Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
GC2 Max Group Size
18 Start
Athens (ATH) End
Athens (ATH) Overnight In
Athens, Sparta, Nafplio, Delphi, Olympia, Kalambaka When To Go
May Activity Level
2 - Moderate? Tour Type
Cultural? - Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Ancient Mycenae's golden treasures behind the legendary Lion Gate
- Epidaurus's perfectly preserved theatre where whispered words carry to the highest seats
- Olympia's sacred stadium where the Olympic flame first burned for Zeus
- Delphi's mystical oracle sanctuary clinging to Mount Parnassus
- Meteora's extraordinary monasteries balanced impossibly atop sandstone pillars
- Athens's crown jewel Acropolis with the marble perfection of the Parthenon.
- Singles friendly (view options for single travellers)
Description
From the marble steps of the Acropolis to the windswept peaks of Meteora, this journey through mainland Greece traces the footsteps of gods, heroes, and philosophers. Beginning in Athens where golden sunlight illuminates 5th-century temples, the route winds through the Peloponnese to legendary Mycenae with its imposing Lion Gate, then to the healing sanctuary of Epidaurus where ancient theatres still echo with drama. The path continues to Byzantine Mystra's clifftop fortress-city and Olympia's sacred stadium where the first Olympic flames burned. From Apollo's mystical oracle at Delphi, perched high on Mount Parnassus slopes, to the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora suspended between earth and sky, each destination reveals layers of myth and history. This literary journey through classical Greece culminates in a deeper understanding of the civilisation that gave birth to democracy, philosophy, and the enduring human spirit.
Price Includes
- Full-time Tour Leader services plus local guide support at several locations
- Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily
- All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters
- Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) air taxes, and excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
Spring departures offer Greece at its most enchanting, with mild temperatures perfect for extensive site exploration and landscapes awakened in emerald green dotted with wildflowers. This season provides ideal conditions for walking through archaeological sites without summer's intense heat, while crowds remain manageable and the Mediterranean light beautifully illuminates ancient marble. Occasional spring showers are brief and refresh the countryside, creating perfect conditions for photography and outdoor exploration. The comfortable climate allows for full enjoyment of both extensive walking tours and leisurely taverna dining, making spring the perfect time to experience Greece's outdoor treasures and cultural sites in optimal comfort. - Transport and Travel Conditions:
Travel throughout Greece utilises comfortable, air-conditioned coaches on excellent roads with scenic mountain and coastal routes. This culturally immersive tour involves considerable walking through ancient archaeological sites, some covering extensive areas with uneven stone surfaces, stairs, and hillside paths. The historic towns feature traditional cobblestone streets and slopes typical of Mediterranean hillside communities.
Monastery visits require modest dress and some climbing. While no strenuous hiking is involved, participants should be comfortable with several hours of walking daily across varied terrain.
The rewarding experience of exploring these legendary sites firsthand, from marble temple steps to clifftop fortresses, makes every step worthwhile for those eager to walk through living history.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Accommodation:
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3-4 star) throughout. Porter service is usually available on the mainland (see 'Inclusions'). Single rooms are limited in number and likely smaller than twins. - Staff and Support:
Tour Leader throughout, driver (s), local step-on local guides in various locales. - Group Size:
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)
View / Print Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in AthensThis vibrant metropolis pulses with 5,000 years of history, from its Neolithic origins to its golden age when Athenian values shaped Western civilization. In 1834, Athens became the capital of modern Greece, transforming into an attractive metropolis that seamlessly blends archaeological treasures with contemporary European energy.
Tonight we gather with fellow travellers for our first evening meal, beginning our shared journey through the cradle of democracy and philosophy.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Athens - Mycenae & Epidaurus - Nafplio (Nauplia)This morning we board our coach toward Mycenae, where massive stone fortifications crown a triangular hilltop between two dramatic gorges. Here stood the most powerful kingdom in Greece for 400 years (1600-1200 BC), its rulers building with enormous unworked stones in a style that awed even the ancient Greeks.
