Greece Family Holiday (Original)

Kalimera! Welcome to Athens. Named after the goddess of wisdom, the birthplace of Western civilisation has an amazing array of historic sites to explore. There's so much to be seen in the Greece’s capital – vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympics yet still retaining so much visible history. It’s the best of the old and the new. Your adventure officially kicks off with a group meeting at 6 pm Then, get your first taste of Greek cuisine at a welcome dinner where you can get to know all the families joining you for this Grecian odyssey.

Start the day with a walking tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis – one of the western world's most important historical structures. Seeing the crumbling columns against a (likely) clear blue sky is a postcard-perfect moment. Trek to the top of this sacred rock via the towering gateway known as the Propylaia. Once inside, encounter the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Then, head to the Acropolis Museum, which was built to house every artefact found on the rock and surrounding slopes. Your afternoon is free for you to further explore the rest of this great city at you and your kid’s own pace – did someone say souvlakis?

Leave Athens in the rear-view mirror and head into the slopes of Mt Parnassos. A 2.5-hour public bus ride will deliver you to Delphi – a modern city with ancient ruins situated among valleys of cypress and olive trees. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world and today it’s home to one of the country's most incredible archaeological sites. There’s no time to waste, so as soon as you’re off the bus, make tracks for Delphi’s ancient city. Clamber over hills and ruins and see the monuments, temples, a theatre, and the impressive reconstructed Athenian Treasury. You’ll also see a mountain-top stadium that was used for the Pythian Games (an Olympic Games precursor), held every four years as early as 586 BC. Even today, it’s easy to imagine the stone seating holding cheering crowds. After a full-on day, perhaps relax this evening or seek out a nice family-style taverna for dinner.

There’s a long travel day ahead, and while the drive will be broken up with a swim stop, it’s a good idea to have some books or car games handy to pass the time. After 45 minutes on the road, stop in the adorable port town of Galaxidi for a swim, some lunch and maybe a poke around the flea market, depending on time. Continue for another 3.5 hours and cross the causeway to the island of Lefkada, which features vistas of vertical cliffs and beaches with sparkling aquamarine waters. After a long day of travel, a quiet evening is on the cards. As with all the Ionian islands (and most of Greece), the seafood in Lefkada is fantastic. If you want to try a local delicacy, perhaps try and find restaurant serving up baked eel, if you’re game!

Today is free for you and your family to explore some more or just relax. Maybe head to the beach or check out the local waterfalls. The high mountains that abound in Lefkada are the sources for many a waterfall that cascade through the mountainous terrain and finally end up into the sea. One such gorgeous sight is Dimossari that can be found on the outskirts of Nydri. Keep in mind that tonight you will experience a hands-on lesson in making some of Greece's favourite dishes! Enjoy a cooking demonstration and eat the fruits of your labour for dinner.

Make tracks for a more well-known island today – Corfu. Travel by private minivan to Igoumenitsa, then board a ferry to Corfu (about 4 hours). Built on a promontory, the town displays unique architecture influenced by Sicilian, Venetian, French and English styles. Corfu Town has kept many of its buildings, elegant mansions, superb palaces, French-style flowered squares and beautiful fortresses, making it a dream to explore on foot. Your accommodation is located in a village called Perama. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and then head back into Corfu for an orientation tour and to visit the Old Town’s ancient fortifications. In the evening, perhaps fortify yourself with a local tipple. There are a few worth sampling, including a non-alcoholic ginger beer and kumquat liqueur.

Spend the morning on a Corfu island tour including Paleokastritsa beaches and monastery, visit to a Donkey Rescue Center, finishing with visit to Kassiopi village with lunch in traditional taverna. On a hill above the beach of Paleokastritsa, there is a large monastery complex dedicated to the Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Paleokastritsa. This monastery dominates the whole region. Built on top of a remote hill, it gives gorgeous views of the island and the sea. Kassiopi has the magnificent backdrop of Mount Pantokrator and hills covered with olive groves, vines and citrus plantations. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and perhaps head out for a meal with your large travelling family.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s check-out times.