Highlights of Greece
Location: Greece
Highlights
- Knowledgable local guides take the hassle out of navigating Athens. Head straight for the most incredible ancient sites, such as the Acropolis and Epidaurus
- Experience a different side of Greece by staying in the medieval village of Dimitsana, a gorgeous 7th-century township set atop two hills and a gorge
- Visit all the legendary theatres of the very first Olympic Games – the stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, temples and hippodrome
- Meteora makes for one of Greece's most extraordinary scenes. With magical monasteries built on a series of ancient rock pinnacles, this sight must be seen to be believed
- Discover the many flavours of Greek cuisine. There's nothing quite like dining on rich and hearty moussaka or grilled lamb and tzatziki in a traditional taverna
- Stop at the village of Galaxidi or Nafpaktos for a visit to a traditional family-owned bakery offering pastries, stuffed with cheese, spinach, chicken or potato, and the famous sesame round bread. Chat to the owner and get updated on the latest gossip.
- Meet a local monk at Prodromos monastery who will be sharing a coffee or Greek delight with you.
Trip Overview
If time is short, here’s a curated selection of the best parts of Greece. From the world-famous Acropolis in Athens to Greece’s first capital, the pretty seaside village of Nafplion, you’ll feel the Greek spirit is very much alive.
-
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Your journey begins in Athens, Greece's bustling capital. An arrival transfer is included in the price of this trip, please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking. There is a lot to do and see here in one of the world's oldest cities, so you may wish to arrive a few days early. The Archaeological Museum of Athens is highly recommended. There are no activities planned for today, other than an important welcome meeting. This is usually at around 6 pm, but check the hotel reception and noticeboards for the exact time and place. In this meeting, your trip leader will give you a briefing on what lies ahead. Afterwards, you will head out for dinner with the group.Day 2: Athens - Epidaurus - Nafplion
Today you will visit two of Athens' most impressive sites. The first is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in all of Greece. Then it's on to the famous Acropolis, one of the western world's most important historical structures. Your guided tour will start with an ascent to the top of this sacred rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, you will encounter the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. The Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion are also impressive. In the afternoon you will drive to the Peloponnese, where your first stop is ancient Epidaurus (Epidavros), the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world. The highlight of Epidaurus is the 3rd-century theatre, one of Greece's best-preserved classical structures. The theatre has incredible acoustics and is still used today for major performances. Afterwards, continue to the delightful seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio), the original Greek capital. In your free time you might choose to explore one of the town's three fortresses or perhaps wander through the narrow winding streets, filled with Venetian houses and neoclassical architecture, and stop at the centre of the old town – Syntagma (Constitution) Square. The seaside promenade is lined with a multitude of lively cafes and restaurants.Day 3: Mycenae - Dimitsana
Today you will explore the ruins of Mycenae which, during the second millennium BC, was a powerful military stronghold and a major centre of Greek civilization. It is perhaps the most famous town from ancient Greece, immortalised by the likes of Homer and Pausanias. Your guide will take you to explore the site including the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus (a self-supporting domed tomb). Surrounded by mountains, sea and an expansive countryside of olive and orange groves, the site offers wonderful views. Next is the charming medieval village of Dimitsana where you will spend the night at our feature stay. Dimitsana's charm lies in its idyllic location, set amidst magical mountains.Day 4: Lousios Valley - Andritsena - Olympia
Bid farewell to Dimitsana and travel east on the Peloponnese and into the spectacular Lousios Valley, one of the most scenic places in the central Arcadia region. Discover the incredible working monastery of Prodromos. Hidden deep in the valley, away from the threat of intruders, this wood and clay structure was built precariously into a rock face. The local monks will show you around on a tour of their home, and offer you a coffee or the local specialty, the Greek delight. Upon entering the chapel, confront the splendid 14th-century frescoes decorating the rock walls. You will also visit the 10th-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou, the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio' which was run by monks during Ottoman rule to teach Greek children their own language and religion. Continue to Andritsena to visit the unique Temple of Vasses – Greece's most isolated temple. Built between 400 and 420 BC on the site of an Archaic temple, the temple stands at a height of 1,130 metres on Mt Kotilio and combines all three architectural styles: Doric, Ionian and Corinthian. The temple is one of the best preserved monuments of the ancient classical world and is today protected by a giant tent. After your visit, drive on to Olympia where you will spend the night.Day 5: Ancient Olympia - Delphi
