Journeys: Discover Mainland Greece
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
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. This Greek temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was built from white marble in 447 BC and takes centre stage in the Acropolis Museum. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to your expert guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of the G Adventures–supported non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.
- 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 Lunch: 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 your lunch 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.
Depart Athens this morning to Kalambaka–home of the famous monasteries of Meteora. Make a short stop to see the bronze statue of King Leonidas, erected in Thermopylae and site of the famous battle with the same name. This afternoon, embark on an unforgettable experience led by a skilled truffle hunter and his loyal dogs. Head into the woods and watch this fascinating process and learn all there is to know about truffles-delicious mushrooms that grow underground. Sample some mushrooms under the shade of centuries-old trees, washing them down with wine then finish up with an early dinner - pasta fittingly prepared with truffles.
- Truffle Hunting Experience with Dogs: Take part in a truffle hunt with a local guide and their trained dogs. You'll follow the dogs as they use their sense of smell to locate truffles buried in the forest; a rewarding experience that connects you with nature and the joy of the hunt. Then, enjoy lunch featuring the famous truffles.
Spend the morning exploring the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Built atop sandstone megaliths that rise 1,200 feet (366 meters) from the valley floor, these monasteries offered refuge from hostile attacks during the waning days of the Byzantine Empire. Venture into chapels and courtyards adorned with beautiful frescoes. Take in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, which-on a clear day, includes views of Mount Olympus. In the afternoon, continue to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks.
- Guided Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour: Set off on foot with a local guide along the paths of the first monks, to visit the striking mountaintop monasteries of Meteora. Walk in the footsteps of monks and enjoy incredible views of the Meteora Valley. Along the way, admire Meteora’s awe-inspiring rock formations, observe all six monasteries from the outside, and step inside two of them to explore their rich heritage. Discover the beauty of Meteora and experience a journey through time in this UNESCO World Heritage site!
Explore mystical Delphi–a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour, then visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with free time to admire the many artifacts unearthed at the site. Later, travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. After arrival in Olympia, head out on an orientation walk then enjoy free time for dinner at your leisure.
- Guided Tour of Delphi Ruins: Located on the slops of Mount Pernassus, this site was considered the centre of the ancient world and was home to the Oracle of Apollo. Explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Theatre, and the Stadium, all of which are set against a breathtaking landscape.
- Orientation Walk Olympia: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Step back into ancient history on a visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Temples of Zeus and Hera, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. After an optional lunch, travel onward to Nafplio for a locally guided walk. Enjoy the highlights of the old town, including the Bourtzi Castle and Palamidi Fortress while sampling local culinary specialties along the waterfront. Complete the day with a gelato from the most famous shop in Greece.
- 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.
- Guided Walking Tour Nafplio: Join a local guide and explore the highlights of Nafplio's Old Town, from its charming alleys to its impressive landmarks. The walking tour offers perfect views of Bourtzi Castle and Palamidi Fortress, giving you a great overview of the city's unique history.
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore on your own before an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary King Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate–one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. After, head to a regional winery for a wine tasting paired with cheese and mezze plates for dinner.
- Free Time: Get out and explore Nafplio with free time this morning.
- 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.
- Wine tasting with cheese and mezze plates: The Nemea wine region is known for its Agiorgitiko grape, a key component in its red wines. Enjoy a tasting along with a mezze plate—a traditional Greek spread of local cheeses, cured meats, and other small dishes. This experience offers a direct taste of the region's culinary and winemaking traditions.
This morning, make a stop at Epidaurus. Visit the first recorded hospital, the Aesklipion, and the still functioning ancient theatre built in the complex with a focus on mental healing. Next, drive north over the Isthmus of Corinth, crossing the famed Corinth Canal as you return to Athens. Set out for an optional farewell dinner and one final evening in Athens.
- Epidaurus: Explore the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios, a UNESCO site and the birthplace of organized medicine. See the ruins of the world's first recorded hospital where ancient Greeks sought cures through a combination of physical and spiritual healing, and then the famous, well-preserved ancient theater, still in use today.
- Corinth Canal Visit: Take a quick break at the Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, connecting the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf in Greece.
Depart at any time
- Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Trip Inclusions
- Hunt for truffles in the forest alongside a local guide.
- Explore the ancient wonders of the Acropolis and Meteora monasteries.
- Savour local wine cheese and mezze on a flavour-packed culinary experience.
- Step into the remains of one of the world’s first hospitals dedicated to holistic healing.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ancient Athens Tour with an Archaeologist, Athens
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Truffle Hunting Experience with Dogs, Kalampáka
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wine tasting with cheese and mezze plates, Neméa
- Your G for Good Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and Lunch, Athens
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- Thermopylae visit at the Leonidas Statue
- Meteora tour
- Delphi guided tour
- Olympia orientation walk
- Olympia guided tour
- Nafplio guided tour
- Mycenae guided tour
- Epidaurus visit
- Corinth Canal visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private Vehicle, Taxi, Walking
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides
- Hotels (8 Nights)
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
The Great Adventurers Club
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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.
