Highlights of Mainland

You fly to Thessaloniki during the day. We will meet you at the airport and drive you to your centrally located hotel. If you arrive early, grab the chance and take a stroll to discover the Greek way of life! Enjoy two nights in a modern hotel in Thessaloniki, within walking distance to the seafront.

On this day, we explore Greece’s second-largest city, which is a modern port metropolis and a city that has remained young at heart at the same time. Outstanding views from the elevated citadel and a walk back down to the center along the old city walls will make you fall in love with the city. We will visit the Rotunda built during Roman times and from there we will head to an atmospheric ceremony in the basilica of Saint Demetrios (UNESCO World Heritage Site). After a visit to the Archaeological Museum, we will admire the White Tower. Tips for the free afternoon and evening: harbor promenade, frappé in a street café, local fish specialties.

After breakfast, we will start our journey to Meteora. During the first half of the day, we will take a small detour to discover the wonderful town of Metsovo. If you like mountains, colors, folklore, and great food, then no doubt you are in the perfect place. And it’s not just that, Metsovo is renowned for its traditions and outstanding architecture. We will visit the Averoff Art Gallery, a museum of Greek modern art with a permanent exhibition displaying paintings, drawings, sculptures, and engravings by the foremost Greek artists of the 19th and 20th century. Among the many interesting things we can see in Metsovo, the vineyards are of particular importance. The locals managed to grow grapes of rare quality. Therefore, a visit to one of the vineyards is not to be missed. Get ready to have lunch in one of the cozy tavernas with amazing views and to try the delicacies of Metsovo.
Early evening: arrive in Meteora, have a nice panoramic walk and enjoy the breathtaking sunset!

Meteora is a rock formation that hosts a large number of eastern Orthodox Monasteries and it is the second most important religious site after Mount Athos.
As if they wanted to reach the sky, the Meteora monasteries balance on the cliffs. Unworldly monks built them a long time ago. In two of these monasteries, we will be fascinated by the dazzling frescoes and the atmosphere of Orthodox religiosity. 24 monasteries had been built initially, of which 6 of them still function today!
Walking in picturesque Kastraki and discovering beauty in each corner of the village is a gift to the soul and mind. The local cuisine is also definitely worth experiencing!

We will drive to Delphi, home to the world-famous oracle, the only true horoscope in this world. The place where Pythia was receiving the divine will of Apollo and advised mortals who came to seek her prophecy. The oracle was not only visited by Greeks, but also by foreigners who needed to make important decisions on state affairs.
Near Delphi lies Mount Parnassus. According to mythology, Parnassus was sacred to Dionysus and Apollo as well. Its scenic views and olive trees make Parnassus a fantastic place for hikes in the warmer months of the year and a ski resort in winter.
There are plenty of important sites to visit in Delphi. On days 5 and 6 we will visit the Temple of Apollo, the Delphi Archaeological Museum and site, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Athena Pronaia, the ancient theatre of Delphi, the ancient stadium of Delphi, and, finally, Arachova village.

We are on our way to the Corinthian Gulf and it’s time to listen to some Greek music, which can be surprisingly diverse, and cross one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world to reach the Peloponnese and our destination for the day, Olympia.
Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games in antiquity. We will first visit the museum with its excellently preserved statues, then the excavations of the ancient stadium, the Temple of Zeus, the father of the gods, as well as huge pine trees and green hills – this is where the athletes of antiquity fought.

Again traveling through olive trees as well as green and picturesque surroundings by the coast of the Ionian Sea, we will stop to visit Sparta on our way to Mystras.
Sparta and beautiful Queen Helen, the most beautiful woman ever born, gave rise to a very interesting Greek myth and also to one of the most celebrated wars in mythology.
We will visit the Archaeological Museum of Sparta which covers a long period of history. A visit to the Koumantarios Art Gallery is suggested for those who adore art. The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil is also worth visiting.
Evening rest in Mystras.

