Athens & mainland: 14-day trip through Greek history

Athens

Day 1: Welcome to Greece!

Welcome to Athens, a city where the echoes of ancient philosophers and the hustle of contemporary life coexist. Your driver will be waiting at the airport when you arrive to take you to your hotel. Athens is one of the world's oldest and most culturally significant cities, so spend the rest of today and this evening at leisure wandering these historic streets and soaking up its vibrant atmosphere. 

Athens

Day 2: Time-travel through Athens

Discover Greece's iconic treasures with an expert guide on today’s Athenian Highlights tour. Begin at the historic Acropolis where democracy was born and marvel at the Parthenon's grandeur. Dive into Athens' rich heritage and the Golden Age of Greek civilisation. Explore the New Acropolis Museum, brimming with astounding artifacts, and wander through the picturesque Plaka area before lunch.

Next, delve into the Ancient Agora, where philosophers once debated. This afternoon, pass by Monastiraki's markets, Syntagma Square with its iconic Hellenic Parliament, and the Roman Agora. Admire the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Zeus and iconic Lycabettus Hill, as your time-travelling day comes to a close. 

Athens

Day 3: Flavours of Athens

Feast on a food adventure this morning, as you explore Athens’s culinary secrets, enjoying sweet and savoury treats from local artisans. Visit shops where skilled craftsmen have honed their recipes for generations, and discover speciality stores sourcing Greece's finest products. Sample olives, spices, cheeses, olive oil and nuts, all key ingredients in local cuisine. Visit the bustling central food market where Athenians shop for fresh produce, and learn about the evolution of Greek gastronomy. Soak in the vibrant market atmosphere, and don't leave without trying feta cheese with bread, spinach pie, and irresistible loukoumades – Greek honeyed donuts topped with cinnamon and walnuts.

The evening is free for you to explore the city, finding restaurants and bars to sample more of the food and drink you learned about today. 

Athens - Cape Sounio - Athens

Day 4: Dive into the myths of the Grecian sea gods

Explore the enchanting Cape Sounio, a realm of Poseidon, today. Leave the city's hustle behind for a scenic drive along the stunning Attica coastline, dotted with crystal-clear coves. At the southeastern tip, discover the majestic Temple of Poseidon, a fifth-century BCE marvel, set against a backdrop of Greek mythology. Choose a daytime visit with a refreshing beach dip or opt for an evening trip to witness the Aegean Sea's breathtaking sunset. Before returning to Athens, explore the charming port town of Lavrion.

Athens - Nafplio

Day 5: Where wine meets history

Today you'll set off to Nafplio, a gem in Argolis known for its romantic charm and rich history. This town, founded in mythical tales, was the first capital of modern Greece from 1823 to 1834. Its roots trace back to ancient times, with a role in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War. Over centuries, Nafplio thrived under various conquerors, leaving notable architectural legacies.

On arrival, you'll embark on a Nemea wine tour with lunch. Nemea boasts exceptional wines, notably the indigenous Agiorgitiko. Greek myth says that Dionysus himself introduced the vine to Nemea.

Explore a renowned boutique winery, where passionate winemakers and oenologists share their craft. Savour high-quality wines showcasing local and international grape varieties, and discover the art of winemaking, Greece's vinicultural history, and the unique Agiorgitiko grape.

Nafplio - Epidaurus - Nafplio

Day 6: Discover the dawn of ancient medicine

Embark on a captivating day exploring Mycenae and Epidaurus today. Your guide will lead you through the historic site of Mycenae, where monumental ruins harmoniously meld with the landscape. Discover the legacy of this ancient civilisation and take a deep dive into Mycenaean life.

Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive to Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stand in awe of the remarkably-preserved 4th-century BCE Epidaurus Theatre. Then, explore the Sanctuary of Asklepios, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son. This site testifies to the ancient world's healing cults and the dawn of scientific medicine.

To cap off the day, you'll return to your accommodation in Nafplion to unwind and find a restaurant for dinner.

