Planned by Julia,
local expert for Greece
4.9/5
Starting at USD 5763 per adult / 10 days
International flights not included. Price details
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Go on an epic fast paced 10-day journey with a private driver through Greece's ancient wonders & natural beauty. From Athens to Meteora, experience history, culture & breathtaking landscapes along with local tour guides, all culminating in a journey of a lifetime. Recommended for the months Apr-Oct.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Julia today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Athens 2 nights
Nafplio 1 night
Mystras 1 night
Katakolo 1 night
Preveza 1 night
Ioannina 1 night
Meteora 1 night
Arachova 1 night

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-3

Athens

DAY 1

Arrival in Athens

Welcome to Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world with a recorded history that dates back over 3,000 years. Philosophy, tragedy, comedy, history, art and architecture – all symbols of a city that is regarded as the birthplace of democracy.Arriving at Athens airport, you will be transferred by private car to your accommodation in the center of Athens. After that, you have free time to get a feel of the city at your own pace. Athens is vibrant and lively all year round!

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An evening Stroll through Cultural Quarters

You will have a free evening to walk around the centre of Athens and enjoy its beautiful neighbourhoods such as Plaka, Anafiotika, Thissio, Monastiraki, Psirri, Keramikos, Gazi & Koukaki, or you might want to visit Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center one of the world's leading international philanthropic organizations, making grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and sports. 

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Accommodation: Athens City View

DAY 2

Acropolis & Museum Tour

In the morning you will have a guided visit to the world-renowned site of the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum with an expert tour guide who will introduce you to the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history! Admire notorious historical monuments of the Acropolis hill, such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, and the Temple of Nike. Discover the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which is still in use today and get panoramic views of the city of Athens. You will explore the new, modern and impressive Acropolis Museum, see even the excavations underneath the glass floors and learn amazing details about all the marble masterpieces on display under natural light.

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Sunset trip to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio

In the afternoon, you will have an exclusive private trip to the renowned Temple of Poseidon in Sounio and the picturesque Athenian Riviera coastline. A dedicated private driver will accompany you, ensuring a comfortable journey. Following your visit to the temple, you'll relish a leisurely seaside stroll, pausing for a delightful coffee break and indulging in a delectable seafood feast. As the sun dips below the horizon, the enchanting views of the Aegean Sea will captivate your senses, creating a truly memorable experience against the backdrop of a mesmerizing sunset.

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Accommodation: Athens City View

DAY 3

Roadtrip to Corinth - Mycenae - Epidavros - Nafplio

Early in the morning, your private driver will pick you up from you hotel to start an exciting cultural tour to Peloponnese region! Your first stop will be at the Isthmus of Corinth, where you can admire the Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Next you can continue towards the Ancient Mycenae, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the country. A very prosperous town in ancient times, Mycenae Greece gave its name to an entire civilization, the Mycenaean civilization, that flourished from about 1,600 to 1,000 BC. The ancient town was surrounded by gigantic walls, while the most famous spot is the Lion Gate, the entrance to the town with two female stone lions above.There you will have a private guided visit with a certified tourist guide to the archaeological site of Mycenae, this impressive fortified Mycenaen city with the royal tombs and its interesting Museum. Your next stop is the ancient site of Epidavros, where you will explore the archaeological site and the impressive theatre, one of the finest and best preserved ancient theatres in Greece with unique acoustics and a capacity of 15,000 spectators. There you will have a private guided visit with a certified tourist guide to the archaeological site of Epidavros, the theatre & the museum.In the evening you will head towards Nafplion, the most romantic city throughout Greece and the first capital city of the country where you will spend your night. Under the rock of Acronafplia the city unfolds vibrant and picturesque. The charming old town is full of narrow streets, taverns serving delicious Greek food and beautiful buildings.

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Accommodation: Althaia Pension

DAY 3-4

Nafplio

Nafplio Travel guide

DAY 4

Roadtrip to Sparta - Mystras

Today along with your private driver you will drive towards the Byzantine castle city of Mystras! Mystras and nearby Sparta fought over for centuries by Franks, Venetians, Byzantines and Ottomans, is a bridge from antiquity to the Renaissance, but also the wisdom of philosophers and artists of Ancient Greece, the ruins of the militarist state that gave birth to so many legends of fearless courage, laconic speech and true grit.In Mystras you will enjoy a private guided tour to the medieval castle, the nunnery of Pantanassa frescoes, the Brontochion monastery and St. Demetrios Church. Your next stop can be the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil in Sparta, where you will learn about the secrets of traditional olive oil production.

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Accommodation: Mazaraki Guesthouse

DAY 4-5

Mystras

Mystras Travel guide

DAY 5

Roadtrip to Ancient Olympia - Katakolo

Today along with your private driver you will visit Ancient Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games were held between 776 BC and 394 AD. This archaeological site is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is situated in an idyllic natural location. The museum contains some of the most impressive works of classical Greek art. You will have a private guided tour to Ancient Olympia with an English speaking tour guide and will have the chance to travel back in time, while walking in the world’s first stadium. Here, the ancient athletes lived, trained, made sacrices to gods and competed against each other. We'd suggest to also visit the archaeological museum to see the timeless treasures of art and artifacts unearthed from the archaeological site.Next stop is the picturesque Katakolo, a seaside town in the municipality of Pyrgos and the second busiest cruise port in all of Greece. Katakolon offers an excellent opportunity to experience authentic Greek culture and to discover its secrets and rich history. This quiet fishing village is one of the lesser-known areas of Greece, although it can undoubtedly boast of being the land from which the Olympic Games began.

