Our epic journey begins in Athens, where we encounter the magnificent monuments of Classical Greece, featuring two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the iconic Acropolis of Athens and the stunning 11th-century Holy Monastery of Daphni. Led by an archaeologist guide, we explore the city’s remarkable archaeological treasures, including the Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, Temple of Hephaestus, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Roman Agora. We explore the surrounding Attica region with excursions to Ancient Eleusis, Brauron, and the Temple of Poseidon. The tour features in-depth visits to both the Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum, while savoring authentic Attica regional cuisine and wines and staying in luxury accommodations in the heart of historic Athens.
As we journey onwards to the Peloponnese region, we encounter the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, Epidaurus, Mystra, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia. Our archaeologist guide also gives us private tours of major historical sites such as Ancient Corinth, Ancient Sparta, Ancient Messene, the Castle of Methoni, and the Palace of Nestor. We learn of the great city states, empires, and battles of the Peloponnese, and the importance of this region in Ancient Greek mythology. We stay in boutique 4-star accommodation on this leg of our journey to mainland Greece, savoring Peloponnese wine and its local delicacies.
We move then into central and northern Greece, the heart of ancient Macedonia, where the echoes of Philip II and Alexander the Great still resonate through the ruins of their once-mighty empire. This journey blends legend, history, and gastronomy, taking you from the sacred sanctuary of Delphi, where oracles shaped the fate of kings, to the soaring monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the same paths as the great Macedonian rulers in Pella, Alexander’s birthplace, and in Vergina, where the breathtaking tomb of Philip II reveals the opulence of ancient royalty. At Dion, a site dedicated to Zeus, stand where Macedonian armies gathered before embarking on world-changing conquests, and at Philippi, trace the city’s transformation from a Macedonian stronghold to a pivotal early Christian site.
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On our expert-led Greek archaeology tours, you’ll explore alongside a distinguished local archaeologist who brings depth to every site visit. Our experienced tour leaders complement this archaeological expertise, ensuring your journey through ancient, classical, and Byzantine Greece is both enlightening and seamless.
By touring in Spring and Fall, we aim to avoid the crush of the summer crowds at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Acropolis of Athens, allowing you to fully appreciate the magnificent monuments. From the grandeur of the Parthenon to the treasures and Royal Tombs buried under the tumulus at Vergina, each day reveals new aspects of ancient and classical Greece.
Our thoughtfully paced itinerary balances archaeological exploration with leisure time. You’ll have opportunities to wander the historic streets of Psyrri with its political street art, enjoy long lunches of regional specialties in Thessaloniki, revel in the glory of a Meteora sunset, or simply reflect on the day’s discoveries from your hotel balcony.
With just 12 guests, our intimate group shares engaging conversations over excellent local wines and authentic Greek regional cuisine. Each evening, we return to our premium accommodation, where ancient history and modern comfort seamlessly blend into an unforgettable experience.
Our tour begins in Athens.
After your group transfers from the airport to the hotel, we warmly welcome you to Psyrri, Athens, with welcome drinks followed by a wonderful local dinner with wine.
Meals: D
Overnight: Athens
After breakfast at our hotel, our archaeologist guide leads us on a walking tour of the most iconic symbols of Classical Greece – the monuments of the Acropolis of Athens.
We visit the Theater of Dionysus, gaze at the (temporarily closed) Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the mighty entrance to the Acropolis, the Propylaea, and then on to the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.
We descend the Acropolis to eat lunch in the streets below.
After lunch, we tour the stunning Acropolis Museum with our archaeologist guide.
The evening is free for you to dine at any one of the numerous restaurants in Athens.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Athens
After breakfast at our hotel, we give ourselves over to the astonishing ruins scattered around Athens. We tour Kermeikos, the Ancient Agora, the Stoa of Attalus, and the Temple of Hephaestus. We also tour the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Roman Agora, the Temple of the Winds, and Hadrian’s Library.
We eat lunch in a traditional taverna, and your evening is at leisure to dine again at one of Athens’ many nearby restaurants.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Athens
After breakfast at our hotel, we journey into Attica along the Sacred Way to Ancient Eleusis, where the Eleusinian Greater and Lesser Mysteries were practiced in this ancient sanctuary to Demeter. We visit what is believed to be an entrance to the Underworld, where Hades disappeared with Demeter’s daughter, Persephone.
