Classical Greece & Iconic Islands LUXURY

Meet the unparalleled cultural heritage of ancient Greece on an epic adventure in comfort and style. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the sophisticated and delicious Greek cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for amazing desserts.

Let’s start our tour in Greece’s capital, Athens, which is one of the world’s oldest cities with history spanning back over 3000 years and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization. Take a step back in time and explore an amazing array of historical and cultural sites in our city tour including: the National Library, the Academy, Constitutional Square and Parliament, The Temple of Zeus, and of course, the iconic Parthenon and Acropolis. The night is free for you to explore more of this incredible city.

Indulge in a delectable Greek breakfast before embarking on a picturesque journey toward Corinth. Accompanied by your knowledgeable Tour guide, traverse the storied landscapes of the great Greek kingdom of Mycenae, discovering its wonders such as the Atreus Tomb, the iconic Lion Gate, and the renowned Agamemnon’s Royal Palace. The day’s crowning jewel awaits in Epidaurus, where you’ll be captivated by the colossal ancient amphitheater. Still a venue for local performances, this amphitheater boasts exceptional acoustics. Marvel at the Sanctuary of Asclepius, whose serpent-entwined staff remains an enduring symbol of medicine. Moving on to Nafplion, a charming Venetian town, treat your taste buds to a wine-tasting expedition at a local winery in Nemea. Immerse yourself in the rich Greek wine culture, savoring the diverse flavors of regional wines and spirits. As the day concludes, return to Nafplion for a delightful dinner, followed by a restful night at the hotel, recharging for the next chapter of your enriching journey.

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast before delving into the charm of Nafplion on a guided city tour. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the city’s highlights, basking in the medieval ambiance of the old town. Traverse its picturesque streets as you absorb the rich tales that unfold at every corner. Embark on a scenic drive through the enchanting Arcadia Mountains, making your way towards ancient Olympia, the hallowed grounds where the inaugural Olympics took place in the 8th century BC. Allow the historical significance of this site to wash over you as you explore its remnants. As the evening descends, partake in a unique and heartwarming experience by joining a local family at their olive farm and vineyard. Indulge in a friendly dinner accompanied by the soulful strains of traditional music and dances. Immerse yourself in the spirit of “philoxenia,” the ancient Greek custom of hospitality, as you savor freshly prepared local recipes. Let this evening be a celebration of shared moments and cultural exchange in the true spirit of Greek tradition.

Commence your day with a delightful Greek breakfast before embarking on a journey into ancient history led by our local expert, accompanied by your Travel Director. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of mythology and explore extraordinary sights, including the original Olympic Site and the majestic Temple of Hera and Zeus. As you travel along the charming coastline, arrive in the vibrant city of Patras, the regional capital of Western Greece. Crossing inland, you’ll encounter the timeless glory and legends of Delphi, where we will spend the night. Take advantage of the opportunity to tailor your evening by making dinner plans at a local restaurant of your choosing. This allows you to fully embrace the enchanting ambiance of Delphi and make the most of this memorable visit to the ancient site.

Trace the footsteps of ancient Greeks in pursuit of the profound wisdom of the Oracle of Delphi, a figure of immense importance and influence in the classical world, renowned for offering counsel to those who sought it. Having served its realm for a millennium, the oracle stood as one of the most powerful women of ancient times. Delve deeper into history as you explore the remarkable ruins of the Temple of Apollo, adorned with statues commemorating athletes who participated in the Pythian Games in his honor. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to reach the renowned site of Spartan defense, where King Leonidas led a valiant effort to thwart Persian invaders. Traverse the verdant fields of inland Greece, and continue your journey toward the charming village of Kalambaka, where the tales of ancient heroism and landscapes of historical significance converge.

Meteora is famous for its breath-taking scenery and ageless monasteries, almost suspended between the earth and sky. The town hosts one of the largest and steepest complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, literally named as “middle of the sky”. The World Heritage-listed site is out-of-this-world with its unique landscape of immense monolithic pillars and huge rounded boulders hosting monasteries on top, and one of the most visited locations in Greece. Each monastery has a central courtyard surrounded by chapels and living cells of monks, who have inhabited the region since the 11th century – for far less than the first inhabitants from 50,000 years ago. After your visit, continue your journey with a transfer to Thessaloniki, where you’ll settle in for the evening.

After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour of Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant northern capital. Discover the city’s lively waterfront, historic streets, and fascinating blend of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences as your guide introduces you to its key landmarks and local character.

After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to wander along the seafront promenade, browse local shops, visit a café, explore atmospheric neighbourhoods, or settle into a traditional taverna and savour Thessaloniki’s famous food scene at your own pace.

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Thessaloniki before beginning your transfer back to Athens. Sit back and take in the journey as you return to the Greek capital, carrying with you the stories, landscapes, and cultural highlights of your mainland adventure.

Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to revisit your favourite neighbourhoods, browse local shops, settle into a café, or enjoy one more evening surrounded by the city’s lively atmosphere.

Rise and shine, we have an early start to catch the ferry from Athens to Mykonos. In the afternoon, you will meet with your tour leader and your fellow travellers to explore Mykonos town, and its white washed houses.

The day is yours to soak up the sunshine, swim in the sea or chew through your memory card taking pics of cute windmills and quaint streets. Or discover the birthplace of Apollo by taking an optional tour to Delos Island. Tonight, hit the bars and restaurants and dance the night away!

Next up: Santorini! After our ferry ride, we will wander through the town of Fira to get our bearings. See why the blue door houses, white church domes make Santorini the iconic postcard town of Greece. Santorini is formed from volcanic activity, and from the caldera witness the most epic sunset and breath-taking views.

We’ve got a free day today. Relax on the red or black sand beaches, wander the streets and browse through the shops of the main town or take an optional quad biking tour! Explore the island’s volcano and check out an active crater and hot springs in our optional volcano tour. The choices are endless!

Enjoy one last breakfast in beautiful Santorini before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Athens.

Arriving in Athens in the late afternoon, enjoy some free time to revisit your favourite spots or uncover a few final hidden corners of the capital. In the evening, celebrate the end of your Greek adventure with a farewell group dinner at a traditional taverna. Share delicious local dishes, complimentary house wine, and your favourite travel memories with the new friends you’ve made along the way.

Our marvellous Greece adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Make sure to bid farewell to newfound friends and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!