Grand Tour of Greece: From Athens to Macedonia – 10 Days / 9 Nights

Your 10-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Day 1 – Arrival in Athens

   Arrive at Athens International Airport and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and settle in before your journey through mainland Greece. No organised sightseeing is scheduled today.

   Overnight in Athens.

2. Day 2

   Day 2 – Athens City Tour, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

   Discover Athens on a guided panoramic tour introducing Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Stop for photographs at the Panathenaic Stadium before continuing to the Acropolis.

   Explore the Parthenon, Propylaea and Erechtheion as your guide explains the development of ancient Athens and its cultural influence. Continue to the Acropolis Museum to view sculpture and archaeological finds associated with the monuments. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

   Overnight in Athens.

3. Day 3

   Day 3 – Corinth Canal, Epidaurus & Nafplio

   Depart Athens for the Peloponnese, stopping at the Corinth Canal to view the narrow passage between the two gulfs. Continue to Epidaurus and explore its celebrated ancient theatre, set within the sanctuary of Asklepios.

   Travel to Nafplio for an orientation walk through its historic centre. Discover elegant squares, narrow lanes and the waterfront, with views towards the offshore Bourtzi fortress. Staying overnight allows time to enjoy the town’s atmosphere after the day’s sightseeing.

   Overnight in Nafplio.

4. Day 4

   Day 4 – Mycenae – Olympia

   Travel to Mycenae, one of the leading centres of Bronze Age Greece. Enter the fortified citadel through the Lion Gate and discover the remains of the settlement associated with the legends of Agamemnon and the Trojan War.

   Visit the Treasury of Atreus, traditionally known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, before continuing across the central Peloponnese. Arrive in Olympia later in the day and settle into your hotel ahead of the following morning’s visits.

   Overnight in Olympia.

5. Day 5

   Day 5 – Ancient Olympia – Delphi

   Explore Ancient Olympia, where religious ceremonies and athletic competition formed one of the ancient world’s most important festivals. Visit the archaeological site, including the remains of its temples, training facilities and stadium.

   Continue to the Archaeological Museum to discover sculpture and finds from the sanctuary. Afterwards, travel north through the western Peloponnese, cross the Rio–Antirrio Bridge and follow the coastal route towards Itea before ascending to Delphi.

   Overnight in Delphi.

6. Day 6

   Day 6 – Delphi – Kalambaka

   Discover Delphi’s sanctuary of Apollo, set against the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Follow the Sacred Way, see the remains of the Temple of Apollo and learn how the oracle influenced communities across the ancient Greek world.

   Visit the Archaeological Museum, including its celebrated bronze Charioteer, before continuing through central Greece towards Thessaly. Arrive in Kalambaka beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora.

   Overnight in Kalambaka.

7. Day 7

   Day 7 – Meteora – Thessaloniki

   Visit two Meteora monasteries, discovering their churches, religious art and monastic traditions. Enjoy views across the towering rock pillars and surrounding countryside while learning how these communities developed in such an extraordinary setting.

   After the visits, continue north towards Thessaloniki. Arrive in the city and check into your hotel. The monasteries visited will depend on their opening schedules.

   Overnight in Thessaloniki.

8. Day 8

   Day 8 – Thessaloniki: Ancient, Byzantine & Modern Heritage

   Explore Thessaloniki on a guided city tour introducing its Roman, Byzantine and modern history. Discover the area around the Roman Forum, see the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda from outside, and visit the Church of Agios Dimitrios.

   Continue to the upper town for views across the city and Thermaic Gulf, then return towards the waterfront and White Tower. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki to explore objects that provide context for the history and culture of ancient Macedonia.

   Overnight in Thessaloniki.

9. Day 9

   Day 9 – Vergina & Pella: Royal Macedonia

   Depart for Vergina, the modern settlement near ancient Aigai, the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom. Visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai to discover the royal burial complex and its remarkable finds.

   Continue to Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great and a later capital of ancient Macedonia. Visit the archaeological site and museum to explore the city’s layout, mosaics and material culture. Together, the visits introduce the royal institutions and urban life of the Macedonian kingdom. Return to Thessaloniki.

   Overnight in Thessaloniki.

10. Day 10

    Day 10 – Departure from Thessaloniki

    Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for your departure flight. No organised sightseeing is scheduled today.

    Departure — no overnight.