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15 Day itinerary in Greece, Europe

An exceptional roadtrip between the mountains and the sea...

15 days to discover the mythical lands of Peloponnese and of Central Greece, as well as the city of Athens. Throughout your trip, you'll explore famous archaeological sites like Acropolis, Mycenae, Delphi, Epidaurus and Archaia Olympia. You'll discover Nafplion, the first capital of Greece, traditi... Read More

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EmmanouelaKaterinaChristina

By Emmanouela, Katerina and Christina

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Athens

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Self-driving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Sustainable Travel

Outdoor Activities and Sports

Culture & History

Cultural

Purposeful Travel

Water & Coastline

Food & Culinary

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Discover Athens with its archaeological gems and charming neighbourhoods.

2

Explore the treasures of the Peloponnese, including Nafplio and Mycenae and learn about beekeeping

3

Explore Parga and its beaches, then the traditional villages of Zagorochoria.

4

Finish your adventure at the monasteries of Meteora and the ancient site of Delphi.

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Welcome to Athens!

Arrival and private transfer to your accommodation.


After settling into your room, you will meet your English-speaking guide for a walk through the city centre.

As you stroll through the centre of Athens, you will notice that the boundaries between the ancient and modern city blend harmoniously. Precious historical remains blend into the urban fabric, giving the city its unique character.

One of the most famous neighbourhoods in Athens is Plaka, often called the ‘neighbourhood of the gods’ because of its proximity to the Acropolis. It is the oldest and liveliest neighbourhood in the city.

Monastiraki is also a fascinating and lively neighbourhood, which owes its name to the monastery located in the square of the same name.

Finally, Anafiotika is a charming neighbourhood where small blue and white houses line the Acropolis hill, creating picturesque alleyways.

Kolonaki is the most elegant neighbourhood in Athens, located at the foot of Mount Lycabettus, where numerous embassies, luxury boutiques, museums, art galleries and trendy restaurants contribute to creating a very special atmosphere.


Overnight in Athens - hotel ***(*)

Guide: Included for the day

Day 2

place Visit to Athens

After breakfast, you will start your visit to Athens. It is best to leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.

You will visit the famous archaeological jewels of Athens at your own pace: the Parthenon on the Acropolis hill, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the ancient

Agora (all located in the same complex).


On the way up to the Acropolis, you will stroll through the Monastiraki, Plaka and Anafiotika districts.

You will discover old Athens, with its small shops, beautiful old houses and narrow streets that give the impression of a village.


Overnight in Athens

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3

place Discover the archaeological treasures of the Peloponnese

Pick up the rental car at the rental office.

Today, you will take the road to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides, the city ‘rich in gold’ of the ancient poets and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dating from the 2nd century BC, Mycenae was one of the main centres of Greek civilisation and a military stronghold that dominated a large part of southern Greece. You will see the Cyclopean walls, the Lioness Gate, the royal tombs and the Treasury of Atreus, a magnificent building dating from the 14th century BC.

Arrival at your hotel in Nafplio, in the fertile plain of Argolis.

Nafplio was the first capital of independent Greece and its history is reflected in its architecture, monuments and castles.

This picturesque city is nestled at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the fortress of Palamidi. Visit the old town, the fortress, the castle on the island of Bourtzi, the castle of Acronauplia, the museums and the beaches.


Overnight in Nafplion - Hotel ***(*)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4

place Free day to explore Arcadia

Today you have a free day to explore the Lousios Gorge and the villages of Arcadia at your own pace.

Head for Dimitsana, a historic village in mountainous Arcadia, built on the western slope of Mount Mainalo, at an altitude of 946 metres.

If you feel like going for a hike, the trail to the ancient city of Gortyne starts from the water museum in Dimitsana. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to admire the monasteries of Prodromos, the old monastery of Filosofos (963), as well as the church of Agios Georgios and its bell tower in the gorges of the river Lousios (where the nymphs bathed little Zeus)...

You can also choose to visit the neighbouring village of Stemnitsa, a traditional jewel on the slopes of Mount Mainalo, famous for its goldsmiths, or the historic monastery of Zoodochos Pigi (1443).


Return to Nafplio.


Approximate driving time: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Enjoy the sights and smells on the way to beautiful Messinia

After breakfast, you will leave your hotel in Nafplio and head towards the south-west of the Peloponnese.

A unique experience awaits you in the wonderful landscapes around Kalamata! Our partner will introduce you to the magical world of bees. You will discuss everything related to beekeeping, see how a beehive works and, if you wish, you will be invited to participate in a beekeeping training workshop. If you are lucky, you might even meet the queen bee!

The workshop (in English) lasts about 2 hours.

Kalamata is one of the main destinations in the Peloponnese in Greece, famous for its beautiful beaches and rocky mountains, as well as its olive groves. The city is built at the foot of the majestic Taygetus mountain range, whose peaks reach 2,400 metres. In the deep blue waters of the lagoon, you can enjoy all kinds of water sports.

