Compare Highlights of Ancient Greece by Exodus Travels vs Classical Greece & Islands of the Aegean by Titan Travel

Day 1 Start Athens

Our adventure begins in Athens, an enthralling capital city soaked in myth and legend. Depending on when you land, you may have time to explore a little or perhaps dive into a taverna to sink your teeth into the much-loved local cuisine. Either way, we’ll gather at the hotel for a welcoming briefing in the evening when we’ll meet as a group for the first time. Accommodation: Arion Hotel or Achilleas Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Morning walking tour of Athens, including the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and Plaka; afternoon free to explore Athens

This morning we embark on a walking tour of Athens, taking in the Acropolis ruins and artefact-filled Acropolis Museum. This walk is actually a journey through the history of the city; from the classical world ruled by the Olympian deities to the 21st century. The afternoon is free for you to explore Athens on your own. Your leader can suggest where to visit. Please note: During busy periods, the walking tour might take place in the afternoon when it is quieter and the morning will be free. Accommodation: Arion Hotel or Achilleas Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 To Nafplio, visiting Ancient Corinth and Mycenae en route

After breakfast, we head to Nafplio. On the way, we stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. We then visit the archaeological site of Corinth, one of the major cities in antiquity and an important centre of trade. Extended excavations here have revealed a Roman forum, temples, fountains and various other monuments. We then continue to the archaeological site of Mycenae, the kingdom of legendary Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Mycenae comprises a fortified acropolis and surrounding funerary and habitation sites. We then head to the picturesque town of Nafplio, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Rex Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Morning visit to the fortress of Palamidi; afternoon to explore ancient Epidaurus

Today we visit the impressive Venetian fortress of Palamidi, overlooking the town. It was initially fortified by the Venetians during the second Venetian occupation of the area (1686-1715). In 1715, it was captured by the Turks and remained under their control until 1822, when it was liberated by the Greeks. The most important monuments we’ll visit are the castle, and the prison of Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek Revolution. Next, we will explore Epidaurus (approximately a 45-minute drive from Nafplio), where the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the most famous healing centre of the classical world, is found. We’ll also visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the finest examples of its kind. In the afternoon, we head to Mystras, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Byzantion (or similar)

Day 5 Morning to explore Mystras; afternoon to Pylos, visiting Ancient Messene en route

This morning we visit Mystras, a Unesco World Heritage site known as the Wonder of the Morea. The site occupies a steep foothill on the northern slopes of Mount Taygetos and has a Frankish castle that came under Byzantine control in 1262, before becoming a seat of the Despotate of Morea in the mid-14th century. In 1460, it was captured by the Turks, but was liberated again in 1821. We explore the site on foot, visiting beautiful Byzantine churches, mostly built between the 12th and 15th centuries; the palaces of the Mystras Despots; and some urban buildings. Please note: Unfortunately, the castle and the palaces are closed for reconstruction so we are unable to enter any buildings. We will have a look at them from the outside. In the afternoon, we head towards ancient Messene, one of the finest and best-restored archaeological sites in Greece, yet still relatively unknown. Lying in a fertile valley, below Mount Ithomi in central Messenia, the site was first inhabited during the Late Neolithic or the Early Bronze ages. Among the site monuments, we will visit the ancient theatre, agora, and Asclepeion. The stadium and gymnasium are among the most impressive and well-preserved building complexes in ancient Messene. We then drive to the seaside town of Pylos, where we will spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Karalis (or similar)

Day 6 Morning to explore the Castle of Pylos; to Olympia or Katakolo

After breakfast, we will visit the Castle of Pylos, which also hosts a fine exhibition and museum of underwater antiquities. Here you will find out more about underwater archeology in Greece, how research, excavations and preservation of the antiquities take place. You will also see artefacts from shipwrecks found in the sea near the Peloponnese and Ionian islands. After lunch, we’ll drive along the west coast of the Peloponnese towards Olympia where we spend the night (approximately a two-hour drive). Accommodation: Hotel Pelops (or similar)

Day 7 Explore Ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games

After breakfast, we visit ancient Olympia, the site that hosted the first Olympic Games. At the confluence of two rivers, in a lush landscape, near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia is the most important religious and athletic centre in Ancient Greece. We will explore this major archeological site, including the Sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings put up around it, such as an athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings, and other lay buildings and monuments (the Temple of Hera, the Council House, the Ancient Stadium and Gymnasium and the Altar of Zeus). After lunch, we will drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to Delphi where we will spend the night. En route, we will cross from the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece and will have the chance to admire the cable-stayed Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a masterpiece of architecture. Accommodation: Nidimos Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Morning to explore Delphi; afternoon visit to Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus; to Meteora

