Mainland Greece Discovery

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
Mainland Greece Discovery
8 Days
From AUD $3025
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Mainland Greece Discovery

Mainland Greece Discovery

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get lost in bustling cities filled with ancient treasures on this eight-day adventure through mainland Greece.

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

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Athens, Greece

Finishes

Athens, Greece

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Athens
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)
2
Day 2: Athens / Thessaloniki
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)
3
Day 3: Thessaloniki
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)
4
Day 4: Kalambaka
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)
5
Day 5: Meteora / Kalambaka
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)
6
Day 6: Delphi
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)
7
Day 7: Athens
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)
8
Day 8: Athens
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)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,025
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Get lost in bustling cities filled with ancient treasures on this eight-day adventure through mainland Greece.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Feb 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Carol
Traveled, October 2023

10/25/2023

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!!

5.0
Eleni
Traveled, October 2023

10/29/2023

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.

Tour Operator

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