Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Journeys: Discover Greece. Step back in time on a journey to Greece, where iconic ruins bring ancient history to life. Explore the awe-inspiring monuments of Athens and the stunning Cyclades islands; and run and jump in the footsteps of ancient Greek athletes at the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Then venture to the olive-covered hills and rugged coasts of the Peloponnese, where some of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey played out; and savor the delightfully fresh flavors of Greek cuisine.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
EGANG
Itinerary
Arrive at any time.
Accommodation:
Ilisia Hotel Athens
Included Experiences
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to our guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.
Accommodation:
Ilisia Hotel Athens
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Ancient Athens Tour with an Archaeologist: Embark on a guided tour of the Acropolis — one of the world's most important and impressive ancient sites. A local archaeologist serves as your guide to discover the architectural wonders of ancient Athens. Stop at the Parthenon, a Greek temple built for the Goddess Athena in 447 BC. After, continue to the former marketplace of old Athens, the Ancient Agora, which was built in the first century BC.
- Tour of Shedia Home and a Beverage: Take time to relax at Shedia Home, a non-profit cafe providing purpose and employment to over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness in Athens. You'll enjoy a drink while one of Shedia's guides recounts the recent history of Greece's financial crisis which has made initiatives like Shedia even more important for those who have found themselves without work and shelter. Your stop here supports their programs - including the cafe, art program, and magazine - all dedicated to supporting the community.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free evening in Athens.
Take free time to explore Athens on your own, or choose to visit the National Garden. Afterward, journey to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancients.
Accommodation:
Amalia Hotel Delphi
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Head out and explore this ancient city.
- Delphi Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief orientation walk with your Expedition Leader, then enjoy a free evening in the ancient city of Delphi.
Optional Experiences
- National Garden Visit: Take a stroll through the National Garden, located in the heart of Athens. Commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838, these former Royal Gardens are home to thousands of trees and plant species. Discover partial ruins and busts of notable Greek figures as you wind through beautiful shaded pathways and relive the splendour of ancient Greece.
Explore mystical Delphi on a guided tour, then continue discovering the ruins on your own and visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to admire the many artifacts discovered at the site. Travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. Wind your way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and channel your inner champion as you discover this remarkable site, where ancient Greek athletes would gather every four years to compete in a series of sporting events honoring Zeus.
Accommodation:
Olympic Village Hotel Olympia
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Guided Tour of Ancient Delphi: Visit the ancient city of Delphi, at the base of Mount Parnassos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes ancient buildings like treasuries, a stadium, a gymnasium, an altar, hippodrome and the Temple of Apollo.
- Visit to Delphi Archaeological Museum: Spend some time at the Delphi Archaeological Museum, one of the most visited collections of ancient Greek sculpture and art. See the marble Sphinx of Naxos, the 6th-century ‘twins of Argos’ and the famous bronze Charioteer, a life-size statue which celebrates victory in the Pythian Games of approx. 475 BC.
Browse the Olympia Museum this morning with your guide, then travel to Náfplio, a charming port town and the first capital of modern Greece. In Náfplio, lose yourself in the winding lanes of the old town, and take in glimpses of the sapphire-hued Aegean Sea from the hilltops.
Accommodation:
Zakros Hotel Tolon
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Guided Visit to Olympia Archaeological Site and Museum: Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, lies in a lush valley filled with symbolic ruins and captivating landscapes. Wander through the ancient olive groves to see remains of the Temple of Hera (today the starting point of the Olympic torch relay), the Temple of Zeus (a model for the development of Doric architecture) and the great Stadium of Olympia. Visit the nearby Archaeological Museum, whose collection spans over 3,500 years of Greek history. Here, find sculptures depicting Hermes and the Infant Dionysus, Zeus and Ganymede, and Nike of Paionios.
Embark on an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary king Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of the ruins, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate—one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. Return to Náfplio and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Opt to climb up to the Akronafplia fortress, or hit the beach.
Accommodation:
Zakros Hotel Tolon
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Guided Tour of Mycenae: Visit the famous Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological site with spectacular ruins and a treasury. Once a major settlement of Greek civilization, Mycenae was occupied during the Neolithic period around 4000 BC, and is linked to the mythology in Homer’s epics the Iliad and the Odyssey.
- Free Time: Explore the seaside town of Náfplio with some free time this evening.
Optional Experiences
- Acronafplia Fortress Visit: Climb to the top of the Akronofplia fortress tower to enjoy the phenomenal view from the top that looks back over the bay to Argos and out into the Saronic Gulf.
Drive back to Athens, stopping en route at the ancient site of Epidaurus and the ruins of Corinth, where the Christian apostle Paul is said to have visited in the first century A.D. From Athens, board a ferry to the Cyclades islands. Relax on board, enjoying sparkling views of the sea, and disembark at Náxos, the largest island in the archipelago.
Accommodation:
Naxos Palace Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Visit to Epidavros: Visit Epidavros, highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. The site houses a huge, well-preserved theatre famous for its incredible acoustics, as well as the remains of an important medical sanctuary.
