Idyllic grand tour in Greece: UNESCO sites and other top destinations on a 26-days tour from Igoumenitsa
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 26-day journey through the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Greece. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, picturesque towns, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling city of Igoumenitsa to the tranquil beaches of Parga, the ancient city of Nicopolis to the vibrant town of Arta, every day brings a new adventure. Explore the medieval stone bridge of Arachthos, the ancient city of Oiniades, and the National Park of Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons. Discover the beauty of Nafpaktos, the history of Patras, and the charm of Kalogria Beach. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Olympia, Mystras, and Delphi, and marvel at the majestic Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering an immersive experience into the heart and soul of Greece.
Included
During the tour is included breakfast only. As a rule, we going to stay in each place of accommodation only 1 night, so no sense to pay there for lunch and dinner. Instead of that, let's enjoy local cuisine.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
Transportation in minivan with air conditioner and English speaking driver. Feel free to ask to stop whenever you need, for nice image or some snack.
Every traveler must have suitable travel insurance to take part in this tour.
This tour is available for solo travelers (traveling alone) who would like to have an exclusive private tour for 1 person. If this is the case, you have to choice an accommodation in a single room with selected extra option "Solo tour supplement"
This tour is possible to arrange in vice versa direction, by request
Transport with driver
Transport in minivan with air conditioner
Tour director all the time with you
For private tours: transportation for your group only, no foreigners
English spoken tour director and driver
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Igoumenitsa to Parga
- Parga - Arrival day
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- Parga Train
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We start our journey from the bustling city of Igoumenitsa, heading towards the picturesque resort town of Parga. Dominated by a Venetian castle, Parga is known for its splendid beaches, charming architecture, and vibrant streets lined with cafes, bars, and shops. Enjoy a day of exploration and relaxation in this beautiful coastal town, sampling the best of local cuisine and soaking in the insular vibe. We'll spend the night in Parga, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its undeniable beauty and amazing views.
Day 2 – Day 2: Parga to Arta via Nicopolis
Day 2: Parga to Arta via Nicopolis
- Arta's Bridge
- Archaeological Museum of Nicopolis
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We leave Parga behind and head to the ancient city of Nicopolis, a UNESCO Tentative List site known for its impressive monuments. After exploring this fascinating city, we drive towards Arta, an ancient city recognized for its rich history. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Arta, where we'll spend the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Arta to Nafpaktos via Oiniades and Messolonghi
- Arta
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- Arta's Bridge
- History and Art Museum of Messolonghi
- The Clock of Lepanto
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We start the day exploring Arta, known for its beautiful medieval stone bridge over the Arachthos River. We then drive to Oiniades to visit the ancient theatre, followed by a visit to the peaceful city of Messolonghi, home to the beautiful National Park of Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons. We end the day in the beautiful beach town of Nafpaktos, where we'll spend the night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Nafpaktos to Patras via Rio
- Naypaktos
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- Patras Castle
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We start the day exploring Nafpaktos, one of Greece's most beautiful beach towns. We then continue our journey to Rio, home to a well-kept medieval seafront fortress. Later, we drive to Patras, Greece's third-largest city, where we'll spend the night. Enjoy the evening exploring this cosmopolitan city at your own pace.
Day 5 – Day 5: Patras to Olympia via Kalogria Beach
- Patras
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- Stadium at Olympia
- Press Museum of Patras
- Kaminia Beach
- Church of Agios Andreas
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We start the day exploring Patras, visiting the beautiful medieval Castle of Patras and the impressive Cathedral of Saint Andrew. We then drive to the beautiful Kalogria Beach, surrounded by the lush pine forest of Strofylia. Our final destination for the day is Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll spend the night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Olympia
- Ancient Olympia
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- Stadium at Olympia
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Spend the day exploring the well-known town of Olympia, famous for the nearby archaeological site of the same name, where the ancient Olympic Games were held. Visit the archaeological site and its two main museums, and enjoy the evening at your leisure in this historic town.
Day 7 – Day 7: Olympia to Kyparissia via Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
- Trifylia
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- Kalamaris Waterfall
- Temple of Hera
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We leave Olympia and head to the majestic Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring this impressive temple, we drive to Kyparissia, a beautiful seaside town on the western coasts of Peloponnese, where we'll spend the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Kyparissia to Foinikounta via Pylos and Methoni
- Pylos
- Methoni
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- Pylos Central Square
- Bourtzi of Methoni Castle
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We leave Kyparissia and head to Pylos, a town built in the shape of an amphitheatre on the Bay of Navarino. We then visit Methoni, a lovely coastal town known for its impressive medieval castle. Our final destination for the day is Foinikounta, a lovely seaside town notable for its beautiful Blue Flag beaches, where we'll spend the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Foinikounta to Kalamata via Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene
Day 9: Foinikounta to Kalamata via Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene
- Kalamata's Castle
- Archaeological Site of Ancient Messini
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We leave Foinikounta and head to the vast and impressive Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene. After touring this stunning site, we drive to the beautiful and lively city of Kalamata, where we'll spend the night.
Day 10 – Day 10: Kalamata to Monemvasia via Kardamyli and Mani Peninsula
Day 10: Kalamata to Monemvasia via Kardamyli and Mani Peninsula
- Limeni Centre
- Lighthouse of Monemvasia
- Kardamyli old Town
- More
We leave Kalamata and head to the beautiful town of Kardamyli. We then continue our journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Mani Peninsula. Our final destination for the day is Monemvasia, a town located on a big rock at sea connected to land by a causeway, where we'll spend the night.
