Shape your adventure: With Extensions, every beginning and ending is yours to create. Learn More.

CALL: 1-844 421 0109

Ask a Question

Highlights of Ancient Greece

Rating: 4.8
Rating: 4.8/5 Read 25 reviews

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.

Comfort Level

Classic

Activity

Culture

Overview

Journey back thousands of years to a land of gods and monsters, daring heroes and magnificent monuments

Discover the treasures of Ancient Greece: a world-famous collection of architectural wonders built in the name of the classical gods. On this culture-rich trip, we visit the highlights, including: the Acropolis in Athens; Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games; and Delphi, where the ancient heaven and earth met. At the same time, we cover a large part of the mainland, including the Peloponnese peninsula and central Greece, enjoying beautiful coastlines, forests and mountains.

Highlights of Ancient Greece

Key Information

What's Included

  • All accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 4 Classic nights (hotels)
  • All breakfasts and one dinner
  • Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
  • Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure and archaeological guide
  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

  • Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip local taxes are not included and will be paid locally.

Highlights

  • Journey through Ancient Greece, visiting some of the best archaeological sites in the world
  • Explore the extraordinary temples and monuments of the Acropolis in Athens
  • Marvel at the mountain-wrapped ruins of Delphi
  • Visit Olympia and walk (or run!) in the footsteps of the first Olympic athletes
  • Discover the well-preserved monuments of Messene at the foot of Mount Ithomi

Itinerary

Highlights of Ancient Greece
  • First Destination: Athens
  • Next Destination: Athens Airport
  • Accommodation:Arion/Achilleas Hotel/Acropolis Hill (or similar)
  • Meals included:Dinner
  • Accommodation:Arion/Achilleas Hotel/Acropolis Hill (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Byzantion Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Hotel Karalis (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Pelops Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Nidimos Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • First Destination: Athens
  • Next Destination: Athens Airport

Our adventure begins in Athens, an ancient capital soaked in myth and legend. Depending on when you land, you may have time to explore a little or perhaps dive into a taverna to sink your teeth into the much-loved local cuisine.

Around 6pm, say yassou (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Want more time in Athens? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Upgrade to a room with a balcony or a view – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Accommodation:Arion/Achilleas Hotel/Acropolis Hill (or similar)
  • Meals included:Dinner

Embark on a walking tour of Athens this morning, taking in the Acropolis ruins and artefact-filled Acropolis Museum. This walk is a journey through the history of the city, from the classical world ruled by the Olympian deities to the 21st century.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Athens on your own. Your leader can suggest where to visit.

Please note: During busy periods, the walking tour might take place in the afternoon when it is quieter and the morning will be free.

Upgrade to a room with a balcony or a view – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Accommodation:Arion/Achilleas Hotel/Acropolis Hill (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
Highlights of Ancient Greece

Head to Nafplio after breakfast. On the way, stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. We then visit the archaeological site of Corinth, one of the major cities in antiquity and an important centre of trade. Extended excavations here have revealed a Roman forum, temples, fountains and various other monuments.

Then continue to the archaeological site of Mycenae, the kingdom of Agamemnon, who led the Greeks in the Trojan war, and the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Mycenae comprises a fortified acropolis and surrounding funerary and habitation sites. We then head to the picturesque town of Nafplio, where we spend the night.

Upgrade to a mini-suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
Highlights of Ancient Greece

Explore two World Heritage sites today: Ancient Tyrinth, near Nafplio, then Ancient Epidaurus. In the morning, head to the small town of Tyrintha (just 10 minutes from Nafplio) to visit the Mycenaean acropolis of Ancient Tiryns with walls that, according to legend, were built by the Cyclops.

We then head to Ancient Epidaurus (approximately a 45-minute drive from Nafplio), home to the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world. We also visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, the finest and most renowned of its kind, which perfectly combines acoustics with elegance and symmetrical proportions. Return to Nafplio for a delightful evening walk in the beautiful alleys of the old town.

Upgrade to a mini-suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
Highlights of Ancient Greece

Enjoy one more exploration of Nafplio with a morning visit to the hilltop Fortress of Palamidi, which stands guard over the town. It was initially fortified by the Venetians during the second Venetian occupation of the area (1686-1715). In 1715, it was captured by the Turks and remained under their control until 1822, when it was liberated by the Greeks. The most important monuments of the site are the castle, the Church of St Andrew, and the prison of Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek Revolution.

We then transfer (approximately two hours) to Mystras, the most famous medieval town in Greece. Explore the site on foot, including several beautiful Byzantine churches, most built between the 12th and 15th centuries, the palaces of the Mystras despots (which are currently closed for maintenance), and some urban buildings.

