Greece Cultural Islands Exploration

On arrival at Athens International Airport, a representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel at the scheduled time. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore Athens at your own pace. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will collect you for a guided tour of Athens, a city where ancient history meets modern life. Our expert guide will take you first to the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. We then pass key landmarks including the Presidential Mansion (formerly the Royal Palace), the Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones in their distinctive uniforms. The tour continues with visits to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Syntagma Square. Next, we explore the Acropolis, home to architectural masterpieces from Athens’ Golden Age: the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the Parthenon, one of ancient Greece’s greatest achievements. The day concludes with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which houses many classical statues from the site. In the evening, we return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

After breakfast, we leave Athens and travel along the scenic coastal road to the impressive Corinth Canal, where we pause for photographs of this remarkable man-made waterway with its steep cliffs. Continuing on, we visit the Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and classical design. Next, we stop in Nafplio, a charming seaport town that served as the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece during the early 19th century. Our journey then takes us to the archaeological site of Mycenae, where we explore the ancient ruins and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Passing through Tripolis and Megalopolis, we arrive in Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic Games. Here, we settle in for the night and enjoy a dinner featuring traditional Greek cuisine.

After breakfast, we begin the morning exploring the archaeological site of Olympia, nestled in a valley of the Peloponnese and inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century BC, Olympia became a major centre for the worship of Zeus. We will visit the Temple of Zeus, home to one of the richest collections of ancient Greek masterpieces, as well as the remains of the sports facilities used for the Olympic Games, held here every four years from 776 BC. The tour concludes with a visit to the archaeological museum. In the afternoon, we drive through the plains of Ilia and Achaia, crossing the impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge over the Corinthian Gulf. Along the way, we pass through the charming towns of Nafpaktos and Itea before arriving in Delphi in the early evening for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we will collect you for a guided tour of the archaeological site and museum of Delphi, once considered the centre of the world and dedicated to Apollo. The famous oracle here provided counsel to city-states and individuals across the ancient Greek world. In the 6th century BC, Delphi was a major religious hub and symbol of unity, and today it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we will travel to Kalambaka, a charming town nestled at the base of the striking Meteora rock formations. These towering pillars create a dramatic backdrop to the town’s narrow, cobbled streets and traditional houses. You may wish to visit one of the local workshops where artisans craft wooden and religious figures before we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we visit the remarkable Meteora Monasteries, perched atop towering rock pillars that appear to float in the air. These ninth-century monasteries were once accessible only by ropes and ladders, offering hermit monks a secluded refuge. You will admire the striking natural setting and explore the interiors, where exquisite Byzantine art reflects the spiritual heritage of the site. Following the visit, we leave Kalambaka and drive through the vast Thessalian plain and the scenic Tempi Valley. Along the way, we pass Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest peak and legendary home of the twelve Olympian gods. In the evening, we arrive in 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. 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, notable for its early Christian mosaics. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the vibrant city centre at your own pace. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we set off on a tour of historical Macedonia. Our first stop is Edessa, known for its striking waterfalls formed by the tributaries of the river Edesseos. Next, we visit Naoussa and the ruins of the School of Aristotle, where the philosopher taught politics and morals to a young Alexander the Great and the people of Macedonia. We then explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aigai in Vergina, home to a monumental palace and burial grounds with over 300 tombs dating back to the 11th century B.C. Among these is the Great Tumulus, believed to be the resting place of Philip II, Alexander’s father. Nearby is Veria, historically known as Beroea, where we visit the Bema of Saint Paul and stroll through the old Jewish quarter and vibrant market area. We return to Thessaloniki in the evening for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we drive to Pella, the ancient capital of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great. Here, we visit the Archaeological Museum and explore the remains of fourth-century B.C. villas adorned with intricate mosaic floors depicting scenes such as a lion hunt and Dionysus riding a panther. Next, we continue to the Archaeological Park of Dion, an open-air site at the foot of Mount Olympus, where classical religious artefacts sit alongside abundant wildlife. In the afternoon, we travel south through Thessaly and Lamia, stopping at Thermopylae to see the Leonidas Monument, a tribute to the Spartan king’s stand against the Persians. We then pass through Thebes before arriving in Athens late in the afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure in the Greek capital. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure in Athens. This is an ideal opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, visit museums or galleries, or simply relax at a café and soak up the atmosphere. Your evening and overnight stay will be in Athens.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we transfer you to Piraeus port to board the ferry to Mykonos. Known as a striking whitewashed island in the heart of the Cyclades, Mykonos is Greece’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant destination. According to Greek mythology, the island was named after its first ruler, Mykonos, linked to the god Apollo, and is said to be the site of legendary battles involving Zeus and Hercules. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the island at your own pace or relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities. Overnight in Mykonos.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Mykonos as you wish. Known as Greece’s glamorous island, Mykonos blends traditional whitewashed streets with stylish boutiques, trendy hotels, beach bars and restaurants. You can relax on its famous beaches, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, or experience the island’s renowned nightlife after dark. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional half-day tour to the nearby island of Delos, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. There, you can explore the remains of the Temples of Apollo and Artemis, the ancient city, the theatre, and stroll along the celebrated Avenue of the Lions. The Museum of Delos houses an impressive collection of sculptures, pottery, jewellery and everyday artefacts spanning from the Archaic to Roman periods. Overnight in Mykonos.

After breakfast, transfer to Mykonos port to board the hydrofoil ferry to Santorini. This crescent-shaped island group in the southern Cyclades was formed by volcanic activity, with the last major eruption occurring around 3,600 years ago. Today, Santorini is renowned as one of Greece’s most romantic locations. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight in Santorini.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at your own pace to explore Santorini. Whether you choose to wander through its charming villages, relax by the caldera, or visit local wineries and archaeological sites, the day is yours to discover this unique island. Overnight in Santorini.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and at the arranged time, we will transfer you to the airport or onward to your next destination. Although today marks the end of your tour, the rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and flavoursome cuisine of Greece will stay with you long after you leave.