Tour

Greek Explorer | Summer | 2024
from USD 3035

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: BGEXA19
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 11 Days
Country: Greece

THE important sites from the ancient classical world. Natural wonders that give you shivers even when it’s warm. Starting in the current capital, working our way to the first modern capital, Nafplio, via Olympia, Kalambaka, Corfu and oh so many more in 11 sun-soaked days. Acropolises, oracles, stadiums, gorges. Some of the best scenery you’ve ever witnessed – plus an actual castle in the sky. From the classical to the ob-skewer. This. Is. Greece.



Greek Explorer

Dining Summary

  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Included Experience

  • Athens: A locally guided tour of Athens, including entry to the legendary Acropolis.
  • Delphi: One of Greece’s most important (and simply stunning) historical sites, with a guide on hand to answer all our questions.
  • Temple of Apollo In Delphi: Apollo may be the God of music and harmony, but it’s you who’ll be singing his praises after this temple tour.
  • Meteora: Dating as far back as the 14th century, these monasteries are mesmerising from the inside as well as out.
  • Zagori: There's no better place to check out the traditional villages in Greece than the Zagori region. And that's what you'll get to do today! Imposing hills, and beautiful forests, studded with little houses - there are 46 such villages for you to explore.
  • Zagori: Today we’ll visit Ioannina and see the Monastery of Agios Panteleimon.
  • Corfu: Grab a book. Hit the waves. Sip a drink. Soak the sunshine. Whatever you choose to do, you're guaranteed to have a good time chilling on one of Corfu's incredible beaches.
  • Archaeological Site of Olympia: This is your chance to see the official birthplace of the Olympic Games IRL. With a local guide on hand to impart all their wisdom, we'll check out the Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Hera and Zeus, plus much more.
  • Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Stroll around the ancient city of Mycenae with an expert. Hear the myths and legends and see the Palace of Agamemnon. 
  • Corinth Canal: The world’s deepest canal is an epic sight. It was carved through the rock, as a link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Make Travel Matter®

: Take some time to visit a long held family run Beekeeping business in Delphi and learn all about the benefits that bees bring to the environment. View the bees and discover how honey is produced in this tradition that dates all the way back from Ancient Greece.

  • Dorian Inn (or similar)
  • Europa Beach Hotel (or similar)
  • Edelweiss Hotel (or similar)
  • A conveniently located hotel
  • Karda Bungalows (or similar)
  • Neda Hotel (or similar)
  • Nafplia Hotel (or similar)
Day 1 Start Athens

We’ll start out in Athens (where else?) Say hey to your Trip Manager and get to know your Contiki crew who’ll be your fav people in the world in 11 days’ time (trust us.) Our first activity is an Athens orientation walk, where we’ll explore the Plaka neighbourhood – famed for its cobbled streets, ancient monuments and saucy ceramics.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Dorian Inn (or similar)

Day 2 Athens

Welcome to your first full day. To celebrate, we’ll up our sightseeing game, complete with a local guide to answer all your burning questions about ancient Greece. The jewel in today’s crown is the legendary Acropolis of Athens. With a free day to look forward to after our guided tour, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb its magic, and check out the nearby museum (which we highly recommend.) Peckish? Athens is renowned for its grilled meats and veggies, so do make sure you give them a try.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Dorian Inn (or similar)

Day 3 Athens To Galaxidi Via Delphi

Rise and shine, Greek explorers! We’ll start with breakfast and then hit the road. Bucket lists at the ready, folks. We’re going to be doing some hardcore ticking on our stop-off at Delphi. You’ll see the site of Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi – once the intellectual and spiritual centre of the ancient classical world, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make sure you save some excitement for the Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 4th century B.C. After marvelling at the ancient stadium, we’ll enjoy a local lunch and then continue on our journey to Galaxidi… light on our feet but with hearts throbbing from newfound historical lore. After views of Venetian fortresses on our journey, we’ll touch down in the magical Galaxidi. Once you get settled at tonight’s accom, we recommend a stroll down to the harbourside and sampling the local fish.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Europa Beach Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Galaxidi To Kalambaka Via Meteora

This morning we’ll eat breakfast and then set off for one VERY picturesque drive to Meteora. Meet Meteora, one of Greece’s truly breathtaking sites, where natural and man-made beauty come together like flowers in a vase. Mystical monasteries perched on enormous sandstone rocks. Seriously. You’ll think you’ve walked into a scene from Lord of the Rings. Tonight will probably be reserved for pics, pics and more pics.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Edelweiss Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Kalambaka To Zagori

Today we’re off to the mountains as we continue fattening up our insta feeds. Zagori averages about 4 inhabitants per square kilo – so basically it’s tranquil AF and you’ll experience some serious zen here. This afternoon, you’re free to hike the riverbanks and continue taking in this area’s natural beauty at your own pace.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel

Day 6 Zagori

Home to stone villages, epic caves and traditional monasteries. There's plenty in Zagori to keep you wide-eyed with wonder... especially Vikos Canyon, which might be one of the best views on planet Earth. Good thing you've got all day to explore however you like, right?

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel

Day 7 Zagori To Corfu

Zo long, Zagori. It’s been delightful… truly. En-route to Corfu, we’ll stop off at Ioannina to admire Lake Pamvotis and learn all about the fascinating history surrounding the Agios Panteleimon monastery. (His Dark Materials fans, this is your moment…) Ferry good. We’ll travel on the water to Corfu, where you'll have a free evening to relax and wander to your heart’s content.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Karda Bungalows (or similar)

Day 8 Corfu

Today you're free to soak up this sun-kissed island however you like. Whether you're going all out for the historic fortresses and palaces, or you're just kicking back by the beach, it's completely your call.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Karda Bungalows (or similar)

Day 9 Corfu To Olympia

We’ll take a ‘marathon’ journey to a destination that’s worthy of at least a silver medal. (Wink wink nudge nudge.) Yup, today we’re off to Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Neda Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Olympia To Nafplion

Relax. Today, we’re doing ’em all. The temple of Zeus, once home to one of the 7 wonders of the world. The gymnasium where the athletes trained. The Nymphaeum. The Stadium. We’ll also visit the nearby museum, whose standout works include the Hermes statue and the Nike of Victory. (Nope, not deliveries and nope, not the sports brand – but you’ll soon see how both brands got their name.) Set off to Nafplion, the first capital city of modern Greece. The city itself is a pleasure to walk around with great views to the waterfront and some lovely neoclassical buildings which manage to maintain the grand feel of this city. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful and historical towns of Greece.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Nafplia Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Nafplion To Athens

Expect great waterfront views and regal neoclassical buildings that will inspire pure awe. The atmosphere here is larger than life and grander-than-grand, but somehow still super relaxed at the same time. Gosh, how do we do it? Between Napfilion and Athens, we'll be stopping off at the famous Mycenae site for a guided tour. With a mind full of memz and a belly full of breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to Nafplio and head back to Athens – where you’re free to do whatever you like. Next adventure, anyone?

Duration: 1 Day

Departs On Returns On Single OccupancyTwin RoomTriple Room Definite Departure  
Sun, 19 May 2024 Wed, 29 May 2024 USD 4,780USD 3,195USD 3,035
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Sun, 11 Aug 2024 Wed, 21 Aug 2024 USD 5,415USD 3,829USD 3,638
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