15 Days Private Tour: Classical Tour

First, we will drive to Thermopylae. It was here that 10 years after the Battle of Marathon, King Leonidas and his 300 brave Spartans heroically faced the Persian army. In the historical center, an enjoyable a 3D movie will be shown. 

As if traveling through time you will feel the presence of heroes who stood their ground for their freedom against a foreign conqueror. To conclude you will visit the statue of Leonidas standing exactly opposite Kolonos Hill where the persistent Spartans left their last breath.  

Walk around the Thermopylae Battlefield.  

Following we will continue with a drive through the mountains, not taking the national highway, to see the real Greek country side. Passing by the cities of Lamia, Trikala and Karditsa we will reach Kalambaka, a beautiful small city that is dominated by the Meteora. You will have time to take an evening walk and enjoy a local dinner after settling at the hotel.

We will visit the monasteries and a closer look at the holy rocks. On the rocks that are like suspended in the air (that’s what Meteora means) there is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries, still in use. Meteora combines natural beauty and cultural heritage, a fact that make them a unique destination between the world’s monuments. Great Meteoro, as its name shows is the biggest and most impressive. 

Visit the Rousanou or Saint Stefan Monastery, two of the most known monasteries.

Next we will drive towards the site of Dion following the national highway, reaching the village of Dion, we will find the site and the archaeological museum of Dion, an ancient Greek city named after Zeus (in Greek Dias) that preserved its importance in the Macedonian Period. There Philip II and his son Alexander the Great made sacrifices to the Gods after conquering the Ancient Greek world and from there, Alexander The Great started his expedition towards to Asia. It was a city with of a huge strategic importance according to the Macedonian Kings. Today you can visit sanctuary of Isis and other Egyptian Gods, the oldest sanctuary of Goddess Dimitra, a Hellenistic theater, a roman theater and a stadium, the mansion of Dionysos with its wonderful mosaic decoration and many more public and private buildings.  

Located in the present-day settlement of Dion, only 500 meters from the entrance of the archaeological space, the museum displays finds from various excavations over the years. The finds have been organized according to the areas from which they were excavated on the site, and include discoveries from ancient Pydna and other archaeological spots in Pieria. In the basement visitors can watch an educational film titled «Daily Life in Ancient Dion», and screenings of audiovisual materials related to ancient Dion and Olympus.

After having lunch at the village of Dion we will drive on the foothills of mountain Olympus to reach the mountainous, scenic village of Litochoro where we will stay the rest of the day and overnight. Litochoro is the closest location to Mt Olympus at sea level making it a popular destination for people that want to start climbing up the mountain. So we will stay on the foothill of the highest mountain in Greece, of the mountain were the 12 Gods of Olympus lived, according to the Greek Mythology.

The city of Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia, was discovered in the 19th century near Vergina, in northern Greece. The most important remains are the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world.

You will be able to visit the museum that developed around the original location of the Royal Tombs full of their golden belonging and more importantly you will face the imposing tomb of Philip II, father of the Alexander the Great.

Pella is one of the most important sites of the Hellenistic Period. It was chosen to be the capital of the huge Macedonian Empire in the end 5th century BCE. The archaeological site consists of public baths, sanctuaries, villas of wealthy Macedonians with unique mosaic decoration and of course the Agora of the city. The city originally covered an area of 400 hectares and it gradually became the cultural and commercial center of the empire. More importantly Alexander the Great was born in Pella. 

The museum of Pella is a modern museum that opened in 2009 and has nothing to envy from other Greek museums located in big cities. 

At Thessaloniki we will have a traditional northern Greek lunch at the region of “Ladadika”. In the afternoon we will drive around this beautiful city to see all the highlights of the co-capital. The White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the Roman Agora and the cathedral of the Patron Saint Demetrius, the city wall and the Ano Poli (upper City) that offers you a breathtaking view of the city and the Aegean Sea. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy more of the city at your own pace visit museums, walk in Aristotelous Square or visit the central commercial streets. 

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a monument and museum on the waterfront of the city of Thessaloniki, capital of the region of Macedonia in northern Greece. The present tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification, known to have been mentioned around the 12th century, that the Ottoman Empire reconstructed to fortify the city's harbour sometime after Sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki in 1430. The tower became a notorious prison and scene of mass executions during the period of Ottoman rule.

The emblematic monument of Thessaloniki, was constructed in the early 4th century AD, on the turning point between the pagan with the Christian world, probably as a temple for ancient cult worship or as a mausoleum for Constantine the Great (306-337).

