Highlights of Athens & the Mainland - 8 Days

Today you'll tour the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and once the capital of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Start your adventure into antiquity by walking under the famed Lion Gate into ruins that are part history, part myth. Follow in the steps of King Agamemnon as your guide explains the stories behind the imposing ruins of the citadel. You'll then head towards the historic seaside city of Nafplio, where a delicious lunch awaits you in one of the best restaurants in town. This romantic town, the old capital of modern Greece, is characterized by Venetian fortifications and a beautiful waterfront. After lunch, you'll visit local craftspeople, including a potter and a weaver at work in their workshops, to discover how they carry the traditions of the past into the present. You’ll also see a number of other local crafts and goods and a confectionery where traditional almond pastries are still made the way they were generations ago.

 

From Nafplio, the trip will take you through the beautiful Peloponnesian countryside towards ancient Olympia. Along the way, you’ll stop at a honey farm to learn about world-renowned Greek honey from a working beekeeper. Spend the night in Olympia before heading out to tour the city on day five. 

Day 5: Tour Olympia & Hike to Waterfalls

This morning is devoted to Ancient Olympia, the most important athletic, religious, and political center of the ancient Greek world. Here your guide will let you into the secrets of the temples, the training area, and the original stadium where the ancient Olympic Games were held for centuries. The Archaeological Museum onsite displays world-class masterpieces and treasures, like a breathtaking statue of Hermes and the infant Dionysus sculpted by Praxiteles.

Then it’s time for an outdoor adventure and a memorable lunch. After an easy guided walk through a stunning gorge, you'll arrive at a pair of waterfalls. Your lunch will be served picnic-style, right by the river. You’ll have the chance to swim too! After leaving the waterfalls, you’ll travel to Preveza to spend the night.

Day 6: Spot Dolphins on a Guided Tour 

Board a boat in the port of Preveza this morning and head to Amvrakikos Gulf. Today you'll discover one of Europe’s most unique ecosystems. On a boat tour through the national park, keep your eyes open for playful bottlenose dolphins, curious sea turtles, and various species of birds, including silver pelicans, cormorants, and herons. You'll also learn about traditional fishing methods on your way to a beautiful island, Kefalos. The captain will drop the anchor here, giving you a chance to swim, snorkel, and search for shells along the coast. Afterward, have lunch on the boat, enjoying regional dishes with a cold beer or a glass of wine. At the end of your cruise, you will head northeast to Kalabaka and check into your hotel for the night.

Day 7: See the Monasteries of the Meteora 

Today's highlight is a visit to the Meteora, a stunning natural phenomenon featuring enormous sandstone columns formed millions of years ago. These remote rock skyscrapers became dwellings for Christian Orthodox monks; by the 14th century, large monastic communities were flourishing on the summits of many of these rocks. Today, six monasteries are still functioning, and you will visit two. 

 

After lunch, you'll visit a local icon painter. In his tiny workshop, you’ll have the chance to learn about the tradition and make your own miniature painting. Then it's a stop at the small but original Book Museum, where you'll get to try your hand in Greek penmanship and hear out about Greek classrooms of the past. You'll return to Athens late in the day and enjoy one last Greek dinner before the trip is over.

Day 8: Depart Athens - End of Trip

Today the trip comes to an end. Head to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!