GreeceJourneys: Classical Greece and Her Island Jewels
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
B4B Athens Hotel
Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon. This Greek temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was built from white marble in 447 BC and takes centre stage in the Acropolis Museum. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to your expert guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of the G Adventures–supported non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ancient Athens Tour with an Archaeologist
Embark on a guided tour of the Acropolis — one of the world's most important and impressive ancient sites. A local archaeologist serves as your guide to discover the architectural wonders of ancient Athens. Stop at the Parthenon, a Greek temple built for the Goddess Athena in 447 BC. After, continue to the former marketplace of old Athens, the Ancient Agora, which was built in the first century BC.
Your G for Good Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and Lunch
Take time to relax at Shedia Home, a non-profit cafe providing purpose and employment to over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness in Athens. You'll enjoy your lunch while one of Shedia's guides recounts the recent history of Greece's financial crisis which has made initiatives like Shedia even more important for those who have found themselves without work and shelter. Your stop here supports their programs - including the cafe, art program, and magazine - all dedicated to supporting the community.
Free Time
Enjoy a free evening in Athens.
Accommodation
B4B Athens Hotel
Depart Athens this morning to Kalambaka–home of the famous monasteries of Meteora. Make a short stop to see the bronze statue of King Leonidas, erected in Thermopylae and site of the famous battle with the same name. This afternoon, embark on an unforgettable experience led by a skilled truffle hunter and his loyal dogs. Head into the woods and watch this fascinating process and learn all there is to know about truffles-delicious mushrooms that grow underground. Sample some mushrooms under the shade of centuries-old trees, washing them down with wine then finish up with an early dinner - pasta fittingly prepared with truffles.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Truffle Hunting Experience with Dogs
Take part in a truffle hunt with a local guide and their trained dogs. You'll follow the dogs as they use their sense of smell to locate truffles buried in the forest; a rewarding experience that connects you with nature and the joy of the hunt. Then, enjoy a snack featuring the famous truffles.
Accommodation
Hotel Amalia Meteora
Spend the morning exploring the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Built atop sandstone megaliths that rise 1,200 feet (366 meters) from the valley floor, these monasteries offered refuge from hostile attacks during the waning days of the Byzantine Empire. Venture into chapels and courtyards adorned with beautiful frescoes. Take in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, which-on a clear day, includes views of Mount Olympus. In the afternoon, continue to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour
Set off on foot with a local guide along the paths of the first monks, to visit the striking mountaintop monasteries of Meteora. Walk in the footsteps of monks and enjoy incredible views of the Meteora Valley. Along the way, admire Meteora’s awe-inspiring rock formations, observe all six monasteries from the outside, and step inside two to explore their rich heritage. Discover the beauty of Meteora and experience a journey through time in this UNESCO World Heritage site!
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Hotel Amalia Delphi
Explore mystical Delphi–a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour, then visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with free time to admire the many artifacts unearthed at the site. Later, travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. After arrival in Olympia, head out on an orientation walk then enjoy free time for dinner at your leisure.
Guided Tour of Delphi Ruins
Located on the slopes of Mount Pernassus, this site was considered the centre of the ancient world and was home to the Oracle of Apollo. Explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Theatre, and the Stadium, all of which are set against a breathtaking landscape.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Olympia
Enjoy a brief walk with your Expedition Leader. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Hotel Amalia Olympia
Step back into ancient history on a visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Temples of Zeus and Hera, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. After an optional lunch, travel onward to Nafplio for a locally guided walk. Enjoy the highlights of the old town, including the Bourtzi Castle and Palamidi Fortress while sampling local culinary specialties along the waterfront. Complete the day with a gelato from the most famous shop in Greece.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Walking Tour Nafplio
Join a local guide and explore the highlights of Nafplio's Old Town, from its charming alleys to its impressive landmarks. The walking tour offers perfect views of Bourtzi Castle and Palamidi Fortress, giving you a great overview of the city's unique history.