One of the most characteristic monuments of Thessaloniki is the Arch of Galerius, located on the upper side of the Via Egnatia, a short distance from the Rotunda.

The Arch of Galerius is a glorious monument, whose purpose was not practical, but memorial and honorary. It is a triumphal arch built shortly before 305 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Galerius, after the final victory over the Persians. The triumphal arch that was positioned perpendicular to the ancient Egnatia, which crossed the city (west to east) forming a part of the Roman Palace of Galerius, which was developed through the current squares of Navarinou and Hippodrome.

You will also walk to the Palace of Galerius to see part of it.

Ano Poli (Upper City). The Heptapyrgion is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress situated on the north-eastern corner of the Acropolis of Thessaloniki. Despite its name, which means "Fortress of Seven Towers", it features ten, and was probably named after the Yedikule Fortress in Constantinople. It served as the major redoubt of the city's acropolis, as well as the seat of its garrison commander in Ottoman times, until the late 19th century.

The Church of Saint Demetrius is the main sanctuary dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki, dating from a time when it was the second largest city of the Byzantine Empire. It is part of the site Palaeochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO since 1988.

Underneath the Church is the place where St Demetrios, along with other Christians of the early Roman period, were martyred.

This tree-shaded village, retaining its traditional character, dots the mountain side below Katara Col in the Mountain Range of Pindos. Metsovo is full of life throughout the year generously offering you its natural surrounding beauties. Particularly during winter, the famous vlach village, birthplace of various national benefactors, is Epirus’ beloved tourist destination. 

Set on the western shore of the lovely Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina is one of northern Greece's most atmospheric cities, and one of its more cultured and wealthy, as it was famous throughout the Ottoman Empire for its silver artisans. The walls of its old fortified city, the Kastro, enclose a tranquil quarter, spiked with minarets, and an island in the lake is a quiet, car-free escape. Just before Ioannina we will reach the region of Perama. Here you can visit the Cave of Perama, this timeless cave (covering a distance of 1,5 km) is full of openings with beautiful formations of stalagmites and stalactites created 1,5 million years ago.

It is the biggest museum of wax effigies in Greece and also a great heritage in our history. Everything in this museum, from the moment their idea was perceived until the stage of its creation, was handcrafted by a man, who wanted to enliven elements of his country’s history with lots of love and passion.

We will drive to the Ancient Greek Oracle of Dodoni where a huge site is preserved. It reveals where the ancient Greek theater, the Temple and the Oracle of Zeus functioned. 

Next day we will depart from Ioannina for a day tour in Zagorohoria. This is a group of picturesque, elevated villages and small bridges above the river. There you will have a traditional Greek lunch before we return back to Ioannina to spend the rest of the day.

You will have a breathtaking view of the mountains full of olive trees literally in front of you.

Our next stop is going to be the monastery of Hosios Loukas, which represents the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th -12th century) in particular its golden mosaic decoration and fine architecture.

Delphi is a town on Mount Parnassus in the south of mainland Greece. It's the site of the 4th-century-B.C. Temple of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle.

Meanwhile, at the site you will visit the temple of Apollo where Pythia spoke to the oracles.

While in the museum you will be able to see the famous charioteer and Gold Ivory statues.

Aráchova is a mountainous village nestling picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Parnassós in Viotia, Southern Greece. It is the most cosmopolitan winter destination in Greece, a great favorite for passionate ski lovers and celebrities, or just first-time visitors who wish to relax in a dreamy mountainous setting with modern tourism facilities. Its modern ski resort, its close proximity to Athens, and its breathtaking mountainous landscape are the strongest reason why. Apart from the mountain activities, Aráchova is also famous for its bustling nightlife and as the favorite mountain resort of Athenians.

Diakofto is a small seaside town with a magnificent view of the Corinthian Gulf. The town is mainly known for the train “Odontotos” which crosses the Vouraikos Gorge on a beautiful route until Kalavrita. In the summer period the visitor has the opportunity to visit the coasts of Diakofto and during the winter visitors of the area visit the magnificent ski center of Kalavrita.

Here you will be able to get on the special train of Diakofto, the most scenic and graphic train route in Greece passing through tunnels and a canyon, coming in contact with the purest Greek nature, the train will leave you in Kalavrita after a short drive. There we will pick you up to drive you into the town of Kalavryta.

Kalavryta is a mountainous small town full of narrow streets, cafes and restaurants, where you can find many locally produced products like honey, herbs, spices, pasta e.t.c.

Kalavryta also played an important role in Greek history. It was in the legendary Agia Lavra (a monastery of the territory) that the Greek War of Independence began. In 1821 the first revolutionaries took an oath "to fight or die" for freedom and the flag of the revolution was raised there. The site is also a martyr of World War II. In 1943 one of the most vicious holocausts in Greek territory took place here. The town is dominated by inscriptions and crosses commemorating that fact.

At Kalavryta we will have lunch and spend the night.

We will visit the archaeological site and the museum of Ancient Olympia. This is one of the largest sites in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Walking through the site you will pass by the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, the workshop of Phidias, the Temple of Zeus and you will end up at the Stadium where for every four years the Greeks competed for glory and for spiritual elevation honoring their cities. 

The museum is also quite unique as it includes the renowned statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” with its perfect analogies and tools that belonged to Phidias himself. With the tools he created one of the seven wonders of the world “the gold ivory statue of Zeus”. 

The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games hosts 463 ancient works, from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and other museums in the Greek territory. The exhibits cover a wide chronological range, from the second millennium BC until the 5th century AD. Ancient exposed in thematic units and through them shows the history of the Olympic games, the longest ancient institution. Apart from ancient art, the visitor has the possibility of detailed information through the rich visual material.

After a walking in the footsteps of ancient athletes we will take our lunch at the village. 

On day ten we will drive towards Ancient Messene. There we will stop to visit the archaeological site and its museum, one of the most glorious and well preserved excavated cities in Greece. You will be able to see sanctuaries and public buildings, city walls, imposing villas and tombs. The uniqueness of the site is the fact that the city was never destroyed and it is located on an unspoiled inland site. Then we will drive to Kalamata following the coastal road we will make a stop at Stoupa and Kardamili, before reaching Areopoli were we will spend the night. Areopoli is a village of the Mani Territory. It was also never conquered by the Turks, therefore it still has the traditional old Greek look to it. Everything is made in the traditional light brown color.

The remains of this vast ancient city are as extensive as those of Olympia and Epidavros, yet Ancient Messini receives only a fraction of their visitors. Picturesquely situated on a hillside below the village of Mavromati and still undergoing excavation, the site comprises a large theatre, an agora (marketplace), a sizeable Sanctuary of Asclepius and one of the most impressive Ancient Greek stadiums. The entry includes the small museum at the site turn-off; don't miss the impressive Arcadian Gate 800m beyond, either. 

Stoupa is a newly built little village at the south of Peloponnese. The picturesque sandy beaches, the small rivers, the caves, the beautiful harbors and the hill with the castle are some of the reasons more and more tourists visit every year this magical place.

The name of the village was originally “Potamos” which means river in Greek and is related with the river of the area. The name finally changed to “Stoupa”, a word coherent with sails, because of the sails the locals put into water in order to make them softer.

Kardamili is a wonderful, picturesque, historic, coastal village of Messiniaki Mani which is situated 35km southeastern to the city of Kalamata. There, the visitor can admire overgrown mountainsides, olive groves, wonderful beaches, well-cared stone mansions of the traditional architecture of Mani, verdant gardens and the lovely, picturesque small port.

The word Areopoli, which means "city of Ares", the ancient Greek god of war, became the official name in 1912. It was the seat of Oitylo municipality. The Greek War of Independence was started at Areopoli on March 17, 1821, by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani. Now Areopoli has grown into a flourishing town. Its tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.

The next day while driving deeper into the province of Mani, we will see more small villages, these locations are rare and carry a proud part of Greek history. Mani played a very important role in the war of independence, remaining free it helped liberate the rest of Greece. 

We will also visit the Dirou Cave, a natural treasure full of stalagmites and stalactites, this cave, one of the most beautiful in the world, counts a length of 15km full of openings and small lakes. 

Lastly, we will reach the town of Sparta where we will overnight. Historically, Sparta was known as the eternal rival city of the Athenian Democracy. It operated around a different cosmotheory for the ancient Greek standards. Initially known as the birthplace of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in Mycenaean period) Sparta was organized as a purely military society. It was the city of the two kings, were few aristocrats ruled and of course the city where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched from to face the Persian army at Thermopolis in 480BCE. The city whose one soldier counted as ten soldiers from any other Greek city. 

Reaching Sparta we will visit the ancient citadel where you will have a view of the ancient theater being revealed gradually in front of your eyes. Continuing we will pass in front of the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands marking the ending point of Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245,3 km).  

Continuing we will pass in front of the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands marking the ending point of Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245,3 km). 

We will visit the museum of (olive and) olive oil.

On reaching Mystras you will automatically understand why this location is so special. Known as the ghost city and fortified on a citadel, Mystras is one of the two locations in Greece that preserves not only medieval churches but also ordinary houses, mansions and palaces of the Byzantine Empire in combination with Frankish elements. Before visiting Monemvasia we will stop at a traditional Greek tavern at the small village of Mystras. Then we will drive to Monemvasia, another one of a kind city of Greece’s medieval history unlike Mystras though, Monemvasia is a living old city. 

Known as the ghost city and fortified on a citadel, Mystras is one of the two locations in Greece that preserves not only medieval churches but also ordinary houses, mansions and palaces of the Byzantine Empire in combination with Frankish elements. 

Monemvasia is a living old city, developed on an island that is connected to the Greek mainland. A fortress and a prosperous city of the Byzantine empire Monemvasia (literally means one entrance) still survives, the narrow streets, the mansions, the small houses, the churches , the wall, the gate and the citadel, the city is still inhabited. Here history comes truly alive, we will spend half of our day at Monemvasia where you can have lunch by the sea upon the old wall and walk in the city continually discovering new points of interest.

Agia Sofia (St Sophia's Church), the main sanctuary in Monemvasia's upper town, is a large Byzantine church built on the edge of a cliff with a vertiginous view of the bay below. Beyond the Venetian loggia that makes up the façade, the interior is palpably calm and refreshing. Admire the impressive dome, finely sculpted marble capitals and fragments of 13th century frescoes.

Dated to the 2nd millennium B.C.E. representing what Homer wrote about, Achilles, Agamemnon and Helen of Troy. The palace of Mycenae gave its name to a whole era.

In the site you will see the famous Lions Gate (the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe), the cyclopean walls, the burial circle A and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.

Worth visiting there is also a modern museum exhibiting the findings of the “City Of Gold".

Before setting off again we will make a small stop at the treasury of Atreus, the best preserved Tholos tomb, one of the finest examples of the Mycenaean architecture.

We will move towards a more recent history of Greece and the city of Nafplion. Considered as the most scenic city, Nafplion functioned as the capital of Greece until 1834.

After walking around the picturesque old city we will stop for lunch at a traditional tavern by the sea and later drive up to the castle of Acronafplia for a panoramic view of Nafplion.

This romantic city offers you an outstanding combination of fortresses and castle (Palamidi, Bourtzi), a huge harbour open to the Aegean Sea and the unique architecture of the old city of Nafplion revealing Venetian, neoclassical and oriental elements.

This day we will tour in Argolida region.

Tiryns is a Mycenaean archaeological site in Peloponnese, and the location, from which mythical hero Heracles performed his 12 labors.

Our next stop will be the site of Epidaurus. After just a short drive you will be able to visit one of the most important ancient sanctuaries dedicated to the God Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, located in an ideal environment and spread over a hilly area.

The highest point of Epidaurus is the theater of Epidaurus. The best preserved ancient Greek theater dated 4th century B.C.E.It is proof of what fantastic miracles the ancient Greek minds could create. You can test the acoustics, great even today. Climb up until the upper seats just to close your eyes and dream you attended an ancient Greek tragedy.

On the last day of the tour we will visit Corinthia region before we drive back to Athens.

Nemea is mainly known for the Nemean Games, its ancient Greek stadium and the Temple Of Zeus but it is also famous for its vineyards. Nemea has the most wineries in Greece as grape growing has been a tradition here since ancient times. Back at the site apart from the museum and the sanctuary, the stadium makes the difference. Nemea has one of the best preserved stadiums found so far and it is located on a higher level. Of special intrest are the tunnels through which the athletes entered the stadium.

Ancient Corinth, located at the foot of the hill includes the Roman Agora of Corinth, the temple of God Apollo and a small museum. Apart from its archaeological and historical interest though the site is also one of the most popular religious destinations in Greece. In this amazing place the Apostle Paul preached Christianity, was judged by the tribunal in the Agora and established the best organized Christian church of that period.

We will visit the Temple of Apollo, which is located in the in the Ancient city of Corinth.

We will visit the castle of Acrocorinth,the oldest and largest castle in southern Greece, for some amazing photos.

Our last stop is the Corinth Canal. Opened in 1892 and separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You will have time to walk across on a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal closer, (if you’re game,) on some days bungee jumping is an option. 

And after that we will drive back to Athens.