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Soak up the best of Greece, from Athens to Delphi and Olympia

Much like a fine baklava, modern day Greece is layered with history so rich and complex that the only way to do it justice is to see it for yourself. Explore the country with a local leader and learn how the spectacular hanging monasteries of Meteora protected modern Hellenic culture from invading Turks, then trace a path through tumble-down ruins in Delphi. Visit the site of the world’s first Olympics, stop in at pretty seaside villages in Nafplion, and discover the secrets behind Greek honey and ouzo, all on this whirlwind adventure.

Start
Athens, Greece
Finish
Athens, Greece
Destination
Greece
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZVPG
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Step back in time as you travel with your local leader to the Athens Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Prodromos monastery, where you’ll enjoy a coffee with a local monk during a Premium Exclusive Experience.

  • Be amazed by the magical monasteries and ancient rock pinnacles of Meteora and learn about the natural and cultural history of one of Greece's most extraordinary sights.

  • Experience the romantic side of Greece when you stay in a gorgeous and traditionally decorated stone mansion in the medieval village of Dimitsana – your Feature Stay for this trip.

  • Visit the legendary theatres of the very first Olympic Games – the stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, temples and hippodrome.

  • Get an insider’s look at Greek produce during an Exclusive Experience. Visit a family of beekeepers in Itea to learn about the craft and taste honey fresh from the hive.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Pickpocketing can be an issue in Athens, especially on public transport. If you keep your valuables concealed and secure while travelling on the metro or bus, you should have no problems.

  • Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, so you will need to be able to cope with the heat if you're visiting during the warmer months. Please consider the time of year and your suitability to visiting during that season.

Timios Prodromos Monastery overlooking the valleys of Arcadia
Academy of Athens, Greece
Greece, Athens, Acropolis Parthenon, Group
ZVPG - Acropolis historic site in Athens, Greece
Greece Feature Stay: Guesthouse en Dimitsani, hotel stone exterior
Greece Feature Stay: Guesthouse en Dimitsani, standard room with fireplace
Greece Feature Stay: Guesthouse en Dimitsani, hotel restaurant
dimitsana_hillside-village
Greece, Delphi, Ruins, Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
delphi_stone_carving

Itinerary
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Welcome to Greece! Your journey begins in Athens, Greece's storied capital. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel where you will meet your tour leader and group for a 6pm welcome meeting. 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 to allow time for exploration. The Archaeological Museum of Athens is highly recommended. After your meeting, head out for an included dinner with the group at one of Athen’s marvellous restaurants. Your leader will introduce you to some traditional Greek fare that’s a real treat for the taste buds, and perhaps you’d like to toast the beginning of the adventure with a glass of raki or ouzo.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Electra Athens or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where and when the meeting will take place. The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Today you’ll get to know ancient Athens during visits to two of the city’s most famous sites. Your tour leader will bring history to life as you visit 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. Meet with an expert local guide who will provide profound insight into the history and legacy of the civilisations who lived in this ancient citadel. Start with an ascent to the top via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, encounter the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Later in the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka, nestled at the base of the striking Meteora Mountains. This evening you can choose to have dinner at the hotel or perhaps take a short walk into town and dine at one of the local tavernas.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Grand Meteora or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Athens - Visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

After breakfast, travel into the hills for a walk through the incredible monasteries of Meteora. The ancient stone buildings, which sit precariously on soaring cliffs, make these mountains one of Greece's most extraordinary natural and cultural sites – there’s truly nowhere else in the world like it. Settlement of the area dates back to the 11th century, when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora. Begin your hike at the nearby Kastraki village, see the ruins of the Pantokrator monastery, cross a lush forest and walk through the huge rocks of Meteora with your leader by your side to guide you and answer questions on the awe-inspiring landscape and the history behind it. You will have the opportunity to visit a number of the monasteries, one of which will be the Moni Varlaam (Varlaam Monastery) with its fine examples of late Byzantine frescoes. Return to Kalambaka in the afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Grand Meteora or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Meteora - Hike & Monastery Visits with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Delphi. On arrival visit the fascinating Sanctuary of Apollo in Ancient Delphi, home to the Delphi Oracle. Your leader will tell you that legend has it that Zeus released two eagles from different ends of the world, and Delphi was where they came together. Zeus then threw a Sacred Stone at this same point, making Delphi the centre of the world. Walk through the complex and explore the Temple of Apollo, the most important building of the site. This is where 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 also be time to visit the Delphi Museum if you wish. Continue to your overnight stop in the small coastal town of Itea.
Accommodation
  • Nafsika Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delphi - Oracle, Temple of Apollo & Sanctuary of Athena
  • Delphi - Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