Guided Visit to Olympia Archaeological Site and Museum
Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, lies in a lush valley filled with symbolic ruins and captivating landscapes. Wander through the ancient olive groves to see remains of the Temple of Hera (today the starting point of the Olympic torch relay), the Temple of Zeus (a model for the development of Doric architecture) and the great Stadium of Olympia. Visit the nearby Archaeological Museum, whose collection spans over 3,500 years of Greek history. Here, find sculptures depicting Hermes and the Infant Dionysus, Zeus and Ganymede, and Nike of Paionios.
Accommodation
Hotel Amalia Nafplio
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore on your own before an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary King Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate–one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. After, head to a regional winery for a wine tasting paired with cheese and mezze plates for dinner.
Free Time
Get out and explore Nafplio with free time this morning.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Tour of Mycenae
Visit the famous Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological site with spectacular ruins and a treasury. Once a major settlement of Greek civilization, Mycenae was occupied during the Neolithic period around 4000 BC, and is linked to the mythology in Homer’s epics the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wine tasting with cheese and mezze plates
The Nemea wine region is known for its Agiorgitiko grape, a key component in its red wines. Enjoy a tasting along with a mezze plate—a traditional Greek spread of local cheeses, cured meats, and other small dishes. This experience offers a direct taste of the region's culinary and winemaking traditions.
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
Accommodation
Hotel Amalia Nafplio
This morning, make a stop at Epidaurus. Visit the first recorded hospital, the Aesklipion, and the still functioning ancient theatre built in the complex with a focus on mental healing. Next, drive north over the Isthmus of Corinth, crossing the famed Corinth Canal as you return to Athens. Set out for an optional farewell dinner and one final evening in Athens.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Epidaurus
Explore the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios, a UNESCO site and the birthplace of organized medicine. See the ruins of the world's first recorded hospital where ancient Greeks sought cures through a combination of physical and spiritual healing, and then the famous, well-preserved ancient theater, still in use today.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Corinth Canal Visit
Take a quick break at the Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, connecting the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf in Greece.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
B4B Athens Hotel
Enjoy a free day to explore at your leisure. Choose to discover the well-preserved medieval architecture of the Panathenaic Stadium, Hadrian’s Library, or the National Gardens should you wish.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore all the historic gems of Athens. Walk in ancient footsteps as you discover the city's rich history, from its iconic monuments to its charming hidden corners.
Optional Activities - Day 9Show
Accommodation
B4B Athens Hotel
Travel by ferry to the island of Mykonos with its iconic windmills and seaside cafes. Here you’ll relax and unwind with an afternoon at the pool, then join your tour leader for a walk through town, revealing those famous windmills, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, and the lovely Little Venice.
Orientation Walk Mykonos
Enjoy an orientation walk with your Expedition Leader. Walk through Little Venice to see what makes the city so interesting.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Accommodation
Mykonos Beach Hotel
After breakfast, head out on an excursion with an archeologist guide to Delos, an island with recorded history dating back to the early Ionian civilization. Once the religious centre of the Aegean Cyclades, the island now exists as an open-air museum, uninhabited and with no vehicles. According to legend, Latonna gave birth here to Apollo the Greek sun god, and to Artemis, the huntress and goddess of marriage and fertility. On our walk, see the Sacred Harbor and the regal Sacred Way, with imposing stone lions leading to the temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis. Then visit the museum where artifacts found on the island are housed. Return to Mykonos for a free afternoon.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Delos Guided tour with Museum
A guided walking tour of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will take you through one of Greece's most significant archaeological locations. This island was once a sacred sanctuary and a thriving trade center. Look into the remarkable ruins of a city that was once the center of the Hellenic world. The Delos Museum on-site holds an impressive collection of artifacts recovered from the island.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.
Free Time
There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
Accommodation
Mykonos Beach Hotel
This morning, travel by ferry to the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands. Here you’ll immerse yourself in a culinary adventure accompanied by a local expert. Learn the secrets of the Naxian Rosto, a celebrated dish of slow cooked pork infused with fragrant garlic and filled with local graviera cheese, baked in the oven. Then, head out on a walking tour with an expert guide starting at the “Portara” , a marble gateway–remnants of the temple of Apollo dating from the 6th century BC. From ancient Greek ruins to medieval fortresses and modern island life–explore the old town. Stroll through winding alleys, view the 11th-century Cathedral, and see prehistoric Cycladic figurines in the historic Ursuline School.