We enter through the famous Lion Gate, constructed in the 13th century BC, and explore the Great Court where legend claims Agamemnon met his tragic end. The Mycenaeans' mastery of this cyclopean architecture influenced fortifications across the ancient world.
Next we travel to Epidaurus, sanctuary of Asklepios, the healing god. These ancient "health farms" combined medicine with worship, drawing pilgrims seeking cures from across the Mediterranean. This prestigious centre flourished in the Classical period, receiving splendid 4th-century BC buildings. Epidaurus gained prominence when Athens adopted the cult in 420 BC, with tragedian Sophocles serving as its priest.
We then continue toward the charming seaside town of Nafplio.
Overnight in Nafplio
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 3:Naflplio - Mystra - SpartaThis morning we explore charming Nafplio's seaside character before embarking on a dramatic winding mountain drive toward Sparta.
We visit Sparta's unique Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, highlighting the culture and technology that remains inextricably linked with Greek and Mediterranean identity. Located in the heart of Laconia, one of Greece's premier olive-producing regions, this museum celebrates the liquid gold that has sustained civilizations for millennia.
We then continue to Mystra, an impregnable fortress built by Guillaume de Villehardouin in 1249. When Byzantines reclaimed the Morea from the Franks, Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus made Mystra his capital, drawing refugees from the surrounding plains seeking protection from invading Slavs.
During the despots' rule, while the Byzantine empire crumbled elsewhere, Mystra experienced a remarkable renaissance. The city thrived under Venetian rule with 40,000 inhabitants and a flourishing silk industry, only to face repeated destruction by Russians (1770), Albanians (1780), and Ibrahim Pasha (1825). Since the 1950s, extensive restoration has revealed its former glory.
Back in Sparta, those interested may visit the archaeological remains of ancient Sparta, including the 2nd-century BC theatre - the site's most discernible ruin.
Overnight in Sparta
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 4:Sparta - Olympia: Site TourToday we travel to Olympia, arriving in the early afternoon for an extraordinary encounter with antiquity's greatest sporting spectacle.
After lunch we tour ancient Olympia, where rival Greek states laid down their weapons and gathered in sacred peace to honour the gods through athletic competition. The Temple of Zeus once dominated this complex, housing the 13-metre (43-foot) gold and ivory statue considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
We explore the Stadium where ancient athletes competed, and the Temple of Hera - the site's most intact structure and oldest building. Originally dedicated to both Zeus and Hera, this temple evolved from wood to stone construction, its mud-brick walls supporting a traditional tiled roof.
The Olympic Games represented the most prestigious athletic event in Greece, held in conjunction with festivals honouring Olympian Zeus. Three heralds announced dates to all Greek states, declaring universal truces that suspended hostilities. These sacred competitions ended in AD 393 when Emperor Theodosius banned all pagan festivals, with the temples destroyed in AD 426.
Overnight in Olympia
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 5:Olympia - Delphi TouringWe drive across the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge en route to Delphi, arriving in the early afternoon for a guided tour of this spectacular archaeological site and its excellent museum.
Nestled dramatically on Mount Parnassus's slopes, Delphi was far more than a geographical location to ancient Greeks - it was the "navel of the world." Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth, and their convergence here symbolized Delphi's central cosmic importance.
Initially revered by deities like Earth goddess Gaia, Themis (justice), Demeter (agriculture), and Poseidon (sea), this sacred site eventually became synonymous with Apollo after he slayed the serpent Python who guarded the oracle. This marked a shift toward reason, order, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Delphic Oracle wielded enormous influence throughout the Greek world. Here, the Pythia delivered prophetic pronouncements believed inspired by Apollo himself. These enigmatic utterances influenced political decisions, personal choices, and even colonial foundations.
Beyond prophecy, Delphi hosted the Pythian Games, a Pan-Hellenic festival predating the Olympics that celebrated athletic prowess and artistic expression, fostering unity among competing city-states.
