Meet in Athens. Those on our recommended flight from London will be met and transferred to the Hotel Athenian Callirhoe.  Meet each-other, your local guide, and your trip scholar at dinner at the hotel restaurant this evening.

*Please note, if you book your own flights, we can organise a private transfer for you at an additional cost.

Overnight: Hotel Athenian Callirhoe  or similar  |   Meals:  D

After breakfast, explore Athens, the cradle of civilization. Begin with a direct transfer to the Acropolis for a guided visit to include the Propylae, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Parthenon. Proceed on foot by the Theatre of Dionysos and Dionysiou Aeropagitou street to the Acropolis Museum, renowned as one of Europe’s finest, showcasing discoveries from the area, including the iconic Caryatides. Continue on foot to Plaka for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, cross to view Hadrian’s Arch and proceed to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, concluding the day’s visits. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel Athenian Callirhoe  or similar   |   Meals:  B, L, D

Another day dedicated to Athens. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, Greece’s largest museum showcasing artifacts from across the country and various periods of antiquity, followed by a brief drive to Keramikos for a guided visit. Continue on foot to Thisio, walking along Adrianou Street next to the ancient Agora with stunning views of the Acropolis and the well-preserved temple of Hephaestus.

Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed with a walk to Monastiraki, renowned for its flea market. Bargain for souvenirs, visit the Tower of the Winds, explore Anfiotika, and continue to Plaka. The walking tour concludes near Syntagma Square, where you board the coach for the return drive to the hotel. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in our Athens hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Athenian Callirhoe  or similar   |  Meals:  B, L, D

later start this morning. Embark on a morning panoramic city tour, exploring landmarks like the Academy, National Library, Greek Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guarded by the iconic “Evzones.” Visit the Panathinaikon marble stadium, site of the first modern Olympics, and other significant city monuments. Head south along Athens’ coastal road, passing prestigious suburbs such as Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni. Follow the scenic route along the Saronic Gulf, stopping for lunch at a seaside restaurant in Palea Fokea. Afterward, a 20-minute drive brings us to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of Attica, home to the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Enjoy a guided temple visit before returning to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel Athenian Callirhoe  or similar  |  Meals: B, L, –

Depart Athens this morning and travel to central Greece, passing through the scenic mountain village of Arachova en route to Delphi. Nestled on Mount Parnassos, Delphi boasts panoramic views of the Corinthian Gulf and olive groves. Once considered the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth, Delphi served as a pilgrimage center where visitors sought prophecies from the famed “Pythia.” Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, traverse the Sacred Way, view the Treasury of the Athenians, and visit the temple of Apollo, home to Pythia. Discover the renowned bronze Charioteer statue at the local museum before enjoying lunch at a nearby restaurant. Continuing our drive along the Gulf of Corinth, we pass through Itea and Nafpaktos, cross the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge (Europe’s longest hanging bridge), and circle Patras on our way to the village of Olympia. Check into our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel Europa or similar  |  Meals: B, L, –

Situated on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is a beautiful, green haven and the historic birthplace of the original Olympic Games, inaugurated in 776 BC. Begin with a tour of the Ancient Olympia Complex, exploring remnants like the Temple of Zeus, Palaestra, and Phidias’s Workshop. Afterwards, visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum, one of Greece’s most affluent museums. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a leisurely afternoon back at our hotel. Conclude the day with dinner at our Olympia hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Europa or similar   |  Meals: B, L, D

Today, cross the central Peloponnesian mountains with a journey to the Arcadian mountains leading to the Temple of Apollo at Bassae. Following the visit, proceed towards the Argolic plain, pausing at the village of Fichti for lunch in a local restaurant. A brief drive then brings us to Mycenae, hailed by Homer as “rich in gold,” featuring Cyclopean walls and the famed Lion’s Gate at Agamemnon’s tomb. Conclude the day with a drive to Nafplio and check into our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel Liberty   or similar   |   Meals: B, L, D

After a relaxing breakfast, we will depart for the drive to Epidarus which was one of the most healing centers in antiquity. Today, Epidaurus is known of its best-preserved ancient theatre, where performances still take place during the summer months.

We will then take the road back to Nafplio, stopping at a small local “Ouzo” distillery, to learn all about the Greek aperitif and of course taste some of it. After some rest in our hotel, we will gather again, for an early evening guided walk of the old town of Nafplio, with the narrow cobble-stoned streets, the neo-classical buildings and the sea-front promenade with views to Bourtzi, a tiny fortified islet guarding the entrance of Nafplio’s port. Dinner will be at leisure this evening in one of the many local restaurants.

Following a leisurely breakfast, embark on a journey to Epidaurus, renowned as a prominent healing center in antiquity. Notably, Epidaurus boasts the best-preserved ancient theatre, hosting performances during the summer months.

Return to Nafplio After a rejuvenating break at our hotel, reconvene for an early evening guided stroll through Nafplio’s old town. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets, marvel at neo-classical buildings, and enjoy the seafront promenade with views of Bourtzi, a fortified islet guarding Nafplio’s port entrance. Dinner will be at leisure this evening in one of the many local restaurants.

Overnight: Hotel Liberty   or similar  |   Meals: B, L, –

After breakfast, start the day with a brief drive to the Palamidi Castle, a Venetian fortress perched atop Nafplio, commanding the city. Following a guided visit, proceed to ancient Tyrins, a pivotal center in the Mycenaean world and, according to legend, the site of Hercules’ twelve labors. The day continues with a drive to Loutraki, stopping to marvel at the impressive Corinth Canal and to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in this small resort town. In the afternoon, explore ancient Corinth, a significant city in 400 BC later dismantled by the Romans. Noteworthy for Christians, it holds importance in the New Testament with two letters from St. Paul, who lived and preached here during his second missionary journey. Conclude the day with a return drive to our Nafplio hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel Liberty   or similar   |   Meals: B, L, D

The tour ends after breakfast. Those leaving today will depart for a direct drive to the Athens Airport, will depart early this morning.

For those staying on to add extensions and not departing right away, you may keep your room until 12:00. The hotel will be happy to store baggage and allow you to continue to use the public facilities after check out, if departing later in the day.

We can arrange private airport transfers or extra nights anywhere in Greece for those who would like to extend their stay after the tour ends.

Overnight: –  | Meals: B