Thermopylae - Kalambaka - Meteora

Battlefield of Thermopylae - On our journey, we will explore the historic battlefield of Thermopylae, where in 480 BC, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans heroically sacrificed their lives for freedom.

Leonidas Monument - To complete the visit, you will witness the statue of Leonidas, standing proudly opposite Kolonos Hill, where the valiant Spartans made their last stand.

Historical Information Center Thermopylon - At the historical center, you will enjoy a 3D movie that transports you through time, allowing you to feel the presence of those who fought for their freedom against foreign conquerors.

Kalambaka - We will continue our journey through the mountains, avoiding the national highway, to experience the authentic Greek countryside. Passing through the cities of Lamia, Trikala, and Karditsa, we will arrive at Kalambaka, a charming small city dominated by the Meteora. After settling at the hotel, you will have time for an evening walk and a delightful local dinner.

Great Meteoron Monastery - We will visit the monasteries and take a closer look at the sacred rocks. These rocks, seemingly suspended in the air (which is the meaning of Meteora), host one of the largest and most significant complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries still in use. Meteora’s natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a unique destination among the world’s monuments. Great Meteoron is the largest and most impressive.

Roussanou Monastery - The beautiful wall paintings of the Catholicon were created in 1560. Visit Roussanou for a different perspective of the surrounding cliffs and nearby Monasteries. Follow the pathway from this monastery to the upper main road and discover an off-the-road panoramic viewpoint that allows you to walk on bare rocks!

Agios Stefanos - The Holy Monastery of Agios Stefanos is one of the few female monasteries in Meteora. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but evidence suggests it was built in the 15th century.

Kalambaka - Dion - Litochoro

Dion Archaeological Park - We will drive towards the site of Dion via the national highway. Upon reaching the village of Dion, we will explore the archaeological site and museum of Dion, an ancient Greek city named after Zeus (Dias in Greek) that maintained its significance during the Macedonian Period. Here, Philip II and his son Alexander the Great made sacrifices to the Gods after conquering the Ancient Greek world, and from here, Alexander The Great embarked on his expedition to Asia. It was a city of immense strategic importance to the Macedonian Kings. Today, you can visit the sanctuary of Isis and other Egyptian Gods, the oldest sanctuary of Goddess Dimitra, a Hellenistic theater, a Roman theater and stadium, the mansion of Dionysos with its exquisite mosaic decoration, and many more public and private buildings.

Archaeological Museum of Dion - Located in the present-day settlement of Dion, just 500 meters from the entrance of the archaeological site, the museum showcases finds from various excavations over the years. The exhibits are organized according to the areas from which they were excavated, including discoveries from ancient Pydna and other archaeological sites in Pieria. In the basement, visitors can watch an educational film titled “Daily Life in Ancient Dion,” along with screenings of audiovisual materials related to ancient Dion and Olympus.

Litochoro - After enjoying lunch in the village of Dion, we will drive to the foothills of Mount Olympus to reach the scenic village of Litochoro, where we will spend the rest of the day and overnight. Litochoro is the closest location to Mt Olympus at sea level, making it a popular destination for those wishing to start climbing the mountain. We will stay at the foothill of Greece’s highest mountain, where, according to Greek Mythology, the 12 Gods of Olympus resided.

Vergina - Pella

Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) - You will have the opportunity to visit the museum built around the original location of the Royal Tombs, filled with their golden belongings. Most importantly, you will encounter the imposing tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.

Pella Region - Pella is one of the most significant sites of the Hellenistic Period. It was chosen as the capital of the vast Macedonian Empire at the end of the 5th century BCE. The archaeological site includes public baths, sanctuaries, villas of wealthy Macedonians with unique mosaic decorations, and, of course, the Agora of the city. Originally covering an area of 400 hectares, the city gradually became the cultural and commercial center of the empire. Notably, Alexander the Great was born in Pella.

Archaeological Museum of Pella - The museum of Pella is a modern facility that opened in 2009 and rivals other Greek museums located in major cities.