On the way, we stop at yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Holy Monastery of Daphni. This eleventh-century Byzantine monastery lies along the sacred way at the foot of Mount Aigaleo.
Returning to Athens, we feast on regional delicacies and wines.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Athens
Today, we visit two outstanding archaeological sanctuaries – the archaeological site of Vravron (Brauron), one of the 12 cities of ancient Attica. We then head to the beach for a seafood lunch before visiting the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff at Sounion overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure in Athens on our last night before departing for the Peloponnese.
Meals: B, L
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.
After a traditional meal with wine, we travel to our boutique hotel in the coastal town of Nafplio.
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. This extensive site in on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. We eat at a local taverna
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 historic site for its 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.
We then return to our base in Kalamata, and in the evening, you are free to choose a seaside taverna for dinner.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Kalamata
After breakfast, we journey to Bassae and tour the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae with our archaeologist guide.
We then travel to the town of Olympia. 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.
This evening 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 at our hotel, we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Eastern Orthodox Monasteries of Meteora.
Our day is spent exploring these vertiginous sacred wonders. Our guide leads us on a private tour of several monasteries, and we walk to viewpoints of surely one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
Sunset tonight is not to be missed!
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Meteora
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our journey into the heart of the Macedonian Empire. We reach the town of Dion in the foothills of Mount Olympus, where we eat lunch in the garden of an informal Greek cafe known for its Moussaka and home-made feta.
After lunch, we take a private guided tour of the most sacred city in Macedonia, Ancient Dion.
It’s time to continue our journey north to Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki. We set off for Thessaloniki, check in to our historic 5-star hotel, before a Macedonian evening meal with wine.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Thessaloniki
After breakfast at our hotel, we give ourselves over to the treasures of Thessaloniki. We head out for a private Thessaloniki walking tour. We’ll visit the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great, the Galerian Complex, the Greek Agora, the Roman Forum, and much more.
Over several days in Thessaloniki, we want to see as many of its historical treasures as possible!
This evening is free for you to choose a wonderful Greek taverna or chic restaurant for dinner.
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: B, L
After breakfast at our hotel, we will spend our morning visiting the archaeological site of Ancient Pella and the Archaeological Museum of Pella.
The afternoon and evening are at your leisure to explore Thessaloniki’s many charms.
Meals: B
Overnight: Thessaloniki
After breakfast at our hotel, we head out for a private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ancient Philippi. This is the city founded by King Philipp II and lays the groundwork for our trip the day after next to see the tomb of King Philipp II.
After working up an appetite at Ancient Philippi, we head to the beach where you are free to choose a beachside taverna in Kavala for a seafood lunch.
Upon returning to Thessaloniki, the evening is at your leisure.
Meals: B
Overnight: Thessaloniki
After breakfast this morning we travel for just over 2 hours to the seaside town of Ouranoupolis where we board a cruise along the coast of the Mount Athos Peninsula.
The Peninsula is off-limits to women, and so we choose to view these magnificent UNESCO World Heritage monuments by sea.
We return to Thessaloniki for our last night together and in anticipation of our final day on tour. This evening we eat a wonderful meal of northern Greek specialties matched with northern wines.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Thessaloniki
After breakfast at our hotel, we travel to what we believe is the pièce de résistance of Northern Greece – we’ve saved the best for last!
We travel south for one hour to Vergina and take a private tour with our archaeologist guide of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ancient Aigai (Vergina). We visit the new Polycentric Museum, the gateway to the site, and then venture under the tumulus to the Museum of the Royal Macedonian Tombs, where we discover the tomb of King Philip II and the astonishing grave goods buried with him.
We feast on local cuisine and wine at a local award-winning winery, before setting off on our trip to Thessaloniki airport and the end of our epic Greece mainland tour.
Meals: B, L
Our tours are physically active! Clambering around archaeological sites, castles, acropoli, and fortresses is an essential part of the Take Me To Europe tour experience, and stairs are everywhere in Europe! As an example, on our Temples and Treasures: Archaeological Legacies of Athens Tour, you will need to be able to:
