Itinerary
- Day 1
Igoumenitsa to Arta
You'll get picked up from your hotel, airport, or marina and head out from Igoumenitsa toward Parga. This coastal town sits below a Venetian castle with nice beaches and charming streets throughout. After spending time wandering around Parga and seeing what it has to offer, you'll drive inland to Arta for the night. You've got free time once you arrive to walk around and get familiar with the area.
- Start point
- Igoumenitsa, Ηπειροσ, Greece (Pick up at any hotel or place, in or around Igoumenitsa)
Optional Activities
- Explore Parga's beaches and architecture
- Sample local cuisine at taverns and restaurants in Parga
- Browse shops, cafes and bars in Parga
Landmarks Venetian Castle of Parga - Day 2
Oiniades - Messolonghi - Nafpaktos
This morning you'll see Arta's medieval stone bridge and Byzantine castle, plus several Byzantine churches including the 13th-century Panagia Paregoretissa. The Archaeological Museum of Arta gives you insight into the region's history. Then you head to Oiniades to check out the ancient theater with its distinctive horseshoe shape and really impressive sound quality. After that, you'll drive through peaceful Messolonghi and its wetland national park before reaching Nafpaktos on the coast for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Arta's medieval stone bridge
- Visit to Arta's 13th-century Byzantine castle
- Visit to Byzantine churches in Arta
- Visit to Archaeological Museum of Arta
Optional Activities
- Explore the theater of Oeniadae at Oiniades
- Visit Messolonghi National Park of Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons
- Birdwatching in Messolonghi
- Evening stroll in Nafpaktos
Landmarks Medieval Stone Bridge of Arta (Arachthos River) Byzantine Castle of Arta Panagia Paregoretissa Archaeological Museum of Arta Theater of Oeniadae (Oiniades) Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons National Park 
- Day 3
Rio - Patras
You'll walk around Nafpaktos, a beach town with significant history tied to the Battle of Lepanto and a statue of Miguel de Cervantes. The port area is charming, and you can head up to the castle for views across the water and beaches with Blue Flag status. Later you'll drive to Rio to see its medieval seafront fortress and the Rio-Antirrio Bridge spanning across the water. Then it's on to Patras, Greece's third-largest city, which holds the relics of Saint Andrew in its cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Nafpaktos picturesque port
- Visit Nafpaktos castle for panoramic views
- Relax on Blue Flag beaches in Nafpaktos
- Visit Rio's medieval seafront fortress
- View Rio-Antirrio Bridge from the seafront
- Evening stroll on pedestrian streets in Patras
Landmarks Nafpaktos Castle Rio Medieval Seafront Fortress Rio-Antirrio Bridge 
- Day 4
Kalogria Beach - Olympia
After breakfast, you'll visit Patras's medieval castle to take in city and sea views, then see the Cathedral of Saint Andrew where the apostle's relics are kept. From there you head to Kaloglia Beach, which is surrounded by pine forest and draws windsurfers and birdwatchers. The drive continues to Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll stay for two nights and start exploring this ancient location.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit medieval Castle of Patras
- Visit Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Optional Activities
- Explore Kalogria Beach
- Birdwatching at Kalogria Beach estuaries
- Windsurfing at Kalogria Beach
Landmarks Medieval Castle of Patras Cathedral of Saint Andrew Kalogria Beach Strofylia Pine Forest - Day 5
Olympia
You're at Olympia on the Peloponnese peninsula where the ancient Olympic Games happened every four years starting in 776 BC. This morning you'll walk through the archaeological site seeing temple remains and sports structures. Two museums are here, one focused on ancient and modern games and one dedicated to the sanctuary of Zeus. By evening you've got free time to do your own exploring or relax back at your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Archaeological Site of Olympia
- Visit ancient Olympic Games sites and sports structures
- Visit Archaeological Museum of Olympia
Optional Activities
- Explore Olympia town independently
- Visit Museum of the Ancient and Modern Olympic Games
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Olympia Archaeological Museum of Olympia 
- Day 6
Pylos - Methoni - Foinikounta
After breakfast, you travel to Pylos on the Bay of Navarino to see the well-kept 16th-century Niokastro Castle. Next stop is Methoni, a coastal area featuring ancient history, golden beaches, and an impressive medieval castle considered for UNESCO recognition. The fortress sits on a cape with three sides bordered by water. You'll finish the day in Foinikounta, a coastal town known for its Blue Flag beaches, where you'll stay the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Niokastro Castle in Pylos
- Visit Methoni medieval castle
Optional Activities
- Explore Pylos Bay of Navarino
- Enjoy Methoni's golden sandy beaches
- Relax on Foinikounta's Blue Flag beaches
- Evening stroll in Foinikounta
Landmarks Niokastro Castle Methoni Medieval Castle (Venetian) 
- Day 7
Ancient Messene - Sparta
The morning is spent at Ancient Messene, an archaeological site on the UNESCO Tentative List situated at Mount Ithomi's base. You'll see circuit walls, the Arcadian gate, surviving towers, temples, defensive walls, a stadium and theater in really good condition. Then you drive to Sparta for two nights, visiting the ancient city's archaeological site and Acropolis. You'll see the King Leonidas statue and Roman and Byzantine baths before having your evening free in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene
- Visit Sparta's archaeological site
- Visit Acropolis of Sparta
- Visit statue of King Leonidas
- Visit Roman and Byzantine Baths in Sparta
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of Sparta city
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene Mount Ithomi Sparta Acropolis Statue of King Leonidas Roman and Byzantine Baths of Sparta 
- Day 8
Mystras - Sparta
Today you explore Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on slopes around a fortress from 1249. You'll walk through medieval ruins including a castle, fortified settlement, museum, monasteries, churches, chapels, houses and palaces. Lunch happens at a local tavern, then you return to Sparta to visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil showing olive culture from ancient times through the early 1900s. Your evening is free to check out shops, cafes and restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras
- Visit monasteries and churches of Mystras
- Visit Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil in Sparta
Optional Activities
- Lunch at local tavern
- Evening exploration of Sparta's shops, cafes and restaurants
Landmarks UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil 
- Day 9
Mycenae - Nafplio
You start with Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 14th-13th century BC at the height of Mycenaean civilization. The Lion Gate is here, the only surviving Mycenaean sculpture and the sole Bronze Age Greek monument with iconographic decoration. You'll explore the Bronze Age citadel that Homer called home of Agamemnon. Then you head to Nafplio, Greece's first capital and a charming beach town, where you'll stay three nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae
- See the Lion Gate of Mycenae
Optional Activities
- Explore Mycenae citadel
- Evening free time in Nafplio
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Mycenae Lion Gate 
- Day 10
Argos - Tiryns - Nafplio
You visit Argos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and see the ancient Hellenistic theater from 320 BC considered for UNESCO recognition, one of Greece's largest ancient theaters. You'll check out the Ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, and baths. Then it's to Tiryns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Cyclopean walls, ancient palace, and tunnels from one of the most important Mycenaean centers. You return to Nafplio for the evening with time for leisure and local food.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit ancient Hellenistic theatre of Argos
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiryns
Optional Activities
- Explore Ancient Agora of Argos
- Visit Roman Odeon in Argos
- Visit Baths of Argos
- Explore Tiryns Cyclopean walls, palace and tunnels
- Evening in Nafplio enjoying local cuisine
Landmarks Ancient Hellenistic Theatre of Argos Ancient Agora of Argos Roman Odeon of Argos Baths of Argos Archaeological Site of Tiryns - Day 11
Nafplio
You'll explore Nafplio's three impressive Venetian fortresses considered for UNESCO recognition. Start with Palamidi fortress from the 18th century overlooking the entire city, built when Venetians retook the town and made it capital of their Kingdom of the Morea. Then see Akronafplia fortress that formed Nafplio's walled town from antiquity through the 15th century. A boat takes you to Bourtzi, a 15th-century island fortress in the harbor. Spend the rest of the day shopping and trying local food.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Palamidi fortress
- Visit Akronafplia fortress
- Visit Bourtzi island fortress by boat
Optional Activities
- Shopping in Nafplio
- Enjoy local cuisine
- Relaxation time
Landmarks Palamidi Fortress Akronafplia Fortress Bourtzi - Day 12
Epidaurus - Corinth Canal - Loutraki
Epidaurus is your stop today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its sanctuary and theater considered one of the purest examples of Greek architecture and still used today. The Sanctuary of Asklepios was the Classical world's most celebrated healing center. You'll explore temples and hospital buildings from the 4th century, then have lunch at a local tavern. Later you drive to the famous Corinth Canal for views over both gulfs and continue to seaside Loutraki for the night with free time to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus
- Visit Sanctuary of Asklepios
- Visit Epidaurus theatre
Optional Activities
- View Corinth Canal and Gulf views
- Explore Loutraki resort independently
- Relax and enjoy atmosphere of Loutraki
- Taste local cuisine in Loutraki
Landmarks UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus Sanctuary of Asklepios Theatre of Epidaurus Corinth Canal Ancient Diolkos 
- Day 13
Livadeia - Hosios Loukas - Arachova - Delphi
You travel to Livadeia, built on the slopes at Mount Elikon's feet, known for its role in the Trojan War and the Oracle of Trofonios Zeus. You'll stroll around the small 14th-century medieval castle and along the Erkynas River. Next is the walled Monastery of Hosios Loukas at Mount Parnassos's base, an important Middle Byzantine architecture monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you explore charming Arachova with its ski resort, mountain views, and cobblestone streets before arriving in Delphi for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Monastery of Hosios Loukas (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Optional Activities
- Stroll around 14th-century medieval castle in Livadeia
- Walk along Erkynas River
- Explore Arachova's cobblestone streets and shops
- Evening exploration of Delphi
Landmarks Mount Elikon Medieval Castle of Livadeia Erkynas River Monastery of Hosios Loukas Mount Parnassos - Day 14
Thermopylae - Loutra Ypatis
The Archaeological Site of Delphi is a major UNESCO World Heritage Site at Mount Parnassos's foot and home to ancient Greece's most famous oracle. You'll see Pan-Hellenic sanctuary monuments and visit the Archaeological Museum with 14 rooms of history. Then you head to Thermopylae, where King Leonidas I and 300 Spartans resisted 250,000 Persian soldiers in 480 BC, a pivotal moment in history. You finish in Loutra Ypatis, a spa town with hot springs and natural pools, for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Archaeological Site of Delphi
- Visit Archaeological Museum of Delphi
- Visit Thermopylae battle site
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of Loutra Ypatis
- Relax in hot springs and natural pools
- Enjoy local cuisine
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Delphi Archaeological Museum of Delphi Mount Parnassos Thermopylae (Hot Gate) 
- Day 15
Kalampaka
After breakfast, you see Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring massive sandstone peaks. Six Orthodox monasteries sit atop gigantic rocks starting from the 11th century with peak building during the 15th-century monastic revival. You'll see 16th-century frescoes marking important post-Byzantine painting development from inhabited monasteries with views of the plains below. These ancient monasteries on top of massive boulders are really something to see. You arrive in Kalampaka for two nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit monasteries of Meteora
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora
Optional Activities
- Relax and explore Kalampaka
Landmarks Meteora Monasteries 
- Day 16
Larissa - Mount Olympus - Litochoro
You continue visiting Meteora's clifftop monasteries, each with different hours and closure days and unique views. Later you travel to Larissa surrounded by lush valleys and mountains. The Ancient Theatre of Larissa on the UNESCO Tentative List is one of Greece's largest important theaters built in early 3rd century BC almost entirely of marble. You'll explore the Olympus National Park Information Center with exhibitions on geology, mythology, archaeology and Mount Olympus, Greece's first national park established in 1938. Then you reach Litochoro at Mount Olympus's base for one night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Continue visiting Meteora monasteries
- Visit Ancient Theatre of Larissa
- Visit Olympus National Park Information Center
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of Litochoro
- Browse restaurants, taverns, bars and shops
Landmarks Meteora Monasteries Ancient Theatre of Larissa Mount Olympus Olympus National Park - Day 17
Aigai - Veria
You head to Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and UNESCO World Heritage Site discovered in the 19th century near Vergina in northern Greece. See the monumental palace decorated with mosaics and painted plasterwork plus the massive burial ground with over 300 mounds, some from the 11th century BC. You'll visit the famous royal tomb of Philip II in the Great Mound and tombs of other royalties including his daughter Thessalonike. Then travel to Veria nestled between Mount Vermio slopes and the Aliakmon river for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Archaeological Site of Aigai (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit royal tombs including Philip II's tomb
Optional Activities
- Explore Veria's Byzantine churches
- Visit Apostle Paul's Podium in Veria
- Explore Macedonian and Ottoman architecture
- Wander Veria's stone-paved streets and squares
- Evening free time in Veria
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Aigai Mount Vermio Aliakmon River - Day 18
Metsovo - Ioannina
You explore the scenic mountain village of Metsovo in northwestern Greece with charming cobbled streets. A guided tour of the famous Katogi Averoff Winery gives you insights into wine and its winemaking history. You can try an optional wine tasting in the cool cellars. Metsovo is one of Greece's most famous traditional villages. Then you drive to Ioannina, Epirus's capital, for the night with free time to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Katogi Averoff Winery
- Guided tour of Katogi Averoff Winery
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Katogi Averoff Winery cellars
- Explore Metsovo cobbled streets
- Evening exploration of Ioannina
Landmarks Metsovo Katogi Averoff Winery - Day 19
Dodoni - Igoumenitsa
This is your final day. You explore Ioannina, Epirus's charming capital with lots to discover. Walk through the historic center shaped by Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures with taverns and restaurants serving local cuisine alongside cafes, bars and shops. Visit museums within the Castle of Ioannina built in 528 AD, Greece's oldest Byzantine fortress. You travel to Dodoni at Mount Tomaros's foot, an ancient city and major religious site. See the ancient theatre from early 3rd century BC on the UNESCO Tentative List, one of Greece's largest with 15,000-17,000 capacity. After exploring the Acropolis, theatre, stadium and other monuments, you return to Igoumenitsa for your final hotel drop-off.
- End point
- Igoumenitsa, Ηπειροσ, Greece (Drop off the same as pick up or by your wish in another place)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Ioannina historic centre
- Visit museums within Castle of Ioannina
- Visit Archaeological Site of Dodoni
- Visit theatre of Dodona
- Visit Acropolis of Dodoni
- Visit stadium of Dodoni
Optional Activities
- Explore Ioannina's shops, cafes, bars and restaurants
- Sample local cuisine
Landmarks Castle of Ioannina Archaeological Site of Dodoni Theatre of Dodona Mount Tomaros