Thessaloniki - We will drive to Thessaloniki for an overnight stay.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki - We will tour this beautiful city to see all the highlights of the co-capital. The White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the Roman Agora, and the cathedral of the Patron Saint Demetrius, the city wall, and the Ano Poli (Upper City) offer breathtaking views of the city and the Aegean Sea. Then, we will enjoy a traditional northern Greek lunch in the “Ladadika” area. The rest of the day will be free to explore more of the city at your own pace, visit museums, stroll through Aristotelous Square, or explore the central commercial streets.

White Tower of Thessaloniki - The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a monument and museum on the city’s waterfront, the capital of the Macedonia region in northern Greece. The current tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification, mentioned around the 12th century, which the Ottoman Empire reconstructed to fortify the city’s harbor after Sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki in 1430. The tower became a notorious prison and site of mass executions during Ottoman rule.

Rotunda - This emblematic monument of Thessaloniki was constructed in the early 4th century AD, at the turning point between the pagan and Christian worlds, likely as a temple for ancient cult worship or as a mausoleum for Constantine the Great (306-337).

Arch of Galerius - One of Thessaloniki’s most characteristic monuments is the Arch of Galerius, located on the upper side of Via Egnatia, a short distance from the Rotunda. (The Rotunda is a building with internal niches, serving as a place of worship). The Arch of Galerius is a glorious monument, built not for practical purposes but as a memorial and honorary structure. It is a triumphal arch constructed shortly before 305 AD to honor Roman Emperor Galerius after his final victory over the Persians. The triumphal arch was positioned perpendicular to the ancient Egnatia, which crossed the city (west to east), forming part of the Roman Palace of Galerius, which developed through the current squares of Navarinou and Hippodrome.

Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki - Ano Poli (Upper City). The Heptapyrgion is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress situated on the northeastern corner of the Acropolis of Thessaloniki. Despite its name, which means “Fortress of Seven Towers,” it features ten towers and was likely named after the Yedikule Fortress in Constantinople. It served as the major redoubt of the city’s acropolis and the seat of its garrison commander in Ottoman times until the late 19th century.

Church of Saint Dimitrios - Patron of Thessaloniki - The Church of Saint Demetrius is the main sanctuary dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki, dating from a time when it was the second-largest city of the Byzantine Empire. It is part of the site of Palaeochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1988. Beneath the Church is the place where St. Demetrios, along with other early Roman period Christians, were martyred.

Metsovo - Ioannina - Dodoni

Metsovo - This tree-shaded village, retaining its traditional character, dots the mountainside below Katara Col in the Pindos Mountain Range. Metsovo is vibrant year-round, generously offering its natural surrounding beauties. Particularly during winter, this famous Vlach village, birthplace of various national benefactors, is Epirus’ beloved tourist destination.

Perama Cave - Set on the western shore of the lovely Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina is one of northern Greece’s most atmospheric cities, known for its culture and wealth, as it was famous throughout the Ottoman Empire for its silver artisans. The walls of its old fortified city, the Kastro, enclose a tranquil quarter, spiked with minarets, and an island in the lake offers a quiet, car-free escape. Just before Ioannina, we will reach the region of Perama. Here, you can visit the Cave of Perama, a timeless cave (covering a distance of 1.5 km) full of openings with beautiful formations of stalagmites and stalactites created 1.5 million years ago.

Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Greek History - It is the largest museum of wax effigies in Greece and a significant heritage of our history. Everything in this museum, from its conception to its creation, was handcrafted by a man who wanted to bring elements of his country’s history to life with love and passion.

Dodoni Sanctuary and Theatre - We will drive to the Ancient Greek Oracle of Dodoni, where a vast site is preserved. It reveals the location of the ancient Greek theater, the Temple, and the Oracle of Zeus.

Lake Pamvotis - The lake is unique as it is the only one in the world with a small inhabited island, located just across from the city.

