Your Itinerary
Day 2 - Arrive Thessaloniki
Welcome to Greece! Often cited as the birthplace of European civilisation, Greece offers a heady mix of ancient archaeological sites, chic hotels, rustic tavernas and seaside escapes. Scattered throughout the calm blue waters of the Ionian and the Aegean Sea are Greece’s 3,000 islands, each with their own magical story. Our journey will take us through mainland Greece, as well as several beautiful island locations – are you ready?
Our tour begins in the port city of Thessaloniki in the country’s north, Greece’s second largest city. Thessaloniki is home to some of Greece’s best restaurants and ouzeries, beautiful waterfront areas, as well as an abundance of museums and historic Roman and Byzantine sites nearby.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 7.30pm.
Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome drink.
We begin the day with a panoramic tour where we will see the famous White Tower, the picturesque sea-front promenade, bustling Aristotelous Square and the stunning Basilica of Saint Dimitrios, originally built during the 4th century, and well known for its Byzantine mosaics and relics of Saint Demetrios, the city’s patron saint. From there, we'll venture through the bustling local markets, immersing ourselves in the vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary atmospheres.
We continue by coach towards the upper districts to see the Theodosian walls, also known as the ‘Walls of Thessaloniki’. These incredible ancient Byzantine walls are approximately 4-kilometres in length and date back to the 4th century AD, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the times. Here, we can enjoy stunning views over the city.
Leaving the city behind, we’ll visit a local farm known for producing vine leaves with which the famous Greek ‘dolmadakia’ (stuffed vine leaves) are made.
Special Experience
Visit a local farm to learn about producing vine leaves and to indulge in a tasting of the famous ’dolmadakia’.
We return to Thessaloniki this afternoon, where we’ll have some free time to further explore this lovely city on our own, or to simply relax before our evening stroll through the beautiful district of Ladadika, on our way to our group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 - Thessaloniki - Kalambaka
Today our sights are set on exploring the birthplace of Alexander the Great in Pella. Also known as Alexander III of Macedon, Alexander the Great is widely considered one of history’s greatest military commanders. He’s known for conquering the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt and parts of Africa, making significant cultural shifts in a relatively short period of time. In Pella, we’ll uncover the local archaeological site to marvel at the exquisite floor mosaics from the 4th century BC, as well as visiting the museum to gain some further insight into his fascinating past.
Heading to the quaint village of Vergina, once the royal metropolis of ancient Macedonia, we’ll uncover the Macedonian Royal Tombs. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the tombs, including the impressive tomb of King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. We’ll also enjoy some free time for lunch here in Vergina, before our afternoon jaunt through the pretty Greek countryside on our way to Kalambaka.
This evening we’ll arrive in the town of Kalambaka, our base to explore the Hanging Rocks of Meteora.
Day 5 - Kalambaka - Volos
Behold, the mighty monasteries of Meteora! Today we’ll discover these iconic UNESCO World Heritage-listed clifftop monasteries where Monks have been settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ since the 11th century. Since early Christian times, Meteora’s cliffs have been regarded as the perfect place to attain absolute isolation in order to achieve peace and harmony. The tallest of these incredible rock formations reaches 400 metres high. We’ll explore two of the monasteries before some free time for lunch in Kalambaka.
This afternoon we depart for Volos, a port city that is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches – and despite being one of Greece’s busiest harbours, it’s still incredibly picturesque! In this seaside town, we’ll find fresh seafood, historic sites and a lively shore-front promenade. What could be better than that?
Tonight, we’ll wander the streets of Volos, exploring its famous ‘Tsipouradika’ area. We’ll visit a traditional tsipouradika tavern to try the famous Greek ‘tsipouro’, a strong pomace brandy produced in the area. Tsipouro is usually served in shot glasses with a side of meze (a selection of small dishes, similar to tapas). We’ll also enjoy a group dinner here tonight.
Today we discover the beautiful villages of the Mount Pelion region aboard a restored steam train. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery as the train winds its way up the mountain to the village of Milies. Once we arrive, we’ll continue our journey by coach, stopping in the picturesque villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa. Here, we’ll have time to discover the impressive stonework of the buildings, quaint shops selling local products, tavernas and cafes.
