Hidden Greece

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Electra Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece. A transfer is included from Thessaloniki Airport to the Electra Palace Hotel, ideally located steps from restaurants and tavernas where you can experience the lively Greek culture of the city. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

Nestled along the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki, renowned as the cultural capital of Greece, is a seaside showcase of life, past and present, blending ancient Roman and Greek sites with modern-day buildings lining its beaches. Founded in 316 BCE and named for a sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, reflects a rich history shaped by a tapestry of cultural influences. Today, the city is celebrated for its gastronomy and vibrant cultural life, and boasts a laid-back charm where local life unfolds at a gentler pace. A privately guided visit here invites leisurely exploration of its impressive historical sites – such as the mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the Arch of Galerius – balanced with time to experience the essence of halara, the local spirit of relaxed living. See the Rotunda and more on a locally guided walking tour and enjoy a lunch of typical Greek cuisine before spending the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vergina this morning to visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs. The town of Vergina became internationally famous in 1977 when a Greek archaeologist unearthed what he claimed was the burial site of the kings of Macedonia, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. View the excavated tombs with a local expert, seeing the artifacts, including weapons, jewelry, pottery, and more, that were sealed inside two of the tombs. Alexander IV, Alexander the Great's son, was also entombed here. After lunch, return to your hotel in Thessaloniki where the rest of the day is free.

This morning, embark on a scenic journey into the heart of Central Greece, where dramatic mountains give way to lush valleys and stunning villages. Your destination is awe-inspiring Meteora—Greek for "suspended in the air"—a place where nature and spirituality converge in a truly extraordinary way. Crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora is home to six active Byzantine monasteries perched high atop towering rock formations. Step inside one of these living monuments and gain rare insight into the lives of the monks and nuns who have called this sacred site home for centuries. Marvel at priceless relics and Byzantine frescoes amidst the serene beauty of a world removed from time. Travel onward to the mountain town of Arachova and enjoy dinner amidst the peaceful charms of your alpine resort.

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and amazing views of the stunning landscapes that make your overnight stay here one to remember. After breakfast, continue south to your resort in Costa Navarino, stopping en route for a visit to Delphi. An ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo, Delphi was considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks and served as a major religious site for seeking guidance and advice. Have lunch and travel to on to Costa Navarino, located in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. Set amidst one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean, it is home to a cultural heritage dating back 4,500 years; the town was traditionally known for its rustic landscape, Kalamata olives, ancient temples and a historic naval battle; today it is emerging as a world-class golf and beach destination. Your accommodations overlook the Ionian Sea and are rooted in Greek history in a corner of the Peloponnese that is yet to be discovered by crowds of tourists.

You have a choice of excursions today, including a visit to Olympia in the western Peloponnese in the "valley of the gods." Olympia was the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece and is today a revered UNESCO World Heritage site. The original site of the first Olympic games in the 8th century BC, the games took place here every four years since 776 BC. The extensive ruins you'll see during your visit include ancient athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus, and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia showcasing finds from the site, from a statue of Hermes to the sculptures that were used to decorate the Temple of Zeus, considered among the greatest ancient Greek art. Or, opt for a boat ride to the coastal village of Pylos, where history echoes across the waves. Here, Athens triumphed over Sparta in a decisive 425 BC battle during the Peloponnesian War, and centuries later, the Naval Battle of Navarino sparked Greece's independence from Ottoman rule. Enjoy dinner at leisure back at your resort.

Your Greek adventure continues today with a visit to Ancient Messene, one of Greece's best-preserved archaeological sites. Founded in 370 BC during the Bronze Age, the city was originally known as Ithome before being destroyed by the Spartans. Following the Spartans defeat at the hands of the Thebans, a new city was built over the ruins of Ithome and thus, Messene was born. Explore its restored theater, grand agora, Sanctuary of Asclepius, excavated stadium, and gymnasium. Afterwards, immerse in the daily operations of an olive oil producer, complete with a tasting and traditional lunch. End your day in ancient Athens, where your charming hotel offers easy access to iconic sights like the Acropolis and Plaka, as well as local tavernas and shops.

Ascend the Acropolis before the heat and the crowds on a morning walking tour with a private local guide and step into the heart of ancient Greece. Towering above modern-day Athens, the Acropolis has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age and reached its pinnacle in the 5th century BC as a symbol of power, worship, and intellectual achievement. Begin at the 2nd-century Odeon of Herodes Atticus, still used for performances today. Then stand before the iconic Parthenon, a white marble masterpiece dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and the city's namesake. Continue to the Erechtheion, where myth and architecture merge—the sacred site of Athena and Poseidon's legendary contest, featuring the graceful Porch of the Caryatids. After time to absorb sweeping views of Athens from this ancient citadel, descend for a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum. Built over an active excavation site, the museum houses treasures spanning from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine periods. Peer through glass floors into ongoing digs, revealing layers of the city's past. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Just a short walk from your hotel you'll find the Plaka. Nestled beneath the Acropolis and its historic temples, this charming area exudes a village-like atmosphere, with its narrow cobblestone lanes, quaint shops, inviting sidewalk cafés, and cozy family-run tavernas that stay open into the night.

Take a ferry to the picturesque port of Hydra, renowned for its exquisite architecture and spectacular neoclassical stone mansions overlooking the port, for a guided tour followed by free time. There are no cars on this island; explore the sights as you wish on foot, by boat or from the saddle, taking life at a slow pace like the locals do. Return to Athens after lunch and enjoy the evening as you wish.

Fly to Heraklion Airport today for a two-night stay on the island of Crete where a locally guided sightseeing excursion upon your arrival introduces you to its landmark sights. Explore Knossos, the central site of the Minoan civilization. Its evocative setting incorporates an immense palace, courtyards, private apartments, baths, lively frescoes and more, including multistory structures, sophisticated plumbing systems, and vibrant frescoes. The remnants of Knossos Palace inspire with myths of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur as it is believed to be the location of the labyrinth in Greek mythology. Return to your resort for time at leisure and enjoy dinner here tonight. Bordering a beautiful beach with a chic French Riviera vibe, the Domes of Elounda overlooks Mirabello Bay, with its sparkling, crystal-clear waters, World-Heritage site Spinalonga Island fortress, golden beaches, and olive tree-dotted Cretan terrain.

In keeping with the maritime traditions of Crete, embark on a locally guided boat ride around Spinalonga that includes a visit to the historic fortress and views remote beaches and hidden coves accessible only by boat. Our onboard experts will share insights, historical facts, and point out key landmarks during your cruise. Spend the afternoon enjoying the amenities of your seaside resort and join us tonight for a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Tour ends: 8:00 AM, Domes of Elounda. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included to Heraklion Airport from the Domes of Elounda for your journey home. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Ask at booking about a post stay on Crete.