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Intrepid Travel · 16 days

3.7

6 Reviews

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on a 16-day Premium journey exploring very the best of mainland Greece and the Cyclades.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (15), Lunch (3), Dinner (6)
Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights), Feature stay (4 nights)

Highlights

Experience the romantic side of Greece with two Feature Stays – a traditionally decorated stone mansion in the medieval village of Dimitsana and a hotel in Santorini where you’ll have volcano or sea views from your private balcony.
Step back in time as you travel with your local leader to the Athens Acropolis, Mycenae and the Prodromos monastery, where you’ll share coffee with a local monk during a Signature Experience.
Take an interactive walking tour through one of Athens’ most historic neighbourhoods. Led by a local journalist, you’ll learn about Greek philosophy, with plenty of questions to prompt fascinating discussions with your group. Then, continue the conversation over cups of Greek coffee at a cafe.
Be amazed by the magical monasteries and ancient rock pinnacles of Meteora and learn about the natural and cultural history of one of Greece's most extraordinary sights. Plus, hike along Santorini’s caldera, passing steep cliff faces and unbelievable views as you learn about the island's geological history along the way.
Learn the secrets of Greek cuisine in Naxos during an in-depth cooking class with a local, using organic ingredients from her garden to create regional specialties which you'll then enjoy for lunch.

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Ferry, Taxi

Guide Language

English

Starts

Athens, Greece

Finishes

Santorini, Greece

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Athens

Kalimera! Welcome to Athens, Greece's storied capital. When you arrive, a local representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do – after all, you’re in one of the world's oldest cities! Maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens to brush up on some history or hunt down the best souvlaki. After your welcome meeting, head out for dinner with your group at a local restaurant and toast the beginning of the trip – maybe with a glass of ouzo.

Included Activities:

Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

Athens - National Archaeological Museum (15 EUR)
Athens - Acropolis Museum (20 EUR)
Athens - National Gallery of Athens (10 EUR)
Athens - Numismatic Museum (15 EUR)

Accommodation:

Athenaeum Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Athens to Kalambaka

Today, you’ll get to know ancient Athens with visits to two of the city’s most famous sites. First, explore the Acropolis – one of the Western world’s most significant landmarks. Meet an expert local guide who'll share deep insights into the history and legacy of the civilisations that once lived in this citadel. Start with an ascent through the towering Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis. Inside, you’ll see the Parthenon – considered the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Then join your trip leader for an included lunch featuring traditional Greek pies and delicious vegetarian specialities. In the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka at the base of the Meteora Mountains. Along the way, stop at Thermopylae – the site of the famous 480 BC battle during the Greco-Persian wars, and the inspiration behind the movie 300. When you arrive, you might like to check out one of the local tavernas for dinner.

Included Activities:

Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide

Accommodation:

Divani Meteora Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Meteora to Kalambaka

Travel into the hills this morning to the monasteries of Meteora. These ancient stone buildings sit on towering sandstone cliffs and are among Greece's most extraordinary sites. Join a local guide to explore the ruins of the Varlaam or Great Meteoron monasteries and learn about their history – settlement in the area dates back to at least the 11th century when hermit monks sought refuge in the caves. Next, visit a family-run winery at the foot of Meteora. You’ll go on a guided tour to see the equipment and techniques used in wine production, then taste some local varietals paired with snacks like graviera, feta and breadsticks. Then, return to Kalambaka where you’re free to explore the town or relax at the hotel. Regroup in the evening to watch the sunset from the hills surrounding Meteora with an included drink.

Included Activities:

Meteora - Monastery Visits
Meteora – Sunset Visit with Included Drink
Meteora - Winery Tour and Tasting

Optional Activities:

Meteora - Sunset tour (35 EUR)
Meteora - Digital centre of Meteora Projection (3 EUR)
Meteora - Natural history Museum of Meteora (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

Divani Meteora Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Delphi to Nafpaktos

After breakfast, travel to Delphi to visit the Delphi Museum and explore the complex with a local guide – including the Temple of Apollo, the most important building where statues and offerings to the gods were housed and where rituals took place. Later in the afternoon, visit a family of local beekeepers for a Signature Experience where you’ll see the hives, learn about honey production and, of course, taste their produce. Continue to your overnight stop in the small coastal town of Nafpaktos. For dinner tonight, maybe treat yourself to some seafood by the water.

