Grand Tour of Greece

Regular price: $2,815.00
Sale price: $2,815.00

Class

Travel Date

Room Type

Quantity

Coach Tour
7 days ex Athens

Departs: selected Thursdays

2025 Departure Dates:

May 08, 22 | June 12, 26 | July 10 | Sep 11, 18

Introduction
One of our most comprehensive tours of classical Greece, this itinerary takes in many of the most important classical sites in a land which has provided so much to western history. Names like Alexander, Socrates, Agamemnon and Zeus are brought to life in this fascinating seven day tour.

Highlights

Walk the grounds of the school where the famed Socrates taught Alexander the Great
View what many describe as the greatest Greek archaeological find of the 20th century – the Tomb of Alexander’s father King Philip II
Explore the prehistoric beginnings of man at Meteora, home to many Neanderthal sites

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Athens – Olympia (D)

This morning you will be collected from your hotel (or a nearby hotel pickup point) for a seven day tour to some of Greece's wonderful classical sights. Prehistory, the Classical period, Roman domination, the Byzantine Empire, the Crusades, Modern Times: Greece through the centuries will unfold before you on this 7 day tour.

Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal where a short stop will be made. Continue to visit the Theatre of Epidaurus famous for its remarkable acoustics, then proceed to the town of Nafplion. There will be a short stop in Nafplion before continuing to Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis before arriving at Olympia, cradle of the ancient Olympic Games. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Olympia.

Day 2: Olympia – Delphi (BD)

This morning visit the Archaeological Site with the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Continue on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, before arriving in Delphi. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Delphi.

Day 3: Delphi – Kalambaka (BD)

This 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, those gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of Thessaly. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 4: Kalambaka – Thessaloniki (BD)

This morning you will head out to visit the Meteora: Perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka, driving through the striking 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 in Greek Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 5: Thessaloniki (BD)

Set out after breakfast and visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige after 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). The remainder of the day is at leisure, to allow you time in the lively center of the city. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 6: Thessaloniki (BD)

Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where you will see the town's famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle's School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea), 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. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 7: Thessaloniki - Athens (B)

This morning set off and drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, arriving in Athens late in the afternoon.
Accommodation in Athens is not included tonight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles
Superior Tourist Class accommodation with private facilities
Breakfast daily
Dinners as specified
Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
Professional guides
Entrance fees
Greece Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Optional tours and excursions
Government Climate Crisis Resilience Tax - to be paid directly to the hotel on check-out (ranges from EUR3-EUR10 - rates subject to change without notice)
Porterage
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure taxes
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below (or similar) - Superior Tourist Class

Olympia

Hotel Amalia Olympia

Delphi

Hotel Amalia Delphi

Meteora

Hotel Amalia Kalambaka

Thessaloniki

Grand Palace

Climate Resilience Tax
The Greek government have established a climate resilience tax for all tourists staying in any kind of Hotel, Apartment, Villa, etc. in any destination in Greece. This tax is applied locally and is payable directly by guests at check-in. The tax is a fixed Euro amount and ranges from EUR2 to EUR15 per room per night, depending on the hotel category.

Double Beds
A double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Greece double rooms are very limited. Please ask on check-in with the hotel/cruise boat to see what is available.

Greece Mainland Coach Tours
Scheduled tours and sightseeing are bilingual unless specified. Wifi may be available on full day tours to Delphi, Argolis and all multi day tours. Many sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites therefore a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit.

Dress Code for Monasteries of Meteora

Women are required to wear a long skirt and cover their shoulders. Men must wear long pants. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.