This tour has been initiated by Peter Prontzos, who has led about 10 tours to Greece with Vancouver's Langara College, a long-time partner in providing fun and educational travel experiences around the world. Langara ended its travel programs when Covid hit, and now Adventures Abroad is pleased to open this trip up to all-comers, far and wide. While learning is always an important element in all of our tours, the approach here is informal with no pre-scheduled lectures -- and no tests! Rather this is an immersive, experiential, visually stunning, and fun exploration of some of Greece's most iconic sites on the Peloponnese Peninsula, Athens, and the island of Santorini. (It also includes a stay in Peter's beautiful village, Kyparissi, on the Aegean Sea!)
Note: Some itinerary modifications may be required and the order of our visits and nights will be altered as a result. The content of the tour, however, will remain the same. Once finalized a new itinerary will be available.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
As this is a customized one-time offering (as per the tour overview above), some of the inclusions/exclusions listed under "Trip Info" will vary from our usual policies pertaining to meals & tipping.
Optional Single Supplement: $840 USD (number of singles limited).
Download Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Athens
Today we arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and the historical capital of Europe. The city has a long history dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age; in the 5th Century BC, the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Athens Sightseeing
Today 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 (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 notorious traffic.
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 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 at 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. From here 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.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3 Athens: Archaealogical Museum - Nafplio & the Palamidi
This morning, still in Athens, we'll visit the National Archaealogical Museum before departing by road for Delphi. This museum is an unrivalled treasure house of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean and classical Greek art. One of the most interesting sections is the Mycenaean hall with all of Schliemann's gold finds from Mycenae. The museum contains the world's finest collection of antiquities and treasures from all over the ancient Greek world, spanning some 7,000 years.
Our journey continues to Nafplio, the capital of the Argolid prefecture and the former capital of the Greek state (from 1828 to 1834, before this role passed to Athens). Nafplio is one of the loveliest towns in all Greece; the old city with its neoclassic houses, picturesque streets, wooden balconies with cascading flowers, Turkish fountains, Constitution (Syntagma) Square with its fascinating mosques and outdoor café tables, are all very charming.
Upon arrival in Nafplio we'll visit the immense 17th century Venetian fortress (the Palamidi) that sits atop the mountain dominating the city. It was first fortified by the Venetians during the second Venetian occupation of the area (1686-1715). It is a typical baroque fortress, based on the plans of the engineers Giaxich and Lasalle. In 1715 it was captured by the Turks and remained under their control until 1822 when it was liberated by the Greeks.
Overnight in Nafplio.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4 Naflplio: Mycenae & Epidaurus
Today's excursion takes us to Mycenae, a citadel occupying the triangular summit of a low hill between two gorges. The Mycenaeans excelled in this style of building using large, un-worked stones. These massive fortifications were begun in the 14th century, followed by fortifications at Tiryns and Dendra, Argos and Athens, as well as a host of subsidiary forts and eventually, a huge wall across the Corinthian isthmus. The famous Lion Gate, and similar constructions at Gla and Tiryns, were built around 1,250 B.C.
Later we travel to Epidaurus, a sanctuary of Asklepios, the God of Medicine. The sanctuaries of Asklepios, the healer god, were as much sanatoria, health farms or spas, as places of worship. This was the most prestigious centre of the cult in the Classical period and received a galaxy of splendid buildings spanning the whole of the 4th century BC. We'll tour the site, including, of course, the famous theatre constructed in the late 4th century BC. It is considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics; indeed performances in this spectacular setting continue to this day.
Return to Nafplio for overnight.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5 Nafplio - Kyparissi
Today we travel by bus to the traditional village of Kyparissi.
Kyparissi is a beautiful village of about 400 people, which lies on the east coast of the Peloponnese. The Parnonas Mountains tower above it on three sides and sandy beaches face the clear blue sea. Founded during the Bronze Age about 3,500 years ago Kyparissi ("Cypress tree") has few tourists, but does have fine restaurants, several tavernas, lots of sun, and places to hike and swim and explore. It's a great place to unwind and experience the real Greece.
