Greece Local Highlights Experience

Upon arrival at Athens Airport or Port, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Athens by air-conditioned vehicle. Your accommodation is among the city’s finest, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for the night. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring Athens at your own pace. Take the opportunity to visit the city’s iconic landmarks, museums, or vibrant neighbourhoods, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the Greek capital. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, we travel from Athens along the coastal National Highway to the Corinth Canal for a brief stop. Continuing to Mycenae, we explore the archaeological site that was once the heart of a powerful Bronze Age civilisation. Here, we visit the ancient Palace, the Lion Gate, and the tomb attributed to Agamemnon. Before lunch, there is an optional visit to a local pottery workshop (lunch is not included). Afterward, we drive through Argos to Nauplia, the first capital of modern Greece, where you can admire the Venetian fortress of Palamidi and the fortified islet of Bourtzi during a short stop. Our journey then takes us to Epidaurus to visit its renowned ancient theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its exceptional acoustics and historical significance as a healing centre dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. We return to Athens in the late afternoon for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we depart Athens and travel via Thebes and Levadia to the charming village of Arachova, nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. From there, we continue to Delphi to explore the renowned archaeological site, once considered the centre of the ancient world and home to the Oracle of Apollo. Following the visit, we journey through scenic villages and towns of Central Greece en route to Kalambaka. We arrive in Kalambaka in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we visit Meteora, renowned for its extraordinary landscape where ancient monasteries perch atop towering rock formations. These monasteries house invaluable historical and religious artefacts, offering a remarkable glimpse into Greece’s spiritual heritage. Following the visit, we return to Athens, travelling via Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae, where we pause briefly to view the Leonidas Monument across the road. We arrive in Athens early evening for your overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional Athens food tour (not included) that offers a rich taste of the city’s culinary heritage. The tour begins in the charming Psyrri neighbourhood with a traditional Greek breakfast of aromatic coffee and ‘koulouri’ sesame pastry. We then visit a selection of authentic Greek delis and pie shops to sample favourites such as spanakopita and other freshly baked treats. Exploring the vibrant Varvakios market, we pause to taste classic home-cooked dishes including moussaka, gemista and fresh sardines. Throughout the tour, you will savour iconic Greek delicacies like cheeses, cured meats, olives and olive oil. A visit to a mastiha shop provides a sensory highlight, before concluding at a local mezze bar where you can enjoy traditional small plates accompanied by tsipouro, a distinctive Greek spirit. This experience combines food tasting with a guided introduction to Athens city centre and its historic sites, including some lesser-known gems. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free day to explore Athens at your own pace. You may choose to discover the city’s hidden corners independently or join an optional full-day cruise to the three Saronic Islands – Poros, Hydra and Aegina. Transfers from Athens to the port are included, along with a buffet lunch and a Greek folklore show aboard the ship. On Poros, you will have around two hours of free time to stroll and shop in the colourful capital. Next, spend approximately 90 minutes at leisure on Hydra, known for its amphitheatre-shaped harbour and traditional stone architecture. You can explore the island independently, with the option of a self-guided audio tour. Upon arrival at Aegina, you may take an optional guided visit to the ancient Temple of Aphaia or explore the main town at your own pace. The cruise concludes with a lively folklore performance as you return to port, followed by transfer back to Athens for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Athens Airport or Port for your onward journey.