Greek Islands and Ancient Wonders Adventure

Welcome to your tour in Athens! Upon arrival, we’ll whisk you away to your hotel where you will have some leisure time to settle in and explore at your own pace. For detailed information about the start of your adventure, simply check the boards at the hotel reception area in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy your initial experience of this vibrant historical city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

After a leisurely breakfast in Athens, we’ll whisk you away to Lavrio Port for a delightful Mediterranean cruise departing at 11:00 a.m. Revel in the picturesque sea views as we navigate the azure waters. By 6:00 p.m., we'll reach the enchanting island of Mykonos, renowned for its iconic windmills and dazzling whitewashed houses lining the coast. You’ll have the chance to wander through its charming streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. At 11:00 p.m., we’ll set sail again, spending the night aboard our comfortable cruise ship.

Today you will arrive in Turkey, where we will visit the charming seaside resort of Kusadasi, located on the Aegean coast. Here, admission is included to explore the fascinating ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. After our exploration, we will return to the cruise ship and set sail for the island of Patmos. Known as the place where St. John the Apostle is said to have penned the Apocalypse, Patmos offers a glimpse into religious history. We will arrive and depart from the island in the evening, around 9:00 p.m., continuing onward as we spend the night aboard the cruise ship.

On the fourth day of our Mediterranean adventure, we arrive in the captivating city of Rhodes at 7:00 a.m. This enchanting destination is surrounded by impressive medieval walls and was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Spend your day exploring the rich history and charm of this remarkable place. At 6:00 p.m., our cruise ship will set sail once again, offering you the chance to unwind and enjoy the onboard amenities as we journey onwards.

We arrive in Heraklion at 7:00 a.m., the bustling capital of the Greek island of Crete, conveniently located near the famed archaeological site of Knossos. Mid-morning, we continue our voyage to Santorini, arguably one of the most stunning islands in the Mediterranean. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, radiant white villages, and panoramic sea views, Santorini captures the essence of Greek island beauty. As evening falls, at 9:00 p.m., our cruise sets sail once again, offering a delightful night on board – perfect for enjoying the vibrant boat party while we journey onwards through the inviting Mediterranean waters.

We arrive in Athens-Piraeus at 7:00 a.m. and disembark to begin our journey through the Peloponnese. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, an awe-inspiring feat of engineering from the late 19th century, bridging the Aegean and Ionian seas. From there, we travel through picturesque mountain landscapes to reach Tripoli, the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around Aeros Square, lined with lively cafes and restaurants.Our next destination is Olympia, a place steeped in history as the site of the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. A local guide will walk us through the Archaeological Site, where we’ll discover the Temple of Zeus, the ancient Stadium, Gymnasium, and Arena—remnants of a once grand athletic tradition. Continuing our adventure, we head to Patras, Greece’s third-largest city, famous for its grand medieval fortress and magnificent cathedral—the largest in the nation. Adjacent lies the small church of St. Andrew, a vital pilgrimage site. Dinner is included for the evening.

Following breakfast, we'll cross the breathtaking Rio–Antirrio Bridge, a magnificent suspension bridge that links the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland. Our journey will take us through the captivating landscapes of Central Greece and Epirus. Once we arrive in the vibrant port town of Igoumenitsa, you'll have time for a leisurely stroll. We'll then board a ferry for a delightful crossing to Corfu, a gem of the Ionian Sea. The ferry ride, lasting about an hour and a half, offers a splendid opportunity to enjoy lunch while admiring the views across the Ionian waters, near the Albanian coast.Upon reaching the alluring island of Corfu, we'll explore Kerkyra, the capital. This charming city is renowned for its well-preserved Venetian-style historic centre. Our exploration will continue to Kanoni, where we will visit a picturesque Byzantine church perched on a small isle. After savoury experiences on the island, we'll return by ferry to mainland Greece. Our accommodation for the night will be in Igoumenitsa or the surrounding area.

After breakfast, we embark on a journey through the majestic mountains of Epirus, making our way to Metsovo. This idyllic Balkan village is nestled among peaks and is rich in cultural heritage influenced by both Slavic and Turkish traditions. You will have time to wander through its charming streets, admiring the traditional stone houses adorned with red tile roofs and exquisitely carved wooden balconies.Our journey continues to the region of Thessaly, where we will visit Kastraki. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the stunning vistas of the Meteora Valley. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. "Metéora" translates to "suspended in the air," a fitting description of these towering rock formations topped with ancient monasteries. These serene retreats have provided solitude to monks for centuries. You will have the opportunity to visit one of these historic monasteries and take in its awe-inspiring atmosphere.Our day concludes in Kalabaka, where a delightful dinner awaits.

On the ninth day of your adventure, you'll have the liberty to delve deeper into the charms of Kalambaka and continue your exploration at your leisure. You might choose to discover more of the Meteora's amazing landscapes or wander through the local markets and eateries to savour a taste of regional life. Should you wish to venture further afield, the ancient town of Delphi is within reach. Known in classical times as the sanctuary of the Oracle, Delphi holds a significant place in Greek history and mythology. Alternatively, you might consider visiting the monastery of Hosios Loukas, a beautiful and historically rich site revered for its stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics. Enjoy this opportunity to tailor your experience to your own interests and pace, making the most of your time in this intriguing part of Greece.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in Greece.