Mainland Greece Discovery
Dig beneath the surface of history with this in-depth trio of mainland Greece
Get lost in bustling cities filled with ancient treasures on this eight-day adventure through mainland Greece. Take a guided tour through the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries are built on top of sandstone rock pillars and taste different types of olives, oils and tapenade on your way to Delphi Valley. Walk to the top of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Acropolis, visit NAOMI, an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training, and unwind in the evening with a sip of ouzo and traditional dishes.
4.9
154 reviewsStart: Athens, Greece
End: Athens, Greece
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Discover ancient ruins in Athens, including the Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site of an ancient citadel with the iconic Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
- Visit the home of the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo. Take a guided tour through the archeological sites, see numerous monuments, temples and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and learn about the myths and stories of the region.
- Climb the stairs to the top of Meteora and discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 14th-century monasteries are perched on a series of ancient rock pinnacles.
- Indulge in the many flavours of Greek cuisine like moussaka (layered eggplant or potato, meat and a creamy sauce) or grilled lamb and tzatziki during dinner at a traditional taverna as Rembetika music floats around you.
- See some of the best sites Greece with curated activities and plenty of free time. Maybe visit the Panathinaiko Stadium that housed the first Olympic games in Athens or walk along the waterfront to the White Tower in Thessaloniki.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Athens – the capital of Greece, named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena. If you arrive early, wander through the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, visit the National Archaeological Museum or explore the Panathinaiko Stadium that housed the first Olympic games in 1896. After your meeting, maybe head out for dinner and get to know your new travel companions.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
- Athens - Dora Stratou - EUR20
- Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140
- Athens - Acropolis Museum - EUR30
- Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio - EUR55
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 the meeting will take place.
This morning, visit Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site of an ancient citadel with the iconic Parthenon Temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Start with an ascent to the top of this rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, see the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world and UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon board a train to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. This city especially comes alive in the evening, so make sure you hunt down the perfect gyros or some live music.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
- Athens - Acropolis Local Guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning is free for you to explore Thessaloniki at your own pace. Maybe walk along the waterfront to the White Tower, visit the Byzantine churches or see Ottoman sites and Roman ruins – if you’d like someone to show you the way, maybe join an Urban Adventure. Later, visit NAOMI – an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training and learn about the amazing work and the challenges they are faced with today. Thessaloniki is known as the gastronomic capital of Greece due to its distinct flavours, so tonight maybe wander through the town and try some local dishes like trigona panoramatos (custard-filled pastries) or moussaka (layered eggplant or potato, meat and a creamy sauce).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Thessaloniki - NAOMI Ecumenical Workshop for Refugees visit
- Thessaloniki - Museum of Byzantine Culture - EUR8
- Thessaloniki - White tower of Thessaloniki - EUR6
- Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki water boats to beach - EUR7
- Thessaloniki - Visit Historical & Cultural Monuments of Thessaloniki with public Bus "Cultural" Route No 50 - EUR2
Board a train and travel to Kalambaka this morning. When you arrive, set off on a short orientation walk of the town where your local leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area around Kalambaka and Meteora at your own pace. Maybe explore a private collection showcasing Greek history and culture at the Museum of Hellenic Culture or hike the trails around Meteora for panoramic views. Tonight, maybe head to a taverna for dinner and stroll the main square for a taste of Thessalian life.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Meteora - Natural history Museum of Meteora - EUR6
- Meteora sunset tour - EUR35
- Meteora - Digital centre of Meteora Projection - EUR3
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning, visit Meteora – a region in Greece known for its towering rock formations and the 24 14th-century monasteries built atop them. Climb the stairs to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries and discover the ruins that to be supplied by rope and pulley systems – one even features the skulls of the first founders! Take in the panoramic views of multi-colour streaked rock, bright green forest and the pale terracotta of the monastery roofs against the Grecian sky before heading back to town for the night. As you walk, look for hawks as they drift on the valley thermals looking for prey. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Meteora - Monastery Visits with Local Guide
A strict dress code applies when entering any of the monasteries. No bare shoulders or knees are permitted, and women must wear skirts. It’s possible to borrow a long skirt at the door if you don't have one.
Please also note that today will involve a fair bit of walking with many steep stairs, so it is recommended you wear comfortable shoes.
After breakfast, travel to Delphi. Along the way, stop for a tasting of different types of olives, oil and tapenade which are produced locally. Sit down to lunch with views overlooking the Delphi Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, continue to Delphi. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world – legend says that Zeus sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and they crossed paths over Delphi. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the cliffside town before taking a guided tour through the archeological sites and museums. As you walk, learn about the myths and stories of the region and see the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athens including numerous monuments, temples and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury. After, visit the mountain-top stadium, used for the Pythian Games (an Olympic Games precursor) before maybe heading out for dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Delphi - Archaeological Site & Museum guided tour
- Delphi - local lunch & olive oil tasting with a view of Delphi Valley
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today's itinerary will be seasonal. In the cooler months, we'll continue to Delphi directly after lunch and you’ll join a guided tour in Delphi this afternoon. In the hotter summer months, you stop for a swim in the afternoon at the camping site and the guided tour through Delphi's archaeological sites will be in the morning of Day 7 before leaving for Athens.