This morning, visit a family of local beekeepers to learn about honey production, see the beehives and of course taste some of the delicious local honey. Next, drive on to the archaeological site of ancient Olympia. Stop en-route at the village of Galaxidi or Nafpaktos for a visit to a traditional family-owned bakery offering stuffed pastries and famous sesame round bread. Chat to the owner and get a glimpse at local life. Olympia is a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings, and was the site of the first Olympic Games. Your leader will show you the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. Continue to the enchanting medieval village of Dimitsana, home to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights. Sitting pretty at the base of the Arcadian mountains is the gloriously romantic stone guesthouse of En Dimitsani. Traditionally decorated rooms delight with modern comforts, cosy fireplaces and panoramic balconies. Settle in for an evening in lodgings just as gorgeous as their idyllic surroundings.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse En Dimitsani (Feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Olympia - Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Itea - Beekeeping Experience & Honey Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5.5 hours.

Today join your leader for an exploration of the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and the spectacular Lousios Valley. Walk deep into the valley to the incredible working monastery of Prodromos. This wood and clay structure, which has stellar views over the valley below, was built precariously into a rock face. Gain a special look into the lives of the local monks as they show you around on a tour of their home and offer you a coffee or the local specialty, the Greek delight. See the splendid 14th-century frescoes decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. Further along on the hike, visit the tenth-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou. Learn how this monastery was 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. Later on, visit the medieval villages of Stemnitsa, Karitena and Andritsena. Return to Dimitsana.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse En Dimitsani (Feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike
  • Central Arcadia - Prodromos Monastery Visit with Coffee & Greek Delight
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance and time is approximately seven kilometres (3 hours). Please note that the roads in Central Arcadia are very windy. You might want to consider taking medication if you are prone to motion sickness.

This morning drive to the delightful seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio), the original Greek capital. Stop in for a tasting of Greece’s most celebrated drink – Ouzo. A taste of this anise-infused alcohol will take you straight to the heart of Greek culture. Chat to the experts and learn how Greece’s national drink is made. Enjoy some time to take in Nafplion’s charms. Perhaps explore one of the town's three fortresses, or head to the seaside promenade – lined with lively cafes and restaurants, this is a great place to watch local life unfold. Of course, your friendly leader will be on hand to offer suggestions. Later, continue to ancient Epidaurus (Epidavros), the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world. The highlight of Epidaurus is the third-century theatre, one of Greece's best-preserved classical structures. The theatre has incredible acoustics and is still used today for major performances. Return to Athens in the afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Electra Athens or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Epidaurus - Guided Tour
  • Nafplion - Ouzo Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Your journey comes to an end in Athens after breakfast. 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. 
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you haven't had enough of Greece you may choose to join our connecting 'Premium Greece Cyclades Islands' – an adventure taking in the lesser known gems of the Aegean Sea.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (5 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Athens - Visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • Meteora - Hike & Monastery Visits with Local Guide
  • Delphi - Oracle, Temple of Apollo & Sanctuary of Athena
  • Delphi - Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Olympia - Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
  • Itea - Beekeeping Experience & Honey Tasting
  • Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike
  • Central Arcadia - Prodromos Monastery Visit with Coffee & Greek Delight
  • Epidaurus - Guided Tour
  • Nafplion - Ouzo Tasting

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Greece trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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