Greece Odyssey Islands, History, and Culture

On the first day of your adventure in Athens, we'll whisk you away to your hotel, leaving you the remainder of the day to explore or unwind at your own pace. In the afternoon, we suggest visiting the hotel reception area where you'll find important information about your upcoming journey on the notice boards. It's worth noting that during this tour, the group may evolve as travellers join or leave at different points, but rest assured, the group's size will always remain within comfortable limits. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of our journey, we'll venture into the Peloponnese region. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, an impressive feat of 19th-century engineering connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. We'll then travel through scenic mountain landscapes to reach Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, we'll take a break at the vibrant Aeros Square, a hub of lively cafes and restaurants.Our day continues as we head to Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games. A local guide will walk us through the Archaeological Siteentry tickets are coveredwhere well witness the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the ancient Arena, showcasing the birthplace of the Games in 776 B.C.Later, we'll continue to Patras, Greece's third-largest city, noted for its medieval fortress and St. Andrew's Cathedral, the largest in the country. Beside it, the small church of St. Andrew is an important pilgrimage destination. Dinner will be provided, rounding off a day rich with history and culture.

Following breakfast, we will set off from Patras, crossing the impressive RioAntirrio Bridge, which elegantly links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our journey takes us through the delightful landscapes of Central Greece and Epirus, eventually reaching the port town of Igoumenitsa. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll before we board the ferry to the enchanting island of Corfu. During the one-and-a-half-hour crossing over the Ionian Sea's emerald waters, we suggest you take the opportunity to have lunch. Corfu, often referred to as the jewel of the Ionian Sea, awaits with its capital, Kerkyra. The town boasts a well-preserved historic centre, heavily influenced by its Venetian past. We will also visit Kanoni, home to a charming Byzantine church perched on its own small island. After exploring the island's highlights, we will board the ferry back to the Greek mainland, where we will arrange accommodation in Igoumenitsa or a nearby area.

Following breakfast, we set off through the majestic mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a delightful village steeped in Balkan charm. Surrounded by rugged terrain, Metsovo preserves a rich cultural tapestry shaped by Slavic and Turkish influences. Meander through its streets adorned with traditional stone houses, red-tiled roofs, and finely carved wooden balconies. Our journey then takes us into the region of Thessaly as we stop at the picturesque village of Kastraki. With splendid views of the Meteora Valley, it's an ideal spot to pause for lunch. Afterwards, we explore the Meteora, an extraordinary World Heritage Site. The name "Meteora" translates to "suspended in the air" or "in the sky," perfectly describing the towering rock formations topped with historic monasteries. These secluded retreats have served as sanctuaries for monks seeking solitude and peace over centuries. Our visit includes entry to one of these renowned monasteries. We conclude our day in Kalambaka, where dinner is provided.

Today, we set off southwards through the Thessaly region, where the landscape will captivate you with its stunning scenery. Our first stop is the renowned archaeological site of Delphi, perched with a view over the Gulf of Corinth. Here, youll have the chance to explore its ancient ruins while soaking in the breathtaking vistas. Well pause for lunch, allowing you to relax and absorb the atmosphere of this remarkable location. Next, our journey takes us to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its impressive 11th-century mosaics and striking Byzantine architecture. Finally, we continue towards Athens, aiming to arrive in the evening.

In the morning, you'll have the freedom to explore Athens at your leisure. Whether it's a visit to one of the city's remarkable museums, a spot of shopping, or taking in the vibrant local atmosphere, the choice is yours. As afternoon approaches, we will make our way to Piraeus Port, where you'll board a night ferry heading to Rhodes. The ferry offers amenities akin to those you'd find on a cruise, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant journey. You'll enjoy the comfort of a twin cabin as you spend the night aboard, travelling through the Aegean Sea.

Our ferry arrives early in the morning at Rhodes, where we embark on a city tour to explore this historic and culturally rich destination. We delve into the heart of the city, famed for its formidable walled citadel and Old Town, which bear witness to the varied influences of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian cultures. The afternoon is yours to uncover more of the island's charms at your own pace, whether that be wandering through the ancient streets, savouring local cuisine, or relaxing by the azure sea.

