Mainland Greece Discovery
Experience Overview
Get lost in bustling cities filled with ancient treasures on this eight-day adventure through mainland Greece. Take a guided tour through the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries are built on top of sandstone rock pillars and taste different types of olives, oils and tapenade on your way to Delphi Valley. Walk to the top of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Acropolis, visit NAOMI, an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training, and unwind in the evening with a sip of ouzo and traditional dishes.
Highlights
- Discover ancient ruins in Athens, including the Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site of an ancient citadel with the iconic Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
- Visit the home of the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo. Take a guided tour through the archeological sites, see numerous monuments, temples and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and learn about the myths and stories of the region.
- Climb the stairs to the top of Meteora and discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 14th-century monasteries are perched on a series of ancient rock pinnacles.
- Indulge in the many flavours of Greek cuisine like moussaka (layered eggplant or potato, meat and a creamy sauce) or grilled lamb and tzatziki during dinner at a traditional taverna as Rembetika music floats around you.
- See some of the best sites Greece with curated activities and plenty of free time. Maybe visit the Panathinaiko Stadium that housed the first Olympic games in Athens or walk along the waterfront to the White Tower in Thessaloniki.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3260
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSW
Starts: Athens, Greece
Finishes: Athens, Greece
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2508 ($314 /day)
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Athens – the capital of Greece, named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena. If you arrive early, wander through the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, visit the National Archaeological Museum or explore the Panathinaiko Stadium that housed the first Olympic games in 1896. After your meeting, maybe head out for dinner and get to know your new travel companions.
Optional Activities:
- Athens - National Archaeological Museum (15 EUR)
- Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
- Athens - Dora Stratou (20 EUR)
- Athens - Numismatic Museum (15 EUR)
- Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands (140 EUR)
- Athens - Acropolis Museum (30 EUR)
- Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio (55 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site of an ancient citadel with the iconic Parthenon Temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Start with an ascent to the top of this rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, see the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world and UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon board a train to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. This city especially comes alive in the evening, so make sure you hunt down the perfect gyros or some live music.
Included Activities:
- Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
- Athens - Acropolis Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore Thessaloniki at your own pace. Maybe walk along the waterfront to the White Tower, visit the Byzantine churches or see Ottoman sites and Roman ruins – if you’d like someone to show you the way, maybe join an Urban Adventure. Later, visit NAOMI – an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training and learn about the amazing work and the challenges they are faced with today. Thessaloniki is known as the gastronomic capital of Greece due to its distinct flavours, so tonight maybe wander through the town and try some local dishes like trigona panoramatos (custard-filled pastries) or moussaka (layered eggplant or potato, meat and a creamy sauce).
Included Activities:
- Thessaloniki - NAOMI Ecumenical Workshop for Refugees visit
Optional Activities:
- Thessaloniki - Museum of Byzantine Culture (8 EUR)
- Thessaloniki - White tower of Thessaloniki (6 EUR)
- Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki water boats to beach (7 EUR)
- Thessaloniki - Visit Historical & Cultural Monuments of Thessaloniki with public Bus "Cultural" Route No 50 (2 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Board a train and travel to Kalambaka this morning. When you arrive, set off on a short orientation walk of the town where your local leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area around Kalambaka and Meteora at your own pace. Maybe explore a private collection showcasing Greek history and culture at the Museum of Hellenic Culture or hike the trails around Meteora for panoramic views. Tonight, maybe head to a taverna for dinner and stroll the main square for a taste of Thessalian life.
Optional Activities:
- Meteora - Natural history Museum of Meteora (6 EUR)
- Meteora sunset tour (35 EUR)
- Meteora - Digital centre of Meteora Projection (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Meteora – a region in Greece known for its towering rock formations and the 24 14th-century monasteries built atop them. Climb the stairs to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries and discover the ruins that to be supplied by rope and pulley systems – one even features the skulls of the first founders! Take in the panoramic views of multi-colour streaked rock, bright green forest and the pale terracotta of the monastery roofs against the Grecian sky before heading back to town for the night. As you walk, look for hawks as they drift on the valley thermals looking for prey. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!
