Journeys: Classical Greece and Her Island Jewels

Journeys: Classical Greece and Her Island Jewels

• Trip code: 424X027
• Dauer: 16
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Step into the myth and magic of Greece on a journey where ancient history meets sun-drenched island life. Stand in awe before the ruins of Athens, wander through the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, and sail across the Aegean to the legendary island of Delos with a local archaeologist as your guide. Along the way, explore timeless towns like Olympia and Nafplio, savour regional flavours, and soak up the beauty of a country where every stone tells a story.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (15 nts)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Wander through the ruins of Olympia and the seaside charm of Nafplio, Marvel at the engineering wonder of the Corinth Canal, Hunt for truffles in the forest alongside a local expert, Discover the iconic windmills and coastal beauty of Mykonos, Explore the sacred island of Delos alongside an archaeologist

Introduction

Step into the myth and magic of Greece on a journey where ancient history meets sun-drenched island life. Stand in awe before the ruins of Athens, wander through the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, and sail across the Aegean to the legendary island of Delos with a local archaeologist as your guide. Along the way, explore timeless towns like Olympia and Nafplio, savour regional flavours, and soak up the beauty of a country where every stone tells a story

Meals Included

15 Frühstück, 3 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD630-820 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Athens
- Besuch im Nationalgarten
- Besuch des Archäologischen Nationalmuseums (12EUR pro Person)
- Besuch auf dem Syntagma-Platz (Verfassungsplatz) (Gratis)

Náfplio
- Besichtigung der Festung Acronafplia (Gratis)

Naxos
- Beach Time in Naxos

Start / Finish

Athens nach Santorini

Transport

Private Vehicle, Taxi, Ferry, Walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Tour durch das antike Athen mit einem Archäologen, Athens
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Truffle Hunting Experience with Dogs, Kalampáka
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Wine tasting with cheese and mezze plates, Neméa
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Delos Guided Tour with Museum, Delos
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Explore and Connect: Village to Village Hike, Kourounochori
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and Lunch, Athens
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Naxos Wildlife and Conservation Awareness Experience, Naxos
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Dein Discover-Moment: Athens. Thermopylae visit at the Leonidas Statue. Meteora tour. Delphi guided tour. Olympia orientation walk. Olympia guided tour. Nafplio guided tour. Mycenae guided tour. Epidaurus visit. Corinth Canal visit. Lunch at a Myconian seaside restaurant. Orientation walk of Mykonos. Expedition Leader-led walk through Little Venice to see windmills. Free time to explore Mykonos. Naxos Wildlife Conservation project visit. Expedition Leader-led walking exploration of Naxos including the famous Portara. Lunch at a traditional taverna. Visit to the Akrotiri Museum. Expedition Leader-led of a portion of the Caldera Trail. Free time in Santorini. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Athens

Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel

Day 2 Athens

Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon. This Greek temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was built from white marble in 447 BC and takes centre stage in the Acropolis Museum. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to your expert guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of the G Adventures–supported non-profit cafe, Shedia Home

Day 3 Athens/Kalampáka

Depart Athens this morning to Kalambaka–home of the famous monasteries of Meteora. Make a short stop to see the bronze statue of King Leonidas, erected in Thermopylae and site of the famous battle with the same name. This afternoon, embark on an unforgettable experience led by a skilled truffle hunter and his loyal dogs. Head into the woods and watch this fascinating process and learn all there is to know about truffles-delicious mushrooms that grow underground. Sample some mushrooms under the shade of centuries-old trees, washing them down with wine then finish up with an early dinner - pasta fittingly prepared with truffles

Day 4 Kalampáka/Delphi

Spend the morning exploring the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Built atop sandstone megaliths that rise 1,200 feet (366 meters) from the valley floor, these monasteries offered refuge from hostile attacks during the waning days of the Byzantine Empire. Venture into chapels and courtyards adorned with beautiful frescoes. Take in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, which-on a clear day, includes views of Mount Olympus. In the afternoon, continue to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks

Day 5 Delphi/Olympia

Explore mystical Delphi–a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour, then visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with free time to admire the many artifacts unearthed at the site. Later, travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. After arrival in Olympia, head out on an orientation walk then enjoy free time for dinner at your leisure