Day 11 – Day 11: Monemvasia to Sparta
- Sparta
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- Sainopouleio Sparta Theatre
- Lighthouse of Monemvasia
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We start the day exploring the imposing town of Monemvasia, known for its town walls and many Byzantine churches. We then drive to Sparta, a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, where we'll spend the night. Enjoy the evening exploring this historic city at your own pace.
Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Mystras
Day 12: Exploring Mystras
- Monastery Elonas
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Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras, the 'wonder of the Morea'. This medieval city offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from superb Byzantine churches and remarkable monuments to historical Macedonian and Ottoman architecture. After a day of exploration, we return to Sparta for the night.
Day 13 – Day 13: Sparta to Plaka via Kosmas and Leonidio
- Sparta
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- Statue of Leonidas
- Kataphygi
- Portes Beach
- Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil
- More
We leave Sparta and head to the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. We then continue our journey to the traditional village of Kosmas, followed by a visit to the town of Leonidio. Our final destination for the day is Plaka, a beautiful beach town, where we'll spend the night.
Day 14 – Day 14: Plaka to Nafplio via Argos and Tiryns
- Argos
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- The Ranch
- Heraion of Argos
- Nafplio Lighthouse
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We leave Plaka and head to Argos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiryns, an archaeological site known for its palace and massive burial ground. Our final destination for the day is Nafplio, a charming beach town, where we'll spend the night.
Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Mycenae
Day 15: Exploring Mycenae
- Mycenaean Dam
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We spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae, known for its palace and massive burial ground. After a day of exploration, we return to Nafplio for the night.
Day 16 – Day 16: Exploring Nafplio
- Nafplio
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- Beach Park Loutraki
- Kalamaki beach
- Nafplio Lighthouse
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Spend the day exploring the charming town of Nafplio. Visit the impressive Palamidi fortress, the Akronafplia fortress, and the Bourtzi, a 15th-century island Venetian fortress located in the middle of the harbor. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in Nafplio, where we'll spend the night.
Day 17 – Day 17: Nafplio to Olympia via Epidaurus and Corinth Canal
- Corinth
- Loutraki
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- Corinth Canal
- Stadium at Olympia
- Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus
- Kaminia Beach
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We leave Nafplio and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus, known for its sanctuary and theatre. We then visit the Corinth Canal, followed by a stop at the beautiful Kalogria Beach. Our final destination for the day is Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll spend the night.
Day 18 – Day 18: Olympia to Loutra Ypatis via Messolonghi
- Corinth
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- Monastery of Agathon
- History and Art Museum of Messolonghi
- Stadium at Olympia
- More
We leave Olympia and head to the peaceful city of Messolonghi, home to the beautiful National Park of Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons. We then continue our journey to Loutra Ypatis, a peaceful spa town, where we'll spend the night.
Day 19 – Day 19: Loutra Ypatis to Litochoro via Lamia and Olympus National Park Information Center
- Arachova
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- Olympus National Park Information Center
- Litochoro Center
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We leave Loutra Ypatis and head to the vibrant city of Lamia. We then continue our journey to the Olympus National Park Information Center, where you can learn about the history and biodiversity of Mount Olympus. Our final destination for the day is Litochoro, a town located at the base of Mount Olympus, where we'll spend the night.
Day 20 – Day 20: Litochoro to Veria via Aigai
Day 20: Litochoro to Veria via Aigai
We leave Litochoro and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. After exploring this fascinating site, we drive to Veria, a city known for its rich history and diverse culture, where we'll spend the night.
Day 21 – Day 21: Veria to Ioannina via Metsovo
- Central Greece
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- Metsovo square
- Ioannina Castle
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We leave Veria and head to the scenic mountain village of Metsovo. We then continue our journey to Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, where we'll spend the night. Enjoy the evening exploring this vibrant city at your own pace.
Day 22 – Day 22: Ioannina to Kalampaka via Meteora
Day 22: Ioannina to Kalampaka via Meteora
- Meteora
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We leave Ioannina and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, known for its mountain-perched monasteries. After exploring this extraordinary site, we drive to Kalampaka, a town located at the foot of the stunning complex of Meteora, where we'll spend the night.
Day 23 – Day 23: Exploring Meteora
- Larissa
- Litochoro
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- Meteora
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Spend the day exploring the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, known for its mountain-perched monasteries. After a day of exploration, we return to Kalampaka for the night.
Day 24 – Day 24: Kalampaka to Litochoro via Larissa and Olympus National Park Information Center
- Vergina
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- Olympus National Park Information Center
- Litochoro Center
- Larissa Ancient Ruins
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We leave Kalampaka and head to the vibrant city of Larissa. We then continue our journey to the Olympus National Park Information Center, where you can learn about the history and biodiversity of Mount Olympus. Our final destination for the day is Litochoro, a town located at the base of Mount Olympus, where we'll spend the night.
Day 25 – Day 25: Litochoro to Veria via Aigai
- Metsovo
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We leave Litochoro and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. After exploring this fascinating site, we drive to Veria, a city known for its rich history and diverse culture, where we'll spend the night.
Day 26 – Day 26: Veria to Igoumenitsa via Metsovo, Ioannina, and Dodoni
- Ioannina - Departure day
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- Dance of Zalongo
- Metsovo square
- Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa
- Ioannina Castle
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We leave Veria and head to the lovely mountain village of Metsovo. We then continue our journey to Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, and visit the archaeological site of Dodoni. Our final destination for the day is Igoumenitsa, where we'll drop you off at your selected location, marking the end of our grand tour.
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