We’ll make our way back to Volos this afternoon, where the remainder of the day is for you to enjoy any way you’d like, whether that’s heading out to a local taverna for dinner or taking a minute to relax and catch your breath, the choice is yours!
Day 7 - Volos - Nafpaktos
This morning enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains of central Greece as we make our way to Delphi. Revered by ancient Greeks as the centre of the world, Delphi was a destination where people from far and wide sought counsel from the revered oracle, 'Pythia'. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological ruins including the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of Athenians, followed by a visit to the museum housing the famous 'Bronze Charioteer'.
After our visit, we’ll make a stop in the sea-side village of Itea for some free time for lunch. This sleepy, coastal town will make us want to ditch our afternoon plans and sip ouzo, while watching the boats bob in the harbour’s crystal-clear water for the rest of the day!
Upon arrival in Nafpaktos, we'll have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to unwind. Later this evening, we'll embark on a short walking tour, immersing ourselves in the charm of this picturesque port city with its trendy harbour area, dotted with cafes and restaurants, and flanked by beautiful beaches on either side.
Day 8 - Nafpaktos - Nafplio
Limber up this morning as we prepare to learn all about the history of the modern-day Olympic Games during a fascinating tour of Olympia.
Built on the banks of the river Alfios, the site of Olympia is lush, green and calm – the perfect venue for the original Olympic Games which began in 776BC. Our tour takes us through the impressive ruins, where we can follow in the footsteps of the ancient Olympians. We’ll see the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias’ Workshop, and as well as tour the archaeological museum, one of the richest in Greece.
After some free time for lunch, we cross the scenic mountains of the Peloponnese Peninsula and make our way to the charming seaside town of Nafplio. If Greece were giving out awards for quaint villages, Nafplio would surely win gold - a romantic town with Venetian architecture and Ottoman structures, the Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets where you’ll discover hidden squares and beautiful buildings. It is also said that Nafplio is home to some of the best gelato in all of Greece – give it a try and let us know…!
This morning we'll visit Mycenae, one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites and the birthplace of the culture that reigned during the late Bronze Age. Here, we'll explore the remarkable remnants of this ancient civilization, including the Tomb of Agamemnon, a massive tholos (beehive) tomb built around 1250BC, and the iconic Lion's Gate, the main entrance to the ancient city of Mycenae, featuring the stone relief of two lions, making this the oldest known monumental sculpture in Europe.
We’ll then return to Nafplio and make our way up to the Castle of Palamidi, a fortress perched high on a cliff offering stunning views over the town. Built as a defensive fortress in the 17th Century, it sits high above Nafplio and is considered by many as a masterpiece of military architecture. After, we’ll make a stop at a small, local ‘ouzo’ distillery to learn about Greece's beloved national aperitif and enjoy a tasting.
Afterwards, we’ll take a walking tour to discover more of this picturesque town and enjoy the waterfront promenade and the beautiful views over to Bourtzi, the tiny, fortified islet guarding the entrance of Nafplio’s port.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Day 10 - Nafplio - Athens
We bid the charming town of Nafplio and the Peloponnese peninsula farewell today, as we make our way towards Greece’s capital city, Athens.
After breakfast, we depart for Epidaurus, one of the most popular archaeological sites of ancient Greece. Upon arrival, we visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios, once a major healing centre. In ancient times, it was a place where the sick sought cures through rituals and treatments. Today, it stands as a testament to the healing practices of the past and the early development of scientific medicine.
We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the ancient theatre, perhaps its most famous feature is its unique acoustics. This theatre was constructed in the 4th century to host religious ceremonial events to honour the god Asklepios – the Greek god of medicine and healing – whose ‘healing centre’ was a stone’s throw away. Today, there are still performances hosted here in the summer months, including ancient Greek dramas.
Special Experience
Take a tour of a local olive farm where we’ll explore the olive groves, learn about production of olive oil, and enjoy a tasting and light lunch.
Our next stop is ancient Corinth, one of the major cities of antiquity where Saint Paul is believed to have lived and delivered the letter to the Corinthians. Here we’ll tour the ancient city and explore the Agora marketplace and the Temple of Apollo.
