Greece Undiscovered - Small Group, Winter
Greece Undiscovered - Small Group, Winter
Greece Undiscovered - Small Group, Winter
15 Days Starting in Athens and ending in Chania
Visiting: Athens, Thermopylae, Thessaloniki, Vergina, Metsovo, Ioannina, Delphi, Nemea, Nafplio, Archaeological Site of Mycenae, Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus, Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SW952M19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Bask in the splendours of the ancient world on this 15-day Greece tour. Explore the Acropolis and the Arch of Hadrian in Athens. See where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C at the Temple of Zeus and in the city of Mycenae, take in the giant Cyclopean stones. Thessaloniki’s markets tempt you with regional delicacies and a local beekeeper invites you to tour his family-run honey farm. On the romantic isle of Crete, stroll medieval towns and get up close and personal with archaeological finds.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Dinner
Ancient civilizations dating back to 2700 BC, Greece has lured the most curious of travellers for centuries. Your Insight host meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel where you have time to settle in. Begin your time on Greece Undiscovered joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a delightful evening of Greek favourites and wine.
Day 2: The Glorious City Of Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sites so iconic they will leave you spellbound, starting with the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. View the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Zeus, Parliament building, the tomb of the unknown soldier and the trilogy of Athens. Then hug the Athenian coast to the town of Glyfada for a fascinating MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the first Turtle sanctuary in the Mediterranean, the Glyfada Turtle Rehabilitation and Rescue Centre (Archelon). Meet the care team and learn about the work being done to help injured turtles, protect the species and create awareness on the importance of protecting these majestic animals. This evening, choose to join an optional dinner experience in lively Psiri.
Day 3: Ancient Dion And Onto Thessaloniki
Location: Athens, Thermopylae, Thessaloniki
Accommodation: Electra Palace, Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: Electra Palace, Thessaloniki
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark north from Athens to the mountain pass and battle site of Thermopylae. Learn how at this very spot King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his Spartans as you pay homage. Your next stop is the archaeological park of Ancient Dion located at the foot of Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the 12 Greek Gods illuminated by your Local Expert. Hear the insightful stories and myths of this fascinating site also known as the city of Zeus. This afternoon’s destination is the City of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. After settling in, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with northern Greek cuisine and wine.
Day 4: Thessaloniki, The Foodie Capital
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation: Electra Palace, Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: Electra Palace, Thessaloniki
Meals Included: Breakfast
From ancient archaeological sites to contemporary art exhibitions, the port city of Thessaloniki is yours to discover today on your Greece tour with Insight Choice. Explore with a Local Expert, walking the quaint narrow streets of the old town or “Ano Poli” to take in views of the city below. Spot the landmark White Tower, the Rotunda Monument and the beautiful church of Saint Demetrius. Or, indulge your foodie side exploring Thessaloniki city while sampling local delicacies with your Travel Director. On your walking tour of Thessaloniki’s markets, sample local delicacies such sesame rings, fragrant cheeses, cured meats and the famous bougatsa - a creamy custard and filo pastry dessert. Conclude your excursion with the stroll along the harbour enveloped in a sea breeze and views of the white tower.
Day 5: Vergina, Metsovo And Onto Ioannina
Location: Thessaloniki, Vergina, Metsovo, Ioannina
Accommodation: Du Lac, Ionannina
Accommodation Name: Du Lac, Ioannina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Full of curiosities, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vergina – historically known as Aigai – is a treasure trove of important remains including a monumental palace and burial ground with more than 300 tumuli. Your Local Expert reveals the excavations and the tomb where Alexander the Great’s father Philippos is believed to be buried. Continue your discovery at the Polycentric Museum of Agaia where you can peruse artifacts of the life, culture and history of the Kingdom of Macedonia. Culinary delights await as you visit the traditional mountain town of Metsovo, famous for its cheese and grilled meats as well as stone architecture. Stroll at your leisure and perhaps sample some of the local fare before arriving at your hotel in the lakeside town of Ioannina for dinner.
Day 6: Picturesque Ioannina
Location: Ioannina
Accommodation: Du Lac, Ionannina
Accommodation Name: Du Lac, Ioannina
Meals Included: Breakfast
The town of Ioannina will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. Delve into its history as you walk inside the castle walls of the old fortified city, the Kastro, punctuated with ancient towers. From striking architecture to natural beauty, view the beautiful lake Pamvotis before hopping on a local boat cruising to the island of Ioannina. The optional cruise is a car-free escape that invites you to stroll quiet streets, see the Ali Pasha Museum and the Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Philanthropinoi. Live the good life and perhaps treat yourself to freshly made baklava.
Day 7: Venetian Town Of Nafpaktos To Galaxidi
Location: Ioannina, Delphi
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Delphi.