On this day, we will visit the mystical fortified town of Mystras, located only six km NW of Sparta; allow yourself to be captivated by this destination’s medieval splendor. Wander around the castle town and sense through the silence the city’s sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Demetrios, and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa and of Οur Lady Perivleptos, where we will light a candle and make a wish!

Not far from Mystras, on day 10 we will visit Mani, the untamed city of stones and castles. Even houses were traditionally built like castles and many of them which were erected in the 15th century, the era of the Byzantine Empire, still stand today! Here we have to stay for quite a while; to take our time and stroll down the narrow stone paths and discover the unique beauty of the villages. The sea, mountains, splendid architecture, amazing people; we need days to visit all the beauty that Mani has to offer.
We will spend 2 nights in Mani to have time to walk in the center of Areopoli, dine by the waves at Limeni, visit the Diros caves, swim in Marmari (if the season is right), explore Vathia, relax in Gerolimenas, discover the Cape Tenaro lighthouse- the most southern point of the Greek mainland, and escape civilization in Porto Kagio.

We’ll spend another day in another gem of the Peloponnese. Monemvasia, the fantastic medieval town entirely carved on the slopes of rocks, offers a breathtaking sea view from the highest location. The old town is the main attraction of the city. Monemvasia is a perfect place for relaxation. It is a delight to swim on its beaches. Hiking can also be enjoyed in this area.

We will drive to one of the most beautiful towns in eastern Peloponnese as well as the most romantic city in Greece. Nafplio was the first capital of Greece between 1823 and 1834. There is a lot to do and visit in this charming town. Nafplio offers a diverse landscape that consists of medieval castles, fortified islets, and breathtaking beaches. To familiarize yourselves with the history of the town, you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, as well as the War Museum, which was the first military school in Greece.

We will climb 999 steps to the top of Palamidi Castle, where an amazing view of the sea awaits us. It is also possible to explore the Bourtzi Fortress. We will visit the oldest fortress of Nafplio, the Akronafplia Fortress. Walking and shopping in the old town of the city is a very pleasant experience and in the center of the old town, we will admire the most historically important square of Nafplio, the Syntagma Square, where a very important event took place. In 1826, when the Greek rebellion was in great need of funding, Georgios Gennadios, a scholar also known as the teacher of the Greeks, gave an extremely powerful and moving speech under the plane tree. The speech affected the locals so much that even the poorest woman, known as Psorokostaina, gave her petty possessions for the cause of the revolution.
We should treat ourselves to a drink in one of the beautiful cafes in the square and enjoy the beauty of the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary architecture.
There are many more places worth visiting in the town, such as the church of Agios Spyridon, the Folklore Museum, Porta de la Terra ferma. Relaxing for a few hours at a beautiful beach is also an excellent option!

On day 15, we will take a trip to visit Epidaurus, one of the ancient Greek theatres.
This theatre was constructed in the late 4th century BC to host religious ceremonial events in honor of god Asclepius, whose healing center was located a few steps away. Famous for its symmetry and incredible acoustics, this classical theatre is surrounded by lush greenery and offers nice views of the valley below. In the summertime, it hosts performances of ancient Greek tragedies.

Finally, we drive to the largest city and the capital of Greece, and the historical capital of entire Europe, one of the world’s oldest cities; where art, democracy, philosophy, science, and western civilization flourished. Its Mediterranean climate and sunlight, its historical sites and modern buildings, its rich culture and fine cuisine make Athens a perfect place to stay for days, and also to end an astounding trip in Greece.
Athens receives its name from the god Athena, who gifted culture and civilization to the city and became its protector.
We can spend this afternoon walking in the center of the city, from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki, to get acquainted with the rhythm of the city center. We can sit in one of the many cafes for a drink while admiring Acropolis from our table.

We will spend these two days visiting the most important monuments and museums of the city, such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the Benaki Museum. There will be some hours of free time, for relaxing and walking around the city by your own.

We leave our cozy hotel and head to the airport. See you again Greece!