 

  • Accommodation:Byzantion Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
Highlights of Ancient Greece

Head to Ancient Messene after breakfast, one of the finest and best restored, yet still relatively unknown, archaeological sites in Greece. Lying in a fertile valley below Mount Ithomi, the site was first inhabited during the Late Neolithic or early Bronze age. We visit the ancient theatre, the agora, and the Asclepeion. The stadium and the gymnasium are among the most impressive and well restored complexes in Ancient Messene.

We then drive to the seaside town of Pylos, where we check into our hotel. En route, we visit the Castle of Pylos, which hosts a fine exhibition and museum of underwater antiquities. Here, we learn about underwater archaeology in Greece; how research, excavations, and preservation of the antiquities take place. Also see contents from shipwrecks found in the sea near the Peloponnese and Ionian islands.

Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Accommodation:Hotel Karalis (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast

Drive to the Mycenaean Palace of Nestor after breakfast, which lies 11mi (17km) north of Pylos. It’s described in Homer’s Odyssey as the court of the hero Nestor, who took part in the voyage of the Argonauts and sent 90 ships to fight in the Trojan War. From the raised walkways and explanatory text, you get a good idea of the layout of a Mycenaean palace complex.

Our next destination is Olympia (approximately a two-hour drive), where we visit Ancient Olympia, the site that hosted the first Olympic Games. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, at the confluence of two rivers, it was the most important religious and athletic site in Ancient Greece. Our exploration includes the Sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings around it, such as an athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings, and other lay buildings and monuments.

 

  • Accommodation:Pelops Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
Highlights of Ancient Greece

After breakfast, we drive (approximately 3hr 30min to four hours) to Delphi. En route, we cross from the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece and have the chance to admire the cable-stayed Rio–Antirrio Bridge, an modern masterpiece of architecture

Enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants upon arrival, before we explore the magnificent archaeological site of Delphi on foot, which was considered the place where heaven and earth met in ancient times. According to mythology, it is here two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The Sanctuary of Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, was for many centuries the cultural and religious hub and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. At the archaeological site, we visit the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and of the Siphnians, the ancient theatre and possibly the stadium.

 

  • Accommodation:Nidimos Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
Highlights of Ancient Greece

You can sleep in a bit longer this morning, as you have a long day ahead! After checking out, we pass by Arachova, a picturesque town on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Stroll around, purchase local souvenirs or enjoy a drink in one of the numerous cafes. We then depart for Athens (approximately a 2hr 30min drive).

Continue to the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula to Cape Sounio, where you can enjoy lunch. We visit the fifth-century BCE Temple of Poseidon with its magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea (on a clear day you can see at least seven islands). This doric temple was put up during the Golden Age of Pericles during 444-400 BCE, probably by the same architect who designed the Temple of Hephaestus at the Ancient Agora, whose name is unfortunately lost. It was devoted to Poseidon, the Olympian god of the sea; inside the temple stood a 20ft (6m) bronze statue of Poseidon, surviving in parts and preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Being a seafaring state, Athens had incredible faith in Poseidon and built the temple right near the sea. Along with the Parthenon and the Temple of Aphaea, on nearby Aegina Island, Poseidon’s mighty monument completes the Sacred Triangle of antiquity.

After, we transfer (approximately one hour) to Athens International Airport where our adventure ends. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights in the capital, giving you a chance to explore this history-soaked city at your own pace.

  • Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Highlights of Ancient Greece

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Read more about our flights
  • Saturday 07 Mar 2026 to Sunday 15 Mar 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (On Request)

    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 683

    USD 3375 (excl. flights)

  • Saturday 28 Mar 2026 to Sunday 05 Apr 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Limited)

    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

    Only 3 spaces left!
    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 683
    Available upon Request

    USD 3375 (excl. flights)

  • Saturday 18 Apr 2026 to Sunday 26 Apr 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Limited)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Only 4 spaces left!
    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728
    Available upon Request

    USD 3525 (excl. flights)

  • Saturday 02 May 2026 to Sunday 10 May 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728

    USD 3525 (excl. flights)

  • Saturday 16 May 2026 to Sunday 24 May 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Limited)

    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

    Only 3 spaces left!
    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728
    Available upon Request

    USD 3525 (excl. flights)

  • Saturday 30 May 2026 to Sunday 07 Jun 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728
    Save USD 523

    Usually USD 3523

    Now USD 3000

  • Saturday 13 Jun 2026 to Sunday 21 Jun 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728
    Save USD 343

