Phone Support: +1-617-500-7002
Tour Code: 783-20569
14-day Secrets of Greece including Corfu with Santorini Extension Tour from Athens
Our Price: from US$5950 ￥40313 €5202 C$8347 Rs.575063 (Price shown is based on the lowest price per person over the next 60 days)
Duration: 14 days
Language: English
Group Size: Max 18 people
Visit Athens, Corfu, Delphi, Epidaurus, Kalambaka, Metsovo, Mycenae, Nemea, Nikopolis, Olympia, Stemnitsa, Thermopylae.
Highlights:
- Explore ancient sites including Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Meteora, Delphi, and Athens
- Visit the islands of Corfu and Santorini, with included ferry and flight
- Experience a Be My Guest lunch and dancing on a traditional olive farm
- Discover the monasteries of Meteora and the Achilleion Palace in Corfu
- Walk through the Lion Gate at Mycenae and see the Acropolis in Athens
Itinerary
Day 1:Athens
Venture back to a time when great philosophers roamed the halls of the Agora and gods competed for mythical supremacy. Your journey delving into the treasures of Greece begins in its vibrant capital, which you'll have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. Kick off your in-depth discovery of what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilization' this evening, when you meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.
Day 2:Athens - Epidaurus - Stemnitsa - Nafplion(375 km)
Journey to a land of legends this morning as you travel through the scenic northeast Peloponnese, passing the Corinth Canal, which links the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs. Stop at the ancient theater of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of Medicine, where you can step onto the stage and experience its remarkable acoustics. Continue to Stemnitsa for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a family-run organic beekeeping facility, where you’ll discover the vital role of bees in the local ecosystem, before arriving in the seaport town of Nafplion. Wander its neoclassical streets or relax over a traditional meal by the bay.
-
Epidaurus, GreeceA small city in ancient Greece, known for its sanctuary situated about five miles (8 km) from the town, as well as its theater, which is once again in use today.
-
Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusThe Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a masterpiece of Greek acoustics and architecture, offering visitors a chance to experience classical drama in its original setting.
-
Sanctuary of Asklepios at EpidaurusThis impressive World Heritage Site is an ancient amphitheater built in the 6th century BC, possibly even earlier. It sits about 15,000 and is an engineering marvel for its unbelievable acoustics. Spoken words on the stage can be heard from anywhere.
-
Stemnitsa, GreeceStemnitsa is a charming mountain village in the Peloponnese, known for its stone houses, cobblestone streets, and authentic Greek rural atmosphere.
-
Family-run organic beekeeping experienceExperience organic beekeeping with a local family in Stemnitsa, learning about honey production and tasting fresh, natural honey in a scenic rural setting.
Day 3:Nafplion - Mycenae - Nemea - Nafplion(103 km)
Continue your journey inland and join a Local Specialist for a guided visit of Mycenae, whose ruins remains a testament to what was once a major palatial center of the late Bronze Age in Greece. Stroll through the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Royal Palace before seeing the tomb of this fearless Greek leader who commanded the Greeks in their battles against Trojan forces. This afternoon, Dive into Culture and sample delicious local vintages, gaining insights into wine production in the Nemea region. You'll have free time to stroll through the seaside retreat of Nafplion, perhaps with a delicious Greek ice cream in hand. This evening, you could choose to join an Optional Experience exploring Nafpilio further before dinner at a traditional local taverna.
-
Mycenae, GreeceMycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece that was named "Mycenaean" after this very citadel. It is perhaps best known in mythology as the city of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. King Agamemnon led the expedition against Troy during the Trojan War, which Homer accounted in his epic poem the Iliad.
-
Archaeological Site of MycenaeThe Archaeological Site of Mycenae is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring the iconic Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus, offering a glimpse into the Mycenaean civilization.
-
Nemea, GreeceNemea is a historic town in the Peloponnese, famous for its ancient Temple of Zeus and as a premier wine-producing region, blending archaeology with viticulture.
-
Wine tasting at NemeaEnjoy a wine tasting experience in the renowned Nemea wine region, sampling local varieties like Agiorgitiko while learning about Greek winemaking traditions.
