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Mainland Greece Discovery

Mainland Greece Discovery

From $ 3,160 AUD

Description

Get lost in bustling cities filled with ancient treasures on this eight-day adventure through mainland Greece. Take a guided tour through the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries are built on top of sandstone rock pillars and taste different types of olives, oils and tapenade on your way to Delphi Valley. Walk to the top of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Acropolis, visit NAOMI, an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training, and unwind in the evening with a sip of ouzo and traditional dishes.

Trip Name
Mainland Greece Discovery
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Discover ancient ruins in Athens, including the Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site of an ancient citadel with the iconic Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
  • Visit the home of the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo. Take a guided tour through the archeological sites, see numerous monuments, temples and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and learn about the myths and stories of the region.
  • Climb the stairs to the top of Meteora and discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 14th-century monasteries are perched on a series of ancient rock pinnacles.
  • Indulge in the many flavours of Greek cuisine like moussaka (layered eggplant or potato, meat and a creamy sauce) or grilled lamb and tzatziki during dinner at a traditional taverna as Rembetika music floats around you.
  • See some of the best sites Greece with curated activities and plenty of free time. Maybe visit the Panathinaiko Stadium that housed the first Olympic games in Athens or walk along the waterfront to the White Tower in Thessaloniki.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Athens
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.
Day 2 - Thessaloniki
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.
Day 3 - Thessaloniki
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).
Day 4 - Kalambaka
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.
Day 5 - Meteora
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!
Day 6 - Delphi
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.
Day 7 - Athens
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.
Day 8 - Athens
As there are no further activities, your trip finishes after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in the Greek Capital for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 3,835-
04-04-202611-04-2026AUD $ 3,675-
25-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,930-
02-05-202609-05-2026AUD $ 3,630-
09-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 3,960-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 3,790-
23-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 4,000-
30-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 4,085-
06-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 3,160-
20-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 3,255-
18-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 3,355-
01-08-202608-08-2026AUD $ 3,355-
15-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 3,420-
22-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 3,190-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 3,700-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 3,785-
16-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 3,785-
19-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 3,585-
23-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 3,655-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,800-
30-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 3,560-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,720-
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 3,420-
24-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 3,420-
04-11-202611-11-2026AUD $ 3,315-
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 3,315-
12-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 3,315-
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 3,345-
27-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 3,345-
03-04-202710-04-2027AUD $ 3,345-
17-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 3,345-
24-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 3,445-
08-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 3,545-
12-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 3,345-
15-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 3,545-
22-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 3,610-
26-05-202702-06-2027AUD $ 3,345-
29-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 3,610-
05-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 3,545-
12-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 3,445-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 3,445-
26-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 3,445-
03-07-202710-07-2027AUD $ 3,345-
17-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 3,345-
31-07-202707-08-2027AUD $ 3,345-
07-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 3,345-
14-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 3,445-
21-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 3,445-
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $ 3,345-
28-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 3,545-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 3,610-
08-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 3,345-
11-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 3,610-
15-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 3,610-
18-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 3,610-
22-09-202729-09-2027AUD $ 3,610-
25-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 3,610-
29-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 3,610-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 3,545-
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 3,345-
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 3,545-
23-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 3,445-
03-11-202710-11-2027AUD $ 3,345-
20-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 3,345-
11-12-202718-12-2027AUD $ 3,345-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi

Map