Journeys: Discover Mainland Greece

Journeys: Discover Mainland Greece

• Trip code: 424X025
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Uncover the layers of history, landscape, and flavour that make mainland Greece a timeless wonder. Begin and end in Athens, where ancient columns rise above lively modern streets. Wander the sacred heights of Meteora, explore the legendary Acropolis, and experience the thrill of a truffle hunt led by a local expert. Along the way, sip local wine, savour mezze feasts, and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s healing traditions and enduring spirit.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (8 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

Hunt for truffles in the forest alongside a local guide, Explore the ancient wonders of the Acropolis and Meteora monasteries, Savour local wine cheese and mezze on a flavour-packed culinary experience, Step into the remains of one of the world’s first hospitals dedicated to holistic healing

Introduction

Uncover the layers of history, landscape, and flavour that make mainland Greece a timeless wonder. Begin and end in Athens, where ancient columns rise above lively modern streets. Wander the sacred heights of Meteora, explore the legendary Acropolis, and experience the thrill of a truffle hunt led by a local expert. Along the way, sip local wine, savour mezze feasts, and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s healing traditions and enduring spirit

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD340-445 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Athens
- Besuch im Nationalgarten

Náfplio
- Besichtigung der Festung Acronafplia (Gratis)

Start / Finish

von Athens

Transport

Private Vehicle, Taxi, 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 G-for-Good-Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and Lunch, Athens
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. 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. 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

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