Greece is well known for the wealth of its ancient archaeological treasures and the outrageous beauty both of its islands and mainland. Lovers of history, archeology and mythology are inspired and awed and so are those seeking a vibrant culture and welcoming people. With its piercing blue seas and rugged rocks and mountains, it is a place for deities, heroes and myths.
It is also the perfect destination to enjoy an active holiday, with options that range from cycling, hiking, swimming, sea kayaking and more and for all levels too! From spectacular beaches and ancient ruins to stone villages, rugged peaks and lush canyons, Greece is a rich and varied playground for the active traveler.
Join our tour as we explore the cultural and natural treasures of mainland Greece, discover the classical and hidden gems of Greece, sample excellent local food and immerse yourselves in the Greek culture and lifestyle.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Athens
Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. During the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner with live folkloric show at one of the traditional taverns of Plaka.
Day 2: Athens sightseeing – Epidaurus – Nafplio
Enjoy a panoramic drive around the most famous landmarks of Athens, such as the Parliament, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Panathenaic Stadium before making our way to Acropolis with its awesome Parthenon. After lunch we depart to Peloponnese. On our way we have a small stop at the 6km artificial Corinth Canal and one hour later we visit the famous and still operating ancient theater of Epidaurus with its perfect acoustic. On our arrival in Nafplio we check in in our hotel and we visit the most important spots of the city, searching for traces of the Franks, Venetians and Ottomans in its architecture.
Day 3: Ancient Mycenaen Path – Wine tour
After breakfast we hike in an ancient Mycenean path through ancient monuments, on the footsteps of King Agamemnon. At the end we enter in Mycenae and we visit the famous Lion Gate and the arched tombs. Then we visit the endless vineyards of Nemea, and we meet local wine producers. We taste unique varieties of wine accompanied by Greek delicacies and discuss with local experts the details of wine-making in the Greek land. Finally we are transferred to Arcadia and we overnight stay in Laggadia, one of the most popular village of Arcadia
Day 4: Wood sculpture & Hike at Elati
Today we visit a traditional wood sculpture workshop, where its owner narrates his “immigration” history from the cosmopolitan Athens to the mountainous Elati and his passion about wood sculpture. Then we depart for the second stage of the Mainalon trail, starting from Elati, moving across Milaon River in high riparian vegetation of plane trees and passing by three consecutive abandoned watermills. We end up in Vytina, the head village of the region, where we enjoy a walking tour in its traditional neighbors before heading back to our hotel.
Day 5: Hiking Stemnitsa – Dimitsana
We drive to Stemnitsa and we depart for the first stage of hiking in Mainalon trail. An hour and a half later and after visiting the church of the Transfiguration of Christ, we cross the river and we ascend to the Old Philosophou Monastery dating to 963 and then to the New Philosophou Monastery who was founded in a less restricting place in 1691. Then we get on our bus and we visit Dimitsana and the Open Air Water Power Museum, where the big headwaters at Agios Ioanis are. We spent a few hours in Dimitsana and go back to Laggadia for the rest of our day.
Day 6: Olympia – Nafpaktos – Delphi
Wave goodbye to Arcadia as we take the driving route to the Ancient Olympia, its ancient museum and the temple of Zeus & Hera, admiring the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games. Then we continue our trip crossing Rio – Antirrio ; the longest cable – stayed bridge in Europe, and we have a small stop for coffee and strolling at the picturesque coastal Nafpaktos and its magnificent surrounding Venetian walls, before we depart to our final destination, Delphi.
Day 7: Delphi – Arachova – Athens
Today we are heading to the pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where we enjoy a guided walking tour in its museum and the site where in the 6th century B.C. was the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. Afterwards we visit the most popular winter destination in Greece, Arachova, we wander in its narrow streets and enjoy free time for strolling. Late in the afternoon we take the way back to Athens.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport.
Highlights
Welcome Dinner at the old city of Athens
Visit Nemea, the biggest wine production area of Greece
Hike in the first certified trail in Greece by ERA
Visit old Monasteries
The Parthenon & the Acropolis
The ancient Theater of Epidaurus
The romantic first capital of Greece, Nafplio
Hike in Ancient Mycenean Path, on the footsteps of King Agamemnon
Visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games
When you are on holidays, you should get exactly what you want. Are there extra things you want to do or see that are not included in our current itinerary?
Just share with us what you would like to experience or add and our tailor-made travel experts will create a customized private tour based on your individual requirements, budget and available time in Greece.
Email us or contact us by filling the below form and let us know what you are looking for, being sure that you will feel the authentic pulse of Greece.