Day 6 Olympia/Náfplio

Step back into ancient history on a visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Temples of Zeus and Hera, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. After an optional lunch, travel onward to Nafplio for a locally guided walk. Enjoy the highlights of the old town, including the Bourtzi Castle and Palamidi Fortress while sampling local culinary specialties along the waterfront. Complete the day with a gelato from the most famous shop in Greece

Day 7 Náfplio

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore on your own before an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary King Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate–one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. After, head to a regional winery for a wine tasting paired with cheese and mezze plates for dinner

Day 8 Náfplio/Athens

This morning, make a stop at Epidaurus. Visit the first recorded hospital, the Aesklipion, and the still functioning ancient theatre built in the complex with a focus on mental healing. Next, drive north over the Isthmus of Corinth, crossing the famed Corinth Canal as you return to Athens. Set out for an optional farewell dinner and one final evening in Athens

Day 9 Athens

Enjoy a free day to explore at your leisure. Choose to discover the well-preserved medieval architecture of the Panathenaic Stadium, Hadrian’s Library, or the National Gardens should you wish

Day 10 Athens/Mykonos

Travel by ferry to the island of Mykonos with its iconic windmills and seaside cafes. Here you’ll relax and unwind with an afternoon at the pool, then join your tour leader for a walk through town, revealing those famous windmills, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, and the lovely Little Venice

Day 11 Mykonos

After breakfast, head out on an excursion with an archeologist guide to Delos, an island with recorded history dating back to the early Ionian civilization. Once the religious centre of the Aegean Cyclades, the island now exists as an open-air museum, uninhabited and with no vehicles. According to legend, Latonna gave birth here to Apollo the Greek sun god, and to Artemis, the huntress and goddess of marriage and fertility. On our walk, see the Sacred Harbor and the regal Sacred Way, with imposing stone lions leading to the temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis. Then visit the museum where artifacts found on the island are housed. Return to Mykonos for a free afternoon

Day 12 Mykonos/Naxos

This morning, travel by ferry to the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands. Here you’ll immerse yourself in a culinary adventure accompanied by a local expert. Learn the secrets of the Naxian Rosto, a celebrated dish of slow cooked pork infused with fragrant garlic and filled with local graviera cheese, baked in the oven. Then, head out on a walking tour with an expert guide starting at the “Portara” , a marble gateway–remnants of the temple of Apollo dating from the 6th century BC. From ancient Greek ruins to medieval fortresses and modern island life–explore the old town. Stroll through winding alleys, view the 11th-century Cathedral, and see prehistoric Cycladic figurines in the historic Ursuline School

Day 13 Naxos

Spend a full day in the countryside and appreciate the true spirit of Naxos, a rich, agricultural hub. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the island’s unique culture walking from village to village, meeting the locals, and tasting traditional flavours along the way. Walk in ancient footsteps through Kouroi, an archeological landmark, witness the watermills of Myloi, sample Kytro liquor at Chalki village, and enjoy the iconic olives and olive oil in Kaloxylos village. On your way back, make a stop at the non-profit Naxos Wildlife Protection organization to learn about their conservation efforts on the island before enjoying a free afternoon

Day 14 Naxos/Santorini

Catch a ferry to the postcard-perfect Santorini this morning. Here, you’ll join a local guide for a visit to the Akrotiri Museum and ruins–a Bronze Age settlement destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BC. The site was buried in volcanic ash, preserving the remains of fine frescos and artifacts, similar to the famed Pompeii. Later, choose some free time to relax or join your tour leader for a walk along a segment of the caldera trail. Along the way view the famous Three Bells of Santorini as well as a top down view of the stone path leading to a panoramic view of the volcano and caldera

Day 15 Santorini

Today is free to enjoy the stunning landscapes, beaches and culture of Santorini. Opt to join a sailing excursion which visits local beaches, one of the oldest active volcanoes, and the volcanically formed islands of Palea and Nea Kameni. This evening, join the group for an optional farewell dinner in Oia, famous for its stunning sunset views, and toast the end of your Greek adventure

Day 16 Santorini

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Athens

Day 2 Athens

Day 3 Athens/Kalampáka

Day 4 Kalampáka/Delphi

Day 5 Delphi/Olympia

Day 6 Olympia/Náfplio

Day 7 Náfplio

Day 8 Náfplio/Athens

Day 9 Athens

Day 10 Athens/Mykonos

Day 11 Mykonos

Day 12 Mykonos/Naxos

Day 13 Naxos

Day 14 Naxos/Santorini

Day 15 Santorini

Day 16 Santorini