Greece in Depth

Welcome to Greece, the self-proclaimed birthplace of civilisation. Our tour begins in the port city of Thessaloniki in the country's north, Greece's second largest city. Thessaloniki is home to some of Greece's best restaurants and ouzeries, beautiful waterfront areas, as well as an abundance of museums and historic Roman and Byzantine sites nearby.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 7.30pm. Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome drink.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour where we will see the famous White Tower, the sea-front promenade, Aristotelous Square and the Basilica of Saint Dimitrios. From there, we'll venture through the bustling local markets, immersing ourselves in the vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary atmospheres.

We continue by coach towards the upper districts to see the Theodosian walls and enjoy stunning views over the city. Leaving the city behind, we'll visit a local farm known for producing vine leaves with which the famous Greek ‘dolmadakia' (stuffed vine leaves) are made.

Special Experience: Visit a local farm to learn about producing vine leaves and to indulge in a tasting of the famous 'dolmadakia'. We return to Thessaloniki this afternoon, where we'll enjoy an evening stroll through the beautiful district of Ladadika.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Our journey continues today as we make our way to the small town of Kalambaka, our base to explore fascinating Meteora, also known as the Hanging Rocks.

Our first stop is the town of Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great, we'll visit the museum and see the exquisite floor mosaics from the 4th century BC.

Next, we'll stop in the town of Vergina to explore the Palace of Aigai, renowned as one of the largest structures of classical Greece. Our tour will also encompass the Macedonian Royal Tombs, including the impressive tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. This evening we'll arrive in the town of Kalambaka.

Today we journey to Volos, a port city at the northern end of the Pagasitikos Gulf. Home to the University of Thessaly, it is quite a lively town which is known for its delicious Greek gastronomy.

On our way we'll discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Monks have been settled on these ‘columns of the sky' since the 11th century. Since early Christian times, Meteora's cliffs have been regarded as the perfect place to attain absolute isolation in order to achieve peace and harmony. The tallest of these incredible rock formations reaches 400 metres high. After visiting two of the remarkable monasteries we'll have some free time for lunch before making our way to Volos.

This evening we'll visit a traditional tsipouradika tavern to try the famous Greek ‘tsipouro', a strong pomace brandy produced in the area. Tsipouro is usually served in shot glasses with a side of meze (a selection of small dishes, similar to tapas). We'll also enjoy a group dinner here tonight.

Today we discover the beautiful villages of the Mount Pelion region aboard a restored steam train. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery as the train winds its way up the mountain to the village of Milies. Once we arrive we'll continue our journey by coach, stopping in the picturesque villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa. Discover the impressive stonework of the buildings, quaint shops selling local products, tavernas and cafes. We'll make our way back to Volos this afternoon.

We continue to Nafpaktos today, a tiny, fortified port city. The town is flanked by beaches on either side and has a trendy harbour area dotted with cafes and restaurants.

This morning enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains of central Greece as we make our way to Delphi. Revered by ancient Greeks as the centre of the world, Delphi was a destination where people from far and wide sought counsel from the revered oracle, 'Pythia'. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological ruins including the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of Athenians, followed by a visit to the museum housing the famous 'Bronze Charioteer'.

After our visit, we will make a stop in the sea-side village of Itea for some free time for lunch. Upon arrival in Nafpaktos, you'll have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to unwind. Later this evening, we'll embark on a short walking tour, immersing ourselves in the charm of this picturesque port city.

We venture to the scenic town of Nafplio today. A romantic town with Venetian architecture and Ottoman structures, the Old Town is a maze of narrow streets where you'll discover hidden squares and beautiful buildings.

On the way we'll explore Olympia, the home of the Olympic Games. Built on the banks of the river Alfios, the site of Olympia is lush, green and calm – the perfect venue for the original Olympic Games which began in 776BC. Our tour takes us through the impressive ruins, where we can follow in the footsteps of the ancient Olympians. We'll see the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias' Workshop, and as well as tour the archaeological museum, one of the richest in Greece.

After some free time for lunch we cross the Peloponnese Peninsula and make our way to the charming seaside town of Nafplio.

This morning we'll visit Mycenae, one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites and the birthplace of the culture that reigned during the late Bronze Age. Here, we'll explore the remarkable remnants of this ancient civilization, including the Tomb of Agamemnon and the iconic Lion's Gate.

We'll then return to Nafplio and make our way up to the Castle of Palamidi, a fortress perched high on a cliff offering stunning views over the town. After, we'll make a stop at a small, local ‘ouzo' distillery to learn about Greece's beloved national aperitif and enjoy a tasting.

Later we'll take a walking tour to discover more of this picturesque town and enjoy the waterfront promenade and the beautiful views over to Bourtzi, the tiny, fortified islet guarding the entrance of Nafplio's port. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Capital of Greece, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. Athens was named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, who according to mythology won the city as a prize after a duel against Poseidon.

En route to Athens, we'll admire the best-preserved theatre of Ancient Greece, the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus this morning. The theatre is thought to have been built in two stages – the first in the 4th century BC, the second corresponding to the 2nd century BC. Its geometrically perfect design can be thanked for the venue's exceptional acoustics.