This morning you will explore the archaeological site of ancient Olympia, a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings and was the site of the first Olympic Games. Over the centuries, and both during times of war and peace, the games were held every four years without exception. Even during periods of battle, the ancient games were bound by a sacred truce that required city states to cease fighting and travel to Olympia to compete. On your guided tour you will see all the major sites including the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school (palaestra), priest houses (theokoleon), Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. After the tour, enjoy some free time to visit the museum which houses the impressive marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and sculptured head of Hera. This afternoon you will board your minibus and drive to the town of Delphi, which is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus in the picturesque Phocis Valley. On the way stop off in the village of Galaxidi or Nafpaktos for a visit to a traditional family-owned bakery offering pastries, stuffed with cheese, spinach, chicken or potato, and the famous sesame round bread. Chat to the owner and get updated on the latest gossip. Upon arrival in Delphi settle into your hotel, then enjoy some free time to wander through the town's lively main street.Day 6: Delphi - Kalambaka
After breakfast this morning you will visit the fascinating Sanctuary of Apollo in ancient Delphi, home to the Delphi Oracle. The setting amidst the surrounding mountains adds to the site's mythical beauty. Legend has it that Zeus released two eagles from different ends of the world, and Delphi was where they came together. Zeus threw the Sacred Stone at this same point, making Delphi the centre of the world. Your guide will lead you through the complex so you can explore the Temple of Apollo, the most important building of the site and the place were statues and offerings to the gods were housed and where cult rituals took place. You will also see the Sanctuary of Athena, the 4th century BC theatre and the well-preserved stadium during your visit. There will be free time after the tour to visit the Delphi Museum. Later in the afternoon, board your minibus and drive north to the town of Kalambaka in the centre of the country. This evening you can choose to have dinner at the hotel or perhaps take a short walk into town to dine in one of the local tavernas.Day 7: Meteora - Athens
After breakfast you will travel into the hills to see the monasteries of Meteora, one of Greece's most extraordinary sites. Settlement of the area dates back to the 11th century when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora. As the monasteries attracted many writers, painters, poets and philosophers, it has been said that they were responsible for keeping Hellenic traditions, culture and religion alive, which may otherwise have been lost during Ottoman rule. On your visit to Meteora, you will visit two of the monasteries, one of which will be the Moni Varlaam (Varlaam Monastery) with its fine examples of late Byzantine frescoes. This afternoon you will drive back to your starting point in Athens and spend the last night of your trip there.Day 8: Athens
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast in Athens. We are happy to book additional accommodation for those wishing to see more of the city, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking. Alternatively you may want to consider joining our 'Greek Island Odyssey' – an adventure taking in the Aegean islands. Gallery
Trip Dates
Start date - End date Trip Status Price 27/AUG/2017 - 03/SEP/2017 FS DG AU$3335
(single supplement $650)10/SEP/2017 - 17/SEP/2017 FS DG AU$3305
(single supplement $650)17/SEP/2017 - 24/SEP/2017 FS DG AU$3305
(single supplement $650)06/MAY/2018 - 13/MAY/2018 FS AU$3090
(single supplement $600)13/MAY/2018 - 20/MAY/2018 FS AU$3090
(single supplement $600)20/MAY/2018 - 27/MAY/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)27/MAY/2018 - 03/JUN/2018 FS AU$3090
(single supplement $600)03/JUN/2018 - 10/JUN/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)10/JUN/2018 - 17/JUN/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)17/JUN/2018 - 24/JUN/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)19/AUG/2018 - 26/AUG/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)26/AUG/2018 - 02/SEP/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)02/SEP/2018 - 09/SEP/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)09/SEP/2018 - 16/SEP/2018 FS AU$3090
(single supplement $600)16/SEP/2018 - 23/SEP/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)23/SEP/2018 - 30/SEP/2018 FS AU$2970
(single supplement $600)
Social Share
Trip Map