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Accommodation: Orizontes View Hotel

DAY 5-6

Katakolo

DAY 6

Roadtrip to Patras - Preveza

Today you will leave Olympia and Katakolo behind and head towards Preveza! On your way you will pass through the city of Patras. The city that knows how to entertain invites you to enjoy its intensity, passion and year-round festive atmosphere. It has a world-famous carnival and its very own Rio, but you don’t need to go as far as Brazil. Patras, joyous and extroverted, entertaining and fun, looks as if it lives in the rhythm of carnival all year long. Feel its energy in every corner and in the dozens of youthful and lively hangouts, cafes and restaurants. Wander in the beautiful old town and in the castle built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Explore the multiplexes, squares, sidewalks and the bustling port, linking Greece with Italy. Preveza town is located at the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf, in Western Greece. It is an area blessed with beautiful landscapes, green areas, great beaches, a rich history, ancient sites and monuments; in short you will find here numerous options for memorable holidays. Stroll along the harbour and the old town and see the beautiful traditional buildings; walk on the seaside pedestrian street and enjoy the island-like atmosphere; taste local dishes in a picturesque taverna or coffee shop which line the narrow slab-paved backstreets.There you will have a private guided tour of the Nikopolis with an english speaking tour guide. Nikopolis was founded by the Roman Emperor Octavian, to commemorate his victory against Marc Antony and Cleopatra VII of Egypt at the naval battle of Actium (31 BC).

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Accommodation: Dioni Boutique Hotel

DAY 6-7

Preveza

Preveza Travel guide

DAY 7

Roadtrip to Ioannina & Lake Pamvotida

In the morning you will head towards Ioannina and the fascinating region of Epirus. Established in the 6th century AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, Ioannina was a multicultural city dominated mostly by Christians, but with Islamic and Jewish influences. You can spend the morning exploring the city, which will take you to Ioannina Castle, the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece. You can also choose to stroll by Lake Pamvotida and take a small boat to reach the island at its centre. The island, once the site of revered monastic settlements, has lush vegetation and boasts a small village with picturesque paved alleys and folk art shops.In the afternoon you will have an amazing private guided tour to the beautiful castle of Ioannina.

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Accommodation: Naiades Residence

DAY 7-8

Ioannina

DAY 8

Roadtrip to Meteora

Today you will leave Ioannina behind and have an unforgettable trip to Meteora with your private driver! The unique and impressive geological phenomenon of Meteora dominates the Thessalian plain. These rocks are an authentic masterpiece of Mother Nature weathered from the wind and water over millions of years. Meteora means “suspended in space” and when you visit this place you feel somewhere between heaven and earth. In quest of spiritual isolation, monks with strong faith conquered the tops of these incredible rocky formations seeking eternally the Divine Light. When you arrive to the city of Kalambaka follow the labyrinthine road to the monasteries and let the spiritual journey begin!In the afternoon chance to join a shared group sunset tour of Meteora, while visiting the monasteries and discovering the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of this area. Learn which monastery was the first to be established and the true motivations behind the monks’ decision to try to climb the steep rocks of Meteora and build the monasteries there. Then you will visit the most beautiful spots to enjoy amazing views and take photos.

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Accommodation: Monastiri Guesthouse

DAY 8-9

Meteora

DAY 9

Roadtrip to Thermopyles - Arachova

Today you will leave Meteora behind and head towards Delphi and Arachova! On the way we suggest to have a stop at historical Thermopylae, the site of one of the most memorable battles in history, a timeless symbol of heroism and glory, and of dying for the idea of freedom.Arachova, a mountainous village nestling picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Parnassos in Viotia, Southern Greece, is the most cosmopolitan winter destination in Greece, a great favourite for passionate ski lovers and celebrities, or just first-time visitors who wish to relax in a dreamy mountainous setting with modern tourism facilities. Its close proximity to Athens, and its breathtaking mountainous landscape are the strongest reason why. Apart from the mountain activities, Arachova is also famous for its bustling nightlife and as the favorite mountain resort of Athenians.

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Accommodation: Paeonia Guesthouse

DAY 9-10

Arachova

Arachova Travel guide

DAY 10

Exploring Delphi - Osios Loukas & Back to Athens

In the morning you will have a private guided visit with a certified tourist guide to the famous archaeological site of Delphi & its museum. Next you will have a stop at the Monastery of Osios Loukas, situated in a picturesque valley teemed with olive trees. Byzantine monasteries are built in sites characterized by amazing natural beauty, always in harmony with the surrounding landscape, following the example of the ancient temples. Then your driver will drop you off at Athens' airport to take your return flight back home!

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End in Athens

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