You will continue your journey to Pylos, a historic coastal town in Messinia with a magnificent view of the bay. This town with its relaxed village atmosphere is a top tourist destination thanks to its monuments commemorating past battles. 


Overnight in the Pylos region - Hotel***(*)

Guide: Discover the magical world of bees and the honey cycle

Approximate journey time: 3 hours

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

place Free day to explore the Messinia region

After breakfast, you have a free day to explore the small seaside towns of Methoni and Finikounda.

You can start your day by visiting the Polilimnio waterfalls in the gorge of the same name. Visitors are immersed in lush greenery, gushing waterfalls and green lakes full of freshwater crabs, perfect for a relaxing swim.

We highly recommend a visit to the beautifully preserved Methoni Castle. You will be transported back to medieval times!

Before returning to Pylos, a short break in Finikounda is a must! It is an old fishing village that has retained its Greek charm. In Finikounda, you will not find large tourist complexes, but you will have the chance to spend your time in the various taverns and kafenia (typical Greek cafés).


Overnight stay in the Pylos region - Hotel ***(*).


Approximate journey time by car: 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

place Continue your journey in Mainland!

After breakfast, you will leave the Peloponnese region and prepare for new adventures in Mainland of Greece!

Before arriving in Epirus, you will spend the night in the picturesque town of Nafpaktos.

Built at the foot of Pindos, it is known for its castle whose walls extend to the Gulf of Corinth. Nafpaktos is a city of 13,000 inhabitants with friendly neighbourhoods and hospitable residents.

It is worth visiting the Venetian port, where one of the most important battles in Europe against the Ottomans took place in 1571, the Battle of Nafpaktos, as well as the narrow streets and the castle that dominates the city.

On the way, a journey into the world of olives, the liquid gold of Messinia, awaits you!

Discover the history of the olive tree and learn the details of cultivation, fruit harvesting, olive oil production, the basic principles of tasting extra virgin olive oil and its contribution to the Mediterranean diet.

Arrival in Nafpaktos

Don't miss the opportunity to take a stroll along the seafront at sunset. The Venetian port of Nafpaktos is one of the most beautiful and picturesque ports in the country, and you will fall in love with it at first sight.


Overnight in Nafpaktos - Hotel ***(*)


Approximate driving time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

place Welcome to Epirus, a historic region of the Balkans

After breakfast, you will take the road to the northwest of the country.


Arrival in Parga and check-in to your hotel ***(*)


The seaside landscape and colourful architecture of the town will remind you of the Greek islands. The town's Venetian castle will be one of the first things to catch your attention! As it is a popular destination, there are many activities to do in Parga. Swimming on the calm beaches of Parga is a delight, especially in Valtos and Lichnos, which have many water sports centres for all ages.

Another enjoyable activity in Parga is hiking, especially in the Acheron springs. Numerous ancient paths criss-cross the Parga region and lead to medieval castles, mountain villages, isolated beaches and hills with breathtaking views. The conditions are ideal in autumn and spring, when the weather is not too hot.


Approximate journey time by car: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9

place Traditional villages in the heart of the Greek countryside

After breakfast, you will drive to the charming little villages of Zagorochoria, which seem to live outside of time... 

You will stay there for two nights, in hotel***(*).

Aristi, Monodendri, Vikos, Dilofo, Kapesovo, Tsepelovo, Kipi... built in a spiral or circle, all these villages have a plane tree, a fountain, a church or a traditional café in their centre. Each cobbled street, each house made of carved white stone, each old church tells a long story. The architecture of the Zagori villages is the subject of study and the art of the ancient stonemasons is unrivalled.

In Zagorochoria, you will discover an unknown, wild and totally unexpected Greece. In the heart of Epirus, this historic and mountainous region of the Balkans, located in the northwest of the country, reveals breathtaking landscapes. Snow-capped peaks seem to watch over wild rivers and dizzying gorges. You can discover the region and its many natural treasures, including ancient monasteries, churches, fountains and other villages.

The Zagori region of Greece offers some exceptional attractions. The Vikos Gorge, a geological wonder, is barely 1,100 metres wide but drops over 900 metres. It is a kingdom of eagles and tranquillity. The villages of Great Papingo and Little Papingo, linked by a scenic trail, are appreciated for their architecture and ancient churches. The mountain lake of Drakolimni, shrouded in legends and dragons, is a 4- to 5-hour walk from Little Papingo.


Approximate journey time by car: 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

place Total relaxation in the countryside or activities of all kinds!

The region is ideal for total relaxation in the countryside or for all kinds of adventures and activities! 

We can organise one of the following activities for you (for an additional fee):


- Hiking in the Vikos Gorge. 

Come and admire the Vikos Gorge, the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park and the imposing Astraka mountain range. Walk to the famous villages of Zagori, Papigo, Mikro Papigo, Aristi and Vikos, to discover their unique architecture and their cobbled ‘car-free’ streets and taste the homemade sweets and liqueurs...


- Visit to Konitsa

A stroll through the majestic town of Konitsa, where three rivers (Aoos, Sarantaporos, Voidomatis) and three mountains (Tymfi, Smolikas, Gramos) meet.