Special Experience: Take a tour of a local olive farm where we'll explore the olive groves, learn about production of olive oil, and enjoy a tasting and light lunch. Our next stop is ancient Corinth, one of the major cities of antiquity where Saint Paul is believed to have lived and delivered the letter to the Corinthians. Here we'll tour the ancient city and explore the Agora marketplace and the Temple of Apollo.

As we continue towards Athens we'll stop to admire the Corinth Canal, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.

We'll set out on a panoramic city tour to discover the diversity of Athens this morning, beginning with the legendary Panathinaikon Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. As we tour the city, we'll see the magnificent Parthenon, the Greek parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guarded by the ‘Evzones.'

We'll also see Hadrian's Arch and the temple of Olympian Zeus, before visiting the ancient sacred rock of the Acropolis and museum. Next, we continue on foot to the Thisio district before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch we'll stroll along Adrianou Street, past the Greek and Roman Agora, enjoying views of the Acropolis and the impressive Temple of Hephaestus. We'll immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere, exploring the renowned flea market of Monastiraki to the lively Plaka district. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Athens at your own pace.

Enjoy the morning at leisure to relax or explore before our afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. The incredible structure perches high on the edge of a cliff that plunges 65 metres to the sea. On a clear day the area also affords views to the islands of Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Aegina and the Peloponnese. Tonight, we'll transfer to the port of Piraeus to board an overnight ferry to the island of Crete.

Welcome to Crete and the port of Chania, the island's second largest city. Today we discover the delightful city and surrounds, including a walk through the Old Town. We'll see the Venetian port, take a stroll through the local market area and visit Souda Bay and the WWII Commonwealth Cemetery. We'll continue our journey to the quaint village of Akrotiri, where the serene Agia Triada Monastery awaits.

Special Experience: Enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting with light snacks, amidst the tranquil surrounds of the Agia Triada Monastery. Later this afternoon our Tour Director will take us through the winding, narrow streets and hidden alleys of Chania's enchanting old town to the historic Venetian port, where you can explore at your own pace.

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax in the sun. Why not visit the area of Tabakaria known for its old leather processing houses, or visit the Maritime Museum of Crete?

After breakfast we depart for Heraklion, Crete's largest city. Heraklion is well known for its archaeological museum and the nearby Palace of Knossos. Along the way, we'll stop at Preveli Monastery which once served as a hiding place for allied troops during WWII. The monks of the monastery helped save many soldiers from the 6th Australian division unit and the monastery now hosts the Australian Memorial.

In the town of Rethymnon we'll stop at ‘Fortezza', the Venetian castle that presides over the town, and admire the amazing views. We'll then enjoy a panoramic city tour and have some free time for lunch along the seafront promenade. This afternoon we continue to Heraklion, making a short stop at the Stavromenos Australian War Memorial along the way.

This morning we'll make the short drive to Knossos for our visit to the famous Minoan Palace. Knossos was undoubtedly the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilisation and culture, and in mythology it housed the labyrinth of the mythical Minotaur. We'll continue to picturesque Archanes, a village with a rich history spanning over 5,000 years, where we have free time to explore and grab some lunch.

As we make our way back to the hotel, we'll make a fascinating stop at the nearby Archaeological Museum of Heraklion for a guided tour. This renowned museum showcases archaeological discoveries from across Crete, spanning over 5,500 years of the island's rich history. Of particular significance are the treasures of Minoan civilisation, which hold pride of place within the museum's collection. Regarded as the epitome of Minoan culture, the museum boasts the world's most extensive assortment of Minoan antiquities.

In the early evening we will take a leisurely walking tour of Heraklion town, joined by our Tour Director.

Board the high-speed ferry to the breathtaking island of Santorini, which some say is the most beautiful island of the Aegean. With its enchanting, whitewashed towns clinging to rugged cliffs, and some of the most incredible sunsets you'll ever see, it's easy to fall in love with Santorini.

Upon arrival, we'll take a short tour, exploring the delightful villages of Megalochori and Pyrgos. Then, we'll ascend to the island's highest point to visit the monastery of Profitis Ilias, where panoramic vistas await, showcasing the island's breathtaking beauty. We'll also stop at a local winery to sample some Santorinian wines, before heading to the sea-side village of Kamari which boasts the famous black sand beach.

This afternoon we'll check into our hotel and enjoy some time to refresh before heading to the beautiful town of Fira, which we'll explore on a walking tour. We then have the evening at leisure to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants looking out at the volcano. We recommend ordering a ‘gyros' from one of the local vendors. Traditionally made with lamb in Greece, chicken and pork are also commonly offered. Combined with tomato, onion, French fries and tzatziki, and encased within a fluffy flatbread, it's a cheap and delicious meal!

The morning is at leisure to soak up the magic of Santorini at your own pace before our afternoon visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Covered in ashes during the Great Eruption, the city has been unearthed almost completely intact. We’ll also visit the famous black-sanded beaches of Perissa and Perivolos before making our way to the charming village of Oia.

Special Experience: Explore Oia, Santorini's most famous and picturesque village, and witness an incredible sunset over the Aegean. Overnight in Santorini.

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore and relax in beautiful Santorini. Why not take a stroll along the caldera walkway which runs all the way from Fira, the island's capital, to Oia, the stunning town located at its northern tip. Even a short walk can be visually astounding. Tonight we'll enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the end of our adventure across fascinating Greece. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!