Day 4:Nafplion - Olympia(104 km)
Crossing the Peloponnese and head towards the famous village of Olympia, where sacrifices were once made to the gods, and athletes competed for supremacy in the ancient Olympic Games. Join the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm for a traditional Be My Guest experience including lunch and dancing. Then head to Ancient Olympia to visit the ruins of temples, the museum and the stadium, with your Local Specialist, imagining agile runners racing in honor of Zeus.
-
Olympia, GreeceA small town in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, famous for the nearby archaeological site of the same name, which was a major Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held.
-
Be My Guest lunch and dancing at Olive FarmJoin a warm Greek hospitality experience at an olive farm near Olympia, featuring a traditional lunch, folk dancing, and a taste of rural life.
-
Ancient Olympia TourA guided tour of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, exploring the Temple of Zeus, the stadium, and the archaeological museum.
Day 5:Olympia - Nikopolis - Igoumenitsa - Corfu(393 km)
Leave the Peninsula and return to mainland Greece, continuing north past Amphilochia and Preveza, before arriving in Nikopolis to see where the Battle of Actium took place. Board a ferry and cross to the beautiful island of Corfu, where you'll have time at leisure to admire its splendid architecture, arcades and Spianada, one of the largest and most impressive squares in Greece.
-
Nikopolis, GreeceNikopolis is an ancient city in Epirus, founded by Augustus, featuring well-preserved Roman and Byzantine ruins, including a theater and aqueduct.
-
Battle of Actium siteThe Battle of Actium site marks the location of the decisive naval battle in 31 BC, where Octavian defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra, shaping Roman history.
Day 6:Corfu
Begin your day with an orientation tour of the island, followed by a visit to the Venetian Castle and the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. Later, stop at the Phaeacian-styled Achilleion Palace, built by Elizabeth 'Sissi' Empress of Austria and Hungary, who so admired Greece and its culture that she decided to build an enchanting summer retreat. Stroll through its Imperial Gardens and enjoy magnificent views of the lush valley and glistening Ionian Sea beyond before returning to your hotel for an evening on your own terms.
-
Corfu, GreeceA Greek island in the Ionian Sea. In 2007, the city's old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
-
Venetian CastleThe Venetian Castle in Corfu, a UNESCO site, is a 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the old town and the Ionian Sea.
-
Monastery of PaleokastritsaThe Monastery of Paleokastritsa, perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, offers serene gardens, historic icons, and breathtaking coastal views.
-
Achilleion PalaceAchilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, is a neoclassical masterpiece adorned with Greek mythology themes and surrounded by lush gardens.
Day 7:Corfu - Igoumenitsa - Ioannina(123 km)
Bid farewell to island living on Corfu and sail back to the mainland, continuing to the lively lakeside city of Ioannina, where you'll spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the tranquil lakeshore and through the Old Town to admire its Ottoman and Byzantine treasures, including the imposing castle that overlooks Lake Pamvotis.
Day 8:Ioannina - Metsovo - Kalambaka(113 km)
Start your day with the rich, smoky flavors of Metsovone cheese before heading to Kalambaka. Here, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Meteora rock formations, where your Local Specialist shares the history of these towering pillars and the monasteries that have stood atop them for centuries. This evening, choose an Optional Experience to Trikala, a town steeped in history and legend. Walk along the riverside before settling in for a Greek family-style dinner, where delicious local dishes and free-flowing wine promise a night to remember.
-
Metsovo, GreeceA coffee in this Metsovo that will reminds us of the history and influence of the Slav and Turkish world in the north of Greece.
-
Metsovone cheese tastingSample the famous Metsovone cheese in the mountain town of Metsovo, learning about its traditional production and pairing it with local wines.
-
Kalambaka, GreeceKalambaka is a town and a municipality in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The town is situated at the foot of the Meteora peaks.
-
Meteora MonasteriesPerched atop towering rock pillars, the Meteora Monasteries are a UNESCO World Heritage site offering stunning views and a glimpse into monastic life.