Today we depart from Rhodes city to explore the island further. Our first destination is Filerimos, perched atop a hill where you can visit its historic monastery set amidst striking landscapes. We then make our way to Lindos, a village famed for its fortress and Acropolis, which offer spectacular coastal views. You are free to meander through its charming whitewashed streets, unwind on the beaches, or perhaps take a traditional donkey ride to the Acropolis. Following lunch, we'll return to Rhodes city, where you have some personal time to enjoy the surroundings. In the evening, we will transfer you to the airport for a flight to Crete. Once we arrive, we'll head to the hotel in Heraklion. Please note that direct flights between Rhodes and Crete are limited and may be subject to change; occasionally, this flight could take place on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.

In the morning, we will embark on a coastal journey heading west across the island. Our first destination is Rethymno, a charming coastal city with Venetian roots, where we will pause to admire its medieval castle. Our adventure continues to Chania, a captivating city renowned for its impressive fortress and stately mansions. With a history marked by the influences of Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks, Chania offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. At the end of the day, we will return to Heraklion.

Today, we will discover the intriguing Palace of Knossos, where you can explore the depths of Minoan culture, which laid the foundation for Greek civilisation over four thousand years ago, with admission and a guided tour included. After our visit, we will embark on a journey through Cretes majestic mountains, heading south to the Libyan Sea's shores. We will arrive at Agia Galini, a delightful town known for its winding streets, charming fishing port, and lively taverns. Here, you will have time to enjoy lunch and, if you fancy, a refreshing swim in the sea. As the day concludes, we'll make our way back to the capital of Crete.Note: From November to April, we will visit Matala instead of Agia Galini due to the end of the summer season and some establishments closing. Matala is famed for its beautiful beach and unique cliffs with carved caves.

We will set off along the eastern coast of Crete, with our first stop in the quaint town of Kritsa. Here, you'll visit the Panagia Kera, a charming 13th-century church known for its remarkable frescoes entry is included. Our journey then leads us to the port town of Agios Nikolaos, where you can wander the scenic streets and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Continuing onwards, we'll arrive at Elounda, a former city-state now transformed into a popular tourist destination. We'll embark on a boat ride to Spinalonga Island to explore its impressive Venetian fortress, which later served as a leper colony. After our visit, we'll return by boat and make our way back to Heraklion for the evening, where you'll settle in for the night.

In the early hours of the morning, we will transfer you to the port to board a high-speed ferry bound for Santorini, anticipated to arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Once on the island, we will take a bus to Oia, renowned as Santorinis most stunning town with its iconic white-washed streets, breathtaking cliffside vistas, and historic remnants such as a castle and windmills. Youll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll through this picturesque setting. Afterwards, we will visit Fira, the vibrant capital of the island. Here, you may opt to descend to the port by cable car or traditional donkey ride, offering splendid views of the moored cruise ships. Our day concludes with boarding a high-speed ferry around 3:15 p.m. to return to Athens, with the expected arrival close to midnight. Please note: From November to mid-April, ferry services between Heraklion and Santorini do not operate, and during these months, we travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane instead.

Today, we will explore the vibrant city of Athens with a knowledgeable local guide. Our tour begins with a visit to key landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the inaugural modern Olympic Games took place. We will also pass by the National Library and various lively squares in the city centre. Get a sense of modern Athens as we travel through districts developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The city tour culminates at the iconic Acropolis, offering a glimpse into ancient history (please note that admission is not included). In the evening, well transport you to the historic Plaka neighbourhood, where you can savour traditional Greek cuisine in charming tavernas and experience the rich local culture.

Following breakfast, we bring our remarkable journey to a close. As we part ways, we trust you'll cherish the lasting memories of your travels with us. Safe travels ahead, and we hope to see you again on future adventures.