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10 days
9 nights
12 people
Moderate
Food & Drink
Be ready to connect with the community, experience traditions first-hand, and dig into hyper-regional food culture — this is Greece after all, a foodie’s dream! This classic Greece trip will take you to all the must-sees from the Acropolis to the Monasteries of Meteora to Ancient Olympia, making sure to connect these ancient sites with modern-day Greece with a special emphasis on its food culture. Throughout this roadtrip, you’ll get a balance of fresh air amidst amazing scenery, optional hiking opportunities, and longer stays at each hotel.
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.
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.
Lighthouse Hotel, Athens
Welcome Dinner
Lighthouse Hotel, Athens
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.
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.
Lighthouse Hotel, Athens
Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
Lighthouse Hotel, Athens
Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
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’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.
Kyparissia Blue Hotel (or similar), Kyparissia
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Kyparissia Blue Hotel (or similar), Kyparissia
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
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.
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.
Kyparissia Blue Hotel (or similar), Kyparissia
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kyparissia Blue Hotel (or similar), Kyparissia
Breakfast, Lunch, 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
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
Hotel Fefriades (or similar), Delphi
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Hotel Fefriades (or similar), Delphi
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
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.
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.
Hotel Fefriades (or similar), Delphi
Breakfast, Snack
Hotel Fefriades (or similar), Delphi
Breakfast, Snack
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.
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.
Meteora Hotel (or similar), Meteora
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Meteora Hotel (or similar), Meteora
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
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.
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.
Meteora Hotel (or similar), Meteora
Breakfast, Snack
Meteora Hotel (or similar), Meteora
Breakfast, Snack
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, 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
Lighthouse Hotel, Athens
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Lighthouse Hotel, Athens
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll have your scheduled transfers to get you back to the airport.
Breakfast
Please note that the Easter Departure (April 12-22, 2023) is a special itinerary that has an extra day in Kalambaka to spend Easter with a local family.
Please note that the Easter Departure (April 12-22, 2023) is a special itinerary that has an extra day in Kalambaka to spend Easter with a local family.
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
If you’re traveling solo, you’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $575. After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll add the option to your booking and final balance. The capacity for private rooms is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
If you’re traveling solo, you’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $575. After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll add the option to your booking and final balance. The capacity for private rooms is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to four miles over the course of each day, and walking on uneven terrains such as cobblestones or ruins. Several sites required stairs to access.
There are two optional hikes, one 4.3 miles (7 km), and one 5.6 miles (9 km) - for those who choose not to hike to the destination, the coach will be available.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to four miles over the course of each day, and walking on uneven terrains such as cobblestones or ruins. Several sites required stairs to access.
There are two optional hikes, one 4.3 miles (7 km), and one 5.6 miles (9 km) - for those who choose not to hike to the destination, the coach will be available.
This trip includes airport transfers to and from the Athens airport at the beginning and end of the trip.
Our trip begins with a welcome dinner on Day 1. To give yourself time to settle into your accommodations before dinner, we recommend arriving in Athens by 5 PM.
The trip concludes on the morning of Day 11. If leaving Athens directly after our tour, you can depart anytime after breakfast.
This trip includes airport transfers to and from the Athens airport at the beginning and end of the trip.
Our trip begins with a welcome dinner on Day 1. To give yourself time to settle into your accommodations before dinner, we recommend arriving in Athens by 5 PM.
The trip concludes on the morning of Day 11. If leaving Athens directly after our tour, you can depart anytime after breakfast.
There is a strict dress code Monasteries at Meteora.
For men: Shirts that cover the shoulder and trousers or shorts over the knee length. Sleeveless clothing and shorts shorter than the knee are prohibited.
For women: Skirts (yes, skirts) over the knee length and clothing that covers shoulders and chest are required in order to enter the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing, shorts, or trousers are prohibited for women.
There is a strict dress code Monasteries at Meteora.
For men: Shirts that cover the shoulder and trousers or shorts over the knee length. Sleeveless clothing and shorts shorter than the knee are prohibited.
For women: Skirts (yes, skirts) over the knee length and clothing that covers shoulders and chest are required in order to enter the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing, shorts, or trousers are prohibited for women.
Call us at +1 646-961-4857
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A variety of dietary restrictions can be accommodated in Greece but please keep in mind that for any meal on this trip that is hyper-local or related to a specific dish, alternative options- while available- might be limited. It is very important that you mark this in your trip form and have that sent to us early on so that we can make arrangements ahead of time as needed.
If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.
On this trip we will participate in local customs and family-level activities that aren't typically experienced outside the Greek community. Through these activities, we'll be helping local communities preserve these ancient customs, traditions, and recipes, hopefully becoming ourselves, ambassadors of this cultural heritage to a broader global community.
The trip also makes a point to incorporate local businesses and suppliers with very few exceptions.
Trip Leader
Evan Panagopoulos
Born and raised in Greece, Evan is an urban storyteller, a fan of brutalist and mid-century architecture, and a knowledgeable guide who’s been engaging with Greece’s hidden histories and abandoned spaces since childhood. A travel industry veteran, he’s also the founder of Explorabilia, a travel site that helps people discover off-beat, astonishing spaces hidden in plain sight. When he’s not leading niche history tours around Europe, Evan lives in London, where he hosts highly acclaimed architecture and urban history walks.
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Have a question for us? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.