    Usually USD 3523

    Now USD 3180

    Book with USD 795 deposit

  • Saturday 29 Aug 2026 to Sunday 06 Sep 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728
    Save USD 343

    Usually USD 3523

    Now USD 3180

    Book with USD 795 deposit

  • Saturday 05 Sep 2026 to Sunday 13 Sep 2026

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728

    USD 3525 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 881 deposit

  • Saturday 12 Sep 2026 to Sunday 20 Sep 2026

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728

    USD 3525 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 881 deposit

  • Saturday 26 Sep 2026 to Sunday 04 Oct 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728
    Save USD 343

    Usually USD 3523

    Now USD 3180

    Book with USD 795 deposit

  • Saturday 03 Oct 2026 to Sunday 11 Oct 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728
    Save USD 523

    Usually USD 3523

    Now USD 3000

    Book with USD 750 deposit

  • Saturday 10 Oct 2026 to Sunday 18 Oct 2026

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728

    USD 3375 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 843 deposit

  • Saturday 17 Oct 2026 to Sunday 25 Oct 2026

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728

    USD 3300 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 825 deposit

  • Saturday 31 Oct 2026 to Sunday 08 Nov 2026

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 728

    USD 3300 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 825 deposit

  • Saturday 06 Mar 2027 to Sunday 14 Mar 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 720

    USD 3450 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 862 deposit

  • Saturday 27 Mar 2027 to Sunday 04 Apr 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 720

    USD 3450 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 862 deposit

  • Saturday 17 Apr 2027 to Sunday 25 Apr 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 15 May 2027 to Sunday 23 May 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 29 May 2027 to Sunday 06 Jun 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 12 Jun 2027 to Sunday 20 Jun 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 28 Aug 2027 to Sunday 05 Sep 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 04 Sep 2027 to Sunday 12 Sep 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 11 Sep 2027 to Sunday 19 Sep 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 25 Sep 2027 to Sunday 03 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 02 Oct 2027 to Sunday 10 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 09 Oct 2027 to Sunday 17 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 16 Oct 2027 to Sunday 24 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

  • Saturday 30 Oct 2027 to Sunday 07 Nov 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 765

    USD 3675 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 918 deposit

Book Your Flights With Us

Window or aisle? Premium seat with extra legroom? Adding a stopover en route? We’ll sort the flights that fit your plans. With access to thousands of routes - major airlines and regional gems alike, we’ll help you fly from your preferred airport, at times that suit you. Secure your flights and trip together and enjoy peace of mind knowing everything's organized with one team here to help if plans change.

View Details

Accommodation

A selection of Greek hotels

We stay in small, family-run hotels where possible, favouring traditional properties that highlight the architecture of each destination. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay.

Upgrade to a higher category of room on Day 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details. 

Mystras: Hotel Byzantion (night 4)

Highlights of Ancient Greece

The Byzantion is a family-run hotel in the centre of Mystras village. Wrapped by mountains, the property has an alpine feel, while the hotel has plenty of retro touches, such as wood-paneled ceilings and an old phone booth. Our groups particularly like to gather in the green garden, where there’s a dipping pool and shady spots where you can shelter from the sun.

Pylos: Hotel Karalis (night 5)

Highlights of Ancient Greece

This 35-room hotel is just moments from the main town square and overlooks the Bay of Navarino. Nearby, there’s plenty to explore. The Three Admirals Square, named for the monument in its centre, has cafe seating under the shade of plane trees – an essential experience in this part of the world. Meanwhile, the hotel has a bar for post-exploration, pre-dinner drinks.

Delphi: Nidimos Hotel (night 7)

Highlights of Ancient Greece

The Nidimos is consistently a standout hotel for our groups. There are 34 modern rooms, each with a large balcony and seating area. There’s also a light and bright bar where you can gather for post-exploration drinks – make sure to check out the views of the mountains and Bay of Itea.

Essential Information

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

This is a cultural trip taking in the major archaeological sites in Greece, combining coastal zones in the Peloponnese with several mountainous areas and villages. Expect beautiful landscapes, incredible history and rich culture. There is a fair amount of minibus travel (from two to four hours per day) with sightseeing and lunch breaks along the way, and free time usually upon arrival at each day’s destination. Most of the driving is on main roads, which are fast. In some places, we follow the provincial roads, which are also sealed.

The tour is not physically demanding; however, walking is necessary at several sites, including Mystras and Delphi. At some of these sites, we walk between one and two hours, often uphill, taking uneven steps and terrain. Trainers (not sandals) are highly recommended.

Expect some early starts on departures from November through March, when many sites close at 3pm, as we want to ensure there is sufficient time to explore thoroughly.

