Embark on an unforgettable exploration of ancient myths and legends in the vibrant capital of Athens. Upon arrival, your Local Host will meet you and escort you to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax or explore the City of Violet Crown. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner, savouring local cuisine paired with wine while getting to know your fellow travellers. (D)

Day 2: Athens, City of Gods

Begin your journey into ancient Greece today, where the history of this remarkable civilisation comes to life. Explore Athens with an Insight Choice experience. Choose to visit the city's renowned ancient sites with a Local Expert, or venture into the dynamic Plaka neighbourhood, guided by your Travel Director. Next, venture to Thermopylae, the mountain pass where King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors made their legendary stand against the Persians in 480 B.C. Pay tribute at the memorial honouring their courage before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. (B,D)

Day 3: the Pinnacles of Meteora

With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'suspended in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum. (B)

Day 4: The Sacred Way and onto Olympia

Travel south, stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your travels continue to Olympia, where dinner will be served at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 5: Ancient Olympia

It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honour the ruler of the gods. Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line. In the evening, join a local chef who will share with you their passion for local ingredients and high-quality products with an entertaining and immersive cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek regional flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your dinner. (B,D)

Day 6: Mycenae and Nafplio

Today you leave the town of Olympia and begin your journey back to the Greek capital. Stop for a visit at the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones, used to build the city walls. Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and vibrant cafes. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet Maria and her daughter to learn about the ancient techniques of hand weaving. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, before arriving in Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style with good company. (B,D)

Day 7: Depart Athens

This morning after breakfast, your Grecian odyssey comes to an end. Take a complimentary transfer to Athens Airport for your onward journey. (B)

Terms and Conditions

Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure; whichever comes first. Prices are in NZD, are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. May be combined with 5% Global Tour Rewards savings only, not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply. 
^$200 per person deposit required at time of booking for Level 1 tours to hold space; some trips require payment in full at time of booking. Professional services fees may apply.