Historical Highlights of Greece - 8 Days

Welcome to Greece! On arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to head out and explore the city, an incredible contrast of the ancient and the modern.

Today we embark on a guided coach tour of Athens. We take in important highlights of the city including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Zappeion and the Panathenaic Stadium, which is the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble. We also see the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Later we head to Athens' most iconic attraction - the legendary Acropolis. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel built atop a rock overlooking the city. As well as the amazing view, we take in the highlights of the site, including the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylae and the most famous of all ancient Greek architecture, the Parthenon. We visit the Acropolis Museum and the afternoon is at leisure to wander the streets of the picturesque Plaka district.

Itinerary Alteration - please note:

For Friday departures, This Athens city tour will operate on day 7 and the five-day excursion to Northern Greece will commence today.

Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka. Leaving Athens, we head north towards Delphi, which was once one of the world's most sacred sites and an important pilgrimage destination. We admire the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Apollo and follow the footsteps of ancient Greeks on the Sacred Way. Admire the remains of the Temple of Apollo, home of the legendary Pythian Oracle.

We then explore the local museum, which is home to the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer. After our visit, we cross the mountains of Central Greece to Kalambaka.

Kalambaka - Meteora - Thessaloniki. Today we visit Meteora, where tiny sacred monasteries perch atop incredible towering rock formations. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of Greece and the view from the cliffs is breathtaking.

After our visit to Meteora, we continue our drive north. Pass through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi. Our drive leads under mighty Mount Olympos, home of the twelve Gods in Greek mythology. We arrive in the northern city of Thessaloniki for the night.

We spend this morning exploring Thessaloniki, taking in it's most important landmarks and monuments, embracing the glorious Byzantine history of the city. See beautifully decorated churches and visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture. After our tour, the afternoon is at leisure.

Today we explore the Greek province of Macedonia, not to be confused with the country of North Macedonia which is located just across the border. Our first stop is Edessa, where we marvel at the city's picturesque waterfalls. We then visit Aristotle's School, where a young Alexander the Great was taught the doctrines of morals and politics by the famed philosopher.

We also take in the Royal Tombs of Macedonia at Vergina. The father of Alexander the Great, King Phillip II is buried here. The final stop of today is Veria, home to the ancient Bema of St Paul. We also browse the colourful market and take in the Jewish neighbourhood before returning to Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki - Athens. Today we begin our journey back to the Greek capital. On the way, we stop at the ancient city of Pella, which was once the capital of Macedonia, and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the site and explore the new local museum.

We then take in the famous archaeological park of Dion, an ancient Macedonian sanctuary at the foot of Mount Olympus. Our final stop of the day is Thermopylae, where the Spartan King Leonidas made his heroic final stand against the Persians in 480BC. On arrival in Athens, your final night in Greece is at leisure.

Today marks the end of our Greek adventure. Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before check out. An airport transfer will be provided.