Mainland Greece Discovery
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Greece, where ancient history and vibrant culture converge. From the iconic landmarks of Athens to the lively streets of Thessaloniki, this journey offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Discover the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, perched high above the landscape, and delve into the mystical past of Delphi, once considered the center of the world. With carefully curated experiences, including local culinary delights and cultural insights, this tour promises an enriching adventure through Greece's most captivating destinations.
Included
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
Athens - Acropolis Local Guide
Thessaloniki - NAOMI Ecumenical Workshop for Refugees visit
Meteora - Monastery Visits
Delphi - Archaeological Site & Museum guided tour
Delphi - local lunch & olive oil tasting with a view of Delphi Valley
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS:
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES:
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel (7 nights)
hotel: 7 night(s);
TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
PUBLIC BUSES:
This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Greece can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances. On longer rides there are regular bathroom stops, however there are usually no toilets on the buses themselves.
STRIKES:
Ferry strikes, bad weather and the general unpredictable nature of Greek public transport means you need to be prepared for possible delays and itinerary changes.
Train , Public bus , Private vehicle , Taxi
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
- More
- Acropolis Museum
- More
Welcome to the enchanting city of Athens, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Begin your journey in the cradle of Western civilization, where the ancient Acropolis stands as a testament to Greece's illustrious past. After settling into your hotel (or similar), join your fellow travelers for a welcome meeting and perhaps indulge in some traditional Greek cuisine, such as gyros and ouzo, to kickstart your adventure.
Day 2 – Day 2: Athens to Thessaloniki
- Athens
- Thessaloniki
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- Propylaea of Athens
- Parthenon
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Begin your day with an exploration of the Acropolis, ascending through the majestic Propylaia to reach the iconic Parthenon. In the afternoon, embark on a journey to Thessaloniki, Greece's vibrant second city. Known for its lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings, Thessaloniki offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Enjoy the local nightlife, perhaps sampling some delicious gyros or enjoying live music.
Day 3 – Day 3: Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki
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- Mount Olympus National Park
- Church of St Demetrios
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- Navarinou Square
- Ancient Agora Square
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Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Greece, Thessaloniki. Stroll along the waterfront to the iconic White Tower and explore the city's rich Byzantine heritage, including the frescoed Church of Saint Nicholas the Orphan. Marvel at the views of Mount Olympus and delve into the city's gastronomic delights, a fusion of Eastern, French, Balkan, and Mediterranean flavors. Discover the historic Agora and Rotunda, and visit NAOMI, an NGO supporting refugees, to learn about their impactful work.
Day 4 – Day 4: Thessaloniki to Kalambaka
Day 4: Thessaloniki to Kalambaka
- Meteora
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Journey to the picturesque town of Kalambaka, your gateway to the awe-inspiring Meteora. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the town's amenities. Spend the afternoon exploring the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Kalambaka and Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning vistas. With two days to explore, you'll have ample time to uncover the area's history and legends at your own pace.
Day 5 – Day 5: Kalambaka and Meteora
Day 5: Kalambaka and Meteora
- Meteora
- More
Ascend to the heavens as you explore the ancient monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering rock formations. These 14th-century monasteries, once accessible only by rope ladders, now welcome visitors via steps. Discover the rich history and artistry within, including woodcarvings, frescoes, and paintings. Capture dramatic photos of the multi-colored rock, lush forests, and terracotta roofs against the Grecian sky. Keep an eye out for hawks soaring above and black-robed priests moving silently below.
Day 6 – Day 6: Kalambaka to Delphi
- Delfoi
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- Delphi Archaeological Museum
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Travel to the legendary site of Delphi, stopping en route at a charming campsite to savor local olives, oil, and tapenade. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with views of the Delphi Valley before continuing to this historic town. Nestled on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, Delphi is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. Join a guided tour to explore the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena, the well-preserved theatre, and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury. Discover the mystical Delphic oracle and the ancient stadium that hosted the Pythian Games.
Day 7 – Day 7: Delphi to Athens
- Athens
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- Syntagma Square
- Monastiraki Square
- Athens National Garden
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Monument of the Unknown Soldier
- Museum Ship Averof
- Panathenaic Stadium
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Return to Athens, where you can spend the afternoon exploring the city's vibrant markets and historic sites. Visit the Monastiraki Flea Market for unique souvenirs or take a peaceful stroll through the Greek National Gardens. Discover the Temple of Olympian Zeus and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Explore the Museum of Athens, Syntagma Square, and the historic Panathinaiko Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Athens
- Athens - Departure day
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Conclude your Greek odyssey with a final breakfast in Athens. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gathered over the past week. You are free to depart at your leisure, but if you wish to extend your stay in the Greek capital, we can assist with additional accommodation arrangements. Safe travels!
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