Experience Overview
Embark on a 16-day Premium journey exploring very the best of mainland Greece and the Cyclades. Whether it’s tracing a path through ancient ruins in Delphi, visiting secluded monasteries high in the Meteora Valley, or watching as the sun sets over the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, this is a country where the weight of history makes its presence felt. With plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals, savour traditional Aegean cuisine and visit the acclaimed sites, this is a complete adventure into Greece’s sun-kissed heartland.
Highlights
- Step back in time as you travel with your local leader to the Athens Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Prodromos monastery, where you’ll enjoy a coffee with a local monk during a Premium Exclusive Experience.
- Understand the dazzling variety of Greek produce during Exclusive Experiences, including a kitron tasting at a local distillery in Naxos, meeting with a family of beekeepers in Itea and an afternoon of wine tasting in Santorini.
- 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.
- 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 will then enjoy for lunch.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3312
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Ferry,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZVPCC
Starts: Athens, Greece
Finishes: Santorini, Greece
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (2), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights),Feature stay (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 10550 (CAD 659 /day)
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your journey begins in Athens, Greece's storied capital. You’ll be collected from the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Then, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to do and see, as you’re in one of the world's oldest cities! Maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens to brush up on some history or go in search of the best souvlaki. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your group at one of Athens’ local restaurants and maybe toast the beginning of the adventure with a glass of raki or ouzo.
Included Activities:
- Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Athenaeum Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll get to know ancient Athens during visits to two of the city’s most famous sites. First, see the famous Acropolis – one of the Western world’s most important historical structures. Meet with an expert local guide who will provide profound insight into the history and legacy of the civilisations who lived in this ancient citadel. Start with an ascent to the top via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. When inside, you’ll see the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Then, your leader will bring history to life as you visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – the largest temple in all of Greece. Later in the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka, which sits at the base of the Meteora Mountains and when you arrive, have dinner at one of the local tavernas.
Included Activities:
- Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
- Athens - Visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Accommodation:
- Monastery Guesthouse or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel into the hills to the incredible monasteries of Meteora. The ancient stone buildings, which sit precariously on soaring cliffs, make these mountains one of Greece's most extraordinary natural and cultural sites. Meet with a local guise and see the ruins of the Pantokrator Monastery, then carry on to two other monasteries, including Varlaam Monastery. Learn about the history of the area and how settlement dates back to the 11th century, when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora. Then, you’ll head out on a hike through the lush forest and the huge rocks of Meteora with your leader by your side to answer questions on the landscape and the history behind it. You’ll then return to Kalambaka in the afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Meteora - Hike & Monastery Visits with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Monastery Guesthouse or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Have breakfast before travelling to Delphi this morning. When you arrive, visit the Delphi Museum and walk through the complex with a local guide to explore the Temple of Apollo – the most important building in the site. This is where statues and offerings to the gods were housed and where cult rituals took place. Continue to your overnight stop in Nafpaktos – this small, coastal town sits on glistening waters and is a relaxing place to explore and unwind.
Included Activities:
- Delphi - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Nafs Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit a family of local beekeepers to learn about honey production, see the beehives and of course taste some of the delicious local honey. Next, drive on 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. When you arrive, tour leader will show you the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. Visit the local museum with your local guide to brush up on the history and take a break from the heat. Continue to the medieval village of Dimitsana – home to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights, Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel. A stone building, your hotel sits in the middle of town and boasts a terrace, a dining area and a warm atmosphere.
Included Activities:
- Olympia - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide
- Nafpakos - Beekeeping Experience & Honey Tasting
Accommodation:
- Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, join your local guide for an exploration of the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and the spectacular Lousios Valley. Walk deep into the valley to the incredible working monastery of Prodromos. This wood and clay structure has stellar views over the valley below and was built into a rock face. Get a look into the lives of the local monks as they show you around their home and offer you a coffee or the local specialty, the Greek delight. See the splendid 14th-century frescoes decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. Then, visit the tenth-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou. Learn how this monastery was the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio', which was run by monks during Ottoman rule to teach Greek children their own language and religion. Later, visit the medieval village of Stemnitsa – known for its silversmiths – and Zigovisti for a traditional lunch before returning to Dimitsana for the afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike with Local Guide
- Central Arcadia - Philosophou Monestary Visit
- Central Arcadia - Prodromos Monastery Visit with Coffee & Greek Delight
Accommodation:
- Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit the Mycenae archaeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage site, these ruins represent the most important cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. Then, drive to the seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio) – the original Greek capital. Maybe head to one of the town's three fortresses or the seaside promenade. Before heading to Athens, stop for a tasting of Greece’s most celebrated drink – ouzo. A taste of this anise-infused alcohol will take you straight to the heart of Greek culture. Chat to the experts and learn how Greece’s national drink is made, then take some time to explore Nafplion at your own pace. Arrive in Athens in the late afternoon for a free evening. Maybe head out with your group for an optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant and cheers to beautiful adventure.
Included Activities:
- Nafplion - Ouzo Tasting
- Mycenae - Archaeological site with guide
Accommodation:
- Athenaeum Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in Athens, Greece’s capital. There’s a lot to experience in this ancient city, so arriving a few days early is highly recommended. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to visit Athens’ iconic Acropolis or walk around the National Garden. After your meeting, get a taste of Greece’s celebrated cuisine during dinner with your group at a local restaurant in the vibrant Psiri neighbourhood.
Included Activities:
- Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Athenaeum Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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 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 through the island’s mainland, passing by ancient marble quarries, then stop off at the village of Lefkes. Take some time to explore the village surrounded by verdant hills, olive and pine trees, then call into a cultural centre in Marpissa 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.
Included Activities:
- Paros - Highlights of Paros Half Day Island Tour with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Hill Mill Paros Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
The day is yours to uncover more of Paros’ charms. There’s certainly 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.
Accommodation:
- Hill Mill Paros Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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 – the 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 to the rest of the country. Try it for yourself this evening during a group dinner, where you will learn all about the regional specialties.
Included Activities:
- Naxos - Old Town Walk & Portara Visit
Accommodation:
- Naxos Princess or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to Eggares – a small farming village set in the region that produces most of the island’s produce. Learn about the importance of olive oil to Greek culture during a guided tour of an olive oil press museum. 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. Pair your lunch with a tasting of local kitron. This citron liqueur, with a history stretching back to the 19th century and produced exclusively on Naxos, offers a taste of the island’s culture.
Included Activities:
- Naxos - Cooking Class at a Local Home
- Naxos - Eggares Olive Oil Press
Accommodation:
- Naxos Princess or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free 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.
Accommodation:
- Naxos Princess or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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 – a whitewashed building in traditional Cycladic style, El Greco Resort wraps around the year-round swimming pool. Featuring modern, spacious rooms, this hotel also sits in a prime location for exploring Santorini. It’s only a short walk from the Archaeological Museum of Thera, so perhaps head there to learn about how previous civilisations lived on the island. Tonight, make sure you catch Santorini's world-famous sunset.
Accommodation:
- El Greco Resort Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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. The natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Your walk will take you along the north-western rim of the caldera, passing steep cliff faces and amazing views along the way. The walk ends in the town of Oia, built on a steep slope inside Santorini’s volcanic caldera. Famous not only for its scenery, Santorini’s microclimate and volcanic soil make it a top spot for wine production. Sip your way around the island with two special stops – the Symposium Cultural Centre, where you’ll learn about Greek wine and try it in traditional cups, and a family-run winery, where you’ll discover more about the history of wine production and taste the different varieties yourself.
Included Activities:
- Santorini - Caldera Hike
- Santorini - Winery visit
- Santorini - Mythology and Wine experience
Optional Activities:
- Santorini - Thira Prehistoric Museum (6 EUR)
- Santorini – Black Sand Beach Umbrella and Sun Bed Rental (75 EUR)
Accommodation:
- El Greco Resort Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Stephen - Traveled, May 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Larry - Traveled, May 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid premium- quality hotels with porterage. Small travel group using very comfortable quality tour van. Driver and tour leader outstanding in safety, assistance, local knowledge and support. Was a great trip- highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Alan - Traveled, May 2023
A great trip from the rugged beauty of Meteora and Dimitsana, the pretty little town of Nafplio, the historical sites of Delphi and Olympia and the individual beauty of the islands (particularly Paros). Be mindful that there may be lots of cruise ships in Santorini and hence lots of tourists in the narrow alleys to contend with. There is a pretty light itinerary on the islands which allows for individual exploration using the local buses. The hikes in Dimitsana and Santorini are certainly not for everyone!!! Ross looked after us really well and the local guides were certainly very knowledgeable. Great trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2023
Katyana - Traveled, May 2023
Overall had a great time on this trip and would book again. The hotels at Itea and Kalambaka are of basic standard. If you like archeology you are in for a treat. Bee visit and Dimitsana were a highlight. Definitely had some amazing experiences on this trip. Maria is an excellent guide. The tour leader for the islands rushed the group for seemingly no reason. Don’t let this deter you from booking is still a great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2023
Anna - Traveled, June 2024
The Premium Greece in Depth Tour by Intrepid was an adventure of a lifetime for us. The handpicked destinations, transportation, the guides, the history, the accommodation, the food, the local experiences, the safety & the people that we travelled with in our tour group made this an experience that we will remember fondly. Our hearts & minds are full. Thank you Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2024
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