One Country - Numerous Cities and Islands

Experience the very best Greece has to offer on this 15-day tour that encompasses history, culture, gastronomy and lively nightlife. Start in Athens and dive into the history of one of Europe’s oldest cities in a country known as the cradle of western civilisation. Travel to the picturesque town of Kalambaka at the foot of the stunning Meteora rock formation. Then hit the town in Mykonos, the world’s greatest party island! It’s impossible not be intoxicated by the lively atmosphere, friendly people and the nights that roll into daybreak over the Aegean Sea. Round off the tour with a visit to some of the hidden gems of Santorini, the most iconic and beautiful of the Cyclades islands.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Parthenon: Considered one of the greatest architectural accomplishments of Ancient Greece, this former temple on the Athenian Acropolis was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.

Omphalos of Delphi: A carved stone representing the omphalos (navel) or centre of the earth and symbol of Apollo. The famous oracle of Apollo gave predictions and guidance on important decisions to city-states and individuals from throughout the ancient world. 

Meteora monasteries: The stone forest of the Meteora rock formation was once home to 24 monasteries. Sadly, many have been lost over time, but six monasteries still remain in this spiritual and breathtakingly beautiful area, which has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Edessa city: A city shaped by the Edesseos River. Listen to the soothing sound of flowing water as you stroll around the streets of this hillside neighbourhood speckled with waterfalls and bridges.

Mykonos nightlife: Mykonos describes itself as having the best party scene in the Cyclades. Boasting vibrant bars and modern beach clubs, the lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere will keep you dancing until the break of dawn.

Santorini Gems: Akrotiri, known as the Pompeii of Greece; the Lava islets, an active volcano; Canava, from vineyard to distillery; Fava - a gastronomic treasure; and the beauty of sunset at Oia.

Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS

Upon arriving at Athens International Airport, a representative will be waiting to greet you and the transportation service will transfer you to your hotel at the scheduled time. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Athens. 

Overnight in Athens.

Day 2: ATHENS: CITY TOUR

After breakfast at the hotel you will be collected for a tour of Athens, a fascinating city of striking contrasts. Our expert guide will take you to the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. You will then continue past the Presidential Mansion, previously the Royal Palace, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which are all guarded by the Evzones, famous for their colourful uniforms. Then, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Academy, the University, the National Library and Syntagma Square. Once you have finished with the sights of the city, move on to the Acropolis and visit the architectural masterpieces from the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally, one of the greatest architectural accomplishments of Ancient Greece, the Parthenon. The tour finishes with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, the new home of many classical era statues. In the evening, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 3: ATHENS – CORINTH CANAL-EPIDARUS –NAFPLIO – MYCENAE-OLYMPIA (400 km - 6 hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then depart Athens for Olympia. Today’s journey will take you along the scenic coastal road to the impressive Corinth Canal, where we will have a break so you can take photos of this man-made waterway with staggeringly steep sides. Continue the drive onto the Theatre of Epidaurus, considered the most perfect ancient Greek theatre in terms of acoustics and aesthetics. We will then make another stop at Nafplio, a little-known seaport town that was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Then we will visit the archaeological site and Tomb of Agamemnon at Mycenae, before passing through the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis on the final leg of the journey to Olympia. Home of the original Olympic Games, Olympia will be where we spend the night after enjoying a dinner of traditional Greek cuisine. 

Overnight in Olympia area.

Day 4: OLYMPIA – DELPHI (250 km - 3.5 hrs)

Wake up to breakfast at your hotel, then look forward to a morning discovering the site of Olympia. Located in a valley in the Peloponnesus, Olympia has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a center for the worship of Zeus. We will visit the temple of Zeus, where you’ll find one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C. We will finish our tour of Olympia with a visit to the archaeological museum. In the afternoon, drive through the plains of Ilia and Achaia to the magnificent bridge that crosses the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. This route will pass through the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos and Itea before arriving in Delphi in time for dinner.

Overnight in Delphi area.

Day 5: DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (235 km - 3.5 hrs)

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, a representative will collect you in the morning for a tour of the archaeological site and museum of Delphi, the centre of the earth and symbol of Apollo. The famous oracle of Apollo gave predictions and guidance on important decisions to city-states and individuals from throughout the ancient world. In the 6th century B.C., Delphi was the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. Today, it is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, depart for the picturesque town of Kalambaka, situated at the foot of the impressive Meteora rock formation. These gigantic rocks rise steeply out of the plain of Thessaly and provide a stunning backdrop for the narrow, cobbled streets and traditional houses of the town. Here, you will find a number of workshops where artisanal wooden and religious figures are crafted; don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of them before returning to your hotel for dinner and the night. 

Overnight in Kalambaka area.