Key information

Start hotel: Arion Hotel/Achilleas Hotel/Acropolis Hill
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, there will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening
Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH)

Highlights of Ancient Greece

 

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 35-45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: 

Take a transfer 

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. 

Make your own way 

You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A Metro Line 3 connects the airport to the city centre (Syntagma Square). The journey time is approximately 40 minutes and a single ticket costs €9. On arrival at the hotel please make the reception staff aware that you are part of our group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group 

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.  

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer. 

Greece

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html

Breakfast is included at all the hotels and there is one dinner included at the start.

Simple buffet-style Greek breakfasts consist of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs, honey, and coffee/tea.

Other meals are not included, and we suggest you allow approximately €175-€250 to cover them, more if you include alcoholic or expensive fruit juices with each meal.

Your group leader will assist in organising group meals at most stops, so you may benefit from better choices and good food. For lunch and dinner, we will go to different tavernas and restaurants, where we can sample typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and more.

  • February/March and November/December: Daytime temperatures 10C-18C (50F-64F); nighttime 5C-9C (41F-48F); rain and chances of snow on high mountains.
  • April, May and October: Daytime temperatures 17C-27C (63F-81F); nighttime 12C-17C (54F-63F); small chance of rain; the ideal time to see spring flowers.
  • June and September: Daytime temperatures 20C-30C (68F-86F); nighttime 18C-23C (64F-73F); very dry and warm, ideal for swimming.
  • July: Daytime temperatures 30C-35C (86F-95F); nighttime 25C-28C (77F-82F); very dry and hot, ideal for swimming.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Bridget Burns

Rating: 5

Highlights of ancient Greece

The trip is very comprehensive seeing all the major sites and some of the lesser known sites but all added to the sense of the sophistication of Ancient Greece. George our guide was able to bring these sites to life with the stories of Greek mythology. There are some long-ish...

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the acropolis and the vast collection at the Athens archeological museum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

George was very knowledgeable on Greek history and culture, Greek ancient mythology and very engaging with random topics of discussion. He was very organised and the trip went without any glitches.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Touch up on your Greek mythology and try to add some extra days at start/ end of your time for Athens exploration and a day trip to the Meteora monasteries (the trip used to include the Meteora monasteries but this has been dropped from the itinerary now).

Steve Mazzarella

Rating: 5

Excellent trip

Really a fun and educational trip. Highly recommend for those interested in a broad overview of Greek history.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing several sites that I've heard about my entire life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eva is excellent. Superb........

Sonja Mobbs

Rating: 5

Incredible History and Sights

The vast timeline of history on this trip was truly amazing. Many of the archeological sites we visited were in breathtaking locations. I was in awe the entire tour. Even the times we were driving from one location to the next was amazing as the landscape is so beautiful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the old theatres, sitting in the stands and imagining what life felt like during these times. Oh and running on the original Olympic track of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria has a large and incredible knowledge of the sites we visited - we were able to ask intricate questions and receive an in depth response.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Brush up on your ancient Greek history before the tour - this will allow you to truly appreciate the sites and artifacts you see.

Catherine Roberts

Rating: 5

Ancient Greece and more

Well organised trip taking in the well known sites like Delphi and Olympia with lesser known gems.

Most Inspirational Moment

Messene and Meteroa.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was a very well informed guide, always happy to answer questions.

P&E Rooke

Rating: 5

Greece from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine, with some lovely scenery too!

Thoroughly enjoyable. A good introduction to the classical sites of ancient Greece. We feel we have a much better grasp of Greek history now. We covered a lot in the time, but the pace of the trip was about right.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amphitheatre at Epidaurus, Mycenae, Meteora, Messene and the optional boat trip in Navarino Bay were all highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

'George' was a good tour leader. He was very knowledgeable about the history and mythology of all the places we visited. He was friendly, organised, and he worked hard to ensure that we all had an enjoyable trip. A bonus: he was a fully-qualified guide, so we didn’t need any additional local guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good walking sandals are OK at many sites, but shoes are often more comfortable as it can be rough and gritty underfoot. If you are staying at the Achilleas Hotel in Athens for the second night of the trip, or are having some additional nights at the end, we can recommend two nice, unpretentious local restaurants: Neoklassiko, on the corner of Lekka towards Syntagma Square, and To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias (The Rose of Taste), which is almost opposite the hotel. The latter does great food and is a real locals’ place. Also, if you’re staying on in Athens at the end of the tour, check museum opening times as many are closed early in the week. Make sure you visit a rooftop bar at night for a spectacular view of the Parthenon.