In the morning, we will head to the Unesco World Heritage site of Delphi. We will explore this magnificent archaeological zone on foot, the place that in ancient times was considered the centre of the world, the place where heaven and Earth met. According to mythology, it is here that two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Once at the archaeological site, we’ll visit the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and of the Siphnians, the ancient theatre and the Castalian Spring that was considered the sacred source of Delphi. After lunch, we head northeast to the Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora (approximately a four-hour drive). Meteora is one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Situated over the town of Kalampaka, on the northwest edge of the Plain of Thessaly (in central Greece), Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in Greece. Steep sandstone rocks, rising more than 1,312ft (400m) above the ground, were formed about 60m years ago through fluvial erosion, earthquakes and geological changes. What makes Meteora even more astonishing are the monasteries perched on top of rocky pinnacles. We aim to arrive in Meteora late afternoon, going to several viewpoints where we can enjoy panoramic views over the Kalampaka plain and stone forest of Meteora. Accommodation: Hotel Meteoritis (or similar)

Day 9 Explore the Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora; afternoon to Athens airport and end

After breakfast, we will visit one of the cliff–top monasteries of Meteora and learn more about their history and monastic life. The area of Meteora was initially inhabited by monks who lived in caves within the rocks during the 11th century. Please note: Clothing must cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to enter the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. In the late 12th century, a small church called the Panaghia Doupiani was built at the foot of one of the rocks, but during the Turkish occupation it became less secure so the monks climbed higher and higher up the rocks to protect themselves from different conquerors. Numerous monasteries were systematically built on top of the rocks so by the end of the 15th century there were 24 constructed in total; today only 6 of them are still active. The monks had to climb up ladders or use baskets and ropes to transfer the material for the construction of these monasteries and until 1920 this was the only means for getting supplies. After lunch, we’ll return to Athens airport (approximately a 4hr 30min drive) where our adventure will end. Please note, we offer post-tour accommodation if you prefer to fly back the next day.

Day 1 UK - Athens
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Athens. On arrival, you are met by Voyages to Antiquity representatives and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Athens
Athens has been influenced by many, and has itself influenced the world. Choose to visit to the Acropolis, the 5th century BC site dominated by the Parthenon; or visit Illissia Mansion, home to the Byzantine and Christian Museum which holds the world’s largest collection of icons, and then the Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani with its fine frescoes and elegant gardens.

Day 3 Athens - Delphi
We drive to Osios Loukas, a World Heritage-listed Byzantine monastery, en route to Delphi. Rooted deep in ancient Greek myths, a sanctuary to Apollo was created here and, between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, the Delphic Oracle sat within it, channelling the god’s wisdom. It was also the site of the Pythian Games, the second most important after the Olympics. We stay at a hotel in Delphi tonight.

Day 4 Delphi - Nauplia
Mycenae was one of the greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. Hear stories of great Greek victories and tragedies on a tour of a town that rivalled Troy, before we continue to Nauplia, where we stay tonight.

Day 5 Epidaurus - Piraeus
We visit Epidaurus, known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the theatre. We continue to Piraeus to embark Aegean Odyssey (4T).

Day 6 Santorini
Enjoy the wonderful scenes and visit the picturesque villages of Santorini, including Oia, a village famed for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. Then choose from Akrotiri, an archaeological site that reveals an amazingly well-preserved city of houses, streets, squares and workshops, or Argyros Winery. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 7 Heraklion
We spend the morning at the magnificent Palace of Knossos, with its flamboyant decoration, courts, audience chambers and residential areas is an impressive and inspiring site. The guided tour will take you through this legend-rich, entrancing complex that sprawled across five acres, where everything from the throne room to royal living quarters is reconstructed with meticulous care. On our return to Heraklion, we will visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilisation of Crete. An optional afternoon tour to explore Cretan village life is also available.

Day 8 Agios Nikolaos
A day at leisure to enjoy the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos.

Day 9 Karpathos
Enjoy the dramatic scenery and wild mountains in Karpathos, a craggy island that has largely escaped commercialisation. Karpathos has many customs practised nowhere else in Greece, and women can still be seen wearing the island’s traditional, colourful clothes. It is believed that Prometheus and his Titans were born here.

Day 10 Rhodes
Leave behind the port where the Colossus once stood and discover a stunning ensemble of Gothic architecture in Rhodes Town. Many structures date to the era of the Knights of St John. Visit the restored Grand Master’s Palace which served as a fortress and later, a summer residence of Mussolini. Or you may prefer to take an excursion to the Acropolis at Lindos. At the summit is the Doric Temple of Lindian Athena, an archaeological jewel with views over St Paul’s Bay, where the Apostle is said to have sought shelter.

Day 11 Nisyros
Discover the treasures of beautiful Nisyros, created according to mythology, during the war between Gods and Giants. The long history has left faint traces of Minoan and Mycenaean cultures, many classical sculptures, Roman baths and byzantine churches, although standing in ruins today. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 12 Delos - Mykonos
Discover the tiny, deserted isle of Delos, the religious centre of the Cyclades. Some of the richest archaeological treasure troves in Greece await as you leave the sacred harbour on your guided walking tour, including the spectacular Avenue of the Lions and the guardians of the sacred lake where Leto gave birth to the twin gods, Artemis and Apollo. The afternoon is then at leisure in Mykonos, a cosmopolitan island said to have been formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. This charming, whitewashed resort also offers spots of historical interest. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 13 Piraeus - Athens - UK
We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.