Grand Tour of Greece: Explore Athens, Delphi, Meteora & Historical Macedonia

Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics.  Then proceed to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon.  Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Dinner and Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.Overnight in Olympia.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge, which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi for dinner and overnight.Overnight in Delphi.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum of Delphi. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the Meteora, those gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of Thessaly. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.Overnight in Kalambaka.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrive at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece.Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins of the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda, built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics. The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city.Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town’s famous landmark, the waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle’s School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea). Visit Saint Paul’s Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area. A walk in a city where the past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas’ Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.