Angela Wallace

Rating: 5

Myths, legends, and thousands of years of history

Good, full-on trip covering lots of ground and amazing scenery and history.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meteora, Olympia and Delphi were particular highlights for me - Acropolis in Athens was of course amazing but way busier even than expected. Navarino bay at Pylos was also unexpectedly spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

George was a consummate professional with encyclopedic knowledge of all the sites and museums visited, as well as being superbly organised and amenable to questions in general, and IMO went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a good trip. A conscientious tour guide, he made sure he had all the information anyone on a trip like this could ever need, and spent much of his own time making sure everything was in place for the day's events. He and our diver Gregoris were very good at getting us in to places before they got too busy with the many big cruise ship and coach trip tours that seemed to be everywhere, and were always helpful and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a full-on itinerary which can be quite tiring, especially in the heat, and IMO was a bit museum-heavy. Some sites don't have much shade so for anyone pale and Irish like me, sunscreen, insect repellant and hats are essential! So are good walking shoes and plenty of water - I find an insulated water bottle essential, and there are often public fountains where you can fill up (top tip, use the Refill app to discover where these are).

Nicola Fry

Rating: 5

Unexpected wonders of mainland Greece

Fast paced trip taking in a wonderful array of antiquities and beautiful Greek towns. Hits all the main sites, with some less know gems as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Whilst Delphi and Olympia were amazing, Messene floored me. The site is jaw dropping in it's completeness and it's lack of exposure to the tourist trail. Here, above all other sites, I could imagine what it was like to be in ancient Greece.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Syrago was a wonderful leader, always cheerful and happy to help. She shared her country and her knowledge generously and was a great help on food selection too. A lovely calm presence on the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This tour is full on. Apart from Athens, there is only one night in each hotel, so you are constantly moving. This is great for the trip, as it covers a lot of ground, but if you can extend to a few nights downtime on one of Greece's fantastic islands afterwards I would heartily recommend.

Gillian Merritt

Rating: 5

highlights of ancient Greece

A trip to major sites and a good chance to cover quite a bit of the country and appreciate its natural beauty

Most Inspirational Moment

Too difficult to choose. seeing the Acropolis lit up at night? walking underneath the Lion Gate at Mycenae? The scale of Messene? the rock formations of Meteora?

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can't praise her highly enough . Often there are separate specialists for each place but Stephania knew eveything about everywhere. She was a walking encyclopaedia. Not only that, she had a lovely manner , was friendly , approachable and arranged a group meal every night if we wanted it . This was perfect for me because as a single traveller i was slightly worried about being left on my own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

you have to have an interest in the subect matter . I had studied prehistory and archaeology at university and had originally booked this trip in April 2020 so it was something I had longed to do.

Suggestions

The last day involved a very long drive and a long wait at the airport. I quite understand when you have a long journey you have to err on the side of caution and get to the airport in good time but maybe you could consider organising the trip in reverse so that the group is already in Athens on departure day. YOU MUST UPDATE THE TRIP NOTES ABOUT LONG SKIRTS NEEDED AT THE MONASTERIES, LONG TROUSERS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Paul Russell

Rating: 5

included more than title suggests - one of the reasons we chose it - but title sums the trip up adequately

Excellent trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to rank such diverse and excellent experiences

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - very enthusiastic and knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a need to be interested in the Ancient Greece (as the title suggests) but there is also a reasonable about of 'free time' for individual exploration. Really good trip.

Suggestions

Our first Exodus Trip - although we have done many with Explore they are not running a comparable trip to this. We will be checking both companies in the future!

Alan Jordan

Rating: 4

Good trip with long days

Covers all the expected areas and some unexpected ones. Pacing often seemed hurried but in retrospect was about right. Reasonable vehicle used with enough space, although the single seats seemed rather narrow (the seat belt connectors were recessed make the narrowness less noticeable) Lots of early starts but in most...

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the Olympic Stadium ruins completely alone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good on detail and organisation but does need to limit the static time or learn to talk and walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ignore the advice about the water being safe, it is if you are southern European but very iffy for the north European. Came back with a water borne bug.

Suggestions

The start could be improved, but with flights coming in at very different times it would be difficult. There was a tension on the final day with a visit at the start of the day then a long drive back to Athens, particularly when we had already had one puncture.

Discounted Price: 3000 USD. Regular price: 3523 USD
9 Days Excluding Flights

Make an enquiry

AGM - Highlights of Ancient Greece

To enquire about an existing booking click here

To give you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

Find out more about how we use your data

You may also like

Highlights of Ancient Greece