We’ll start our trip off in Athens, named after the goddess Athena who became the city’s patron after a contest with Poseidon. Look for your driver with the Atlas Obscura sign at the airport who will bring you to the hotel for a chance to settle in before meeting with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

This morning you’ll have an introduction to both ancient and modern Athens with a walk through the mainly pedestrianized neighborhoods below the Acropolis. Later in the afternoon, we’ll ascent to the famous Acropolis and  hear about the Golden Age of Ancient Greece and the story behind one of the most recognizable monuments. We’ll also get a taste of Greek storytelling near the Roman Odeon of Herod Atticus. In the evening we’ll learn about the cuisine and culinary etiquette of Ancient Greece and enjoy a legendary feast fit for Greek philosophers, with original recipes that have been researched, preserved, and revived by a team of local enthusiasts.

Today we’ll see a more local side of the city where not many travelers get to.  In the morning we’ll stroll through the flea, spice, and meat markets, lunching at a traditional mageirion—a local meal du jour restaurant, that is usually open only for lunch, serving up only what’s fresh and in season.

Afterward, we’ll head out from Athens to Kyparissia, a quaint coastal town in southwestern Peloponnese. To break up the drive, we’ll make a stop at a shipwreck graveyard.

Today we will be wandering around the ruins of the Medieval ghost town of Mystras, the last seat of the Byzantine emperor, with views of the majestic landscape of the Spartan plain below. The cobbled alleyways and ruined stone houses once housed the Despots of Mystra, as well as the last emperors of Byzantium. Hear about the final days of the rivalries, machination, and betrayal that beset the final days of the Empire, and the surprising ultimate fate of the Imperial Title and Emblems.

Tonight, we'll get hands-on with our dinner.

Visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and even experience running on the very track those ancient athletes competed at! We will learn about the history of the Games and their social and religious significance in the Classical World with a certified local guide. Afterward, we will head toward the town of Delphi and its mystical Oracle

Experience the iconic Sanctuary of Delphi on the slope of Mt Parnassus. Hear stories of the Oracle, whose strange omens once commanded the fates of the Ancient Greek world in a tour led by a local certified guide. The afternoon will be dedicated to a deep dive into the region’s culinary delights. We will wander Delphi and nearby Arachova to sample the local cheese formaella, or spend some time with a team of local bee-keepers to discover the secrets of the beehive and sample organically produced local honey. 

Trek the Corycean Cave on the southern slopes of Mt. Parnassus north of Delphi. A sacred space since the Neolithic era, its name comes from the nature spirits who were said to inhabit the cave. Learn the mythology of the cafe from serving as a place of worship to the imprisonment of Zeus.  For those interested there will be an option to hike the ancient trail to the cave, the route is 6km and ascends 300m and while not considered to be strenuous, hiking shoes will be required. Those who wouldn’t like to participate in the trek, can visit nearby Arahova, a nearby village brimming with history and traditional architecture (return taxi to your hotel will be provided)     

In the afternoon, we will head towards Meteora, with a stop at Trikala, a picturesque old town, where we’ll get the chance to visit its old town and fortress. We will experience the local culinary delights, such as halva, a local sugar and almond delicacy traditionally made in a bronze cauldron. We will also have a bit of tsipouro, a clear spirit distilled out of grape pomace with associated mezes, usually the Trikalino, the local leek infused pork sausage. 

In the morning, we will visit the grand Byzantine monasteries perched on the rocks above Kalambaka. Learn about the important prehistoric human presence in the area, as well as the medieval monastic history of the region - and imagine the life and commitment of the hermits who sought refuge and divine illumination atop the awe-inspiring rocks. You can choose to hike the ancient trail to the monastery, the route is 7km and ascends 320m and while not considered to be strenuous, hiking shoes will be required. For those not wishing to hike, a return taxi transfer to the monasteries will be provided. 

The rest of the evening will be free.

After breakfast, we will visit a hagiography workshop to learn about the intricate art of Byzantine hagiography, the centuries-old art of representing religious scenes on icons.

Next, we'll head toward Athens with a stop in Thermopylae, the legendary battle site where 300 Spartan warriors found glory against a host of invading Persians. 

At Athens we will enjoy a free rest of the afternoon leading to a delicious farewell dinner

After breakfast, you’ll have your scheduled transfers to get you back to the airport.