Athens

Enjoy a full day discovering the rich heritage of Greece’s capital with your expert guide. This morning’s tour introduces you to the complex of monuments that most symbolize Athens – the Acropolis. The highlight of your tour to the Acropolis is the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world, which was dedicated to the Goddess Athena and was conceived in 447BC. At the foot of the Acropolis Rock is the Acropolis Museum, which exhibits around 4000 articles in natural light, with special climate-controlled measures protecting them from sunlight. The most impressive part of the museum is its top floor, where visitors are able to view the famous frieze and then look out on to the view the Parthenon itself. Afterwards, stroll through the ancient district of Plaka, one of the most picturesque and interesting parts of the city. This afternoon, continue to the National Archaeological Museum one of the richest and most important museums in the world with its formidable collection of unique exhibits including sculpture, pottery and jewelry. (8 hours, driver and guide)

Delphi was home to the god Apollo and its position on a spur of Mount Parnassus makes it one of the most enchanting sites in Greece.  Leave Athens for the day to discover this impressive place, which was, in antiquity, regarded as the center of the world. The site had been sacred since at least the Bronze Age and, according to legend, the shrine was originally guarded by the dragon Python. He was defeated by Apollo, who then took over the oracle. The visible ruins belong to the last temple, dated to the fourth century BC. Follow the Sacred Way to see the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the amphitheatre where the Pythian Games were celebrated in antiquity. Afterwards, you can also visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which displays many valuable treasures that were found at the site. On your return journey to Athens, stop en route near the village of Distomo to admire the architecture and mosaics of Osios Loukas Monastery, which is still inhabited to this day. The monastery lies on the west slope of Mount Helikon, below the acropolis of ancient Steirion, and the views are something to behold. (10 hours, driver and guide)

Mycenae & Epidaurus

This morning you will head out of Nafplio to visit Ancient Epidaurus. Epidaurus began as a small city in ancient Greece and is now one of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity in the world. The theatre, built in 4th century BC, is outstanding, especially its acoustics and its ability to seat 14,000 people. Learn about how the rows of limestone seating filter out low-frequency sounds to give the audience the best audio experience.

Continue on to the ancient ruins of Mycenae, first settled by the Neolithic people in the 6th millennium and now listed as one the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For 400 years, this prehistoric kingdom was the most powerful in Greece. The acropolis at Mycenae was the home of Agamemnon, the famous commander-in-chief of the Greek army that beat Troy in the Trojan War. Walking through the main entrance of the site, the famous Lions Gate, immerse yourself in the ancient history that surrounds you. A short distance away is the Citadel and the tomb named as the “Treasury of Atreus”, a marvelous feat of engineering. Return to Athens in the afternoon (8 hours, driver and guide)

Athens-Corinth – Olympia

Leave Athens this morning and head west to visit one of Ancient Greece’s most important cities, Corinth, situated on the isthmus between the mainland and the Peloponnese. The city’s valuable location on this important trade route was key to its growth from a Neolithic settlement to a major Greek city in the 8th century BC. During your tour, visit the Doric Temple of Apollo, constructed in 550 BC at the height of the city’s wealth. Your guide shows you the remnants of Roman Corinth, and you may also like to explore the Archaeological Museum. From here, head west to your next hotel in Olympia. (Up to 9 hours, driver and guide)

Olympia-Meteora

Head to the Ancient Olympia site on your half-day tour today. Primarily a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the site is better known for being the birthplace of the most important athletic tournament of all times – the Olympic Games. Among the many ruins that remain today, see the stadium, which at one time could seat 45,000 people and was the largest of its kind. You also discover the altar in front of the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is lit by the sun and carried by runners to light the torch wherever the games are being held; this act commemorates the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus. Spend some time at leisure for lunch before being transferred to your next accommodation. (8 hours, driver and guide).

Literally translating as ‘suspended in the air’, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, is one of the largest and most important monastic sites in Greece. Perched above the town of Kalambaka, the complex originally consisted of twenty-four Eastern Orthodox Monasteries built on natural sandstone pillars, all appearing to be suspended in the middle of the sky, with the tallest reaching a staggering 366 metres (1200 feet). Thought to have been built in the 14th century by monks who were previously dwelling in individual caves in the area, there are now 6 monasteries still intact at Meteora, the largest and most impressive of these being the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron. All of the monasteries are still inhabited by several monks and are open to visitors to experience the mystical and serene atmosphere, which encompasses them.

