Echoes of Olympus

Upon arrival at Athens airport or Piraeus port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is yours to explore Athens at your own pace - whether wandering its vibrant streets, visiting local cafes, or simply soaking up the city's lively atmosphere. Overnight in Athens.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a guided tour of Athens, revealing the city's striking contrasts. Our first stop is the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. We then pass key landmarks including the Prime Minister's residence - formerly the Royal Palace - guarded by the traditional Evzones in their distinctive uniforms, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament building with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma). At the Acropolis, we explore the architectural masterpieces of Athens' Golden Age: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon, often described as the perfect harmony of form and spirit. The tour concludes with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum, home to many of the original statues and artefacts from the site. We then return to the hotel, leaving the rest of the day free for you to explore Athens at your own pace.

After breakfast, we travel along the coastal road to the impressive Corinth Canal, where we pause briefly for photographs. We then continue to the Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Next, we make a short stop in the charming town of Nauplion before driving on to Mycenae to explore the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Our journey proceeds 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.

After breakfast, we visit the archaeological site of Olympia, including the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the archaeological museum. Afterwards, we continue our journey through the plains of Ilia and Achaia, crossing the impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge over the Corinthian Gulf. We pass through the charming towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea before arriving in Delphi. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel where dinner will be served.

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 Meteora rock formations - towering pillars of stone that rise dramatically from the Thessalian plain. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel and conclude the day with dinner there.

After breakfast, we visit Meteora, a remarkable complex of monasteries perched atop towering rock formations that appear to float above the plain. Here, you can admire exquisite examples of Byzantine art within these ageless religious sites. Afterwards, we depart Kalambaka and journey through the vast Thessalian plain and the scenic Tempi Valley. Along the way, you will see Mount Olympos, Greece's highest mountain and legendary home of the twelve Olympian gods. We then arrive in Thessaloniki, the country's second-largest city known for its vibrant atmosphere. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel, followed by dinner.

After breakfast, explore Thessaloniki's rich Byzantine heritage, once the empire's second city in both size and importance after Constantinople. We visit remarkable monuments and some of the oldest, most distinctive churches in the Christian world. The tour includes the Museum of Byzantine Culture, which received the Council of Europe's Museum Prize in 2005. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure in Thessaloniki's vibrant city centre. Dinner is served at the hotel.

After breakfast, we set off for a distinctive exploration of historical 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 site where the philosopher taught the principles 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, which covers the royal tombs of Macedonia. Here, you will see extraordinary artefacts from the tomb of King Philip II, Alexander's father, representing one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. A short drive brings us to Veria (Biblical Beroea), where we visit Saint Paul's Bema and take a 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 drive to Pella, the ancient capital of Alexander the Great, where you can admire the well-preserved floor mosaics of 4th-century BC villas both on site and in 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. Afterwards, we travel south through Thessaly, passing Lamia, Thermopylae - where you will see the Leonidas Monument and Thebes, before arriving back in Athens in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Athens.

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