Greece: Mainland and the Peloponnese

Make the most of a unique opportunity to get to the heart of the Athens’ traditional culture. This private dinner invitation to a local Athenian home is a wonderfully interactive way to get to know the city. Enjoy the warm hospitality of a typical Athenian, relishing the traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes that your host shares with you. What better way to understand a living culture than with good food and conversation? Get to know how your meal arrived at the table and gain insights into the modern lifestyle of an ancient city over a delicious dinner. (Duration: 3-4 hrs, from 18:00 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals included: Dinner; For special dietary requirements, please inform us ahead of tour; Fitness level: Easy; Please dress comfortably).

Explore the prominent attractions of Athens. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up by a private vehicle and driven to the city center where the Panathenaic Stadium is located. Built entirely of marble, it was the venue of the first modern Olympics held in 1896. Next, drive to the Temple of Zeus to see the ruins of this ancient shrine with colossal columns that was once the largest temple in Greece. As you travel between the various landmarks, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with details about the history and significance of these sites. Journey past the national gardens and the Greek Parliament building to the UNESCO-listed Acropolis of Athens. Walk amid the cluster of ancient structures including the famous Parthenon, Propylaia and the Temple of Athena Nike. While you explore the ruins, learn how they epitomize the ancient Greek civilization and the ideals of democracy. After, set off on the short downhill walk to the Acropolis Museum that was opened in 2004. Browse the aesthetically arranged displays of over 3,000 artifacts before the tour winds up. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900 hrs (or on request); Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a hat and drinking water recommended; Please note that this activity involves walking on slippery inclines; The order of the itinerary may vary)

Discover the beauty of Nafplio and its scenic countryside on this enjoyable bike tour. Don your biking gear and set off from the majestic Palamidi Castle with your local expert. Zip down paths inaccessible by other means of transport, and chance upon scenic vistas. Ride downhill and make your way to a stretch of sandy beach to enjoy a traditional picnic. Set off on a leisurely hike along a trail that winds by the sea and leads to a charming chapel. Afterwards, bike back to Nafplio, taking in beautiful views of the Argolic Gulf along the way. (Duration: Half Day; Starting Time: 0900 (Oct 1 – Mar 31)/0900, 1800 (Apr 1 – Sep 30); Group Size: 3-20 Guests; Picnic Meal Included; Private Activity & Transfers; Meal and Beverages Included; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear athletic shoes and a hat. Biking equipment will be provided.)

Set off on an adventurous hike along coast-hugging trails overlooking the beautiful waters of the Argolis Gulf. Start out from the old town area of Nafplio and make your way to a sandy stretch of beach, stopping along the way to capture stunning images of the bay. Explore two beautiful Orthodox chapels and rest a while on their grounds. Replenish yourself with a bite as you enjoy the sea view. Afterwards, retrace your footsteps and, if you like, make a stop en route to enjoy a quick swim in the warm waters. Make your way back to Nafplio with memories of a unique experience. (Duration: Half Day; Starting Time: 0900 (Oct 1 – Mar 31)/0900, 1800 (Apr 1 – Sep 30); Group Size: Min 2 Guests; Picnic Snacks Included; Private Activity & Transfers; Meal and Beverages Included; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear athletic shoes and a hat.)

Medieval castles and a fairytale setting make Monemvasia the perfect destination to explore on your own. Located off southeastern Peloponnese coast, this atmospheric island is entirely carved from sea rock for a natural camouflage. Note the elegance of the stone mansions and Byzantine architecture as you stroll through the complex of fortifications, churches and mansions that make up the Castle of Monemvasia. Look out for the graceful contours of the Church of Christ Elkomenos and learn more about the history of Monemvasia at the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former mosque. Make your way to the top of the Castle for stunning vistas of the sea and later visit the Church of Agia Sofia, built in the Byzantine style as early as the 12th century. On your way down the cobblestoned paths of the Old Town, pause at boutique stores and cafes as you bask in the atmosphere of medieval romance. Late afternoons are perfect to lounge on Monemvasia’s fine sand beaches or take in a leisurely swim after which it is time to unwind with some local Malvazia wine at a traditional taverna. (Duration: Full Day; Self-explore Activity; No Guide; No Transfers; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Nestled amid spectacular central Peloponnese Mountains, the medieval city of Dimitsana is a delight to discover on your own. Start at the historic village center, marked by narrow cobblestone alleys and quaint public squares. Browse through the galleries of the Town Library and the Ecclesiastical Museum, which narrate heroic tales of the city’s role in the early 19th century Greek Independence movement. Make your way to the Open Air Water Power museum, where carefully restored, spring-fed water mills showcase the natural hydraulic engineering of pre-industrial societies. Here, shaded groves bordered by a mountain spring make for the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll. On your way back, take in the incredible sight of ancient monasteries perched on near-vertical mountainsides. Back in the city, settle down at a traditional taverna to treat yourself to a well-deserved cup of coffee or local Malvazia wine as you savor the beauty of the Arkadian landscape. (Duration: Full Day; Self-explore Activity; No Guide; No Transfers; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Take a tour of the Delphi temple and museum and explore its fascinating heritage. A charming walk through the town takes you to the archeological site of Delphi, where you are welcomed by your private guide. Take in breathtaking views of Mount Parnassus as you begin your walk to the Temple of Apollo. Arrive at the site of the Oracle, where the high priestess Pythia would reveal the secrets of the Gods and the destinies of men, determining the course of events in the ancient world. Continue your walk through heritage sites that take you to the world famous Delphi museum. Housing priceless artifacts from the archeological site of Delphi and its surroundings, this museum is a living monument to the grandeur of the Classical Age. Learn more about the significance of the exhibits, among which the life-size bronze statue of the ‘charioteer’ is the most well-known. End your tour with a deeper understanding of the central role that Delphi and its temple played in the history of ancient Greece and the western world. (Private Activity; Duration: 2-3 hrs; Time: 0900 hrs; Tour includes private guide & entrance tickets; Fitness level: easy; Guests are requested to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat & water)

Discover the natural and cultural marvels of Meteora with a visit to the Three Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set off from your Kalambaka hotel in the company of your local guide, as he/she traces the history of this monastic community back to the ninth century. Spot the towering rock pillars where the first hermits decided to build the monasteries of Meteora. The name itself means ‘suspended in the air,’ giving you a sense of the serenity of the space. Explore the hushed environs of the monasteries and later take in stunning views of the countryside from lookouts suggested by your guide. (Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 3-4 hrs; Time: 0900hrs; Tour includes guide; Fitness level: moderate. The guide will discuss with you which monasteries to visit based on your physical condition; Guests are requested to bring water, hat, sunscreen and walking shoes)

Explore the craggy peaks of the Pindus mountain range and remote villages, on this exciting jeep tour. Set off from your hotel in Kalambaka and drive along the highway into the mountains. Stop near the village of Krania for a glimpse of the Ottoman-style Spanou stone bridge with its five arches. Settle in as you begin the off-road journey into Pindus National Park. Enjoy scenic views of oak forests, sprawling plains and majestic mountains as you head to Vovousa, a typical Zagohoria village. This old-world mountain village make for a picturesque sight with its traditional stone houses, and a quaint bridge. Stop for a meal at one of the local cafes before you travel through the park to Lake Aoos. After a quick stop, journey on to the alpine town of Metsovo, characterized by rustic wooden houses. Pop into the little shops close to the town square to browse the array of local cheeses and wines. Wander around the narrow alleyways before you start on the return journey. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear walking or hiking shoes.)