Premium Greece in Depth

Land Tour

16 days

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Premium Greece in Depth
  • About
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 620 per day

Departure: Athens, Greece

Arrival: Santorini, Greece

Adventure

Embark on a 16-day Premium journey exploring very the best of mainland Greece and the Cyclades. Whether it’s tracing a path through ancient ruins in Delphi, visiting secluded monasteries high in the Meteora Valley, or watching as the sun sets over the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, this is a country where the weight of history makes its presence felt. With plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals, savour traditional Aegean cuisine and visit the acclaimed sites, this is a complete adventure into Greece’s sun-kissed heartland.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

About
Meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners.
Transport: Private vehicle, Ferry, Taxi.
Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights), Feature stay (4 nights).
Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant.
Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide.
Athens - Visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Meteora - Hike & Monastery Visits with Local Guide.
Delphi - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide.
Olympia - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide.
Nafpakos - Beekeeping Experience & Honey Tasting.
Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike with Local Guide.
Central Arcadia - Philosophou Monestary Visit.
Central Arcadia - Prodromos Monastery Visit with Coffee & Greek Delight.
Nafplion - Ouzo Tasting.
Mycenae - Archaeological site with guide.
Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant.
Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
Paros - Highlights of Paros Half Day Island Tour with Local Guide.
Naxos - Old Town Walk & Portara Visit.
Naxos - Cooking Class at a Local Home.
Naxos - Eggares Olive Oil Press.
Santorini - Caldera Hike.
Santorini - Winery visit.
Santorini - Mythology and Wine experience.