Day 6: KALAMBAKA – THESSALONIKI (230 km - 3 hrs)

Once you have had your breakfast at the hotel, visit the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries. The word Meteora literally means 'hovering in the air' and, perched on top of huge pinnacles of smooth rock, the monasteries really do seem to be suspended in mid-air. These ancient monasteries date back to the ninth century, when the hermit monks had to reach their secluded and safe retreats by scaling rocks of up to 500 metres using ropes and ladders. Marvel at the beauty of nature from the outside of the monasteries, and on the inside, soak up the spirituality of the place and appreciate exquisite examples of Byzantine art. After visiting Meteora, depart Kalambaka and drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi. Pass the imposing Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and home to the 12 Olympian Gods in Greek Mythology. In the evening, arrive in Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 7: THESSALONIKI

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins of the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda, built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics. The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 8: THESSALONIKI – EDESSA – NAOUSSA –VERGINA – VERIA -THESSALONIKI (245 km - 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a tour of historical Macedonia. Our first stop of the day is the picturesque Edessa, where tributaries of the river Edesseos are responsible for the town’s most famous landmarks: its waterfalls. Then we will proceed to Naoussa and the ruins of the School of Aristotle. This is a site of exceptional beauty and importance where the great philosopher taught his doctrines of politics and morals to a young Alexander the Great and the people of Macedonia. Then visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Vergina, the archaeological site of Aigai. The most important remains here are the monumental palace and the burial ground with more than 300 tombs, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father. Just a few kilometres away, you will find Veria, known as Beroea in biblical times. Visit the Bema of Saint Paul, before strolling through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. Return to Thessaloniki in the evening for dinner.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 9: THESSALONIKI – PELLA – DION – THERMOPYLE – ATHENS (570 km - 6.5 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then drive to Pella, best known as the historical capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great. On the site of the ancient city is the Archaeological Museum of Pella, as well as large, fourth century B.C. villas with mosaic floors portraying scenes such as a lion hunt and Dionysus riding a panther. After leaving Pella, proceed to the Archaeological Park of Dion, an open-air archaeological site at the foot of Mount Olympus, which houses almost as much wildlife as it does classical religious artefacts. In the afternoon, we will begin our drive south through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae – where we will stop to see the Leonidas Monument – and Thebes. We will arrive in Athens late in the afternoon. Enjoy an evening at your leisure in the Greek capital. 

Overnight in Athens.

Day 10: ATHENS

Breakfast at your hotel. Today is the whole day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 11: ATHENS – MYKONOS ISLAND (4.5 hrs, by ferry)

Wake up early for breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to the port of Piraeus to take the ferry to Mykonos. Mykonos is a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades and it’s Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island. In Greek mythology, Mykonos was named after its first ruler, Mykonos, who was thought to be the son or grandson of the god Apollo. The island is said to have been the location of a great battle between Zeus and the Titans, and where Hercules killed the invincible giants, having lured them from the protection of Mount Olympus. Upon arrival in Mykonos, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the island or enjoying the hotel facilities.

Overnight in Mykonos.

Day 12: MYKONOS ISLAND

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Today has been left free for you to experience the island of Mykonos in your own way. The glamour island of Greece, Mykonos is the meeting place of the international jet set. It is a sizzling mix of traditional whitewashed streets, boutique shops, hip new hotels, beach bars and restaurants. Discover its beaches and spend the night revelling in Mykonos’ famous nightlife or opt for an optional half-day tour of the nearby island of Delos. The whole territory of the deserted island of Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. You may visit, among other sites, the remains of the Temples of Apollo, the sanctuary of Artemis, the old city and the theatre before taking a stroll down the celebrated Avenue of the Lions. Visit the Museum of Delos, where you can admire Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Sculptures, ancient pottery dating from the 25th to the first century B.C., clay figurines, jewellery, mosaics and items used in everyday life in ancient Greece.

Overnight in Mykonos

Day 13: MYKONOS ISLAND – SANTORINI ISLAND (3 hrs, by ferry)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the port of Mykonos to catch the hydro ferry to the island of Santorini. Crescent-shaped Santorini, the gem of the Aegean Sea, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. The Santorini island complex is volcanic and, in fact, the islands that make up Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity. Don’t worry though, the last major eruption of the volcano was around 3,600 years ago! Today, the islands are considered one of Greece’s most romantic destinations. Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure.

Overnight in Santorini

Day 14: SANTORINI ISLAND

After breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring the island at your leisure.

Overnight in Santorini.

Day 15: DEPARTURE SANTORINI

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, check-out from your hotel and at the indicated time you will be transferred to the airport or on to your next destination. Although this is the last day of your tour around Greece, we are sure that the beauty, history, culture, and gastronomy of this diverse country will remain in your memory for a lifetime.