Grand Greece with Peloponnese Exploration

We begin by travelling along the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where we make a brief stop to admire this impressive engineering feat. Continuing on, we visit the Theatre of Epidauros, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Next, we pause for a short photo stop in the charming town of Nauplion before driving to Mycenae to explore the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. From there, we journey through the heart of the Peloponnese, passing the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis, before arriving in Olympia. Here, we enjoy dinner and spend the night in the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

After breakfast, we explore the Archaeological Site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, and the Archaeological Museum. Later, we travel through the plains of Ilia and Achaia, crossing the impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge that spans the Corinthian Gulf. We pass the charming towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea before arriving in Delphi for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we explore the Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi, delving into the heart 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 abruptly from the Thessalian plain. We have dinner and stay overnight in Kalambaka, preparing for the next day’s visit to the monasteries perched atop these dramatic cliffs.

After breakfast, we explore Meteora, where ancient monasteries perch atop towering rock formations, showcasing remarkable Byzantine art. We then depart Kalambaka, travelling through the vast Thessalian plain and the scenic Tempi Valley. Along the way, you will admire Mount Olympus—the highest peak in Greece and legendary home of the twelve Olympian gods. We continue to Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

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. Our short walking tour covers the ruins of the Palace and Arch of Galerius, followed by a visit to the Rotunda, originally built as a temple and later converted into a church, notable for its Early Christian mosaics. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure in the vibrant city centre. We stay overnight in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we set off for a distinctive exploration of historical Macedonia. Our first stop is Edessa, known for its striking waterfalls, a defining feature of the town. We then continue to Naoussa to visit Aristotle’s School, the scenic site where the philosopher taught ethics and politics to Alexander the Great and his contemporaries. Next, we drive to Vergina, ancient Aigai, to explore the exceptional museum housed within the Great Tumulus, which covers the royal tombs of Macedonia. Here, we see remarkable 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 distance away lies Veria, or Biblical Beroea, where we visit Saint Paul’s Bema and wander through the old Jewish quarter and vibrant market area, experiencing a city where history remains alive. We return to Thessaloniki for the night.

After breakfast, we drive to Pella, the ancient capital of Alexander the Great, where we explore the well-preserved floor mosaics of 4th-century BC villas, both on site and in the modern museum. Next, we visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus. Following this, we travel south through Thessaly, passing Lamia, Thermopylae—where we stop to see the Leonidas Monument—and Thebes, before arriving in Athens late in the afternoon.