GRAND TOUR OF GREECE FROM ATHENS

Early in the morning, at the time indicated, we will pick you up from your hotel or closest meeting point to start your trip to the southern Greek mainland.

First, you will stop at the famous Corinth canal, called Isthmus in Greek, to take panoramic pictures of the spot where the Peloponnese peninsula and Central Greece meet as well as where the Aegean connects with the Ionian Sea.

Past hills and mountains, you will reach Epidaurus, where you will be immersed in the culture of the 4th century BC. Its world-famous Theater is the best-preserved ancient theater in Greece. Its construction was not planned as a separate site but was part of the therapeutic and healing process, achieved through the theatrical performances. Known for its acoustics, it has a capacity of about 16,000 spectators and is still in use, especially during the summer, when notable performances are staged by native and international artists.

Then, you will briefly stop at the first capital of Greece, Nauplion, and continuing your journey back in time, you will visit the Acropolis of Mycenae, the center of the Mycenaean civilization.  In the enclosure, you will see its cyclopean walls, the Lions Gate, various tombs of ancient kings, the Palace, the Cistern and its 99 steps underground, the Tomb of Egisto and the tomb of Clytemnestre, while next to the Acropolis you will see the Tomb, attributed to the King Agamemnon.

Finally, you will drive further south to Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic games. Dinner and accommodation.

Greca Tip: Pamper yourself with the hotel's amenities or take a walk in the beautiful surrounding nature.

In the morning you will visit the site of the old Olympic stadium, where the first games were held around 776 BC. The importance of these games was apparent, given the extensive participation of the Greek cities, which suspended hostilities throughout the celebrations. The Olympiad was recognized as the only accepted chronological event all over Greece and, in essence, it constituted four years between two consecutive events.

Olympia was also the most important sanctuary of Ancient Greece, a place to worship Zeus, the first among the gods. A gigantic sculpture in gold and ivory was made by Phidias and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

After you visit the Museum of Olympia, you will continue your journey to Delphi passing by a modern engineering wonder this time, the suspension bridge of Rio-Antirion.

You will arrive at Delphi, have dinner and rest.

Greca Tip: The nearby village of Arachova is ideal for an evening outing and shopping for local products, such as traditional woven carpets, honey, and the local formaela cheese.

In the morning and after a solid breakfast you will visit the archaeological site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the center or navel of the ancient world.

It was here where the renowned Oracle of Delphi, a counselor of kings and pilgrims, was to be found. Make sure you visit the Museum of Delphi, which houses the "bronze charioteer", a masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

At the end of your Delphi tour, you will leave the slopes of Mount Parnassus and head towards the plains of Thessaly, where the city of Kalambaka is located.               

You will arrive in Kalambaka, have dinner, and enjoy a good rest.

Greca Tip: The nearby village of Arachova is ideal for shopping for local products, such as traditional woven carpets, honey, and the local cheese.

Early in the morning, you will visit Meteora, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1988. Meteora is a place where the natural beauty of the area is combined with the history of the eternal monasteries, suspended or 'meteora' on top of the huge rocks.

The first monastery, the Great Meteoron, was built by Athanasius after being expelled from Mount Athos, fleeing from his persecutors. Currently, there are only six monasteries still in use, five for males and one for the female monastic community.

Departing from Kalambaka, you will head further north, driving through the fertile plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi. You will have the opportunity to admire the imposing mass of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the twelve Gods of Greek Mythology.

Your journey will go on in the region of Macedonia in northern Greece and the city of Thessaloniki, the second largest and most important center of the area. Here you will dine and rest.

Greca Tip: Take a long stroll along the waterfront from Aristotelous Square to the White Tower, one of the city's hallmarks.

This day is set aside for becoming acquainted with and exploring this big city. Thessaloniki, literally meaning the victory of Thessalians, is a city with a glorious past and the cultural and economic center of the region of Macedonia for centuries. During the Byzantine era it was the "co-reigning" city, second in population and prestige after Constantinople.

We will have the opportunity to visit a number of its unique monuments, such as the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, and the Rotonda.

We will also visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded the Council of Europe's Museum Prize for the year 2005. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy the lively center of the city.

Greca Tip: Discover the city's traditional markets, amazing Ottoman monuments, and neighborhoods, particularly the old city (Ano Polis) with spectacular views of the city.

In the morning, after a good breakfast, you will start a journey in Macedonia.

The first stop will be at the picturesque city of Edessa, where you will have the chance to see its famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then you will proceed to Naoussa, a place of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle's School, the place where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth.

You will go on to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to visit the splendid Museum, created in the Great Tumba covering the royal tombs of Macedonian royalty. There you will see the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, which is considered among the greatest discoveries of the 20th century.

Only a few miles away there is Veria (Biblical Beroea). Amongst the highlights of the city are Saint Paul's Bema, the old Jewish neighborhood, and the colorful market area. You will have free time to walk and explore the city where the past is still alive and in harmony with the present.

Finally, you will return to Thessaloniki, have dinner and rest.

Greca Tip: Look for Veria's traditional sweet Revani, which is made with semolina, yogurt, and syrup.

Today you will visit Pella, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia and Alexander the Great.

Here, you will have the chance to marvel at the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century BC. villas, and the exhibits of the new Museum. Then, you will visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of Mount Olympus.

Continuing your journey, you will move further south through Thessaly, Lamia, and Thermopylae, where we will pay homage to Leonidas' Monument, the legendary king of Sparta who fell in the famous battle against the Persians in 480 BC.

Our arrival in Athens will be late in the afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and rest.

Greca Tip: The area is famous for its delicious fruit so you can store up on jam preserves and other sweets.