Greece 2024/2025: The Charm of Arcadia

Flight to Athens

After passport and baggage check-in, we embark on a journey to sunny Greece, where enthusiasts of history and philosophy seek traces of Plato and Socrates, as well as references to characters known from mythology.

Athens

After arriving in Athens, we’ll take a stroll to acquaint ourselves with the city that lies at the heart of democracy and modern civilization. We’ll spend some time at the foot of the Acropolis, where the oldest district of Athens unfolds – Plaka.

Wandering through the narrow, atmospheric streets, we’ll come across numerous shops, cafes, and taverns. We’ll have dinner in one of them before transferring to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Santorini

After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport to fly to the island of Santorini. We’ll travel to Fira, the capital of the island.

Next, we’ll visit Imerovigli, where the Santorini Caldera will leave a special impression on us. After sightseeing, we’ll check into our accommodation for the night.

Santorini

Today, we will embark on a boat trip to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni (cost approximately €70), where we’ll take a walk to the crater of the still-active volcano.

Next, we’ll sail to another island, Palea Kameni. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to bathe in the therapeutic sulfuric waters.

Finally, we’ll visit Thirassia, an island in the Cyclades archipelago. After a short stroll, we’ll return by boat. Then, we’ll transfer to the airport for the flight back to Athens. Accommodation at the hotel and overnight stay.

Athens, Tolo

After breakfast, we will begin the exploration of Athens. We’ll visit landmarks such as the Kalimarmaro Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. Additionally, we’ll take a closer look at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parliament (here we’ll pause longer to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), and the Athens Trilogy (Academy of Fine Arts, University of Athens, National Library).

The highlight of the day will be a guided tour of the Acropolis, where we’ll admire the Parthenon (dedicated to the goddess Athena), Erechtheion, Temple of Nike, and the Propylaea (gateway).

After descending from the Acropolis, we’ll stroll through the Greek Agora and Roman Agora to the oldest district of Athens called Plaka. In the evening, we’ll head to the Peloponnese. Our destination is Tolo – once a small fishing village, now a popular resort. Check-in and overnight stay.

Hydra, Spetses

After breakfast, transfer to the port and a cruise to the islands of Hydra and Spetses. Hydra is an incredibly magical and romantic island, albeit small in size.

Spetses, on the other hand, is the family island of the Greek national heroine, Laskarina Bouboulina, who played a significant role in the liberation of the city of Nafplio.

Check-in and overnight stay in Tolo.

Napflio, Epidaurus

Today, we’ll go on an excursion to Nafplio and Epidaurus. We’ll visit the archaeological site with the ancient temple of Asclepius (mythological god of healing) and the best-preserved theater from the 4th century BCE.

We’ll explore historical buildings located at Syntagma Square (Constitution). Two particularly noteworthy fortresses from the Venetian and Turkish times capture attention: Palamidi Fortress and Akronafplia. Trying to match them is the tiny Bourtzi Fortress on the waterfront.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel in Tolo for a well-deserved rest.

Archaeological Site of Delphi

After breakfast, we’ll head towards Delphi, once considered the center of the Earth and now one of the most important treasures of Greek culture. It is here that the oracle determined the fate of the ancient world.

We’ll explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury from the 5th century BCE, the theater, and the stadium where ancient games took place. Then, we’ll proceed to Kamena Vourla, check in, and overnight

Meteora

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Kalambaka to visit a workshop producing Byzantine icons. We’ll also have the opportunity to see the famous Meteora.

The renowned monasteries are perched on inaccessible rock formations, reaching up to 600 meters above sea level. We’ll return to Kamena Vourla for an overnight stay.

Departure from Athens

Today marks the end of our Greek vacation. After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport to bid farewell to the group and embark on the journey back home.

Did you enjoy Greece? If so, we invite you to join us for future trips. Perhaps next time, the Persian Gulf Countries?

Greece 2024: The Charm of Arcadia