Nafplio - Olympia

Day 7: Learn all about ancient athletics

Today, depart Nafplio and step into the legendary world of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Immerse yourself in history as you explore this hugely significant site. Walk in the footsteps of the athletes who trained in the stadium, and marvel at iconic sculptures like the Hermes of Praxiteles. Admire the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Olympic flame, which still burns here, connects the ancient games to the modern era.

Finish your day on a sweet note with a delicious visit to a family-owned honey farm, and taste what is considered to be some of the finest honey in the world. The evening is then free for you to relax at your hotel in Olympia.

Olympia - Delphi

Day 8: Oracles & olive oil

After breakfast today, travel on to Delphi, once believed to be where the very centre of the Earth resided. Your expert guide will enrich you with tales of the renowned Oracle of Apollo, a beacon for seekers of divine wisdom worldwide. Don't miss the Delphi Museum, a treasure trove spanning over a millennium of history.

After lunch, visit a family-run local olive grove where, for generations, they have been cultivating centuries-old olive trees with traditional methods. Spend a relaxing afternoon learning about this process and tasting olives and the famous olive oil produced on these grounds.

In the evening, explore the town and discover Delphi's restaurants and bars, before an overnight stay.

Delphi - Kalabaka

Day 9: Clifftop monasteries & marvels

Today you'll get to visit the astonishing Meteora rock formation, where monasteries seem to defy gravity, perched atop these suspended structures. Meteora is Greece's monastic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Watch the sunset over Meteora on an evening tour, as you explore a monastery and a Byzantine chapel sitting high on these cliffs. Take in panoramic views from the top of the rocks as you watch active monasteries from afar, and get up-close to hermit caves and the hidden monasteries of Badovas and Agios Antonios.

Spend the rest of the night admiring the mountains from your hotel before an overnight stay.

Kalabaka

Day 10: Meteora morning hike

Unearth the magic of Meteora on a morning hike that ventures into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided by locals, tread hidden trails, following in the footsteps of the first monks who arrived over 15 centuries ago.

Starting at the base of Doupiani rock near the ancient Pantokrator Monastery, your journey passes by colossal rock pillars with sweeping vistas. Hike to the northern side, discovering the secluded Ypapanti Monastery and the ruins of St Dimitrios, and learn of their captivating tales and legends.

Afterwards, return to Kalabaka, where the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Kalabaka - Thessaloniki

Day 11: A historic journey to Thessaloniki

Today, you'll travel to Thessaloniki. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel for the transfer, stopping en-route in Vergina, where you'll learn all about the history of ancient Aigai - the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia.

Explore the ruins, including the grand palace adorned with mosaics, and the burial ground, home to ancient tumuli dating back to the 11th century BCE. Stand before the tomb of Philip II, Alexander the Great's father, and the Tomb of the Prince - possibly that of Alexander IV, the great conqueror's son.

After lunch, head on to Thessaloniki and spend the afternoon and evening as you please.

Thessaloniki

Day 12: Time-travel in Thessaloniki

After breakfast today, you'll explore Thessaloniki's rich history on a private walking tour. Begin at the iconic White Tower, a symbol of the city. Stroll to Kamara, the arch built by Roman general Galerius in the 3rd century CE. Discover more treasures in the city centre, including the Roman Agora, an ancient theatre, and the Palace of Galerius. Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, bearing witness to centuries of history.

The afternoon and evening are yours to explore this bustling, multicultural city, the largest in Greece's northern region.

Thessaloniki

Day 13: Travel with your taste buds

Taste buds at the ready! Today, you'll take part in a food tour through Thessaloniki, where you'll learn about local life, customs and traditions, all while savouring Greek treats and specialities at beloved local spots. Taste modern Greek cuisine and even try your hand at making traditional sweets.

Now that you've developed a taste for the local food scene, spend the evening discovering more of its vibrant flavours across thriving restaurants, cafes and culture spots.

Thessaloniki

Day 14: Goodbye, Greece...

It’s time to say goodbye to Greece! Today, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax until it's time for your driver to take you to the airport for your flight home.