- Ancient Corinth Ruins: Stop by the Ancient Corinth Ruins, a major centre of Greek antiquity. With its location on the coast, the city of Corinth gained immense wealth from trading goods and services, which led to the construction of Acrocorinth (the acropolis on the hill) and a wall that surrounded the ancient city.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
The Cyclades are known around the word for their dazzling white villages and golden beaches. On Naxos, while away your time exploring the storybook old town; opt to walk to the emblematic Temple of Apollo, overlooking the sea; or stretch out on a sandy beach.
Accommodation:
Naxos Palace Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Náxos Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief orientation walk with your Expedition Leader.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free day to explore this stunning gem in the Cyclades.
Optional Experiences
- Portara (Temple of Apollo): Built around 530 BC, the Portara towers over the busy harbour, and is the best place to watch the sunset in Naxos. Made of marble columns that weigh up to 20 tonnes each, the Portara serves as the "doorway" to the island's unfinished Temple of Apollo. From the mainland, walk across a paved path to reach this scenic lookout over the Aegean Sea.
- Beach Time in Naxos: Explore the beautiful beaches of Naxos - there's no shortage of them across the island! Sparkling blue waters, pristine sandy beaches, and unforgettable sun-kissed weather make "beach hopping" an activity you can't miss, whether you opt to relax on the beach or spend an active day by the sea.
- Local Village Visit: Spend some time exploring traditional villages around the island. Wander through alleyways that wind their way up the hillside, and across quaint town squares with incredible views of the region's famous whitewashed houses (with much fewer crowds than Santorini). Observe the strong Venetian influence in Naxian architecture, as seen in local windmills and churches.
Catch a ferry to postcard-perfect Santorini. Get to know this much-photographed isle at your own pace, discovering candy-colored doorways and sugar-cube buildings; and take in a spectacular sunset from the village of Oía. Savor the taste of local produce—marked by the island’s volcanic soil—or unwind at the beach.
Accommodation:
Santorini Palace
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Upon checking into our hotel, enjoy some free time.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Optional Experiences
- Museum of Prehistoric Thera: Located in the island's capital, Fira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera invites visitors to travel through time across the Cyclades islands. Learn about the region's geology and ancient settlements through the ceramics, frescoes and incredible objects on display, including a gold ibex figurine from the 17th century BC.
This morning, sail Santorini’s breathtaking sunken caldera, and learn about the volcanic origins of the surrounding crescent-shaped ring of islands. Later, enjoy free time to explore Santorini.
Accommodation:
Santorini Palace
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Santorini Volcanic Sailing Excursion and Hot Springs: Board a boat for an excursion around the bays of Santorini, taking in the beauty of the coast in all its splendour. On this half-day cruise, you’ll have lots of time to relax on deck, hike to the top of a volcano (if you so choose), and take a dip in the thermal waters of Palea Kameni island.
- Free Time: There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
Optional Experiences
- Volcano Tour: Explore the shape of the crater ring on a volcano tour. The crater has constantly changed over the last 3000 years, with several parts of the crater wall collapsing into the sea. Remarkably, the island has always been resettled due to the rich volcanic soil's fertile properties. The wines, tomatoes and cucumbers from this island are super tasty due to the soil composition and low rainfall.
- Akrotiri Ancient Ruins Visit: Rumoured to be the inspiration for Plato's Atlantis, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri are one of the most-visited attractions in Santorini for a reason. Buried under lava for centuries, many of the site's buildings, roads and structures present visitors an intimate look into Minoan culture from 1,650 B.C.
Fly back to Athens for an adventure in Greek cookery. Head out with a local expert to a teaching kitchen and learn how to craft mezze, a platter of appetizers commonly served in southeast Europe and the Middle East. Wash down these tasty snacks with a glass of ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and cheer our journey with your best “opa!”
Accommodation:
Ilisia Hotel Athens
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Athens Culinary Mezze Experience: Go on a culinary journey in Athens with a local chef. Learn how to make authentic Greek mezze (sharing dishes) such as dolmades (rice-stuffed vine leaves), imam baildi (stuffed eggplants), and spanakopita (spinach pies). You'll also create a carrot tzatziki — a twist on the classic yogurt dip — to accompany the dishes and finish off the class with the sweet treat of portokalopita (orange phyllo cake). Sit down with your fellow "chefs" to indulge in your delicious creations for dinner and toast with a shot of ouzo.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Explore the ancient temples of the Acropolis.
- Discover the Mycenae citadel on the mythical Peloponnese peninsula.
- Cruise to Náxos and Santorini.
- Explore white-washed towns and golden-sand beaches.
- Learn how to put together a platter of mezze with a local expert.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ancient Athens Tour with an Archaeologist, Athens
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Athens Culinary Mezze Experience, Athens
- Your G for Good Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and a Beverage, Athens
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- Guided visit of Acropolis and Parthenon
- Guided tour of Ancient Delphi
- Delphi Archaeological Museum visit
- Olympia Archaeological Site and Museum visit
- Guided tour of Mycenae
- Epidaurus and Ancient Corinth Ruins visit
- Santorini Sailing Excursion
- Orientation walks in Athens, Delphi and Náxos
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Ferry, private vehicle, plane, walking
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides
- Hotels – 11 nts
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your Expedition Leader to organize one for you with reception.
- 11 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way.
With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travelers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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