Overnight in Kyparissi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6 Kyparissi: Day at Leisure
Free day for easy hikes and walks, suntanning, swimming, exploring...
Overnight in Kyparissi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7 Kyparissi & Monemvasia
Today we head southward toward Cape Maleas, an isolated peninsula located off the east coast of the Peloponnese. This home to a stunningly set town often called the Gibraltar of the East: Monemvasia. Accessible only by a long causeway, the town is an enormous and ancient fortress.
We will have time to stroll through this wonderfully-located ancient town, which reflects influences of the Byzantine, Frankish, and Ottoman presence. Famous for Malvasia wines -- Malvasia being the Italian pronunciation of the town's name -- and olive oil, Monemvasia also has some excellent museums and churches. We will have a half-day walking tour of Monemvasia and some free time here in the afternoon.
Overnight in Kyparissi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8 Kyparissi - Diros Caves - Pylos
Today we travel by bus to Pylos; en route we make a stop at the Diros Caves, which form part of an underground river. About 5000 meters have been exposed and are accessible by small boats and through narrow passageways. One is surrounded by formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Archaeological research has shown that the caves served as places of worship in Paleolithic and Neolithic times and their inhabitants believed that the caves were the entrance to the underworld.
We continue to Pylos, historically also known under its Italian name, Navarino.
Overnight in Pylos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9 Pylos: Palace of Nestor & Boat Ride
Pylos is the main harbour on the Bay of Navarino and has a long history, having been inhabited since Neolithic times. It was a significant kingdom in Mycenaean Greece. Nearby are the remains of the so-called "Palace of Nestor" excavated nearby, named after the king of Pylos in Homer's Iliad.
We'll visit the palace and museum and then enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Navarino Bay.
Overnight in Pylos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10 Pylos - Olympia - Train to Kalavryta
Today our journey continues by road to the ancient site of Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games. We will spend some time visiting the extensive ruins, with its monument Temple of the Olympian Zeus, included in the enumeration of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the museum that outlines the history of these games that first started here in the 776 BC.
Later today we travel via the Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway, a historic 750 mm (2 ft 5 1/2 in) gauge rack railway.
Overnight in Kalavryta.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11 Kalavryta Touring - Train to Delphi
In Kalavryta we visit the church of Agia Lavra, built in 961 AD on Chelmos Mountain at an altitude of 961 meters. It was built in the 10th century but was burnt to the ground in 1585 by the Turks. It was rebuilt in 1600 while the frescoes by Anthimos were completed in 1645. It was burnt again in 1715 and in 1826 by the armies of Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt. In 1850 after the rebirth of modern Greece, the building was completely rebuilt. It is famously linked with the Greek War of Independence, since it was here that the call for Eleftheria I Thanatos was first heard ("Freedom or Death") on 25 March 1821, launching the revolution against the Ottoman Empire.
We also visit a memorial to the Massacre of Kalavryta, or the Holocaust of Kalavryta, which refers to the extermination of the male population and the total destruction of the town of Kalavryta by Nazi occupying forces during World War II on 13 December 1943. It is the most serious case of war crimes committed during the Axis occupation of Greece during World War II.
We continue by train to Delphi, one of most impressive archaeological sites in Greece.
Overnight in Delphi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Delphi Touring
This morning we visit the site of Delphi, a place full of energy and the place where heaven and earth met. Here lies the Sanctuary of Apollo, where Oracle Pythia was talking to the God, asking for his wisdom on behalf of the numerous visitors seeking celestial help. The Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Athena Pronaia, the Castalian Spring, the Gymnasium and the Ancient Theatre may be seen on our visit.
A visit to the Archeological Museum of Delphi gives us the chance to see up close the famous bronze Charioteer of Delphi, Eniochos, the actual stone marking the Centre of the Ancient World and a vast array of statues and artifacts.
Overnight in Delphi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Delphi - Athens - Fly to Santorini: Akrotiri
This morning we travel to the domestic airport of Athens in time to connect to our flight to the island of Santorini.
