The Greeks are lauded for their unparalleled contribution to antiquity, but it is the Greece of the now - a thriving European social democracy - that might well leave a deeper impression on you. Join us on a varied tour of Attica, Thessaly and the Peloponnese. Take to the waters of the Saronic Gulf to the little isle of Aegina. Marvel at the eagle’s nest monasteries of Meteora. Or kick back with a glass of Assyrtiko in Attica’s bucolic countryside. Take centre stage in the so-called Navel of the Earth at atmospheric Delphi. Zip south into the mythical landscape of the Peloponnese to see Olympia, well-preserved Messene and Agamemnon’s ruined palace of Mycenae.
Starting with a sightseeing sweep of the capital, Athens, explore the old town Plaka district while gazing up to the Acropolis, imagining what the Temple of Athena would have been like in its Periclean heyday. Venture south to Attica’s southern Cape at Sounion, where legend has it that King Aegeus threw himself into the sea wrongly thinking that Theseus, his beloved son, had perished. Beyond Attica, let this tour widen the radius into a deeper appreciation of the Hellenic world.
Athens - Cape Sounion - Aegina - Delphi - Meteora - Olympia - Messene - Mycenae
Fly into Athens to be met by your Travel The Unknown representative. From there be transferred to your downtown hotel. Take the rest of your first day at your leisure
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: n/a
Follow up breakfast with a city tour with a difference. Starting in the nexus of all Greek political life, Syntagma Square, savour an easy stroll through the National Gardens toward the utterly charming old district of Plaka. Situated under the fortified might of the Acropolis, Plaka offers easy access to the world’s most famous statued outcrop: the Acropolis of Athens. Once on the Acropolis, pass through the Propylea and onwards to what remains of the Temple of Nike and Athena in a vivid reimagining of the glories of 5th century BC Hellas.
End on an educational note at the New Acropolis Museum before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
Journey deeper into Athens’ past with a morning visit to the Ancient Agora, once the beating heart of Athenian democracy. Walk among the ruins of the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus before moving to the Kerameikos Cemetery, where Athens’ most distinguished citizens were laid to rest. Continue with a guided tour of the National Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove of Greek antiquities, before rounding off the day at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the modern Olympic movement was born.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before setting off for Cape Sounio along the scenic coastal road, passing the idyllic beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. Arrive at the Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the Aegean. As the sun sets, bask in the golden light that has captivated poets and travelers for centuries before indulging in a seafood feast at a traditional taverna by the sea. (alternative diets can also be catered for)
End with a picturesque return to Athens.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
Swap the city’s energy for the tranquillity of the Attica countryside with a visit to a local winery. Stroll through the vineyards, learn about Greece’s ancient winemaking heritage, and sample a selection of fine wines paired with local delicacies. Take the afternoon at leisure in Athens, perhaps exploring hidden neighbourhoods, revisiting favourite sites, or simply relaxing in a shaded café with a glass of chilled Assyrtiko.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
An all day island escapade greets you today. Escape by ferry to the island of Aegina, a sun-kissed gem in the Saronic Gulf. Meander through its charming port town, lined with neoclassical mansions, before venturing inland to discover the awe-inspiring Temple of Aphaia, an architectural marvel that predates the Parthenon. Spend the afternoon at leisure—swim in crystal-clear waters, explore the island’s pistachio orchards, or enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the harbour—before returning to Athens in the evening.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
A couple of hours west of Athens lies Delphi, the navel of the ancient world, where the Oracle once shaped the fate of kings. En route, pass through Thebes and the picturesque village of Arachova, famed for its mountain charm. In Delphi, explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, where ancient pilgrims sought divine guidance. Stand before the Athenian Treasury, walk the Sacred Way, and marvel at the Theatre and Stadium before visiting the museum, home to the famed bronze Charioteer. Return to Athens in the evening.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
Board an early train to Meteora, a realm of surreal beauty where monasteries appear to float atop towering rock pillars. With a local guide, visit one of these centuries-old sanctuaries, stepping into a world of Byzantine frescoes, candlelit chapels, and panoramic views. Stop at scenic viewpoints to take in the sheer scale of Meteora’s otherworldly landscape before making the return journey to Athens, stopping briefly at Thermopylae to pay homage to Leonidas and his legendary stand.
Return by train to Athens in the evening.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
Depart Athens and journey westward to the Peloponnese, a land steeped in myth and legend. Arriving in Olympia, explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games. It was here that athletes gathered for a quadrennial exhibition of speed, height and strength from 776BC to 393AD. Wander through the ancient stadium where athletes competed over two millennia ago, stand before the ruins of the colossal Temple of Zeus, and visit the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is still kindled. Conclude the day at the Olympia Archaeological Museum before continuing to Kalamata for the night.
Overnight in Garden City, Kalamata
Meal plan: Breakfast
Discover Ancient Messene, one of Greece’s most remarkably preserved classical cities. Walk through the monumental Arcadian Gate, explore the grand Agora, and marvel at the vast theatre that once hosted thousands of spectators. Continue to the Stadium and Gymnasium, where athletes trained, and step inside the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a healing centre devoted to the god of medicine. After a deep dive into this extraordinary site, return to Kalamata for the evening.
Overnight in Garden City, Kalamata
Meal plan: Breakfast
Step into the world of Mycenaean Greece with a visit to the legendary city of Mycenae, home of King Agamemnon. Pass through the megalithic Lion Gate, the earliest known monumental sculpture in Europe, and explore the beehive tombs and palace ruins that tell the story of a civilization lost to time. En route back to Athens, pause in Ancient Corinth, once a prosperous city-state, where St. Paul preached to early Christians. On this closing night of the tour, roll back into Athens where the tavernas will be in full swing.
Overnight in Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal plan: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Greece, taking one last opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of Athens before transferring to the airport for your return flight.
Extensions within Greece or to one of its charming islands can also be arranged. Contact us for more information.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, this contemporary hotel features a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Parthenon. The air-conditioned rooms include free Wi-Fi, and Syngrou-Fix Metro Station is only a 3-minute walk away.
Blending modern and classic design, the rooms at Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel are fitted with flat-screen TVs and eco-friendly mattresses. Some rooms boast spacious balconies, while others offer views of the Acropolis from their balcony.
The charming districts of Plaka and Monastiraki, as well as the historic Panathinaikon Stadium, are just a 10-minute walk away.
A new boutique addition to Kalamata's low-slung skyline, the Garden City provides 25 manicured rooms to make yours a pleasant a stylish stay. Built around an inner garden courtyard, the hotel boasts a gym, spa and Saffron restaurant. Enjoy the Peloponesse' southern charm in these warm and comfortable surroundings.
Where Legends Come to Life