Greece Undiscovered

Ancient civilizations dating back to 2700 BC, Greece has lured the most curious of travellers for centuries. Your Insight host meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel where you have time to settle in. Begin your time on Greece Undiscovered joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a delightful evening of Greek favourites and wine. (D) Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis or New or Athens Marriott

Sites so iconic they will leave you spellbound, starting with the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. View the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Zeus, Parliament building, the tomb of the unknown soldier and the trilogy of Athens.

This evening, choose to join an optional dinner experience in lively Psiri. (B)

Embark north from Athens to the mountain pass and battle site of Thermopylae. Learn how at this very spot King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his Spartans as you pay homage.

Your next stop is the archaeological park of Ancient Dion, located at the foot of Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the 12 Greek Gods illuminated by your Local Expert. Hear the insightful stories and myths of this fascinating site also known as the city of Zeus.

This afternoon's destination is Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city. After settling in, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with northern Greek cuisine. (B/D) Stay: MonAsty, Thessaloniki

From ancient archaeological sites to contemporary art exhibitions, the port city of Thessaloniki is yours to discover today with Insight Choice. Explore with a Local Expert, walking the quaint narrow streets of the old town or “Ano Poli” to take in views of the city below. Spot the landmark White Tower, the Rotunda Monument and the beautiful church of Saint Demetrius.

Alternatively, indulge your foodie side with your Travel Director, sampling local delicacies along the way. On your walking tour of the city's markets, taste treats such sesame rings, fragrant cheeses, cured meats and the famous bougatsa - a creamy custard and filo pastry dessert. Conclude your excursion with the stroll along the harbour, enveloped in a sea breeze and views of the White Tower. (B)

Full of curiosities, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vergina – historically known as Aigai – is a treasure trove of important remains including a monumental palace and burial ground with more than 300 tumuli. Your Local Expert reveals the excavations and the tomb where Alexander the Great's father Philippos is believed to be buried.

Continue your discovery at the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, where you can peruse artefacts of the life, culture and history of the Kingdom of Macedonia. Culinary delights await as you visit the traditional mountain town of Metsovo, famous for its cheese and grilled meats as well as stone architecture. Stroll at your leisure and perhaps sample some of the local fare before arriving at your hotel in the lakeside town of Ioannina for dinner. (B/D) Stay: Du Lac, Ioannina

The town of Ioannina will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. Delve into its history as you walk within the castle walls of the old fortified city, the Kastro, punctuated with ancient towers. From striking architecture to natural beauty, admire the stunning Lake Pamvotis before hopping on a local boat to cruise to the Island of Ioannina. This car-free escape invites you to stroll along quiet streets, visit the Ali Pasha Museum, and explore the Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Philanthropinoi. Savour the good life and perhaps treat yourself to freshly made baklava. (B)

The Summer version of this tour will overnight in Galaxidi. The site of the Great Sea battle of Lepanto, scenery and history are revealed on your visit to the Venetian town of Nafpaktos.

Begin your discovery exploring the sights and insights where the 1571 Battle of Lepanto in the bay of Nafpaktou marked the victory of the Spanish Empire and their European allies against the Ottoman Empire. The Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes even fought in the battle and lost the use of his left hand. Nafpaktos Port, once used to defend the city, is now home to gorgeous private yachts. Admire the yachts, an old lighthouse and two statues depicting the Greek national hero Anemogiannis and Cervantes. 

Continue your travels to Galaxidi, your home for the next two nights, where you'll unwind sampling local dishes at a seaside restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Ganimede or Epavlis Boutique Galaxidi or Nostos

No visit to Greece is complete without a trip to Delphi. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi, once lined with offertory temples, with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still intact after thousands of years. Approach the Temple of Apollo where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her ‘words,' rumoured to have predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. (B)

With the impressive Rio–Antirio bridge—one of the longest in Europe—guiding your journey, travel into the heart of the Peloponnese. In Nemea, enjoy a light lunch and sample the region's renowned wines during a guided tasting. Continue to a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an organic beekeeping facility, where you'll meet a local family dedicated to pollinator conservation and sustainable honey production.

Arrive in Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, where your Travel Director introduces you to the elegant charm of the Old Town. Stroll past neoclassical facades draped in bougainvillea, through lively squares and narrow laneways, before catching sight of the hilltop Palamidi fortress, bathed in golden light as day turns to dusk. (B/L) Stay: Ippoliti or 3Sixty or Castellano

Classical Greek culture is revealed on your visit to the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Gain insight into these ruins of the two of the greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilisation, which helped shape classical Greek culture and are closely linked to Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls.

Continue your exploration of the ancient world visiting the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in Greece. Built in the 4th century BC, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus was once a sacred healing centre, attracting visitors seeking treatment from resident priests. Today, the theatre is best known for its excellent acoustics due to the steps' “acoustic traps” and is still in use for live performances.

Before returning to Nafplion, stop at a local olive oil grove to learn about the olive oil-making process and enjoy a tasting of extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet. (B)

Rich in history and natural beauty, Crete lives up to its name, “the island of the gods.” Travel to Athens crossing the mighty engineering feat, the Corinth Canal, for your flight to Crete, your home for the next four nights.

In Heraklion, enjoy an orientation walking tour viewing sites such as the ‘Koules' fortress, Venetian Loggia, Morosini Fountain, Basilica of St Mark, Churcof Agios Titus, the medieval Monastery of St Catherine and the Cathedral of Agios Minas. You've surely worked up an appetite and Cretan cuisine is traditionally considered some of the best in Greece.

This evening, sample local dishes accompanied by the “fiery” local drink, raki. (B/D) Stay: Megaron, Heraklion

Ancient ruins, sea, sand and sun, the island of Crete has lured historians and travellers just like you. Get up close and personal exploring the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the largest of the surviving Minoan palaces. Cited as the birthplace of the first civilisation of Europe - the Minoans - you'll uncover ancient treasures including the Central Court, Throne Room, Grand Staircase and fresco of the ‘Prince of the Lilies.' Perhaps imagine the Cretan legend of the Minotaur who lived in the Labyrinth and was slain by Theseus.

Further your discovery of Crete's rich history with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, accompanied by a Local Expert. Gain deeper insight into the island's culture and heritage as you view remarkable artifacts from Knossos, astounded by the intricate details preserved for thousands of years. (B)

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Greece and one of the most beautiful towns in Crete, Rethymno will enchant even the most curious of travellers. Take a walking tour of the city. Follow a cobbled alleyway lined with bougainvillea to a charming cafe and step through a stone arch to a courtyard dotted with olive trees. View the 16th-century Venetian fortress overlooking the town. While the fort was penetrated on the 22nd day of the Turkish siege, you can still admire the bastions, ramparts and underground munitions vaults.

Conclude your visit with a look at the quaint lighthouse before arriving in Chania for the night. (B) Stay: Samaria, Chania

A fusion of Venetian and Ottoman archaeology, delve into the history of the town of Chania with your Local Expert. Visit the most important monuments of the old town and the Ottoman district of Splantzia. Stroll through bustling Splantzia Square with a bohemian vibe evident in the local cafes and shops and view the Church of Agios Nikolaos in the current Plateia 1821. Then explore the Jewish district, home to the famous Etz Hayyim synagogue, the only surviving and functioning in Crete. Stroll along the beautiful harbour and perhaps stop at the one of the many cafes on the quayside for a well-earned rest.

This afternoon, you have the option for a dramatic finish to your tour with a cruise along the Cretan coast (summer departures only). This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner in a traditional Cretan restaurant. (B/D)

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Chania airport for your onward flight. (B)