Visually, Santorini is the most spectacular of the Cycladic islands. With its brilliant flooded caldera, high cliffs and charming villages, it is the Greek Isle of everyone's dreams. The BBC named Santorini the most beautiful island in the world!
On arrival we begin with a visit to Akrotiri, where excavations have revealed a complete prehistoric Minoan city with squares, streets and two-storey houses which contained marvellous frescoes. The buildings date to the late 16th century BC. No skeletons or treasures have been found in Akrotiri, so historians think that the inhabitants were forewarned of the eruption and were able to escape. The excavations have yielded evidence that has revolutionized our knowledge of the Late Bronze Age.
After our tour we check-in to our hotel.
Overnight on Santorini.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 14 Santorini: Island Touring
This morning we visit the Archaealogical Museum in Fira before travelling to the charming cliff-side village of Oia. But first we'll enjoy a relaxing sightseeing boat cruise in the caldera. The views from sea level are stunning; wind-permitting, our vessel may stop at the island in the centre of the caldera where you can take a short hike in this stupendous volcanic setting.
We return to land and travel by road to Oia. Every turn is yet another photograph, and one can explore the many narrow walkways and enjoy the views over town and sea. There are also plenty of places where one can enjoy a snack, a drink perhaps, with incredible vistas.
After our farewell dinner we return to our hotel.
Overnight on Santorini.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 Departure
Departure from Santorini.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event that flight schedules require an extra night in Athens (ie at an airport area hotel), we can quote/book these extra services as needed.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Hotel breakfast daily & two dinners (which varies from our general inclusions pertaining included meals as described elsewhere on this website).
Full-time tour leadership and local step-on guides at several locations.
All transport (including internal flight from Athens to Santorini one way), accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book their air AND extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Lunches and most dinners (as per tour itinerary), personal items (drinks, laundry, etc), and excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Tips/gratuities for your Tour Leader, local guides, porters drivers etc are not included.
Travel insurance.
Seasonality and Weather
Our spring date is set to avoid the busier and expensive high summer high season (July/August) during which sites can be overcrowded. Our timing also avoids the extreme summer heat often associated with this time. As Greece does not experience the extreme humidity of the tropics, this is not a concern at any time.
May is a gorgeous time in terms of the landscape, which after winter rains is lush and green and festooned with wildflowers. The sea is swim-able but still a bit chilly, and showers, though unlikely, are still possible. Another nice thing about springtime in Greece is the local people are well-rested after a long winter and especially delighted to see us!
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport (city & island tours, port transfers) by private air-conditioned coaches, minibuses and vans, depending on group size (see 'group size'). Locally we may make short hops using multiple local taxis.
Porter service is rarely available; you MUST be independent with your luggage.
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip, mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Our accommodation choices reflect the charm and spectacular views of for which Greece is known. Large chain hotels are rare outside of Athens, so most hotels are smaller, often family-run establishments. Our mid-range rated (international 3-star standard) island properties feature private bath, air-conditioning, wifi, and in-house breakfast.
Staff and Support
Full-time Tour Host, Peter Prontzos of Langara College; local step-on local guides in various locations.
Peter Prontzos’ passion for Greece started very early on in life; he started studying Greece when his parents sent him to Greek school as a child. The first time he visited Greece for educational purposes was when he co-taught a Classical Studies class. It was a great opportunity to give his students an in-depth introduction to the land of his ancestors: the history, culture, politics, and philosophy. His enthusiasm for Greece and travelling have led him to his current role.
"Travelling with a group allows you to share experiences with like minded people, while providing more opportunities for activities and to visit wonderful places efficiently and affordably."
Peter’s guided tour will reveal Greek life in addition to the historic sites. His personal connection to Greece, especially to the village of Kyparissi, offers access a casual traveller wouldn’t have.
Group Size
Maximum 16-18 plus Tour Escort
Regions visited: Western Europe
Countries visited: Greece
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Tourcode: CLPS
