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A superb overview of Greece - classical sites plus Northern Greece.
START / FINISH - Athens
Activity code: GR-GRAND
Duration: 7 Days/6 nights
The Grand Tour of Greece includes pretty much all the most important sights on the mainland of Greece. Taking them in a great circuit from Athens, heading west to pass over the impressive Corinth Canal and into the Peloponnese where you'll visit Mycenae, picturesque Nafplion and the incredible theatre at Epidavros. After visiting ancient Olympia and crossing the fabulous Rion-Antirion bridge you'll spend time at the magnificent Delphi, home of the oracle, then the equally impressive monasteries at Meteora. Even after all of this fascinating sightseeing there is still more to come, the ancient sites at Vergina, Dion and Edessa, followed by Mount Olympus and finally Thessaloniki.
This recommended and very popular holiday is a group Cultural Tour with qualified English-speaking guide; however if you are looking for a more independent holiday then we can also offer a completely tailor made itinerary.
Dates of Operation
Itinerary
Depart Athens and travel via the Corinth Canal onto the Peloponnese.
Your first main stop is at the renowned theatre of Epidavrus with its remarkable acoustics, then the pretty town of Nafplion, former capital of Greece, before arriving at Mycenae where you'll visit the archaeological site and Agamemnon's Tomb.
In the afternoon make your way to Olympia through the picturesque Central Peloponnese.
After breakfast you'll visit several monasteries in which you can see exquisite examples of Byzantine art.
Your onward journey takes you through the Thessaly plain and the Valley of Tempi to admire towering Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and home to the 12 gods of Greek mythology.
Later you'll depart for Thessaloniki, the second largest and most vibrant city in Greece.
This morning enjoy a visit of the city which, throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire, was the 'co-reigning' city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. See its unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world as well as in the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded the Council of Europe's Museum prize in 2005.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy time in the lively centre of the city.
After breakfast depart for historical Macedonia: picturesque Edessa with its famous landmark, the waterfalls; Naoussa, a site of exceptional beauty and importance where you find Aristotle's School, where the great philosopher taught Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth; Vergina (ancient Aigai) with its Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia - see the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century.
Only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) and a visit to Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. Return to Thessaloniki.
Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas in situ as well as in the new museum.
Then visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of Mount Olympus. You'll then start driving south through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (a brief stop to see Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, arriving into Athens late afternoon.
Finish of Tour in Athens for your flight home or to continue your holiday in Greece.