As we continue towards Athens we’ll stop to admire the Corinth Canal, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. Athens was named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, who according to mythology won the city as a prize after a duel against Poseidon.
Prepare your camera and sense of wonder! After a hearty breakfast we’ll head straight to the majestic Acropolis, perched high above the city. Marvel at the Propylae, the Erechtheion with its iconic Caryatids, the Temple of Athena Nike and the legendary Parthenon, each monument a timeless testament to Greece’s glorious past. Next, we’ll enjoy a scenic stroll down Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street to the Museum of Acropolis, where centuries of art and artifacts bring history to life.
Next, buckle up for a panoramic coach ride around the city’s highlights. Spot the grand Panathinaikon Stadium, gaze upon the majestic Zappeion and snap photos of the towering Temple of Olympian Zeus. We’ll pass Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Admire neoclassical gems like Schliemann’s House, the Academy, University, National Library and the Old Parliament. Our journey brings us to the lively Thisio district for lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch we’ll stroll along Adrianou Street, past the Greek and Roman Agora, enjoying views of the Acropolis and the impressive Temple of Hephaestus. We’ll immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere, exploring the renowned flea market of Monastiraki to the lively Plaka district.
The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Athens at your own pace.
Day 13 - Athens - Overnight Ferry
Enjoy the morning at leisure to relax or to further explore wonderful Athens before our afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.
If the Greek gods picked a vacation home, then the Temple of Poseidon would definitely be it! Cape Sounion sits on the very edge of Attica, standing guard over the endless Aegean Sea, like the ultimate ocean front property. The incredible Temple of Poseidon perches high on the edge of a cliff that plunges 65 metres to the sea. It’s easy to see why many sailors pause here to pray for safe sea voyages. On a clear day the area also affords views to the islands of Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Aegina and the Peloponnese, and these days, visitors flock here to capture some of the most epic sunsets in all of Greece – an enchanting place where history and nature dazzle in perfect harmony.
Tonight, we’ll transfer to the port of Piraeus to board an overnight ferry to the island of Crete.
Welcome to Crete and the port of Chania, the island’s second largest city. After disembarking our ferry, we’ll check in to our hotel and enjoy breakfast.
Today we’ll take the time to discover this delightful city and it’s surrounds, including a walk through the Old Town with its quaint cobbled alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings and flower draped balconies. We’ll see the Venetian port, the city’s showstopper, with its iconic lighthouse and take a stroll through the local delicious spice scented market area and peek into the quirky little boutiques. We’ll pay our respects during a visit to Souda Bay and the WWII Commonwealth Cemetery located there. This is the final resting spot for over 1,500 Allied soldiers who fought and died during World War II, many during the Battle of Crete in 1941.
We’ll continue our journey to the quaint village of Akrotiri, where the serene Agia Triada Monastery awaits.
Special Experience
Enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting with light snacks, amidst the tranquil surrounds of the Agia Triada Monastery.
Later this afternoon our Tour Director will take us through the winding, narrow streets and hidden alleys of Chania's enchanting old town to the historic Venetian port, where we’ll have some time to explore at our own pace.
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax in the sun.
Why not visit the area of Tabakaria known for its old leather processing houses, or visit the Maritime Museum of Crete?
Day 16 - Chania - Heraklion
After breakfast we depart for Heraklion, Crete’s largest city and its capital.
Along the way, we’ll stop at Preveli Monastery which once served as a hiding place for allied troops during WWII. The monks of the monastery helped save many soldiers from the 6th Australian division unit and the monastery now hosts the Australian Memorial. This peaceful monastery is located on Crete’s rugged southern coast, overlooking the Libyan Sea. Inside, there’s a stunning Byzantine church, sacred relics and the Holy Cross of Preveli, believed to have healing powers.
In the town of Rethymnon we’ll stop at ‘Fortezza’, the Venetian castle that presides over the town, and admire the amazing views. We’ll then enjoy a panoramic city tour and have some free time for lunch along the lovely seafront promenade.
This afternoon we continue to Heraklion, making a short stop at the Stavromenos Australian War Memorial along the way. This poignant memorial pays tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought and lost their lives defending Crete against the German invasion in 1941. It also stands as a symbol of friendship between Australia and Crete, celebrating the shared history and honouring those who gave their lives for the freedom of the island.
