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Days
8
Price from
3685CAD
Map of Highlights of Greece including Greece

Soak up the best of Greece, from Athens to Delphi and Olympia

Much like a fine baklava, modern day Greece is layered with history so rich and complex that the only way to do it justice is to see it for yourself. Learn how the spectacular hanging monasteries of Meteora protected modern Hellenic culture from invading Turks, then trace a path through tumble-down ruins in Delphi. Visit the site of the world’s first Olympics, stop in at pretty seaside villages in Nafplion, and discover the secrets behind a proper Greek coffee, all on this whirlwind adventure.

Start
Athens, Greece
Finish
Athens, Greece
Destination
Greece
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEHG
Physical rating
Trip rating
10 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Knowledgeable local guides take the hassle out of navigating Athens. Head straight for the most incredible ancient sites, such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

  • Experience a different side of Greece by staying in the medieval village of Dimitsana at our 'feature stay', a gorgeous 7th-century township set on top of two hills and a gorge in little visited Central Arcadia. Share a coffee or 'Greek delight' with a monk during a visit to nearby Prodromos monastery.

  • Visit the legendary theatres of the very first Olympic Games – the stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, temples and hippodrome.

  • With magical monasteries built on a series of ancient rock pinnacles, Meteora is one of Greece's most extraordinary sights. 

  • Discover the many flavours of Greek cuisine. There's nothing quite like dining on rich and hearty moussaka or grilled lamb and tzatziki in a traditional taverna.

  • Stop at the village of Galaxidi or Nafpaktos for a visit to a traditional family-owned bakery offering pastries, stuffed with cheese, spinach, chicken or potato, and the famous sesame round bread. Chat to the owner and get updated on the latest gossip.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Pickpocketing can be an issue in Athens, especially on public transport. If you keep your valuables concealed and secure while travelling on the metro or bus, you should have no problems.

  • Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, so you will need to be able to cope with the heat if you're visiting during the warmer months. Please consider the time of year and your suitability to visiting during that season.

Academy of Athens, Greece
athens_acropolis
Locally made olive oil, Athens
Timios Prodromos Monastery overlooking the valleys of Arcadia
dimitsana_hillside-village
Greece, Delphi, Ruins, Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
delphi_stone_carving

Itinerary
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This journey begins in Athens, Greece's storied capital. There is a lot to do and see here in one of the world's oldest cities, so you may wish to arrive a few days early to allow time for exploration. The Archaeological Museum of Athens is highly recommended. There are no activities planned for today, other than an important welcome meeting this evening. Afterwards, head out for dinner with the group and sample some traditional Greek fare and maybe toast the beginning of the adventure with a glass of raki or ouzo.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hermes or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where and when the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Today visit two of Athens' most impressive sites. The first is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in all of Greece. Then it's on to the famous Acropolis, one of the Western world's most important historical structures. Your guided tour will start with an ascent to the top of this sacred rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, encounter the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Later in the afternoon, board your private minibus and drive north to the town of Kalambaka in the centre of the country. The town is nestled at the base of the striking Meteora Mountains. This evening you can choose to have dinner at the hotel or perhaps take a short walk into town and dine at one of the local tavernas.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Famissi Eden or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Athens - Visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, travel into the hills to see the monasteries of Meteora. The ancient stone buildings, which sit precariously on soaring cliffs, make these mountains one of Greece's most extraordinary sites. Settlement of the area dates back to the 11th century, when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora. The monasteries attracted many writers, painters, poets and philosophers, who were responsible for keeping Hellenic traditions, culture and religion alive during Ottoman rule. On your visit to Meteora, you will visit two of the monasteries, one of which will be the Moni Varlaam (Varlaam Monastery) with its fine examples of late Byzantine frescoes. Return to Kalambaka in the afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Famissi Eden or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Meteora - Hike & Monastery Visits with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Delphi (approximately 4 hours). On arrival visit the fascinating Sanctuary of Apollo in Ancient Delphi, home to the Delphi Oracle. Legend has it that Zeus released two eagles from different ends of the world, and Delphi was where they came together. Zeus then threw a Sacred Stone at this same point, making Delphi the centre of the world. Walk through the complex and explore the Temple of Apollo, the most important building of the site. This is where statues and offerings to the gods were housed, and where cult rituals took place. You will also see the Sanctuary of Athena, the 4th-century BC theatre and the well-preserved stadium during your visit. There will be free time to visit the Delphi Museum.
Accommodation
  • Nidimos Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delphi - Oracle, Temple of Apollo & Sanctuary of Athena
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After an early morning drive (approximately 3.5 hours) arrive at the archaeological site of ancient Olympia. En-route stop at the village of Galaxidi or Nafpaktos for a visit to a traditional family-owned bakery offering pastries, stuffed with cheese, spinach, chicken or potato, and the famous sesame round bread. Chat to the owner and get updated on the latest gossip. Olympia is a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings, and was the site of the first Olympic Games. Over the centuries, and both during times of war and peace, the games were held every four years without exception. Even during periods of battle, the ancient games were bound by a sacred truce that required city states to cease fighting and travel to Olympia to compete. See all the major sites including the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school (palaestra), priest houses (theokoleon), Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. After your exploration enjoy some free time to visit the museum, which houses the impressive marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and sculptured head of Hera. Next is the charming medieval village of Dimitsana (approximately 2 hours), where you will spend the next two nights at our feature stay. Dimitsana's charm lies in its location, set amidst magical mountains in Central Arcadia.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse En Dimitsani (Feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Olympia - Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today explore the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and the spectacular Lousios Valley, one of the most scenic places in the central Arcadia region. Walk deep into the valley to the incredible working monastery of Prodromos. This wood and clay structure, which has stellar views over the valley below, was built precariously into a rock face. The local monks will show you around on a tour of their home and offer you a coffee or the local specialty, the Greek delight. As part of your visit you'll see the splendid 14th-century frescoes decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. Further along on our hike, visit the tenth-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou. This monastery was the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio', which was run by monks during Ottoman rule to teach Greek children their own language and religion. Later on, visit the medieval villages of Stemnitsa, Karitena (with a towering Crusader Castle) and Andritsena. Return to Dimitsana.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse En Dimitsani (Feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance and time is approximately seven kilometres (3 hours). Please note that the roads in Central Arcadia are very windy. You might want to consider taking medication if you are prone to motion sickness.

This morning drive to the delightful seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio), the original Greek capital. In your free time you might choose to explore one of the town's three fortresses, or perhaps wander through the narrow winding streets filled with Venetian houses and neoclassical architecture. The seaside promenade is lined with a multitude of lively cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to watch local life unfold. If you're still unsure what to do, your friendly leader will be on hand to offer suggestions. Later, continue to ancient Epidaurus (Epidavros), the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world. The highlight of Epidaurus is the third-century theatre, one of Greece's best-preserved classical structures. The theatre has incredible acoustics and is still used today for major performances. Return to Athens in the afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hermes or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Epidaurus - Guided Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your journey comes to an end in Athens after breakfast. We are happy to book additional accommodation for those wishing to see more of the city, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking. 
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you haven't had enough of Greece you may choose to join our connecting 'Greek Island Odyssey' – an adventure taking in the highlights of the Aegean Sea.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (5 nights), Feature stay in Dimitsana (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Athens - Visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • Meteora - Hike & Monastery Visits with Local Guide
  • Delphi - Oracle, Temple of Apollo & Sanctuary of Athena
  • Olympia - Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike
  • Epidaurus - Guided Tour

Dates & availability - 2021 season

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Greece trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

Essential trip information

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