South and Central Classical Greece, 10days

This morning enjoy a leisurely drive to the northeast Peloponnese. View the impressive Corinth Canal which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea before your visit to the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of Medicine. Epidaurus is a marvel of engineering and is famous for its outstanding acoustics and is considered one of the best of any open-air theatre. You will have free time to explore or enjoy a meal near the harbor in the beautiful seaport town of Nafplion. Overnight in Nafplion.

Enjoy a visit to Mycenae, the most important palatial complex of the late Bronze Age in Greece. Here you will walk through the Lion Gate and remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, as well as see his tomb. Gain a Cultural insight into wine production in the Nemea region and taste some of the highly regarded local product. Return to your hotel in Nafplion and perhaps enjoy a stroll in town or taste some local Greek ice cream. Overnight in the hotel.

Cross the Peloponnese and head west towards the famous village of Olympia. Visit the archaeological site and museum home of the original Olympic Games in antiquity. Overnight in Olympia.

See the quaint town of Amphilochia and the local city of Preveza before arriving to Nikopolis to see where the Battle of Actium took place. Cross by ferry to the island of Corfu. Enjoy free time to stroll in Corfu city with its splendid architecture, cobbled alleys, arcades, and stop in the Spianada (Esplanade), one of the largest and most impressive squares in Greece. Overnight in Corfu.

Enjoy an island orientation of Corfu. Visit the Venetian Castle and the monastery of Palaiokastritsa. Later visit the Achilleion Palace with its beautiful view and bougainvillea, built by Elizabeth “Sissi” Empress of Austria and Hungary. This was once the summer residency of the royal family of Greece and overlooks the famous island of Pontikonisi and the beautiful clear waters of the bay. Overnight in Corfu.

Sail back to the mainland to arrive later in the lively city of Ioannina. Enjoy free time to walk around the Old Town or alongside Pamvotis Lake. Overnight in Ioannina.

Stop in the mountainous picturesque town of Metsovo, famous for Metsovone cheese and local wine. Continue on to Kalambaka, home to the famous byzantine Monasteries of Meteora which are perched on top of the impossibly tall rocks. The striking, unique geology of the region led to UNESCO declaring it a World Heritage Site. Continue south east towards Mount Pelion, known for its unexpected natural beauty and lush vegetation scarcely found elsewhere on the Greek mainland. Overnight in Portaria.

Today you will enjoy spectacular scenery as you travel through the countryside over the famous mountain ranges of Parnassos and Giona. Stop briefly in Thermopylae, famous for the heroic batle by Leonidas and his 300 brave Spartans against the invading Persians. Enjoy a guided visit in Delphi with a Local Specialist. Visit the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo dating from the 4th century. It was here that athletes competed in the Pythian Games, a precursor of the modern Olympics. Later arrive in Galaxidi, a picturesque seafaring village situated on a wooded bay with fine views. Overnight in Delphi.

Last walk in Delphi and transfer to Athens, to the airport.