Grand Greece Journey

Upon arrival at Athens airport or Piraeus port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Please provide your flight or ferry details in advance to arrange your pick-up. The afternoon is free for you to explore Athens at your own pace, discovering the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city. Overnight stay in Athens.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we set out on an engaging city tour of Athens, revealing the striking contrasts that define this vibrant capital. We begin with a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, then pass the Prime Minister's residence, guarded by the colourful Evzones. Along the way, we see key landmarks including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as the Academy, University, National Library and Constitution Square (Syntagma). At the Acropolis, we explore the architectural masterpieces of Athens' Golden Age - the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and the iconic Parthenon. The tour concludes with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum. We then return to your hotel, leaving the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional half-day excursion to Cape Sounio, travelling along the scenic coastal road past Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza to the Temple of Poseidon, where you can enjoy a walk on the rocky promontory. This excursion includes shared roundtrip transport, an English-speaking guide and entrance fees, finishing around 19:30. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, we travel along the coastal road to the impressive Corinth Canal, where we pause briefly for photos. Continuing on, we visit the Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Next, we stop in the charming town of Nauplion before driving to Mycenae to explore the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. We then journey through the heart of the Peloponnese, passing Tripolis and Megalopolis, before arriving in Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy dinner on site. Overnight in Olympia.

After breakfast, we visit the archaeological site of Olympia, including the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the archaeological museum. Afterwards, we travel through the plains of Ilia and Achaia, crossing the impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge over the Corinthian Gulf. Passing the charming towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, we continue to Delphi, where you will check in to your hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel.

After breakfast, we visit the archaeological site and museum of Delphi, exploring the remains of this ancient sanctuary once considered the centre of the world in Greek mythology. Afterwards, we travel to Kalambaka, a small town nestled at the base of the remarkable Meteora rock formations - towering pillars of stone rising dramatically from the Thessalian plain. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel, where dinner is served to conclude the day. Overnight in Kalambaka.

After breakfast, we visit Meteora, where ancient monasteries perch atop towering rock formations, offering a remarkable glimpse of Byzantine art and architecture. Following the visit, we depart Kalambaka and travel through the vast Thessalian plain and the scenic Tempi Valley. Along the way, you will admire Mount Olympus, Greece's highest peak and mythological home of the twelve gods. We then arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, we explore Thessaloniki, a city that was second only to Constantinople in importance during the Byzantine Empire. We visit key landmarks including the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St Demetrius' Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour takes us to the ruins of the Palace and the Arch of Galerius, followed by a visit to the Rotunda, originally built as a temple and later converted into a church, featuring impressive Early Christian mosaics. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure in the vibrant city centre. Dinner and overnight stay are in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the historical heart of Macedonia. Our first stop is Edessa, where you can admire the town's famous waterfalls. We then continue to Naoussa to visit Aristotle's School, the scenic site where the philosopher taught "the doctrines of morals and politics" to Alexander the Great and his companions. Next, we drive to Vergina, ancient Aigai, to visit the remarkable museum housed within the Great Tumulus that covers the royal Macedonian tombs. Here, you will see extraordinary artefacts from the tomb of King Philip II, Alexander's father, considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. A short drive takes us to Veria, known as Biblical Beroea, where we visit Saint Paul's Bema and stroll through the old Jewish quarter and vibrant market area, experiencing a city where history remains alive. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we travel to Pella, the ancient capital of Alexander the Great, where you can admire the well-preserved 4th-century BC floor mosaics both in their original locations and at the new museum. We then continue to the Archaeological Park of Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus. From there, we drive south through Thessaly, passing Lamia, Thermopylae, where you will see the Monument of Leonidas, and Thebes, before arriving back in Athens in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Athens.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to Greece. At the designated time, you will be transferred to Athens airport for your onward flight.