Meteora

Kalambaka is known as the gateway to the Meteora, which holds the most uniquely-situated monasteries. Before reaching them, explore the pretty village of Kastraki, which is located at the foot of gigantic rocks that were once at the bottom of the sea during the Palaeolithic period, and are now famous for one of Greece’s most admired sites today – the breath-taking Meteora Monasteries. Dramatically situated on the top of gigantic rocks, the monasteries were built centuries ago by the hermits and monks who searched for isolation. The monks climbed higher and higher up the mountains, to find peace and be closer to God, until they reached the pinnacles of the rocks, where they built their monasteries. This unique geological phenomenon is a UNESCO heritage site and was even used as a film location for the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”. During this excursion, you visit two of the monasteries to see the byzantine frescoes, the religious treasures in their museum and to take some of the most unforgettable photos. End your sightseeing at your hotel in Thessaloniki (8 hours, driver and guide)

Note: The choice of three monasteries to be visited depends on the day of the week, as not all are open to visitors every day.

Pella & Vergina

This morning drive through the plain of Central Macedonia, known as the “Garden of Greece”, to Pella, the second ancient capital of ancient Macedonia. Famous for its unique mosaic pebble floors and ceramics, Pella has an outdoor site and a brand-new archaeological museum where the finds of the area are superbly exhibited. You are then driven to Vergina, also known as ancient Aegae, the first ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, home to the UNESCO Royal Tombs and the amazingly preserved gold and silver treasures of Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) and the young Prince. The Royal Tombs of Vergina are considered as the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century in Greece, compared only to the Mycenean Tombs’ treasures found in the 19th century. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. (8 hours, driver and guide)

Thessaloniki

Explore the vibrant city of Thessaloniki today during a full-day excursion. Greece’s second largest city is guaranteed to thrill lovers of history, being so rich in ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish heritage sites. Begin with a drive to the top of the city to see the Byzantine Acropolis. After exploring this UNESCO monument, continue to the nearby Vlatades Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site). You then head to the colourful centre, which is laced with historic sites from the Byzantine walls of the Upper Town to the imposing Rotunda (UNESCO World Heritage Site). See the impressive Arch of Galerius, celebrating victory over the Persians in 279AD standing by the ruins of Galerius Palace. Visit the UNESCO monument of St Demetrios, and see the main Aristotle Square, and the Roman Forum before heading to Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece (2,918 metres / 9,573 feet). Known in mythology as the residence of the Greek Gods, it is celebrated locally for being Greece’s richest national park. Visit the newly excavated archaeological site of Dion, which was the ancient sacred town of the Macedonian kingdom where the Gods were worshipped and where the Olympic Games of Northern Greece were celebrated each year. Stroll through the lush green park of Dion to see the ruins of the ancient town and visit the museum which houses the archaeological finds (10 hours, driver and guide)

Thessaloniki -Crete

Today you are privately transferred to Thessaloniki airport for your flight to Crete.

Crete is an island of rugged mountains, crystal blue water, ancient treasures and beautiful beaches. Known as the cradle of Minoan civilization, Crete has a distinguished and amazing history dating back as early as 2000 B.C. The northern coast has been significantly developed while the mountainous interior is still wild and quite remote.  It is also possible to move around the island by taking the frequent ferries, which skirt the coasts between small villages that are otherwise quite removed from civilization. Crete is also known for its long beaches, the perfect place for lounging and soaking up the sun. For history enthusiasts, there is plenty of interest inland: exquisitely frescoed country chapels from the 14th and 15th centuries, ruined Minoan palaces and towns, as well as great hiking opportunities.

Upon arrival in Crete, you are privately transferred for a tour of Heraklion

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion that includes the most important Minoan artefacts. Founded in 1908, the site originally housed the first collections of Cretan antiquities before an enrichment of culture reserves became part of the museum, the collection spanning seven thousand years. You will also visit the Palace of Knossos, which belonged to King Minos and was the centre of the Minoan civilization. Evidence has been unearthed of mosaic floors, the grand staircase and the throne complex.  After your sightseeing tour, you are privately transferred to your hotel (8 hours, Driver and Guide).

Crete

Today, you will travel you through scenic countryside to discover the island’s

farming and culinary traditions. Visits will include an estate producing olive oil, a local winery, and a rustic, family run eatery. Our first stop, is an ecological prototype farm cultivated by 6th generation owners that promotes the traditional way of organic olive oil production – the olive oil is stone milled and cold pressed. We will be guided around their premises and have an olive oil tasting. Continuing our exploration through a verdant landscape with orange and olive groves, we will visit a quaint winery, the realization of a lifelong dream of a Greek-American owner, who was born and raised in this small village. Escorted by an expert, you will navigate around the grounds and then taste their excellent wines. Driving along the foothills of the White Mountains, you will enjoy a delicious Cretan meal, at a family run tavern in a lovely setting before the return journey to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Crete

Enjoy a day at your leisure: wander the streets of Chania or spend a day at the beach

Day 13

Crete

Your trip comes to an end today as you are privately transferred to Chania airport.

The perfect addition to this itinerary would be a few nights on one of the Greek islands: Paros, Naxos or Santorini.