Included Activities:

Delphi - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide
Itea - Beekeeping Experience & Honey Tasting

Accommodation:

Nafs Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Olympia to Dimitsana

After a leisurely morning, drive to the archaeological site of ancient Olympia – a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings and was the site of the first Olympic Games. You’ll join an expert local guide to tour the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera and the hippodrome. Then, visit the museum to brush up on more history. Continue to the medieval village of Dimitsana to settle into Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel – your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights. This traditionally decorated stone mansion dates back to the 19th century and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Included Activities:

Olympia - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide

Accommodation:

Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Central Arcadia to Dimitsana

Today, join a local guide to explore the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and Lousios Valley. Walk deep into the valley where you’ll have a Signature Experience at the working monastery of Prodromos – an incredible wood and clay structure built into a rock face. Learn about the monks’ lives as they show you around before sitting together for coffee and Greek delight. Then, see the splendid 14th-century frescoes decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. After, continue your hike to Ancient Gortys, the remains of a temple dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek God of Medicine, which dates back more than two thousand years and sits on the banks of Lousios river. With the hike complete, stop at a traditional village of the Arcadia region for lunch at a restaurant which is a favourite with locals, before returning to Dimitsana for a free afternoon.

Included Activities:

Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike with Local Guide
Central Arcadia - Prodromos Monastery Visit with Coffee & Greek Delight
Central Arcadia - Ancient Gortys Temple Visit

Optional Activities:

Dimitsana - Open-Air Water Power Museum (4 EUR)

Accommodation:

Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Mycenae to Nafplion to Athens

Visit the Mycenae archaeological site this morning – a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the most important cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. Then, drive to the seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio) – the original Greek capital – and take some time to explore its narrow alleys and Venetian and Ottoman landmarks at your own pace. Continue your drive towards Athens, making a stop along the way to take in views of the Corinth Canal. This narrow canal connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Arrive in Athens in the late afternoon and head out for a guided walking tour through Plaka, one of the oldest and most historically rich neighbourhoods in Athens, led by a local journalist. As you explore, you’ll learn how Plaka earned the nickname ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’. With a focus on Greek philosophy, your knowledgeable guide will share quotes, stories and questions to prompt philosophical discussion and reflection with your fellow travellers. You’ll also make a stop at a cafe to try some Greek coffee or herbal tea. This evening, join your group for an included farewell dinner at a local restaurant – don't forget to say yamas (cheers) to a brilliant adventure!

Included Activities:

Mycenae - Archaeological site with guide
Athens - Philosophy Walking Tour with Journalist
Isthmia - Corinthian Canal Stop

Accommodation:

Athenaeum Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Athens

Enjoy a day at leisure in Athens. You may wish to take a walk around the National Garden or tackle the climb up Lycabettus Hill. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm to meet your new leader and any new travellers joining the next leg of your adventure. After, get to know your new leader and group over dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

Athens - Acropolis Museum (20 EUR)
Athens - National Gallery of Athens (10 EUR)
Athens - Numismatic Museum (15 EUR)
Athens - National Archaeological Museum (15 EUR)
Athens - Acropolis Archeological site (tickets must be booked online) (30 EUR)

Accommodation:

Athenaeum Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Paros

This morning, you’ll be transported to Athens' port at Piraeus, where you’ll board a ferry to Paros – a beautiful and relaxed island with a layered history. Ferries are a great way to travel between the islands and are essential to reach many remote islands in Greece's archipelagos. In the afternoon, get to know Paros during an island tour with a local guide. Start off in Parikia, the island’s main town, where you’ll visit the Ekatontapiliani church, also known as the Church of a Hundred Doors. Drive across the island, passing ancient marble quarries and verdant hills, to Marpissa for a visit to a cultural centre to learn about island life from a group of local women. Carry on to Naoussa – a village known for its whitewashed alleys, Venetian castle and scenic port. Then, join your trip leader for a taste of Greece’s favourite street food — the iconic souvlaki wrap, or gyros, with freshly grilled meat tucked into soft pita bread. Delicious vegan options are also available.

Included Activities:

Paros - Highlights of Paros Half Day Island Tour with Local Guide

Accommodation:

Hill Mill Paros Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Paros

The day is yours to uncover more of Paros’ charms. There’s no shortage of things to see and do on the island. You might like to take a guided morning hike along the coast – starting off at a fishing village and weaving through some of the island’s best beaches. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby island of Antiparos – a favourite secret holiday spot for royals and celebrities. Or maybe you’d like to spend the day relaxing on one of Paros’ many beaches, cooling off with dips in Aegean Sea. Speak to your leader for more information about the activities on offer today and for tips on how to make the most of this island.

