Grand Tour of Greece

Tour map

Highlights:
1^st day: Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the theatre of Epidavros, famous for its remarkable acoustics.
Next follows a short stop at the town of Nafplion and drive on to Mycenae, where you will visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon.
Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese; overnight and dinner in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.
2^nd day: In the morning visit the archaeological site of Olympia, the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the archaeological museum.
Then drive on through the plains of Elia and Achaia, cross the magnificent bridge which connects Rion to Antirion, pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea and finally arrive in Delphi for dinner and overnight.
3^rd day: 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 gigantic rocks; dinner & overnight in Kalambaka.
4^th day: Visit Meteora, the huge rocks that seem to be suspended in mid-air, perched on top of which stand ageless monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.
Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the 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 of Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki (Salonica), the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece; dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
5^th day: In the morning visit Thessaloniki, 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 from 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). Rest of the day free, to enjoy time in the lively centre of the city. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
6^th day: 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, the Aristotle's School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught "the doctrines of morals and politics" to Alexander and the Macedonian youths.
Next drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai) to live the experience of a visit to its unique museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, and feel the thrill of the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20^th century.
Veria (Biblical Beroea), is only a few miles away; there you will visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area: a walk in a city where past is present and around.
Then, return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
7^th day:  Drive to Pella, the capital of the kingdom of Alexander the Great. Admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the villas dating from the 4^th century BC, in situ as well as in the new museum.
After Pella, drive to Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of Olympos mountain), where you will visit its Archaeological Park.
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.