This morning we’ll make the short drive to Knossos for our visit to the famous Minoan Palace. Knossos was undoubtedly the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilisation and culture, and in mythology, it housed the labyrinth of the mythical Minotaur. The site dates back to around 1900BC, making it one of the oldest and most influential palaces in Europe. Here, we can marvel at the ancient ruins, the Throne Room and the Central Court, the intricately decorated walls, and the grandeur of the place that once hosted kings and queens.
After our thorough exploration of Knossos, we’ll continue to picturesque Archanes, a village with a rich history spanning over 5,000 years, where we have free time to explore and grab some lunch.
As we make our way back to the hotel, we'll make a fascinating stop at the nearby Archaeological Museum of Heraklion for a guided tour. This renowned museum showcases archaeological discoveries from across Crete, spanning over 5,500 years of the island's rich history. Of particular significance are the treasures of Minoan civilisation, which hold pride of place within the museum's collection. Regarded as the epitome of Minoan culture, the museum boasts the world's most extensive assortment of Minoan antiquities.
In the early evening, we’ll take a leisurely walking tour of Heraklion town, joined by our Tour Director.
Day 18 - Heraklion - Santorini
Board the high-speed ferry to the breathtaking island of Santorini, which some say is the most beautiful island of the Aegean. With its enchanting, whitewashed towns clinging to rugged cliffs, and some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see, it’s easy to fall in love with Santorini.
Upon arrival, we'll take a short tour, exploring the delightful village of Megalochori. Nestled on the islands southern side, this small village offers a more authentic and quieter experience when compared to buzzing Oia or Fira. It’s known for its old-world charm, narrow streets and whitewashed houses, often adorned with a colourful array of flowers.
We then drive to Akrotiri, a fascinating Bronze Age settlement lost to volcanic ash and brimming with hidden stories. We then continue to the black-sanded beaches of Perivolos and Perissa, perfect for soaking up the sun along the sparkling shoreline. Here, you’ll have some free time to wander, snap envy-worthy photos and indulge in local delicacies for lunch. Next, we’re off to the beautiful village of Pyrgos for an immersive walking tour, complete with cobblestone lanes, traditional architecture and breathtaking vistas.
Once we arrive and check-in to our hotel, you’ll have the evening at leisure to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants looking out at the volcano. We recommend ordering a ‘gyros’ from one of the local vendors. Traditionally made with lamb in Greece, chicken and pork are also commonly offered. Combined with tomato, onion, French fries and tzatziki, and encased within a fluffy flatbread, it’s a cheap and delicious meal!
The morning is at leisure to soak up the magic of Santorini at our own pace. Why not start your day with a breezy beachside stroll, a rooftop coffee with a view, or a relaxed wander through narrow, bougainvillea-framed alleys, whatever your heart desires. Once you’ve soaked in some Greek charm, we’ll set off for the monastery of Profitis Ilias, perched at the highest point of Santorini. Get your cameras ready, because the panoramic sights from here will surely make your heart skip a beat!
Next, we’ll journey to the seaside village of Kamari with its iconic, black-sanded beach. Kick off those sandals, dip your toes in refreshing waters and watch the vibrant village life roll by. Next, prepare for a taste sensation at a local winery offering wines that capture Santorini’s sun-drenched spirit. Swirl, sip and savour as the knowledgeable hosts share their passion for exceptional Greek vintages. Finally, as evening sets in, we’ll arrive in Oia, just in time to bask in its famous golden-hour glow.
Special Experience
Explore Oia, Santorini’s most famous and picturesque village, and witness an incredible sunset over the Aegean.
Today is not the day to forget our cameras… Oia’s picture perfect whitewashed houses, blue domed churches and narrow winding streets are straight out of a movie set! Combined with the legendary sunset as it drops into the caldera is an image we won’t want to forget.
Enjoy the day at leisure to explore and relax in beautiful Santorini. Why not take a stroll along the caldera walkway which runs all the way from Fira, the island’s capital, to Oia, the stunning town located at its northern tip. Even a short walk can be visually astounding.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 21 - Depart Santorini
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the end of our adventure across fascinating Greece. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 22 - Arrive Australia
Day 22 - Arrive Australia