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your journey begins in Athens, Greece's storied capital. You’ll be collected from the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Then, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to do and see, as you’re in one of the world's oldest cities! Maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens to brush up on some history or go in search of the best souvlaki. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your group at one of Athens’ local restaurants and maybe toast the beginning of the adventure with a glass of raki or ouzo.
Day 2: Athens / Kalambaka
Today, you’ll get to know ancient Athens during visits to two of the city’s most famous sites. First, see the famous Acropolis – one of the Western world’s most important historical structures. Meet with an expert local guide who will provide profound insight into the history and legacy of the civilisations who lived in this ancient citadel. Start with an ascent to the top via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. When inside, you’ll see the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Then, your leader will bring history to life as you visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – the largest temple in all of Greece. Later in the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka, which sits at the base of the Meteora Mountains and when you arrive, have dinner at one of the local tavernas.
Day 3: Meteora / Kalambaka
After breakfast, travel into the hills to the incredible monasteries of Meteora. The ancient stone buildings, which sit precariously on soaring cliffs, make these mountains one of Greece's most extraordinary natural and cultural sites. Meet with a local guise and see the ruins of the Pantokrator Monastery, then carry on to two other monasteries, including Varlaam Monastery. Learn about the history of the area and how settlement dates back to the 11th century, when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora. Then, you’ll head out on a hike through the lush forest and the huge rocks of Meteora with your leader by your side to answer questions on the landscape and the history behind it. You’ll then return to Kalambaka in the afternoon.
Day 4: Delphi / Nafpaktos
Have breakfast before travelling to Delphi this morning. When you arrive, visit the Delphi Museum and walk through the complex with a local guide to explore the Temple of Apollo – the most important building in the site. This is where statues and offerings to the gods were housed and where cult rituals took place. Continue to your overnight stop in Nafpaktos – this small, coastal town sits on glistening waters and is a relaxing place to explore and unwind.
Day 5: Olympia / Dimitsana
This morning, visit a family of local beekeepers to learn about honey production, see the beehives and of course taste some of the delicious local honey. Next, drive on to the archaeological site of ancient Olympia – a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings and was the site of the first Olympic Games. When you arrive, tour leader will show you the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. Visit the local museum with your local guide to brush up on the history and take a break from the heat. Continue to the medieval village of Dimitsana – home to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights, Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel. A stone building, your hotel sits in the middle of town and boasts a terrace, a dining area and a warm atmosphere.
Day 6: Central Arcadia / Dimitsana
Today, join your local guide for an exploration of the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and the spectacular Lousios Valley. Walk deep into the valley to the incredible working monastery of Prodromos. This wood and clay structure has stellar views over the valley below and was built into a rock face. Get a look into the lives of the local monks as they show you around their home and offer you a coffee or the local specialty, the Greek delight. See the splendid 14th-century frescs decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. Then, visit the tenth-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou. Learn how this monastery was the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio', which was run by monks during Ottoman rule to teach Greek children their own language and religion. Later, visit the medieval village of Stemnitsa – known for its silversmiths – and Zigovisti for a traditional lunch before returning to Dimitsana for the afternoon.
Day 7: Mycynae / Nafplion / Athens
This morning, visit the Mycenae archaeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage site, these ruins represent the most important cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. Then, drive to the seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio) – the original Greek capital. Maybe head to one of the town's three fortresses or the seaside promenade. Before heading to Athens, stop for a tasting of Greece’s most celebrated drink – ouzo. A taste of this anise-infused alcohol will take you straight to the heart of Greek culture. Chat to the experts and learn how Greece’s national drink is made, then take some time to explore Nafplion at your own pace. Arrive in Athens in the late afternoon for a free evening. Maybe head out with your group for an optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant and cheers to beautiful adventure.
Day 8: Athens
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in Athens, Greece’s capital. There’s a lot to experience in this ancient city, so arriving a few days early is highly recommended. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to visit Athens’ iconic Acropolis or walk around the National Garden. After your meeting, get a taste of Greece’s celebrated cuisine during dinner with your group at a local restaurant in the vibrant Psiri neighbourhood.
Day 9: Paros
This morning, you’ll be transported to Athens' port at Piraeus, where you’ll board a ferry to Paros – a beautiful and relaxed island with a layered history. Ferries are a great way to travel between the islands and are essential to many remote islands in Greece's archipelagos. In the afternoon, get to know Paros during an island tour with a local guide. Start off in Parikia, the island’s main town, where you’ll visit the Ekatontapiliani church, also known as the Church of a Hundred Doors. Drive through the island’s mainland, passing by ancient marble quarries, then stop off at the village of Lefkes. Take some time to explore the village surrounded by verdant hills, olive and pine trees, then call into a cultural centre in Marpissa to learn about island life from a group of local women. Carry on to Naoussa – a village known for its whitewashed alleys, Venetian castle and scenic port.
Day 10: Paros
The day is yours to uncover more of Paros’ charms. There’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do on the island. You might like to take a guided morning hike along the coast – starting off at a fishing village and weaving through some of the island’s best beaches. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby island of Antiparos – a favourite secret holiday spot for royals and celebrities. Or maybe you’d like to spend the day relaxing on one of Paros’ many beaches, cooling off with dips in Aegean Sea. Speak to your leader for more information about the activities on offer today and for tips on how to make the most of this island.
Day 11: Naxos
Say goodbye to Paros this morning and catch a short ferry to Naxos. The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos has something for everyone – from beaches to an Old Town and hundreds of years of Venetian history. Take some time to settle in, then regroup in the late afternoon to learn about the town. Visit the Portara with a local guide – the giant marble doorway is the only remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo from 530 BC. Naxos is unique in the fact that it is the Cyclades’ only self-sufficient island, meaning all produce is grown and available on the island without imports. Because of this, the cuisine is hyperlocal and differs to the rest of the country. Try it for yourself this evening during a group dinner, where you will learn all about the regional specialties.
Day 12: Naxos
Drive to Eggares – a small farming village set in the region that produces most of the island’s produce. Learn about the importance of olive oil to Greek culture during a guided tour of an olive oil press museum. After your visit, you’ll put your new knowledge to good use as you travel to the nearby village of Galini for a hands-on cooking class. Meet with a local who will share her culinary knowledge with the group, leaving you with recipes you can cook up at home. First, collect fresh ingredients from your host’s organic garden and learn about cultivation and farming on Naxos. Then put the ingredients together to create a Naxian dish from scratch, enjoying the fruits of your labour for lunch. Pair your lunch with a tasting of local kitron. This citron liqueur, with a history stretching back to the 19th century and produced exclusively on Naxos, offers a taste of the island’s culture.
Day 13: Naxos
Today is free to explore more of Naxos as you wish. You may like to head to one of the island’s beaches or discover more of its history at a local museum. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos in Chora Naxos dates back to the 17th century and houses artefacts from the Neolithic to the early Christian periods, and the Geological Museum of Apeiranthos digs up the natural history of the island. If you’re after a sweet treat, walnut cake flavoured with local kitron is an excellent regional specialty. Your leader will be on hand to help tailor a day that suits your interests.
Day 14: Santorini
Depart Naxos in the morning and catch a ferry to Santorini. When you arrive in Santorini's capital, Fira, you’ll be met and transferred to your Feature Stay hotel – a whitewashed building in traditional Cycladic style, El Greco Resort wraps around the year-round swimming pool. Featuring modern, spacious rooms, this hotel also sits in a prime location for exploring Santorini. It’s only a short walk from the Archaeological Museum of Thera, so perhaps head there to learn about how previous civilisations lived on the island. Tonight, make sure you catch Santorini's world-famous sunset.
Day 15: Santorini
In the morning, embark on a hike along Santorini’s legendary caldera. The island you see today is what remains from a huge volcanic explosion that destroyed the early settlements and created a geographical caldera. The natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Your walk will take you along the north-western rim of the caldera, passing steep cliff faces and amazing views along the way. The walk ends in the town of Oia, built on a steep slope inside Santorini’s volcanic caldera. Famous not only for its scenery, Santorini’s microclimate and volcanic soil make it a top spot for wine production. Sip your way around the island with two special stops – the Symposium Cultural Centre, where you’ll learn about Greek wine and try it in traditional cups, and a family-run winery, where you’ll discover more about the history of wine production and taste the different varieties yourself.
Day 16: Santorini
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you want to spend some more time in Santorini, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
Location

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