Zagorohoria

Zagorohoria - The next day, we will depart from Ioannina for a day tour in Zagorohoria. This is a group of picturesque, elevated villages and small bridges above the river. You will enjoy a traditional Greek lunch before we return to Ioannina to spend the rest of the day.

Ioannina Castle - The southeast part of Ioannina is a beautiful fortified old town and the area’s historic landmark. This is the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece, continuously inhabited to this day.

Delphi - Arachova

Mount Parnassus - You will have a breathtaking view of the mountains, filled with olive trees, right in front of you.

Monastery of Hosios Loukas - Our next stop is the monastery of Hosios Loukas, representing the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th -12th century), particularly its golden mosaic decoration and fine architecture.

Delphi - Delphi is a town on Mount Parnassus in southern mainland Greece. It’s the site of the 4th-century-B.C. Temple of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle.

Temple of Apollo - At the site, you will visit the Temple of Apollo, where Pythia delivered the oracles.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - In the museum, you will see the famous charioteer and Gold Ivory statues.

Arachova - Aráchova is a mountainous village nestled picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Parnassós in Viotia, Southern Greece. It is the most cosmopolitan winter destination in Greece, a favorite for passionate ski lovers and celebrities, or first-time visitors seeking relaxation in a dreamy mountainous setting with modern tourism facilities. Its modern ski resort, proximity to Athens, and breathtaking mountainous landscape are the strongest reasons why. Apart from mountain activities, Aráchova is also famous for its bustling nightlife and as the favorite mountain resort of Athenians.

Delphi - Rio Bridge - Diakofto - Kalavrita

Diakofto - Diakofto is a small seaside town with a magnificent view of the Corinthian Gulf. The town is mainly known for the train “Odontotos,” which crosses the Vouraikos Gorge on a beautiful route to Kalavrita. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the coasts of Diakofto, while in winter, they visit the magnificent ski center of Kalavrita.

Diakopto - Board the special train of Diakofto, the most scenic and picturesque train route in Greece, passing through tunnels and a canyon, immersing you in the purest Greek nature. The train will take you to Kalavrita after a short ride.

Kalavrita - Kalavryta is a mountainous small town with narrow streets, cafes, and restaurants, where you can find many locally produced products like honey, herbs, spices, pasta, etc. Kalavryta also played a significant role in Greek history. It was in the legendary Agia Lavra (a monastery in the area) that the Greek War of Independence began. In 1821, the first revolutionaries took an oath “to fight or die” for freedom, and the flag of the revolution was raised there. The site is also a martyr of World War II. In 1943, one of the most vicious holocausts in Greek territory took place here. The town is marked by inscriptions and crosses commemorating that fact. In Kalavryta, we will have lunch and spend the night.

Kalavryta - Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia - We will visit the archaeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia. This is one of the largest sites in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Walking through the site, you will pass by the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, the workshop of Phidias, the Temple of Zeus, and end up at the Stadium, where every four years, the Greeks competed for glory and spiritual elevation, honoring their cities.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia - The museum is also quite unique, as it includes the renowned statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” with its perfect proportions and tools that belonged to Phidias himself. With these tools, he created one of the seven wonders of the world, “the gold ivory statue of Zeus.”

Museum of the Olympic Games - The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games hosts 463 ancient works from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia and other museums in Greek territory. The exhibits cover a wide chronological range, from the 2nd millennium BC to the 5th century AD. Ancient artifacts are displayed in thematic units, showcasing the history of the Olympic games, the longest ancient institution. Apart from ancient art, visitors can access detailed information through rich visual material. After walking in the footsteps of ancient athletes, we will have lunch in the village.

Messini - Stoupa - Kardamili - Areopoli

Ancient Messini - The remains of this vast ancient city are as extensive as those of Olympia and Epidavros, yet Ancient Messini receives only a fraction of their visitors. Picturesquely situated on a hillside below the village of Mavromati and still undergoing excavation, the site comprises a large theatre, an agora (marketplace), a sizeable Sanctuary of Asclepius, and one of the most impressive Ancient Greek stadiums. Entry includes the small museum at the site turn-off; don’t miss the impressive Arcadian Gate 800m beyond.