Naxos Walking Tour
Join your Expedition Leader on a walking tour of Naxos. Take in the iconic Portara, a marble gate of the Temple of Apollo and an enduring symbol of Naxos. Navigate the labyrinthine streets of Old Town, where every corner and coat of arms has a story to tell. Your walk culminates with a visit to the Catholic Cathedral and the art collection at the former Ursuline School, showcasing a fascinating mix of ancient artifacts and Venetian, Byzantine, and contemporary history.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Your G for Good Moment: Naxos Wildlife and Conservation Awareness Experience
Prepare for an immersive educational experience led by the experts at the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association—an established Wildlife Rescue, First Aid Station & G Adventures-supported initiative —providing valuable insights into sea turtle conservation. During this community tourism visit, travellers will gain a deeper understanding of sea turtle biology, the threats they face, and the essential rescue protocols for assisting injured or sick turtles. Enjoy an informative discussion around the program and leave with a heightened awareness of the responsible actions needed to safeguard these beautiful marine creatures and their natural habitats.
Accommodation
Hotel Sphinx Naxos
Spend a full day in the countryside and appreciate the true spirit of Naxos, a rich, agricultural hub. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the island’s unique culture walking from village to village, meeting the locals, and tasting traditional flavours along the way. Walk in ancient footsteps through Kouroi, an archeological landmark, witness the watermills of Myloi, sample Kytro liquor at Chalki village, and enjoy the iconic olives and olive oil in Kaloxylos village. On your way back, make a stop at the non-profit Naxos Wildlife Protection organization to learn about their conservation efforts on the island before enjoying a free afternoon.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Explore and Connect: Village to Village Hike
Set out on a village-to-village hiking tour to discover the heart of Naxos with a local expert. The walk connects you to the island's culture and nature, from the ancient Kouroi of Naxos to the historic watermills of Myloi. You'll pass through villages like Chalki and Kaloxylos, tasting local products such as Kitron liqueur and olive oil, all while learning about the island's traditions and the evolution of its communities.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Naxos and now is your time to explore. Perhaps choose to relax after a big morning with a beach visit.
Optional Activities - Day 13Show
Accommodation
Hotel Sphinx Naxos
Catch a ferry to the postcard-perfect Santorini this morning. Here, you’ll join a local guide for a visit to the Akrotiri Museum and ruins–a Bronze Age settlement destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BC. The site was buried in volcanic ash, preserving the remains of fine frescos and artifacts, similar to the famed Pompeii. Later, choose some free time to relax or join your tour leader for a walk along a segment of the caldera trail. Along the way view the famous Three Bells of Santorini as well as a top down view of the stone path leading to a panoramic view of the volcano and caldera.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Guided Tour of Akrotiri Archeological Site
Rumoured to be the inspiration for Plato's Atlantis, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri are one of the most-visited attractions in Santorini for a reason. Buried under lava for centuries, many of the site's buildings, roads and structures present visitors an intimate look into Minoan culture from 1,650 B.C.
Caldera Hiking Excursion
Hike along the caldera cliff from Fira to Oia with your Expedition Leader as your guide. You'll pass through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli between Fira and Oia. At just under 11km the hike will take between 3 and 4 hours. Part of the path is similar to a sidewalk and some parts are cobblestone and others a simple dirt path. Enjoy the exercise and some of the best views in Santorini.
Accommodation
De Sol Hotel & Spa Santorini
Today is free to enjoy the stunning landscapes, beaches and culture of Santorini. Opt to join a sailing excursion which visits local beaches, one of the oldest active volcanoes, and the volcanically formed islands of Palea and Nea Kameni. This evening, join the group for an optional farewell dinner in Oia, famous for its stunning sunset views, and toast the end of your Greek adventure.
Free Time
There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
Accommodation
De Sol Hotel & Spa Santorini
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