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Delphi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The site of the Great Sea battle of Lepanto, scenery and history are revealed on your visit to the Venetian town of Nafpaktos. Begin your discovery exploring the sights and insights where the 1571 Battle of Lepanto in the bay of Nafpaktou marked the victory of the Spanish Empire and their European allies against the Ottoman Empire. The Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes even played a role in the battle and lost his left hand. Nafpaktos Port, once used to defend the city, is now home to gorgeous private yachts. Admire the yachts, an old lighthouse and two statues depicting the Greek national hero Anemogiannis and Cervantes. Continue your travels to Galaxidi en route Delphi, your home for the next two nights on your Greece tour, where you’ll unwind sampling local dishes at a restaurant.
Day 8: Delphi With A Local
Location: Delphi
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Delphi.
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Delphi.
Meals Included: Breakfast
No visit to Greece is complete without a trip to Delphi. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi, once lined with offertory temples, with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still intact after thousands of years. Approach the Temple of Apollo where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her ‘words,' rumored to have predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Continue to embrace all things local with a visit to the hand-selected family-run Moka honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that advances Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Taste the rich thyme honey – known to be one of the most nutritious in the world – freshly collected from the hive and get up close to the unique biodiversity of the area under the guidance of passionate beekeeper Nikiforos.
Day 9: Onto Nafplion
Location: Delphi, Nemea, Nafplio
Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel, 3Sixty, Nafplio, Castellano, Nafplio
Accommodation Name: Ippoliti, Nafplio, 3Sixty, Nafplio, Castellano, Nafplio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
With the impressive Rio Andirio cable span bridge - one of the longest in Europe - guiding your journey, travel to the Peloponnese. The flavours of the wine making region of Nemea delight your palate over a winery tour and tasting with a light pairing lunch. Relaxed and ready for more sights and insights, arrive in Nafplio – the first capital of modern Greece. Your Travel Director reveals the sights of Nafplio on an orientation walk taking you past Neoclassical buildings with cascading bougainvillea, boutiques, restaurants and cafes, the first parliament of Modern Greece and the central square where locals and visitors gather. As the sun sets, the Venetian castle of Palamidi lights up the town.
Day 10: The Beauty Of Nafplio
Location: Nafplio, Archaeological Site of Mycenae, Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus, Nafplio
Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel, 3Sixty, Nafplio, Castellano, Nafplio
Accommodation Name: Ippoliti, Nafplio, 3Sixty, Nafplio, Castellano, Nafplio
Meals Included: Breakfast
Classical Greek culture is revealed on your visit to the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Gain insight into these ruins of the two of the greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization which defined and shaped classical Greek culture and are linked to Homer’s the Iliad and the Odyssey. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Continue your exploration of the ancient world visiting the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in Greece. Built in the 4th century BC, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus was once a sacred healing centre that attracted people who sought treatment by the resident priests. Today, the theatre is best known for its excellent acoustics due to the steps’ “acoustic traps” and is still in use for theatrical performances. Before returning to Nafplio, stop at a local olive oil factory to learn about the olive oil making process while tasting extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet.
Day 11: The Big Island Of Crete, Heraklion
Location: Nafplio, Athens, Heraklion
Accommodation: Megaron, Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Megaron, Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rich in history and natural beauty, Crete lives up to its name, “the island of the gods.” Travel to Athens crossing the mighty engineering feat, the Corinth Canal, for your flight to Crete, your home for the next four nights. In the town of Heraklion, take an orientation walking tour viewing sites such as the ‘Koules’ fortress, Venetian Loggia, Morosini Fountain, Basilica of St Mark, Churcof Agios Titus, medieval monastery of St Catherine and the Cathedral of Agios Minas. You’ve surely worked up an appetite and Cretan cuisine is traditionally considered some of the best in Greece. This evening, try some of the local dishes accompanied by the “fiery” local drink raki.
Day 12: Heraklion History With A Local
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation: Megaron, Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Megaron, Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ancient ruins, sea, sand and sun, the island of Crete has lured historians and travellers just like you. Get up close and personal exploring the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the largest of the surviving Minoan palaces. Cited as the birthplace of the first civilization of Europe - the Minoans - you’ll uncover ancient treasures including the Central Court, Throne Room, Grand Staircase and fresco of the ‘Prince of the Lilies.’ Perhaps imagine the Cretan legend of the Minotaur who lived in the Labyrinth and was slain by Theseus. Further your discovery of the island and its past on a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion with a Local Expert for an insightful background to the history and culture of Crete. You’ll see more treasures from the Palace of Knossos, astounded by the incredible details in pieces from thousands of years ago.
Day 13: Rethymno And Onto Chania
Location: Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania
Accommodation: Samaria, Chania
Accommodation Name: Samaria, Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast
One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Greece and one of the most beautiful towns in Crete, Rethymno will enchant the most curious of travellers. Take a walking tour of the city. Follow a cobbled alleyway lined with bougainvillea to a charming café and step through a stone arch to a courtyard dotted with olive trees. View the 16th-century Venetian fortress overlooking Rethymno town. While the fort was penetrated on day-22 of the Turkish siege, you can still admire the bastions, ramparts and underground munitions vaults. Conclude your visit with a look at the quaint lighthouse before arriving in Chania for the night.
