Grand Tour of Greece

Day 1 - Arrival in Athens

Upon your arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be met by our assistant who will arrange for your transfer to the hotel. Once you have checked in and freshened up, you will have the rest of the afternoon free at leisure.

We recommend taking a stroll around the city to get a first impression of the Greek metropolis.

Day 2 - Panoramic tour of Athens and Acropolis

After your breakfast, we will start the tour around the sites of Athens. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop).

Continue and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (Old Royal Palace) guarded by the Evzones in their colourful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).

On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts the mind in order", the Parthenon.

Continue and visit the place where the statues found their home and admire the classical era’s wonders: The Acropolis Museum.

The evening is free. We recommend taking a tour to enjoy the beautiful sunset in Cape Sounion. Overnight in Athens

Day 3 - Athens, Mycenae,  Epidaurus and Olympia

Depart from Athens and travel to the Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. It is a man-made marvel of engineering and a great spot for a short stop to admire the views and take some pictures.

We continue our journey to Epidaurus, known for its ancient theatre, one of the best-preserved theatres of the classical world, and renowned for its excellent acoustics. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the theatre and its significance in ancient Greece.

Next, we will make a short stop in Nafplion, a charming seaside town known for its Venetian architecture, narrow streets and charming squares. After Nafplion, we will head to Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Greece. Visit the Citadel, where the palace and the tomb of Agamemnon can be found.

Our final destination for the day is Olympia, across the Peloponnese. Known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia offers a wealth of history and culture. Arrive for dinner and overnight, to be ready to explore more of the ancient city the next day.

Day 4 - Olympia and Delphi

In the morning visit the Archaeological Site with the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Town of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi. (Dinner and overnight).

Day 5 - Delphi, Kalambaka and Meteora

This morning we will visit the Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi. Learn about the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and see masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture. After the visit, we will depart for Kalambaka, a small town at the foot of the Meteora. The Meteora is an awe-inspiring natural wonder, unique in the world and a monument of Byzantine era. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka

Day 6 - Meteora and Thessaloniki

This morning we will visit Meteora. Perched on top of towering rocks, the Monasteries of Meteora offer a unique glimpse into the religious history of Greece and are also home to exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. After the visit, we will depart from Kalambaka and drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, where you will have the opportunity to admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology.

We will then continue to Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. Thessaloniki is an important cultural center and has a rich history, with many ancient and modern landmarks to explore. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki

Day 7 - Thessaloniki city tour

This morning, we will visit Thessaloniki, a city steeped in history and culture. Known as the "co-reigning" city of the Byzantine Empire, Thessaloniki is home to some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world. We will visit these unique monuments and explore the city's glorious Byzantine past, including the Museum of Byzantine Culture, which was awarded the Council of Europe's Museum Prize in 2005.

After the tour, the rest of the day will be free for you to explore the city at your leisure. The lively center of Thessaloniki offers plenty of opportunities to shop, dine and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 8 - Thessaloniki, Edessa, Naoussa, Vergina, Veria

Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town's famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle's School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colourful market area. A walk in a city where past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki. (Dinner and overnight)

Day 9 - Thessaloniki, Pella, Dion and Athens

Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon. Overnight in Athens.

Day 10 - Departure Day

Depending on your flight time you will transferred to Athens airport for your returning flight