Optional Activities:

Paros - Catamaran Day Trip to Antiparos and Despotiko with Lunch (120 EUR)
Paros - Farm Visit Tour and Tastings (75 EUR)
Paros - Public Ferry from Paros to Antiparos ( Summer months RTN ticket) (8 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hill Mill Paros Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Naxos

Say goodbye to Paros this morning and catch a short ferry to Naxos. The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos has something for everyone – from beaches to an Old Town and hundreds of years of Venetian history. Take some time to settle in, then regroup in the late afternoon to learn about the town. Visit the Portara with a local guide – this giant marble doorway is the only remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo from 530 BC. Naxos is unique in the fact that it is the Cyclades’ only self-sufficient island, meaning all produce is grown and available on the island without imports. Because of this, the cuisine is hyperlocal and differs from the rest of the country. Try it for yourself this evening during a group dinner, where you’ll learn all about the regional specialties.

Included Activities:

Naxos - Old Town Walk & Portara Guided Tour

Accommodation:

Naxos Resort Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Naxos

Drive to Kaloxylos in the heart of the island’s biggest olive grove (which is also one of the oldest in the world!). Here, you’ll tour an olive oil press museum to learn about the importance of olive oil in Greek culture and traditional extraction methods. After your visit, you’ll put your new knowledge to good use as you travel to the nearby village of Galini for a hands-on cooking class. Meet with a local who will share her culinary knowledge with the group, leaving you with recipes you can cook up at home. First, collect fresh ingredients from your host’s organic garden and learn about cultivation and farming on Naxos. Then put the ingredients together to create a Naxian dish from scratch, enjoying the fruits of your labour for lunch. The evening is free for you to explore Naxos at your leisure. Your trip leader will be on hand to provide recommendations. For a taste of the island’s culture, perhaps sample the beloved local kitron liqueur which has a history stretching back to the 19th century and is produced exclusively on Naxos.

Included Activities:

Naxos - Cooking Class at a Local Farm
Naxos - Kaloxylos Olive Oil Press

Accommodation:

Naxos Resort Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Naxos

Today is free for you to explore more of Naxos as you wish. You may like to head to one of the island’s beaches or discover more of its history at a local museum. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos in Chora Naxos dates back to the 17th century and houses artefacts from the Neolithic to the early Christian periods, and the Geological Museum of Apeiranthos digs up the natural history of the island. If you’re after a sweet treat, walnut cake flavoured with local kitron is an excellent regional specialty. Your leader will be on hand to help tailor a day that suits your interests.

Optional Activities:

Naxos - Koufonissia & Rina Cave Cruise (95 EUR)
Naxos - Highlights Bus Tour with Free Time (35 EUR)

Accommodation:

Naxos Resort Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Santorini

Depart Naxos in the morning and catch a ferry to Santorini. When you arrive in Santorini's capital, Fira, you’ll be met and transferred to your Feature Stay hotel – Majestic Hotel and Spa. With views of the Santorini caldera or Aegean Sea from your private balcony, elegant marble bathrooms, plus a swimming pool, sauna and champagne lounge, this is an excellent base for soaking up the whitewashed island scenery or heading out to explore the city centre. Tonight, make sure you catch Santorini's world-famous sunset.

Optional Activities:

Santorini - Akrotiri Archaeological site (20 EUR)
Santorini - Thira Prehistoric Museum (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

Majestic Hotel & Spa (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Santorini

In the morning, embark on a hike along Santorini’s legendary caldera. The island you see today is what remains from a huge volcanic explosion that destroyed the early settlements and created a geographical caldera. Your walk will take you along the north-western rim of the caldera, passing steep cliff faces and sweeping views along the way. The walk ends in the town of Oia, built on a steep slope inside Santorini’s volcanic caldera. Later this afternoon, join a private, immersive experience at the Symposion Cultural Centre, where you’ll go on a guided tour of a historic winery which has been transformed into a cultural space, accompanied by an intimate musical journey led by a local artist. Through mythological storytelling, handcrafted instruments and a curated Greek wine tasting, you’ll gain insight into the deep connection between music, heritage and the human experience. End your evening with a visit to a local winery where you'll take part in a wine tasting with food pairings while looking out over the Santorini caldera as the sun sets.

Included Activities:

Santorini - Caldera Hike
Santorini - Winery visit with tasting and food pairing
Santorini - Mythology and Wine experience

Accommodation:

Majestic Hotel & Spa (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Santorini

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you want to spend some more time in Santorini, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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 $14,830

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Embark on a 16-day Premium journey exploring very the best of mainland Greece and the Cyclades.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 May 2027

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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

3.0

Stephen

Traveled, May 2023

07/03/2023

Our tour guide, Maria, was amazing! She was so knowledgeable, and personable, and helpful, and organized, and fun. She made the trip! Overall the trip was good. It would have been amazing if Intrepid didn't cheap out on a few of the hotels and the ferries.

2.0

Larry

Traveled, May 2023

06/07/2023

We missed half our trip from Covid with absolutely no acknowledgement or information from Intrepid. We were Home for three days before we received any notice from Intrepid.

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

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