Secrets of Greece Including Corfu with Santorini Extension

Visit Greece

Day 1

Welcome to Athens

Venture back to a time when great philosophers roamed the halls of the Agora and gods competed for mythical supremacy.

Your journey delving into the treasures of Greece begins in its vibrant capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. Kick off your in-depth discovery of what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' this evening, when you meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a Light Meal.

Day 2

Journey to Epidaurus and Nafplion

We journey to a land of legends this morning.

Our leisurely drive takes us to the scenic northeast Peloponnese and past the impressive Corinth Canal, which straddles two gulfs. Our first stop is the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Take to the stage and hear first-hand the magnificent acoustics that would entertain over 14,000 spectators, then spend the rest of the day exploring the Venetian-inspired seaport of Nafplion. Amble past its Neoclassical mansions or enjoy a traditional meal against the scenic backdrop of the bay.

Day 3

A Day Exploring Mycenae Dive Into Culture

We continue our journey inland and join a Local Specialist for a guided visit of Mycenae, its ruins remain as a testament of what was once an important palatial centre of the late Bronze Age in Greece.

Stroll through the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Royal Palace, before seeing the tomb of this fearless Greek leader who commanded the Greeks in their battles against Trojan forces. This afternoon, we Dive Into Culture and sample delicious local vintages, gaining insights into wine production in the Nemea region. We'll have free time to stroll through the seaside retreat of Nafplion, perhaps with a delicious Greek ice cream in hand.

Day 4

Onwards to Ancient Olympia Connect with Locals

Crossing the Peloponnese, we head towards the famous village of Olympia, where sacrifices were once made to the gods, and athletes competed for supremacy in the ancient Olympic Games.

Visit the ruins of temples, the museum and the stadium, with our Local Specialist, imagining agile runners racing in honour of Zeus. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm for a traditional Be My Guest experience including dinner and dancing.

Day 5

Off to Nikopolis and Sail to Corfu

We leave the Peninsula and return to mainland Greece, continuing north past Amphilochia and Preveza, before arriving in Nikopolis to see where the Battle of Actium took place.

Boarding a ferry, we cross to the beautiful island of Corfu where we have some time at leisure to admire its splendid architecture, arcades and Spianada, one of the largest and most impressive squares in Greece.

Day 6

A Day to Discover Amazing Corfu

Begin your day with an orientation tour of the island, followed by a visit to the Venetian Castle and the Monastery of Palaiokastritsa.

Later, we stop at the Phaeacian-styled Achilleion Palace, built by Elizabeth 'Sissi' Empress of Austria and Hungary, who so admired Greece and its culture that she decided to build an enchanting summer retreat here. Stroll through its Imperial Gardens and enjoy magnificent views of the lush valley and glistening Ionian Sea beyond before returning to your hotel for an evening on your own terms.

Day 7

Continue on to Lakeside Ioannina

We bid farewell to island living on Corfu and sail back to the mainland, continuing to the lively lakeside city of Ioannina, where we spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Stroll along the tranquil lakeshore and through the Old Town to admire its Ottoman and Byzantine treasures, including the imposing castle that overlooks Lake Pamvotis.

Day 8

Journey to Meteora and Mount Pelion

The delicious flavours of Metsovone cheese provide a fitting start to our day.

We continue to Kalambaka where a Local Specialist will reveal the famous Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora that stand almost impossibly perched atop colossal boulders. Pass the seaside town of Volos before arriving into Portaria.

Day 9

Admire Thermopylae, Delphi and on to Galaxidi

Traversing the peaks of Parnassos and Giona, we stop in Thermopylae, the mythical entrance to Hades and the site where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought bravely against the invading Persians.

Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to Delphi, the seat of the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo and ramble through what remains of this ancient sanctuary, once the site of the Pythian Games, a precursor of the modern Olympics. Continue on to a family-ran honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste the rich thyme honey freshly collected from the hive and come up close to the unique biodiversity of the area. The seaside village of Galaxidi is our final stop for the day.

Day 10

Return to Athens

We return to cosmopolitan Athens for a day of delving into antiquity, coming face-to-face with the treasures of Ancient Greece.

We ascend to the Acropolis and join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with magnificent views of Athena's Parthenon, the Agora, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus. See Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and view the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. On our final evening together, we join our fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the millennia and miles explored together on this epic voyage of discovery.

Day 11

Cruise to Sunny Santorini

Board a high-speed ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini, your home for three nights.

Transfer to your hotel with an orientation on arrival and spend free time exploring. Comprising of a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is all that remains of an enormous volcanic explosion. The island's spectacular physical beauty coupled with its dynamic nightlife makes it one of Europe's most popular hotspots.

Day 12

Discover Stunning Santorini

Santorini offers a wealth of exciting things to do.

You might like to spend your time relaxing in the sun or wander down winding cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses. Admire breathtaking views across the caldera and witness a stunning sunset.

Day 13

Santorini Your Way

Santorini makes some of the Greek islands' best wines so perhaps take a tour of a winery and taste some for yourself.

Consider a ride in a caique to the volcanic island of Nea Kamini to swim in the hot springs. Embrace the magic of Santorini.

Day 14

Fly to Athens and Journey Home

Take a short flight back to Athens this morning.

Say goodbye to Greece as you continue your journey home from Athens Airport.

Dining Summary

13 Breakfast (B)

2 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

Olympia: Say opa! to an Olympic Be My Guest experience with the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm, followed by a traditional dinner and dancing.

Dive Into Culture

Nemea: Learn about the winemaking tradition of the Nemea region and enjoy a local wine tasting.

Iconic Experience

Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus: Visit the Theatre of Epidaurus and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius during a stop in the Peloponnesus.

Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Specialist.

Archaeological Site of Olympia: Join a Local Specialist to view the stadium of Olympia which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.

Corfu: Enjoy time at leisure to explore Corfu's Old Town narrow streets and arcaded squares. 

Corfu: Visit the Achilleion Palace, former summer home of Elizabeth 'Sissi' Empress of Austria nad Hungary. 

Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.

Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.

Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.

Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.

Santorini: Enjoy an orientation of stunning Santorini upon arrival. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Delphi: Meet passionate beekeeper Nikiforos at his honey farm for a taste of his special thyme honey, known to be one of the most nutritious in the world. See the bees thriving in their natural habitat and learn about their role in nature regeneration. This experience advances Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Traditionally a beekeeping area, Delphi has lost most of its beekeeping activity. The decline in bee populations has seen a significant loss of biodiversity. Thanks to their effort, Nikiforos and his family and rebuilding a local activity and directly contributing to regenerating the land.

Must-see Highlights

: Explore Mycenae, Olympia, Meteora, Delphi and Athens with a Local Specialist

: Discover Corfu, Metsovo, Meteora and Galaxidi

: View the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the Parthenon, Agora, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens

: See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae

Whats Included

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

: All porterage and restaurant gratuities

: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

: Return ferry to Corfu

: Optional Experiences and free time

: High-speed ferry from Athens to Santorini

: Flight from Santorini to Athens

: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

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