Approximate journey time by car: 1 hour

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11

place The Meteora monasteries: a must-see in mainland Greece

After breakfast, you continue your journey to the south-east of the country and the Meteora region.

Check-in at the ***(*) hotel.


The Meteora are not stones sent from heaven, as the etymology of the word suggests. They are in fact rocky sediments left by the river that flowed into the Thessalian Sea in the Tertiary period. From 985 onwards, the first hermits occupied caves in these rocky outcrops. It was not until the 14th century that buildings began to appear. The first monastery, called Megalo Meteoro, was founded in 1382.

Twenty-two other monasteries were built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Access to these monasteries was difficult, using ropes, stairs and ingenious systems of nets connected to pulleys. Unfortunately, in the 18th century, most of the monasteries fell into ruin. Only six remain and, at the beginning of the last century, stairs were built to facilitate access.

Today, they are still in good condition and very well maintained by the monks and nuns who live there. Most of the old pulley systems have been preserved and automated and are still used to lift supplies.


Overnight in the Meteora region.


Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12

place Discover the Meteora region at your leisure

Today, you can explore the region at your own pace. There are many options available to you.


The Byzantine Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

Located in the old quarter of Kalambaka, this early Christian church from the 6th or 7th century is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. It is a must-see church, not only for its age and its precious 11th-century Byzantine frescoes, but also for the construction material of its walls.


The Natural History and Mushroom Museum

The Meteora Museum of Natural History and the Meteora Museum of Mushrooms are located in Kalambaka, near the city of Trikala, in Thessaly. The museum is on the national road connecting Trikala to Egnatia, close to the city's main hotels and a five-minute walk from the city centre. Parking is available.


Go truffle hunting and enjoy a meal in the forest

The dense forests of Meteora are renowned for their truffles and seasonal mushrooms, giving you the opportunity not only to hunt for them, but also to enjoy a meal cooked on the spot with the fruits of your labour. Truffle hunting expeditions are organised with truffle dogs and their masters, who will teach you the art of spotting and retrieving the precious fungi. A chef will then help you prepare a meal with truffles and mushrooms in the middle of the forest.


The old town of Trikala

In the old town of Trikala, the houses are strikingly beautiful and the streets very narrow. In the late afternoon, it is recommended that you climb the stairs leading to the ancient fortress to admire the magnificent view of the city of Trikala.


Approximate journey time by car: 1 hour

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

place Welcome to Delphi, centre of the ancient world

Today, you cross the fertile plain of Thessaly to reach the charming village of Delphi.


On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and grandeur, are the ruins of the sanctuary of Pythios Apollo.

This Panhellenic sanctuary, where the Oracle of Apollo spoke, was invested with sacred significance. In the 6th century BC it was the true centre and symbol of the unity of the Greek world. This site provides us with unique evidence of the religion and culture of ancient Greece.


For lovers of history and archaeology, a visit to the site and museum of Delphi is a must.


Approximate travel time by car: 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14

place The small village of Arachova and the Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas

After breakfast, you will have some free time in Delphi before heading back.


A 20-minute drive from Delphi, you can take a break in the small village of Arachova, a popular ski resort in winter.


Not far from Delphi is another World Heritage Site: the Byzantine monastery of St Luke, which stands in a beautiful valley of olive trees and is famous for its incredible 10th-century ceilings.


Return to Athens, drop off the car and check in to the hotel.


Approximate journey time by car: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15

place End of your trip / Departure flight

After breakfast,  you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.


Have a safe journey!

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (14)

Transport expand_less

  • Transfer on departure from Athens (Hotel in city centre - Airport)
  • Car rental type C with C.D.W. cover
  • Transfer on arrival in Athens (Airport - Hotel in city centre)

Activities expand_less

  • A 2-hour training workshop on beekeeping
  • Olive oil tasting at a magnificent ecological farm
  • A 2-hour guided tour of the centre of Athens

Extras expand_less

  • Manual, containing references, maps, photos, information on the regions visited, etc.
  • Personalised itinerary and reservations
  • Charming small hotels with breakfast
  • Civil liability insurance
  • Taxes & V.A.T.
  • 24/7 telephone assistance

Not Included expand_less

  • Guided tours (except those mentioned) and entrance tickets for archaeological sites
  • Drinks, tips, and main meals, except those mentioned
  • Tourist tax to be paid directly at the hotel (between 0.5 and 5 euros per room per night)
  • Personal expenses
  • Car fuel and full-risk insurance
  • Additional travel insurance
  • Anything not specifically indicated as included
  • International flights

About Emmanouela

TEAM LEAD

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Expertise: 

Hiking

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Yoga

Meditation

Culture & History

Nature & Wildlife

Food & Culinary

Purposeful Travel

Water & Coastline

I’m a big believer of direct contact & substantial acquaintances in small groups, creating teams & friendships that are worth holding on to after the trip is over. This is why we have a network of locals that respect their homeland and their guests.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,235.00 USD