Follow in Socrates’ footsteps and explore more than three millennia of history as your expert guide takes you on a tour of Old Athens. Begin your morning with a visit to the Parthenon and ancient Acropolis, built to honour Athena, the city’s sacred patron and goddess of wisdom and warfare. On the way to the Parthenon, enjoy a scenic drive with stops at the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis Museum, the Royal Palace, Hadrian’s Arch and the Agora – the athletic, artistic, political and spiritual centre of ancient Athens.
Visit the site of the very first modern Olympics, which took place in 1896, before taking a few hours in the afternoon to continue your urban explorations or siesta in comfort back at your hotel. Head to a local restaurant for dinner, where you’ll be served an authentic Greek meal, matched with wine and an intriguing folklore show.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before beginning the trip to Corinth, the famous birthplace of Hellenic black-figure pottery. You’ll be met by a local expert and guided through the mysteries of the ancient Mycenae kingdom, including the ruins of Agamemnon’s Palace, fabled to be constructed in part by the cyclops themselves, and the adjoining tholos tombs. You’ll also get a chance to see the Lion Gate, the largest remaining piece of Aegean prehistoric sculpture in the world.
Step into the past, where history meets mythology, with a visit to ancient Epidaurus. Visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius, built to honour the Greek god of medicine, whose famous serpentine staff is still seen around the world today, and the ancient amphitheatre, an enduring masterpiece of Greek architecture.
Continue your odyssey to Nemea, now proudly lion-free, where you’ll enjoy a wine-tasting session at a local winery. Let your tastebuds introduce you to Greek wine culture before heading to picturesque Nafplion, on the coast of the gleaming Argolic Gulf, where you’ll check into your accommodation and have a moment to relax before heading to dinner.
Explore medieval Nafplion, the shining jewel of the Peloponnese, and be guided through its history by your expert guide. Your tour will then continue with a drive through the harmonious wilderness of the Arcadians, so cherished by the Renaissance masters, and onwards toward Olympia. This sacred town, dedicated to Zeus and host to the original Olympic Games, is a treasure trove that can’t be missed.
Head to a local family-run olive farm and vineyard where you’ll be met with the oldest and warmest Greek hospitality. Enjoy a relaxed feast of freshly prepared, locally sourced recipes, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
After breakfast, join your tour guide and get ready to delve into the rich history that defines Olympia. Visit the original Olympic site and take the opportunity to wander through the twin temples of Hera, goddess of marriage and childbirth, and her husband Zeus, king of the gods.
Take in the incredible coastline views as you travel toward Patras, the regional capital of Western Greece, before heading inland towards immortal Delphi, where you’ll have the evening free to explore.
Ancient Delphi, known to the ancients as the ‘Navel of the Earth’, was considered the spiritual centre of ancient Greece. It was the home to Pythia, history’s most prestigious oracle, one of the most important and powerful women of the classical world. Delphi was visited by dignitaries and emissaries from across the world – follow in their footsteps as you explore the magnificent ruins of the Temple of Apollo, where statues of athletes still stand in his honour. Move onwards to Thermopylae, famously the battlefield where 300 Spartans held their ground (for a moment) against the might of Persia, before crossing through the Pouramaki Pass to the charming town of Kalabaka, where you will enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.
Today, you’ll have a chance to explore the ethereal, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Meteora monasteries. This miraculous landscape of monasteries seemingly suspended in the air among striking rock formations is an incredible highlight of the tour and must be seen to be believed. Visit a selection of Eastern Orthodox monasteries with your guide before taking the scenic drive back towards Athens.
Savour your final evening with a farewell dinner at a traditional Greek taverna, accompanied by good wine, great food and new friends.
After breakfast, your journey through ancient and modern Greece comes to an end. Check out of your hotel at 11am and, if you’re feeling up for it, explore Athens a little more before taking your complimentary airport transfer, available all day, back to Athens Airport (ATH).