Included Activities:
- Meteora - Monastery Visits with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel to Delphi. Along the way, stop for a tasting of different types of olives, oil and tapenade which are produced locally. Sit down to lunch with views overlooking the Delphi Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, continue to Delphi. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world – legend says that Zeus sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and they crossed paths over Delphi. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the cliffside town before taking a guided tour through the archeological sites and museums. As you walk, learn about the myths and stories of the region and see the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athens including numerous monuments, temples and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury. After, visit the mountain-top stadium, used for the Pythian Games (an Olympic Games precursor) before maybe heading out for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Delphi - Archaeological Site & Museum guided tour
- Delphi - local lunch & olive oil tasting with a view of Delphi Valley
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel back to Athens today by bus, arriving in the late afternoon. When you arrive the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the Monastiraki flea market for the perfect souvenir, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus or watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
As there are no further activities, your trip finishes after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in the Greek Capital for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
- Athens - Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens Urban Adventure (139 EUR)
- Athens - Taste of Athens Urban Adventure (139 EUR)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Carol - Traveled, October 2023
Wonderful condensed week tour of mainland Greece Small group makes for good interaction and sharing Wonderful selection of major archeological sites, extraordinary geological sites , orthodox monasteries perched on mountains, a vibrant city of Thessaloniki , bustling Athens Tour lead by a wonderful young woman , knowledgable, attentive to all needs Felt safe throughout- a tour not to be missed!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Eleni - Traveled, October 2023
As someone half-Greek who was travelling to discover a little bit about my heritage, the Mainland Greece Discovery was a great intro to Greek history and geography. The trip travels to some absolutely amazing destinations, including the otherworldly setting of Meteora, the sleepy village of Delphi with a history dating back thousands of years, Thessaloniki, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and of course, Athens the country's vibrant capital.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Tracey - Traveled, September 2023
This was an informative and totally enjoyable trip. Travelling with our tour leader Dina was like travelling with a close friend. All in all a joyous experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Sarah - Traveled, September 2023
I had an amazing time on this tour and loved exploring the mainland of Greece. There was plenty to see and do and I didn't feel it was too rushed as there was time to also do your own thing as well as the included activities. Our group leader, Dina, was amazing and she made the tour much more enjoyable as I felt very happy, comfortable and safe. It was nice to explore Greece for the first time this way (also as a solo traveller) and not have to worry or think too much on what to do or how to get around. Amazing memories and friendships made along the way. Would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2023
Diana - Traveled, September 2023
A wonderful way to explore more than just the Greek islands. We learned so much about the history and culture of the area with a few Greek myths thrown in, loved it. Our guide Dina was exceptional and truly made this trip memorable for us!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Steven - Traveled, September 2023
Mainland Greece tour is a small taste of the beautiful culture, food, history, architecture and geography that is Greece. You WILL fall in love.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Madelyn - Traveled, September 2023
Dina our guide was incredible I can’t thank her enough - made my first overseas trip such an enjoyable experience. I saw so much of Greece and wish I could come back every year! Thanks so much Dina and Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Bruce - Traveled, September 2023
Our land trip to Greece with Intrepid was the perfect balance of information provided, options for your physical ability, historical explanations and the right amount of free time. All of that plus an exceptional guide. We will be booking our eighth trip with Intrepid soon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Rachel - Traveled, September 2023
Such a great trip. I learned something new everywhere we went. The tour leader and tour guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was my first trip with Intrepid and won’t be my last. I just hope that all my future tour leaders are as great as Maria-Christina.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Patricia - Traveled, September 2023
This tour was a wonderful introduction to some of Greece's must-see sights. Tour Leader MC was exceptional. Loved Meteora and Delphi.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Hemalatha - Traveled, September 2023
Highly recommend this trip !!! Dina our tour leader was phenomenal! Her enthusiasm, depth of knowledge, and eagerness to share it made a huge difference!!She went way and above in organizing group dinners , and everything fun all with a personal touch !!’ I may have be back !!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
James - Traveled, September 2023
A great trip for those interested in history and gastronomy! Dina was an excellent and enthusiastic guide and made sure we got the most out of the trip, from Byzantine monasteries to Baklava!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Sharon - Traveled, August 2023
The Mainland Greece tour revealed some amazing sites that you read about in books, but cannot truly appreciate until you are actually there, like Meteora and Delphi.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Pamela - Traveled, September 2023
This trip shows that there is more to Greece than just Athens and the islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Anita - Traveled, August 2023
An excellent trip that I thoroughly enjoyed & I recommend it to anyone who enjoys some history that are mind blowing..& beautiful sights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Emma - Traveled, August 2023
Highly recommended, a great way to experience the mainland in a short time frame.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Mary - Traveled, August 2023
I really enjoyed my trip because our guide Nikos was fantastic. He is passionate about being Greek and is extremely proud of the history and culture of his country. I learnt so much and hope to return. The trip was very well planned with Meteora being an amazing highlight, especially the Sunset tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Matthew - Traveled, August 2023
If you want to take in the best of Mainland Greece in a short space of time, with culturally enriching experiences, awe-inspiring sights, amazing food and great company, I cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Delia - Traveled, February 2024
This was my first trip with Intrepid & I am impressed. While the beauty of Greece inspired me, I have a great appreciation for the organization & enthusiasm of our tour leader, Dina, & the responsible tourism that Intrepid promotes. Already researching my next Intrepid trip !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Nick - Traveled, December 2023
Very very good
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
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