7 Days Grand Tour of Greece (Peloponnese, Central Greece & Macedonia)

The church of the Rotonda in Thessaloniki

The Theater of Epidaurus as seen from the top of the stands

The White Tower on the waterfront in Thessaloniki

The Lion Gate in the Mycenae archaeological site

The marble seats on the Epidaurus Theater

Orthodox church of Saint Paul in Thessaloniki

Temple ruins in the Ancient Olympia complex

Ancient Olympia on a beuriful summer day

Panoramic view of the town of Nafplion

The Treasury of Atreus, also known as tomb of Agamemnon, in Mycenae

Traditional kitchen in one of the Meteora monasteries

The town of Kalambaka on the foothills of Meteora

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora

The Sanctuary of Asklepius in Epidaurus

The Monastery of Saint Stephen in eteora

Temple of Apollo in Delphi

The archaeological site of the Oracle of Delphi

The Ancient Theater of Delphi

The Corinth Canal connects Attica and Peloponnese

The islet of Bourtzi off the coast of Nafplion

Stunning sunset view of the Meteora valley

Join this 7 day Greek mainland tour and visit Epidaurus, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Meteora, Saint Paul's Bema, Aristotle's School of Philosophy, Edessa Waterfalls, Pella Museum and more.

Join this unique week-long tour where you will be able to explore Northern Greece and its rich history, from the ancient city-states, to the Byzantine Empire and up until modern times. Starting from Athens, the capital of Greece, you will take the coastal route through the awe-inspiring Corinth Canal until you reach the Theater of Epidaurus, a testament to the arts and an amphitheater known throughout the globe for its acoustics. From there you will proceed to Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece and make your way to Mycenae where you will see the Tomb of Agamemnon. You last stop for the night is Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and home to more than 70 temples in its heyday. Delphi is next, home to the famous Oracle of Pythia, a sacred place for ancient Greeks, as they consulted the great Oracle before every major war campaign.

Next up is Kalambaka, a cozy town of central Greece, sitting right next to Meteora, an incredible spectacle or massive rock pillars rising up from a valley to form a truly rare sight. On top of the pillars, Byzantine monasteries have stood for centuries, adding yet another layer to the sense of wonder that fills any visitor. Time to head north to Macedonia, the land of Alexander the Great. You will establish your base at Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city and a place that was second only to Istanbul during the Byzantine Empire. Remnants of that era are still about, in the form of architecture, art and archaeological sights. From Thessaloniki, excursions to nearby towns will give you a rare insight on a side of ancient Greek history most visitors don't get the chance to experience. Aristotle's School of Philosophy in Naoussa, the Royal Tomb of King Phillip II, the capital of Alexander the Great (Pella) and many more await you!

Starting point: 5, Georgiou Souri, Athens (G.O. Terminal) Starting time: 08:20

Itinerary

Day 1 - Athens to Olympia via Corinth, Epidaurus, Nafplion and Mycenae
We will pick you up from select spots in Athens (departure at approx 8:45) and take the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where we will make a short stop. Back on the road and onto the Theatre of Epidaurus, a monument to the arts and a structure famous for its remarkable acoustics. We will then proceed to the town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, for another short stop and leave for Mycenae, where a visit to the archaeological site and Tomb of Agamemnon is in order. A culture-filled day will conclude once we reach Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, via Central Peloponnesus and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis.
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Olympia to Delphi
In the morning you will have the chance to visit the archaeological site containing the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and archaeological museum. Afterwards, you will drive on through the plains of Iliad and Achaia, through the magnificent modern bridge of Rio-Antirio which connects the two sides of the Corinthian Bay. You will pass through the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea before reaching Delphi, your final destination for the day.
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Delphi to Kalambaka
In Delphi, or the 'navel of the world' as ancient Greeks used to call it, you will make a morning visit to the archaeological site and the museum. Afterwards, you will depart for Kalambaka, a small town in the heart of Greece, situated right at the foot of the astonishing rock complex of Meteora.
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Kalambaka to Thessaloniki and a visit to Meteora
Visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance. Depart from Kalambaka and continue your journey through the striking plains of Thessaly and the valley of Tempi, while admiring the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods of Greek Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece.
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Explore Thessaloniki's Byzantine Heritage
In the morning, you will explore Thessaloniki, a center of civilization during the Byzantine Empire, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. The spirit of that era is still evident in the architecture and style of the churches of the Christian world and for a deep dive in history the Museum of Byzantine Culture is a must. A walking tour will guide you to important sites like the Arch of Galerius, the ruins of the Palace and the famous Rotunda.The remainder of the day is at your leisure, with the city offering ample opportunities for entertainment.
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Explore Macedonia
Depart in the morning for an excursion to the historical grounds of Macedonia. Your first stop will be the picturesque Edessa and its characteristic waterfalls, which have brought the town fame all over Greece. Then we proceed to Naoussa and to a site of exceptional beauty and importance, Aristotle's School, the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Afterwards, we drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to visit the museum created in the Great Tumulus, covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. It is there that you will experience the astonishing findings in the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, one of the greatest discoveries of the 20^th century. Just a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) where you can visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and colourful market area. The return to Thessaloniki will be filled with musings about the multitude of unique destinations your day entailed.
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Visit Pella and Return to Athens
In the morning, you will visit Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great's empire. You will admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4^th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Up next is the archaeological park of Dion (a sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympus). Afterwards we will start driving south, through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (where you will have the chance to see the Leonidas' monument) and Thebes, before arriving in Athens late in the afternoon.
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

Operated by G.O. Tours

What's Included

Motor coach through coastal road, Corinth canal, Thessaly plain, Tempi Valley & the towns of Nafplion, Tripolis, Megalopolis, Nafpactos, Itea, Naoussa & Edessa.
Visit Epidaurus Theatre.
Visit Mycenae Archaeological site and Tomb of Agamemnon.
Visit Olympia Archaeological site and Museum.
Visit Delphi Archaeological site and Museum.
Visit of Meteora monasteries (2 monasteries).
Visit Archaeological Park of Dion.
Visit Saint Paul Bema at Veria town.
Visit Aristotle's School at Naoussa town.
Visit Pella new museum (Pella is the capital of Alexandros the Great).
Visit Thessaloniki city's main attractions & monuments.
Visit Thessaloniki Museum of Byzantine Culture.
Visit Vergina Museum and the Royal Tombs of Macedonia (King Phillip II tomb)
Short stop at Corinth Canal
Short stop at Nafplion traditional town (first capital of Greece)
Short stop at Thermopylae (see Leonidas monument)
1 night hotel accommodation in Olympia
1 night hotel accommodation in Delphi
1 night hotel accommodation in Kalambaka (Meteora area)
3 nights hotel accommodation in Thessaloniki
6 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
Pick up / drop off service from most of the hotels in Athens
VAT for all services

Not included:

- Your international airfare
- Personal expenses, beverages at lunch and / or dinner
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
- Stayover hotel tax, to be paid directly to the hotel

Important notes

This tour include a complimentary pick-up / drop-off service from your hotel or other predefined spots in Athens and surrounding areas. Maximum duration of this service to gather tour participants is approximately 1 hour. Thus, pick-up time may vary for each guest and will be provided during the booking process.
Appropriate clothing is required to visit the Monasteries. Long skirts below the knees for the ladies and long trousers for the gentlemen. The monasteries, also, provide long skirts before every entrance. The ladies can choose and wear a long skirt over their clothing, during the tour, and return it, prior to their departure.
The tour is implemented only in English.