Experience Overview

An in-depth Greece trip for history buffs and lovers of Greek food and culture. You’ll enjoy traditional dinner and dancing on an olive farm, travel to the enchanting island of Corfu and explore ancient sights like Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi.

Highlights

Dining Summary

3 Dinner (D)
10 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Olympia: Say "opa!" to a traditional Greek experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm. Join the family for dinner and dancing, and learn about their history on the land.

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 Theater 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 honor 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 and 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.

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, Athens and Epidaurus
View the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens
See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae

Trafalgar Difference

Nafplio: Set amongst beautiful gardens with palm trees and flowers, Amalia Hotel Nafplio features eco-friendly practices to save energy, water, and manpower. It employs geothermal technology for heating, cooling, and hot water, eliminating the use of diesel fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 34441

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Family, 55+

Tour Operator: Trafalgar (CA)

Supplier Code: 764.437A

Starts: Athens, Greece

Finishes: Athens, Greece

Duration: 11 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Easy

Includes

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 utilized

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,120 ($465 /day)

Itinerary

1

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 Civilization' this evening, when you meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a Light Meal.

Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals: Dinner

2

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 theater 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.

Accommodation: Amalia Nafplio
Meals: Breakfast

3

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 center 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.

Accommodation: Amalia Nafplio
Meals: Breakfast

4

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 honor of Zeus. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm for a traditional Be My Guest experience including dinner and dancing.

Accommodation: Olympic Village
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

5

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.

Accommodation: Cavalieri
Meals: Breakfast

6

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.

Accommodation: Cavalieri
Meals: Breakfast

7

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.

Accommodation: Du Lac
Meals: Breakfast

8

Day 8: Journey to Meteora

Start your day with the rich, smoky flavors of Metsovone cheese before heading to Kalambaka. Here, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Meteora rock formations, where your Local Specialist shares the history of these towering pillars and the monasteries that have stood atop them for centuries. This evening, choose an Optional Experience to Trikala, a town steeped in history and legend. Walk along the riverside before settling in for a Greek family-style dinner, where delicious local dishes and free-flowing wine promise a night to remember.

Accommodation: Amalia Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast

9

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.

Accommodation: Nostos
Meals: Breakfast

10

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 travelers for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the millennia and miles explored together on this epic voyage of discovery.

Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

11

Day 11: Farewell Athens

We bid farewell to Athens and newfound friends as we prepare to depart Greece.

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar (CA)

Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide

In Business Since 1931

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Reviews

Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2017

We saw the very best of Spain and Portugal loved to have stayed longer. The trip itinerary was excellent we have great memories thank you. Greece is special because it is a natural environment unlike anywhere else in Europe the countryside and coastline is beautiful the towns are very interesting in each region and the people are friendly and very hospitable Greece is a JOY.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2017

Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2017

Great Fun in Greece! Everything was great! Dina, the Tour Guide Jonnis, the coach driver. the tours & excursions. I felt safe and completely accommodated my whole trip. Very comfortable and there was much to see.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2017

Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2017

We had such a wonderful trip to Greece. We loved not having to research hotels, places to eat, and sights to see. We were cared for almost the entire time by our travel guide, who was very knowledgeable about all the sights we saw. We would recommend this trip to friends! The Secrets of Greece including Corfu was an absolutely fabulous trip and I'd highly recommend to any of my friends. Our guide was wonderful, the sights were fabulous, and the food was delicious! The Santorini extension was not well cared for, and our whole group felt Trafalgar dropped the ball on the nine of us who went on to Santorini.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2017

Trusted Customer - Traveled, November 2016

Generally, service was excellent. Our only problem occurred as we were ending our stay on Santorini. Our travel director advised us Trafalgar's contractor for the tour (Siva) stated to him that our package did not include a transfer from the Athens airport to our hotel nor from the hotel back to Athens airport the following day for our departure home. Siva suggested we take the train from the airport to the hotel! We showed the travel director our coupon stating transfer from the hotel to the airport was, in fact, included. However, we had no such documentation showing transfer from the airport to the hotel upon our return from Santorini (an apparent oversight on Trafalgar's part). After much telephone discussion and faxing of material between our travel director and Siva, it was agreed that the transfers would be provided. Kudos to our excellent travel director. Additionally, our hotels were not always the ones stated on the list provided by Trafalgar.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2016

Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2015

The Trafalgar staff were exceptional in there attentiveness and professionalism. The knowledge of our Tour Guide for the mainland section was extraordinary. She made the whole experience very enriching through the depth and quality of her understanding of the archaeological sites and the Greece culture generally.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2015

Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2017

I have been on tours with Cosmos and Gate 1 Travel and the tour guides were always very attentive to the needs of the travelers, but it was my experience on this tour that whenever there were obstacles, the guide handled them in a very emotional way and leaned on the few friends in the group she had made to bolster her (other smokers, since they spent time smoking together) and wore the stress all over her face and in her announcements to us. She also just rattled off facts, rather than trying to make them interesting and had no sense of humor. She scolded us like school children if we did something that didn't meet her expectations and it was embarrassing to the person being scolded. I don't expect a tour guide to act that way and have never experienced it before with guides in other companies. We had a problem with our trip to Corfu that was impeded by a ferry strike, but instead of having a plan B in place, since the Greece agent announced the possibility of a strike at our reception on the first night, we spent about 6 hours sitting around waiting for arrangements to be made, on a boat that would have made us all stand like refugees for 2 hours, at which point our guide announced that we were skipping Corfu. Most of the group protested loudly, since Corfu was one of the reasons we chose this tour over those offered by other companies. We ended up going on to Ionnina and backtracked to Corfu on Saturday, but this should have been taken care of seamlessly, instead of the way it was handled, with the guide acting totally stressed out all day. At Pelion, she assigned my friend and I to substandard rooms at the Hotel Despotika because they couldn't accommodate everyone in the newer building. (Our guide & the bus driver stayed in the new bldg) My friend and I requested different rooms because the shades in our showers were covered with mildew and my friend's room had mildew all over the shower enclosure. The glass provided in my room was chipped at the rim and the bedspread did not smell clean. (I have photos of my room.) Instead of handling it in a delicate way, she announced our request to the whole group in a shaming manner, without saying why we asked to change, and we were shunned by the whole group that night and all of the next day. Whereas others had always sat with us at meals, we were suddenly ostracized. I'm sure the incident left a lasting impression of us with the rest of the group, since we didn't try to explain and make it worse, and we felt like outsiders for the rest of the time. Then our guide got into an argument with 3 nuns at the monastery at Meteora because she was telling us her opinions about religion and actually said that religion is silly. She later laughed it off, saying "Good girls go to Heaven, but Bad girls go everywhere", but I was shocked to hear a tour guide give her opinion about religion to a group of people she knew nothing about. I thought it was inappropriate even before the nuns confronted her. One other thing I would have liked was to use Greek words. On tours with other companies, we have been encouraged to say "good morning, please, thank you" in the language of the country we were in, but our guide always spoke English with us. I think it's a nice touch to use local words. In stark contrast, I would like to tell you how wonderful Simone was on Santorini. My friend and I were the only ones in our original group who went on to the Santorini extension, so Simone agreed to watch over us and he is the only reason I will consider traveling with Trafalgar again in the future. He couldn't have been more attentive to the needs of each person in the group and walked us everywhere, even when it wasn't necessary, because he said he wanted to make sure we got there okay. He even got up early the day we went back to Athens, just to see us off. He was knowledgeable, funny and caring. When I spend my money on a vacation, this is the kind of guide I want to have. I really enjoyed the places we visited, especially Metsovo (wish we had more time there), Delphi, the wonderful hospitality of the small bed and breakfast at Galaxidi and the "Be My Guest" event was fantastic! I also loved every minute of my time on Santorini. I did all the optionals and really enjoyed all of them.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2017

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