Stoupa - Stoupa is a newly built little village in the south of the Peloponnese. The picturesque sandy beaches, small rivers, caves, beautiful harbors, and the hill with the castle are some of the reasons more and more tourists visit this magical place every year. The village’s original name was “Potamos,” meaning river in Greek, related to the area’s river. The name eventually changed to “Stoupa,” a word associated with sails, as locals would soak sails in water to soften them.

Kardamili - Kardamili is a wonderful, picturesque, historic, coastal village of Messiniaki Mani, situated 35km southeast of the city of Kalamata. Visitors can admire overgrown mountainsides, olive groves, beautiful beaches, well-maintained stone mansions of traditional Mani architecture, verdant gardens, and the lovely, picturesque small port.

Areopoli - Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula. The word Areopoli, meaning “city of Ares,” the ancient Greek god of war, became the official name in 1912. It was the seat of the Oitylo municipality. The Greek War of Independence began in Areopoli on March 17, 1821, led by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani. Now, Areopoli has grown into a flourishing town. Its tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.

Diros Cave - Sparta

Caves of Diros - The cave of Diros is located 10 km from Gytheio and 5 km from Pyrgos Dirou. There are actually three caves: Alepotrypa, Katafigi, and Glyfada. This is a unique experience, traveling along a subterranean river 1,600 m in length. The magic of the colors and the beautiful shapes formed by the stalactites and stalagmites create a unique spectacle. After ongoing research at the cave of Diros, the total length reaches 6,500 meters, and the final length is still unknown.

Acropolis and Ancient Theater - We will spend the rest of our time in Sparta, known as the eternal rival city of Athenian Democracy. Sparta revolved around a different cosmology for ancient Greek standards. Initially known as the birthplace of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in the Mycenaean period), Sparta was organized as a purely military society in the ancient Greek period. It was the city of the two Kings, where a few aristocrats ruled, and, of course, the city from which Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched to face the Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

Leonidas Monument - Continuing, we will pass in front of the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands, marking the endpoint of the Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245.3 km).

Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil - We will visit the museum of olive and olive oil to learn about one of Greece’s most famous products.

Mystras - Monemvasia

Mystras - We will head towards Mystras. Upon reaching Mystras, you will immediately understand why this location is so unique among Greek sites. Known as the ghost city, fortified on a citadel, Mystras is one of the two locations in Greece that preserves not only medieval churches but also ordinary houses, mansions, and palaces of the Byzantine Empire, combined with Frankish elements.

Archaeological Site of Mystra - Walking through the site, you will reach the citadel at the upper point and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding areas. As you walk downhill, you will encounter the palaces and Royal courtyards. Although known as the ghost city, most of the monasteries are still in use, and the monks will gladly show you around their small society. Before you exit, you will come across the chapel of St. Demetrios, where a plaque depicting a two-headed eagle (the symbol of Byzantium) survives on its floor. It was on this very plaque that Konstantine Palaiologos kneeled before being crowned the last emperor of Byzantium.

Monemvasia - Monemvasia is a living old city, developed on an island connected to the Greek mainland. A fortress and a prosperous city of the Byzantine Empire, Monemvasia (literally meaning one entrance) still survives, with narrow streets, mansions, small houses, churches, walls, gates, and the citadel. The city is still inhabited. Here, history truly comes alive. We will spend half of our day in Monemvasia, where you can have lunch by the sea upon the old wall and explore the city, continually discovering new points of interest.

Agia Sofia Church - Agia Sofia (St. Sophia’s Church), the main sanctuary in Monemvasia’s upper town, is a large Byzantine church built on the edge of a cliff with a vertiginous view of the bay below. Beyond the Venetian loggia that makes up the façade, the interior is palpably calm and refreshing. Admire the impressive dome, finely sculpted marble capitals, and fragments of 13th-century frescoes.

Mycenae - Nafplio

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Dated to the 2nd millennium B.C.E., representing what Homer wrote about, Achilles, Agamemnon, and Helen of Troy. The palace of Mycenae gave its name to an entire era.

Lion Gate - At the site, you will see the famous Lions Gate (the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe), the cyclopean walls, the burial circle A, and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.

Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae - Worth visiting, there is also a modern museum exhibiting the findings of the “City Of Gold.”

Citadel and Treasury of Atreus - Before setting off again, we will make a small stop at the treasury of Atreus, the best-preserved Tholos tomb, one of the finest examples of Mycenaean architecture.

Nafplio - We will move towards a more recent history of Greece and the city of Nafplion. Considered the most scenic city, Nafplion served as the capital of Greece until 1834. This romantic city offers an outstanding combination of fortresses and castles (Palamidi, Bourtzi), a vast harbor open to the Aegean Sea, and the unique architecture of the old city of Nafplion, revealing Venetian, neoclassical, and oriental elements. After strolling through the picturesque old city, we will stop for lunch at a traditional tavern by the sea.

Acronauplia - We will drive up to the castle of Acronafplia for a panoramic view of Nafplion.

Tiryns - Epidaurus

Tiryns - Tiryns is a Mycenaean archaeological site in the Peloponnese, and the location from which the mythical hero Heracles performed his 12 labors.

Sanctuary of Asklepios - Our next stop will be the site of Epidaurus. After a short drive, you will be able to visit one of the most important ancient sanctuaries dedicated to the God Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, located in an ideal environment and spread over a hilly area.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - The highest point is the theater of Epidaurus. The best-preserved ancient Greek theater, dated to the 4th century B.C.E., is proof of the fantastic miracles the ancient Greek minds could create. You can test the acoustics, which are great even today. Climb up to the upper seats, close your eyes, and imagine attending an ancient Greek tragedy.

Nemea - Corinth

Archaeological Museum of Nemea - Nemea is mainly known for the Nemean Games, its ancient Greek stadium, and the Temple Of Zeus, but it is also famous for its vineyards. Nemea has the most wineries in Greece, as grape growing has been a tradition here since ancient times. Apart from the museum and the sanctuary, the stadium makes a difference. Nemea has one of the best-preserved stadiums found so far, located on a higher level. Of special interest are the tunnels through which the athletes entered the stadium.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Ancient Corinth, located at the foot of the hill, includes the Roman Agora of Corinth, the temple of God Apollo, and a small museum. Apart from its archaeological and historical interest, the site is also one of the most popular religious destinations in Greece. In this amazing place, the Apostle Paul preached Christianity, was judged by the tribunal in the Agora, and established the best-organized Christian church of that period.

Temple of Apollo - We will visit the Temple of Apollo, located in the Ancient city of Corinth. The temple of Apollo at Corinth is one of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese and the Greek mainland. Built around 560 B.C.E., of local monolithic limestone on top of an imposing, rocky hill to the north of Acrocorinth, the Archaic temple was an emblem for the Greek city of Corinth, reflecting its growth and prosperity.

Akrokorinthos - We will visit the castle of Acrocorinth, the oldest and largest castle in southern Greece, for some amazing photos.

Corinth Canal - Our last stop is the Corinth Canal. Opened in 1892, it separates the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of Greece and connects the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You will have time to walk across a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal up close. (If you’re adventurous, bungee jumping is an option on some days.)

Athens - We will drive back to Athens.

• Complimentary hotel, AirBnb, or port pick-up and drop-off
• Refreshments including bottled water provided
• Travel comfortably in a private vehicle
• Benefit from the historical insights of professional drivers [Note: Drivers are not licensed tour guides]

• Accommodation (We work with some of the best hotels. We have to know the number of the rooms)
• Entrance Fees
• Licensed Tour guide on request (Additional cost)

• Accommodation (If you need our help we work with some of the best hotels in each area, we only need to know the number of the rooms)
• The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.