Day 9:Kalambaka - Thermopylae - Delphi - Galaxidi(9820 km)
Traversing the peaks of Parnassos and Giona, stop in Thermopylae, the mythical entrance to Hades and the site where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought bravely against the invading Persians. Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to Delphi, the seat of the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo and ramble through what remains of this ancient sanctuary, once the site of the Pythian Games, a precursor of the modern Olympics. travel towards the Corinthian Gulf and stop in the harbor village of Galaxidi for the night.
-
Thermopylae, GreeceA place in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas'300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes'huge Persian army.
-
Leonidas MonumentA modern monument at Thermopylae honoring King Leonidas I and the Spartan warriors who fell in the Battle of Thermopylae.
-
Delphi, GreeceIt occupies an impressive site on the south-western slope of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the coastal plain to the south and the valley of Phocis. It is now an extensive archaeological site with a small modern town of the same name nearby. It is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a phenomenal influence in the ancient world.
-
Delphi City TourA guided tour of Delphi, the ancient religious center of Greece, featuring the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
Day 10:Galaxidi - Athens(211 km)
Return to cosmopolitan Athens for a day of delving into antiquity, coming face-to-face with the treasures of Ancient Greece. Ascend to the Acropolis and join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with magnificent views of Athena's Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus. See Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and view the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. On our final evening together, join your fellow travelers for dinner to celebrate the millennia and miles explored together on this epic voyage of discovery.
-
Athens, GreeceOne of the oldest cities in the world, Athenian history spans more than three millennia, and served as the foundation for much of modern Western culture. Ancient monuments like the Parthenon have been standing for thousands of years.
-
AcropolisThe Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been standing strong for more than two thousand years. Its most famous building is the Parthenon, an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, Athena.
-
Temple of ZeusThe Temple of Zeus at Olympia is an archaeological site that is believed to have been built toward the end of the fifth century BC. It would have been the most important of the ancient Greek temples.
-
Arch of HadrianIt is most commonly known in Greek as Hadrian's Gate, a monumental gateway resembling - in some respects - a Roman triumphal arch. The arch is located 325m southeast of the Acropolis.
-
Panathenaic StadiumOne of the main historic attractions of Athens, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and was the venue for 4 of the 9 contested sports. It was used for various purposes in the 20th century and was once again used as an Olympic venue in 2004.
Day 11:Athens - Santorini(234 km)
Board a high-speed ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini, your home for three nights. Transfer to your hotel with an orientation on arrival and spend free time exploring. Comprising of a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is all that remains of an enormous volcanic explosion. The island's spectacular physical beauty coupled with its dynamic nightlife makes it one of Europe's most popular hotspots.
Day 12:Santorini
Santorini offers a wealth of exciting things to do. You might like to spend your time relaxing in the sun or wander down winding cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses. Admire breathtaking views across the caldera and witness a stunning sunset.
Day 13:Santorini
Santorini makes some of the Greek islands' best wines so perhaps take a tour of a winery and taste some for yourself. Consider a ride in a caique to the volcanic island of Nea Kamini to swim in the hot springs. Embrace the magic of Santorini.
Day 14:Santorini - Athens(234 km)
Take a short flight back to Athens this morning. Say goodbye to Greece as your trip ends at Athens airport, please do not book flights prior to 13:00.
Departure & Return
| Location | Address | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | Remark:Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 11:00, 16:00 |
- Please do not book flights prior to 13:00 at last day
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Return ferry to Corfu
Optional Experiences and free time
High-speed ferry from Athens to Santorini
Flight from Santorini to Athens
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Be My Guest experience on olive farm with lunch and dancing
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® beekeeping experience in Stemnitsa
Complimentary transfers from Athens Airport on Day 1 (departures at 11:00 and 16:00)
Complimentary transfers to Santorini Airport on Day 14 for included flight
Price Excludes
Excess luggage charges at your own expense
Greek Sustainable Development Tax (payable on board, varies by season)
Passport costs (minimum 6 months validity after return date required)
Visa fees if applicable
Travel Protection: $169 per person (optional)