Day 14: Chania, The Old Town
Location: Chania
Accommodation: Samaria, Chania
Accommodation Name: Samaria, Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A fusion of Venetian and Ottoman archaeology, delve into the history of the town of Chania with your Local Expert. Visit the most important monuments of the old town and the Ottoman district of Splantzia. Stroll through bustling Splantzia Square with a bohemian vibe evident in the local cafés and shops and view the Church of Agios Nikolaos in the current Plateia 1821. Then explore the Jewish district with the famous Etz Hayyim synagogue, the only surviving and functioning in Crete. Stroll along the beautiful harbour and perhaps stop at the one of the many cafes on the quayside for a well-earned rest. This afternoon you have the option for a dramatic finish to your tour with a cruise in the waters of the Cretan coast (summer departures only). This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner in a traditional Cretan restaurant.
Day 15: Farewell Greece
Location: Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Chania airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Meals
6 dinners, 14 breakfasts, and 1 lunch are included.
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Local Expert Guides
Explore historical sites with local experts in Thessaloniki, Athens, Heraklion, and Chania.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to ensure you don't miss any commentary from your Local Expert.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Porterage
Porterage service is included, ensuring your bags are delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination are provided by your Travel Director.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in hotels (where available).
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Airport Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights match the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in comfort on Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board the coach.
What's Not Included
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Optional Dinner in Psiri
The optional dinner experience in lively Psiri is not included.
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Additional Airport Transfers
Transfers for flights outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Optional Cruise in Chania
The optional cruise in the waters of the Cretan coast (summer departures only) is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, and hand sanitizer is freely available on board.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens Marriott in Athens, Electra Palace in Thessaloniki, Du Lac in Ioannina, Amalia Hotel Delphi, Ippoliti, 3Sixty, Castellano in Nafplio, Megaron in Heraklion, and Samaria in Chania.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Vergina: Visit the UNESCO-protected site of the ancient city of Aigai (modern name Vergina) and its new archaeological Museum, see the monumental palace and burial ground.
- Nafplion: Meet an expert sommelier at a Nemea winery and learn about the evolution of Greek wine making, dating back to antiquity. After touring the winery, sample some of the delicious and elegant Greek wines, expertly paired with piquant local cheeses and tasty cured meats.
- Heraklion: While in Crete, enjoy your guided visit to the Palace of Minos at Knossos.
Tasting
- Nafplio: Stop at a local olive oil factory to learn about the olive oil making process while tasting extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect a variety of unique experiences such as visiting the first turtle sanctuary in the Mediterranean, exploring the UNESCO-protected site of Vergina, and tasting local delicacies at a family-run Moka honey farm. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to sample Greek wines at a Nemea winery and learn about the olive oil making process at a local olive oil factory.
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Are there any special culinary experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special culinary experiences. You will enjoy dinner in historic neighborhoods of Athens, a Cretan feast in Heraklion, and a dinner in true Greek style in Chania. Additionally, you will have the chance to sample local delicacies in Thessaloniki and taste Greek wines paired with local cheeses and cured meats at a Nemea winery.
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What kind of historical sites will we visit?
The tour includes visits to numerous historical sites such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens, the ancient city of Aigai in Vergina, the Palace of Minos at Knossos in Crete, and the archaeological park of Ancient Dion. You will also explore the ancient ruins of Mycenae and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
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Will there be any opportunities to learn about local culture and traditions?
Yes, the tour offers several opportunities to learn about local culture and traditions. You will visit a traditional mountain town of Metsovo, explore the old town of Thessaloniki, and take a walking tour of Rethymno. Additionally, you will have the chance to learn about Greek wine making, olive oil production, and Cretan cuisine.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations including the Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens Marriott in Athens, Electra Palace in Thessaloniki, Du Lac in Ioannina, Amalia Hotel in Delphi, Ippoliti Hotel, 3Sixty, Castellano in Nafplio, Megaron in Heraklion, and Samaria in Chania.
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Are there any special activities for nature lovers?
Yes, nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Glyfada Turtle Rehabilitation and Rescue Centre in Athens, cruising to the island of Ioannina, and exploring the beautiful lake Pamvotis. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sacred Way of Delphi and the picturesque mountainside village of Metsovo.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have also been implemented.
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Will there be any opportunities for shopping or exploring local markets?
Yes, you will have opportunities to explore local markets and shop for souvenirs. In Thessaloniki, you can explore the city's markets and sample local delicacies. Additionally, you will have free time to stroll through the quaint streets of Metsovo and Nafplio, where you can visit boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions