Itinerary
- Day 1
Igoumenitsa to Arta
A driver will collect you from your hotel, airport, or marina and take you north to Parga. This coastal town sits along the Ionian Sea with a Venetian castle overlooking the waterfront, sandy beaches, and cafes lining the harbor. After walking around and getting a feel for the place, you'll head inland to Arta for the night, leaving the afternoon and evening free to explore this ancient city on your own.
- Start point
- Igoumenitsa, Ηπειροσ, Greece (Pick up at any hotel or place, in or around Igoumenitsa)
Optional Activities
- Explore Parga's beaches, castle, and waterfront restaurants and shops
Landmarks Parga Venetian Castle of Parga - Day 2
Oiniades - Messolonghi - Nafpaktos
Start the morning in Arta checking out the old stone bridge and the ruins of ancient Ambracia scattered throughout the area. The 13th-century Byzantine castle and several Byzantine churches, including Panagia Paregoretissa, are also worth your time. Stop by the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from the region, then head west toward the coast. At Oiniades you'll see a unique horseshoe-shaped ancient theater, and then pass through Messolonghi and its wetland areas before arriving in Nafpaktos on the Gulf of Corinth for the night.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Arta
- Explore Arta's Byzantine churches and castle
- Visit the theater of Oeniadae (UNESCO Tentative List)
- Visit Messolonghi National Park of Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons
Landmarks Medieval Stone Bridge of Arta Byzantine Castle of Arta Panagia Paregoretissa Archaeological Museum of Arta Theater of Oeniadae National Park of Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons 
- Day 3
Rio - Patras
Nafpaktos is a beach town with a medieval castle that provides views across to the Ionian Sea. The area has historical significance from the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, and there's a statue honoring Miguel de Cervantes. Later, drive east along the coast to Rio where you can see another medieval fortress right on the water and catch sight of the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge spanning the strait. You'll continue to Patras for your third night's accommodation.
Optional Activities
- Explore Nafpaktos castle and port
- Visit Nafpaktos beaches
- Explore Rio's medieval fortress and waterfront
Landmarks Nafpaktos Castle Statue of Miguel de Cervantes Rio-Antirrio Bridge Rio Medieval Fortress 
- Day 4
Kalogria Beach - Olympia
After breakfast in Patras, head up to the medieval castle for views over the city and surrounding area. The Cathedral of Saint Andrew is next, an important pilgrimage destination with its large dome. In the afternoon, head south to Kalogria Beach, where pine forests meet the sand and you might see various bird species if you're interested in that. From there it's a longer drive inland to Olympia, arriving in time to settle in for a two-night stay at this historic location.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Medieval Castle of Patras
- Visit Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Explore Kalogria Beach
Landmarks Medieval Castle of Patras Cathedral of Saint Andrew Kalogria Beach 
- Day 5
Olympia
Spend this day at Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games held every four years beginning in 776 BC. You'll walk through the temples and see the structures where athletes competed in ancient times. Two main museums here contain some of Greece's finest artifacts from the classical period, and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia has extensive collections. The evening is yours to relax or wander around the town as you like.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia
- Visit the Museum of Ancient and Modern Olympic Games
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia Archaeological Museum of Olympia Sanctuary of Zeus 
- Day 6
Ancient Messene - Sparta
Today you'll head to Ancient Messene, an archaeological site at the base of Mount Ithomi with impressive defensive walls, gates, towers, and several temples spread across the landscape. The stadium and theater are also well-preserved. After that, continue to Sparta and see the ancient city's remains including the Acropolis area, a statue of King Leonidas, and Roman and Byzantine bath structures. You'll spend the night in Sparta itself.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene
- Visit Sparta's Archaeological Site
- Visit Sparta's Acropolis
- View statue of King Leonidas
- Visit Roman and Byzantine Baths of Sparta
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene Sparta Acropolis Statue of King Leonidas Roman and Byzantine Baths of Sparta 
- Day 7
Mystras - Sparta
The morning takes you to Mystras, a medieval city built in layers up a hillside around a 13th-century fortress. You'll walk through the fortified settlement seeing museums, monasteries, churches, chapels, and old houses and palaces spread throughout. Grab lunch at a local tavern in the area, then return to Sparta. The afternoon and evening are free to check out the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, shop, or sit at cafes and restaurants around town.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Archaeological Site of Mystras
- Explore Mystras' monasteries and churches
- Visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil in Sparta
- Lunch in a local tavern
Landmarks Mystras Medieval Castle of Mystras Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil - Day 8
Mycenae - Corinth Canal - Loutraki
After breakfast, drive north to Mycenae, an ancient site from around the 14th to 13th century BC when Mycenaean civilization was at its height. The famous Lion Gate is the main draw here, the only surviving large sculptural work from that era. Continue to the Corinth Canal, one of the most impressive modern engineering feats, and the ancient Diolkos nearby where you can enjoy views of the gulf. By evening you'll reach Loutraki, a seaside resort town on the Corinthian Gulf cove.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae
- View the Lion Gate
- Visit the Bronze Age Citadel of Mycenae
- View the Corinth Canal and Ancient Diolkos
Landmarks Mycenae Lion Gate of Mycenae Corinth Canal Ancient Diolkos 
- Day 9
Livadeia - Monastery Hosios Loukas - Arachova - Delphi
Head north to Livadeia, a historic city with ties to ancient Troy and home to the Oracle of Trofonios. Walk around the 14th-century medieval castle and along the Erkynas River. Continue up the slopes of Mount Parnassos to visit the walled Monastery of Hosios Loukas, an important Byzantine site representing the second peak period of Byzantine art. Pass through Arachova with its narrow streets and ski resort infrastructure on your way to Delphi for the night.
Optional Activities
- Explore Livadeia's medieval castle and Erkynas River
- Visit the Monastery of Hosios Loukas
- Explore Arachova's town center and shops
- Stroll through Delphi town
Landmarks Medieval Castle of Livadeia Oracle of Trofonios Monastery of Hosios Loukas Mount Parnassos - Day 10
Thermopylae - Loutra Ypatis
Visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi at the foot of Mount Parnassos, one of ancient Greece's most important sanctuaries dedicated to the god Apollo. The oracle here was consulted by people from across the Greek world. The museum has 14 sections covering the site's long history. From there, travel northeast to Thermopylae, the famous pass where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made their stand against a much larger Persian force in 480 BC. End your day in Loutra Ypatis, a quiet spa town.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi
- Visit Thermopylae
- Explore Loutra Ypatis town
Landmarks Archaeological Site of Delphi Archaeological Museum of Delphi Oracle of Apollo Mount Parnassos Thermopylae 
- Day 11
Meteora - Kalampaka
This morning brings you to Meteora, where six Orthodox monasteries sit atop massive sandstone rock formations. Monks built these structures starting in the 11th century seeking isolation from the world. The buildings contain 16th-century frescoes showing important stages in post-Byzantine art. You'll spend the day exploring these remarkable sites and taking in the views across the plains below. Later you'll head to Kalampaka for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora
- Visit Orthodox monasteries of Meteora
Landmarks Meteora - Day 12
Meteora
A second day at Meteora gives you time to explore the monasteries without rushing since each has its own opening schedule and visiting days. The different monasteries have different features and offer distinct views of the surrounding landscape. You can take your time going through them and experiencing the spiritual setting. Back in Kalampaka in the afternoon and evening, you'll have free time to check out shops, eat at restaurants, or experience the local nightlife.
Optional Activities
- Continue visiting clifftop monasteries of Meteora
- Explore Kalampaka town
Landmarks Meteora - Day 13
Ioannina - Dodoni - Igoumenitsa
On your final day, travel to Ioannina in the Epirus region and walk through the historic center where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities have left their mark over the centuries. The Castle of Ioannina, built in 528 AD, is the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece and now houses museums you can tour. Head south to Dodoni at the base of Mount Tomaros, site of one of Greece's oldest oracles with one of its largest ancient theaters that could hold around 15,000 to 17,000 people. Finish at Igoumenitsa where you'll be dropped at your hotel according to your schedule.
- End point
- Igoumenitsa, Ηπειροσ, Greece (Drop off the same as pick up or by your wish in another place)
Optional Activities
- Explore Ioannina's historic centre
- Visit the museums in the Castle of Ioannina
- Visit the Archaeological Site of Dodoni
- Explore Dodoni's ancient theater, Acropolis, and stadium
Landmarks Castle of Ioannina Archaeological Site of Dodoni Theater of Dodona Oracle of Dodoni Mount Tomaros