Travel back to Athens today by bus, arriving in the late afternoon. When you arrive the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the Monastiraki flea market for the perfect souvenir, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus or watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
As there are no further activities, your trip finishes after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in the Greek Capital for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
- Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Athens - Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
- Athens - Taste of Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
Inclusions and activities
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi
Hotel (7 nights)
- Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
- Athens - Acropolis Local Guide
- Thessaloniki - NAOMI Ecumenical Workshop for Refugees visit
- Meteora - Monastery Visits with Local Guide
- Delphi - Archaeological Site & Museum guided tour
- Delphi - local lunch & olive oil tasting with a view of Delphi Valley
- Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
- Athens - Dora Stratou - EUR20
- Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140
- Athens - Acropolis Museum - EUR30
- Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio - EUR55
- Thessaloniki - Museum of Byzantine Culture - EUR8
- Thessaloniki - White tower of Thessaloniki - EUR6
- Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki water boats to beach - EUR7
- Thessaloniki - Visit Historical & Cultural Monuments of Thessaloniki with public Bus "Cultural" Route No 50 - EUR2
- Meteora - Natural history Museum of Meteora - EUR6
- Meteora sunset tour - EUR35
- Meteora - Digital centre of Meteora Projection - EUR3
- Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Athens - Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
- Athens - Taste of Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
This trip generates 31 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Summer temperatures can be extreme in Greece (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
- Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
- On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag at some points. While you won’t be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient, although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
- If you have more time to explore the region, you may like to check out our trip ‘Best of Greece’ (trip code ZMSAC). This trip explores the beautiful Cycladic Islands in addition to the Greek mainland. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Attalos Hotel
29 Athinas Street
Monastiraki
Athens
10554
GREECE
Phone: +30 2103212801
Description
Attalos Hotel is situated in the historic district of Monastiraki in the centre of Athens, ideally located for sightseeing at just 10 minutes walk from Syntagma Square and 100 metres from Monastiraki metro station. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, TV, phone, and are fully equipped with modern facilities. There is a roof top garden and bar that provides a great view of the Acropolis.
Instructions
Metered taxis are readily available at Athens Airport (airport code ATH). Alternatively, you can take metro line 3 to Monastiraki Metro Station. From Piraeus port you can take metro line 1 or 3 to Monastiraki. From there it is a short 2-minute walk to the hotel. Exit the station through the Athinas Street exit. Turn left immediately and walk along Athinas Street for about 200 meters. The hotel will be on your left-hand side. Please note that we have had reports of Travellers being pickpocketed on public transport in Athens. Please be careful with valuables whilst travelling on the metro or the bus.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Athens Airport (ATH): If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, drivers will be waiting for guests at the arrival point in the Airport Arrival Hall (Section A or B), holding an Intrepid sign. In the unlikely event that a guest does not meet their driver at Arrival Hall A or B, they should proceed to the designated area at EXIT 4 (directly opposite the pharmacy), where an assistant will be available to help locate their driver. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +30 694 561 3427
Alternate joining point
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
08 Nov 2025 (ZMSW251108)
Titania Hotel
Panepistimiou 52
Athens
10678
GREECE
Phone: +30 2103326000
Description
The Titania Hotel Athens, member of the H Hotels Collection owned by the Hatzilazarou family, is a landmark destination nestled in the heart of the timeless Greek capital. With its exceptional location between Syntagma and Omonia squares, it offers guests stunning views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, comfortable accommodations, and a warm atmosphere. Ideal for business trips, leisure holidays, conferences, and events, the hotel is just a short distance from the “Panepistimio” and “Omonia” metro stations, making it a perfect base for exploring Athens.
Instructions
If you are making your own way to Hotel Titania from Athens Airport by Metro: Take Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) from Athens Airport toward Egaleo, Get off at Monastiraki Station (approx. 42 minutes). Walk ~10 minutes to Titania Hotel on Panepistimiou Avenue. Alternative: You can also change at Syntagma Station to Line 2 (Red Line) and get off at Panepistimio Station, which is even closer to the hotel. Duration: ~50–55 minutes Cost: ~ €9 Frequency: Every 30 minutes.By Bus: Take Bus X95 from the airport to Syntagma Square, from there, walk (~15 min) or take the metro (Line 2) to Panepistimio Station. Duration: ~1 hour 10–20 minutes, Cost: €6, Frequency: Every 20 minutes. Private Transfer: Cost: ~€45–€62 Perks: Meet & Greet, door-to-door service, fixed price. If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting at the arrival gate holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name. In case you are not able to find the driver, please go to the designated area at EXIT 4, where an assistant will be able to help you. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience delays, please contact the transfer operator directly: +30 2286 800 870, +30 694 561 3427
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. 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. Please speak to your booking agent for further 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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