Mainland Greece Discovery

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Athens – the capital of Greece, named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena. If you arrive early, wander through the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, visit the National Archaeological Museum or explore the Panathinaiko Stadium that housed the first Olympic games in 1896. After your meeting, maybe head out for dinner and get to know your new travel companions.

This morning, visit Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site of an ancient citadel with the iconic Parthenon Temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Start with an ascent to the top of this rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, see the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world and UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon board a train to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. This city especially comes alive in the evening, so make sure you hunt down the perfect gyros or some live music.

This morning is free for you to explore Thessaloniki at your own pace. Maybe walk along the waterfront to the White Tower, visit the Byzantine churches or see Ottoman sites and Roman ruins – if you’d like someone to show you the way, maybe join an Urban Adventure. Later, visit NAOMI – an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training and learn about the amazing work and the challenges they are faced with today. Thessaloniki is known as the gastronomic capital of Greece due to its distinct flavours, so tonight maybe wander through the town and try some local dishes like trigona panoramatos (custard-filled pastries) or moussaka (layered eggplant or potato, meat and a creamy sauce).

Board a bus and travel to Kalambaka this morning. When you arrive, set off on a short orientation walk of the town where your local leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area around Kalambaka and Meteora at your own pace. Maybe explore a private collection showcasing Greek history and culture at the Museum of Hellenic Culture or hike the trails around Meteora for panoramic views. Tonight, maybe head to a taverna for dinner and stroll the main square for a taste of Thessalian life.

This morning, visit Meteora – a region in Greece known for its towering rock formations and the 24 14th-century monasteries built atop them. Climb the stairs to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries and discover the ruins that to be supplied by rope and pulley systems – one even features the skulls of the first founders! Take in the panoramic views of multi-colour streaked rock, bright green forest and the pale terracotta of the monastery roofs against the Grecian sky before heading back to town for the night. As you walk, look for hawks as they drift on the valley thermals looking for prey. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!

After breakfast, travel to Delphi. Along the way, stop for a tasting of different types of olives, oil and tapenade which are produced locally. Sit down to lunch with views overlooking the Delphi Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, continue to Delphi. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world – legend says that Zeus sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and they crossed paths over Delphi. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the cliffside town before taking a guided tour through the archeological sites and museums. As you walk, learn about the myths and stories of the region and see the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athens including numerous monuments, temples and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury. After, visit the mountain-top stadium, used for the Pythian Games (an Olympic Games precursor) before maybe heading out for dinner.

Travel back to Athens today by bus, arriving in the late afternoon. When you arrive the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the Monastiraki flea market for the perfect souvenir, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus or watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.