Overnight in Delphi
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 6:Delphi - Kalambaka & the Monasteries of MeteoraToday we drive across central Greece's fertile plains, witnessing a landscape that testifies to the region's agricultural bounty. As we journey northward, rolling hills give way to increasingly rugged terrain, culminating in the awe-inspiring sight of Meteora's monolithic rock formations rising dramatically from the plain.
Later this afternoon, we embark on a panoramic drive around these "Rocks of the Air," marvelling at the sheer audacity of medieval monks who chose to build their monasteries atop these precarious peaks. The afternoon light casts golden hues across this extraordinary landscape, creating magical photographic opportunities that capture one of Greece's most breathtaking sights.
PLEASE NOTE: Depending on timing and logistical considerations, we may accomplish some monastery visits today and tomorrow morning. Your Tour Leader will advise in advance. Men must wear long trousers for monastery visits, while women must wear long wraps or skirts - available for purchase at sites for just a few euros.
Overnight in Kalambaka
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 7:The Monasteries of Meteora - AthensToday we delve deeper into Meteora's mystique. This extraordinary complex, second only to Mount Athos in Eastern Orthodox importance, represents human ingenuity and unwavering faith. Perched precariously atop towering sandstone pillars, these monasteries offer breathtaking spectacles against the Thessalian plain's backdrop.
Due to periodic closures, we explore monasteries not visited yesterday, allowing nuanced understanding of this unique monastic community. We wander through ancient cloisters, admire Byzantine frescoes, and perhaps glimpse monks who continue inhabiting these sacred spaces.
Later, we journey toward Athens, stopping at Thermopylae - a site forever etched in Greek legend and history. Here, at this narrow mountain pass, King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their heroic last stand against Xerxes' overwhelming Persian army in 480 BC. This poignant stop serves as a powerful reminder of courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering human spirit of resistance.
This historic battlefield, where "the few" faced "the many," represents one of history's most celebrated examples of valor against impossible odds, inspiring generations with its message of duty and honour.
Overnight in Athens
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 8:Athens: City TouringToday we enjoy a guided tour of Athens, the heart and soul of Greece.* A large part of the town's historic centre has been converted into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone (one of the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites, reconstructing -- to a large degree -- the ancient landscape, thus allowing us to avoid the city's horrendous traffic. As such, much/most of our tour today will be conducted ON FOOT at a leisurely pace.
We start at the Acropolis (with hopes to beat the heat/crowds), near the site of the Dionysos Theatre. Constructed in the 6th century BC, it is one of the world's oldest theatres and the place where the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed. We will also see a more recent theatre, the Odeon of Herod Atticus from the second century AD, which is still used for concerts and performances.
Ascending to the top of the Acropolis, we will see magnificent buildings dating from the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Athens. On the highest point on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, often considered the finest monument to Greek civilization. The temple was dedicated to Athena "Parthenos," the virgin and patron goddess of the city.
After our Acropolis tour, we'll descend by foot and enter the Ancient Agora located adjacent to the Plaka, the old town of Athens. Among the numerous sights in this archaeological park are the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos and the landmark Roman era Tower of the Winds.
Our guided tour ends with a guided visit of the Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece; nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres. After our tour you are free to wander and explore on your own or make your way back to the hotel with your Tour Leader's assistance.
* The exact order of our sightseeing in Athens may be altered by your Tour Leader depending on several variables and their judgement on how best to run today's tour. Please note that our time in Athens may be managed by a local guide (not an AA Tour Leader) for groups of 6 or less.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 9:DepartureDeparture from Athens.
KALO TAXIDI/BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: Europe, Eastern Europe and Western Europe
Countries Visited: Greece
Countries Visited: Greece
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.7
Extend Your Trip
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
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Book your unforgettable adventure today! For any questions or advice, don't hesitate to contact us.
Have questions?
1-800-665-3998
- Final payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
- Deposit: A non-refundable $500 CAD Deposit is required at booking, covering the 'Land Only' cost, including all internal flights (taxes listed separately)
- Optional Single Supplement: $990 CAD (number of singles limited).
(View options forsingle travellers) - Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 CAD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)
Choose your departure date:
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").