This 10-day Greece tour balances some of Greece's most impressive and fascinating ancient sites around Athens, Olympia and Delphi with the spectacular monasteries at Meteora and one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful and interesting islands, Santorini.
We start with a tour of Athens itself, taking in the ancient sites of the Acropolis and some of modern Athens below as well. Next we head west towards Mycenea with several stops and some scenic coastal scenery along the way. Our guide will provide explanations about Greek history and mythology, relating them to the places you're visiting. Its an amazing feeling seeing the actual places where heroes and heroines from mythology played out their stories. Our next stop is the lovely Mediterranean village of Nafplion which nestles at the foot of a cliff overlooked by the ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. Next we head to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and more ancient sites, before we tour the temples and ruins at Delphi on the way. Our final major stop in mainland Greece is then to see the amazing cliiftop monasteries and breathtaking scenery of Meteora, before we head back to Athens.
We take to the ferry next and sail into the Aegean Sea to the volcanic island of Santorini. The island was created in its present form by a huge volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago that created a large crater which is now filled by the sea forming a huge bay surrounded by steep cliffs and coloured lava pebble beaches. The island is full of small villages with narrow winding alleys and whitewashed buildings that are fascinating to hike through. There are also hot springs, wineries and the remaining active volcano itself to discover. We have a couple of days here to relax and explore the island before returning to Athens to finish our tour.
This is a group tour that runs throughout the year, staying in comfortable hotels at around the 4-star level. We can also arrange the tour privately if you would prefer not to join a group.
Travel to some of the most ancient cities in Europe and discover the most breathtaking beaches in the Mediterranean with this tour of Greece. Your journey will begin the Athens, the extraordinary capital and one of the oldest cities in the world. Next, travel to Kalambaka, a breathtaking town in the Thessaly Valley known for its fascinating rock formations. Your next stop will be in Delphi, where you will visit the archaeological complex and the Osios Loukas Monastery. Explore the islands of Aegina and Poros before reaching Epidaurus and Nafplio, rich in ancient history and coastal charm. Journey through Tripoli and Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games began, before concluding in Patras with its medieval fortress. Return to Athens via Lepanto and Mycenae, crossing the Corinth Canal. This adventure offers a blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and historical discovery, culminating in a memorable exploration of Greece's treasures.