This 9-day archaeological tour explores major UNESCO World Heritage sites across mainland Greece with expert archaeologist guides. Starting from Athens, the journey covers Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Tiryns, Sparta, Mystras, Ancient Messene, Methoni Castle, the Palace of Nestor, Ancient Olympia, and Delphi. The tour combines visits to significant archaeological sites with stays in carefully selected boutique hotels, local dining experiences, and a visit to a Nemean winery. Private guided tours at each location provide an in-depth historical context of these ancient Greek centers of power, healing, athletics, and prophecy.
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Price Excludes
This archaeological tour is designed for travelers who want to understand Greece’s ancient history through expert guidance at the most significant sites. Each day features private tours led by professional archaeologists who provide historical context and scholarly insights that bring these ancient civilizations to life.
You’ll explore the centers of power where kings ruled from Mycenaean palaces, the healing sanctuaries where ancient Greeks sought cures, the athletic grounds where the Olympic Games began, and the sacred oracle sites where prophecies shaped history. Your expert guides reveal the stories behind the ruins, explaining how these sites connected to shape Mediterranean civilization.
With a maximum of 12 guests, you’ll have intimate access to these UNESCO World Heritage sites and luxury boutique accommodations that reflect the character of each region. The tour moves at a thoughtful pace, allowing time to absorb the historical significance of each location while enjoying carefully selected dining experiences that complement your journey through ancient Greece.
We meet this evening at our boutique hotel in central Athens for a drink and dinner where we watch the monuments of the Acropolis light up as evening falls.
Meals: D
Overnight: Athens
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for the Peloponnese, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal and coming to the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth. We take a private tour this once-mightiest of all the Greek city-states with our archaeologist guide.
We travel then to the idyllic ancient harbor of Epidaurus for a seaside lunch before continuing on to visit our first UNESCO World Heritage site – the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus. Here, our archaeologist guide leads us on a private tour of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and the marvelous Theater of Epidaurus.
We end our day at a traditional Peloponnese taverna in the gorgeous narrow alleys of Nafplio as the sun sets on our first full day of adventuring in the Peloponnese!
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Nafplio
We begin our day from the port of Nafplio. After breakfast at our hotel, we travel to Ancient Mycenae, where our archaeologist guide takes us on a private tour of this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Mycenaean fortress of Agamemnon.
We then head to the Peloponnese wine country – the Nemean region to have lunch at a renowned winery.
We travel back to Nafplio via another UNESCO World Heritage site, the citadel of Tiryns, where our archaeologist guide gives us a private tour of this small but impressive site with its mighty Cyclopean Walls.
The evening is at your leisure in lovely Nafplio.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Nafplio
After breakfast at our hotel, our tour leader takes us on a tour of Nafplio town, including the Palamidi fortress and the Archaeological Museum.
We set off for Ancient Sparta, where we tour the archaeological site of Ancient Sparta and the Museum of Sparta. Lunch is at your leisure in Sparta town before we travel the short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras.
We have a private tour of this fortified town, where the Palace of the Despots is the last surviving Byzantine palace. Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the importance of its Late Byzantine and Post-Byzantine art. It is a sad and fascinating site which we come to appreciate on our tour with our archaeologist guide.
Continuing our journey west, we arrive at our hotel for two nights in Kalamata.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Kalamata
After breakfast at our hotel, we head out for a private tour of the large classical city-state of Ancient Messene with our archaeologist guide. We eat a fresh and authentic lunch at a local taverna in this fertile area of the Peloponnese.
The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Kalamata.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Kalamata
After breakfast, we drive to the far southwest of the Peloponnese, to the Castle of Methoni. The Castle is a medieval fortification of the port of Messenia. It was built by the Venetians in the 13th century.
We travel to the charming seaside town of Pilos (Ancient Navarino / Nea Kastro), an important historical site for naval and land battles between city-states and later, empires. After a seaside lunch in the nearby village of Giavolos, we tour the archaeological site of the Palace of Nestor.
In the evening, you are free to choose a seaside taverna for dinner in our Kalamata base.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Kalamata
After breakfast, we journey to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beginning with the Temple of Apollo Epicuris and Bassae. We then travel to Olympia, where we settle into our boutique hotel.
After lunch, we walk to the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia. Our archaeologist guide takes us on a tour of this lovely sanctuary with its impressive athletic facilities.
Dinner tonight is at your leisure among the many tavernas and restaurants of Olympia.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Olympia
After breakfast, we drive across the Gulf of Corinth at Patras and into the mountains to Delphi.
After lunch, we take a private tour with our archaeologist guide of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ancient Delphi and its very impressive museum collections.
For our last evening together, we feast on local cuisine and wine at a restaurant with a spectacular view over the mountains of Delphi.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Delphi
After breakfast, it’s time to return to Athens, where our tour ends. It’s farewell for now until we see you back on tour with us again.
Meals: B
