DAY 1 – ATHENS
Welcome to Greece. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Athens, the ancient capital where the pulse of history beats beneath a modern metropolis. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome reception followed by a delicious dinner at the rooftop restaurant. Gaze out at the illuminated Acropolis glowing golden against the night sky, standing guard over the winding streets of the Plaka old town below.
Welcome Moment
Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don’t forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Electra Palace Hotel Athens (or similar)
DAY 2 – ATHENS
Set off this morning to wander the ancient Agora, standing where Socrates once spoke and democracy was born, then venture into the vibrant Plaka neighborhood. Visit Shedia Home, a non-profit café supporting the homeless, and participate in a hands-on upcycling workshop before a delicious lunch of fresh local ingredients. Later, immerse yourself in ancient history on an exploration of the New Acropolis Museum to examine the Parthenon frieze up close, then ascend the sacred rock to stand before the Parthenon itself, marveling at the symmetry of the columns against the vivid blue sky.
Ancient Agora Visit
Explore the ruins, located in the heart of modern Athens, which were once the site of the marketplace in ancient times. It was the political, cultural, social and economic centre of the ancient world, where the likes of Socrates, Plato and affluent Athenians used to gather to discuss philosophy, political issues, exchange gossip and trade.
Your G for Good Moment – Visit to Shedia Home
Take time to relax at Shedia Home, a non-profit cafe providing purpose and employment to over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness in Athens. You’ll enjoy a drink while one of Shedia’s guides recounts the recent history of Greece’s financial crisis which has made initiatives like Shedia even more important for those who have found themselves without work and shelter. Your stop here supports their programs – including the cafe, art program, and magazine – all dedicated to supporting the community.
Acropolis Museum Visit
Visit the Acropolis Museum to see some of the artifacts and artworks discovered during excavations of the Acropolis. With over 25, 000 square meters (82,020 ft) the museum is architecturally as interesting as the collection. The museum is built over an archaeological dig site and there is an impressive view of the Acropolis from the third floor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Electra Palace Hotel Athens (or similar)
DAY 3 – ATHENS/ KALAMPAKA
Depart Athens for the legendary pass of Thermopylae to stand before the statue of Leonidas, honoring the 300 Spartans who held the line of battle. Continue north as the landscape shifts to the surreal, towering rock pillars of Meteora. After lunch, join a local expert for an off-the-beaten-path exploration away from the crowds. Visit an active monastery, admire 11th-century frescoes in the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, and walk to hidden hermit caves tucked into the cliffs. Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Olympus before dinner at a local restaurant, watching the shadows lengthen over the valley.
Meteora Highlights with Archeologist
Discover the wonders of Meteora through a visit to St. Stephen’s Monastery and the historic Church of the Virgin Mary, renowned for its 11th-century artistry. After, take a short walk to the secluded Hermit Caves and take in unparalleled panoramic views of the entire landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Divani Meteora Hotel (or similar)
DAY 4 – KALAMPAKA
Start the day with a presentation about the spiritual architecture of the region then step back 130,000 years at the Theopetra Prehistoric Cave. Guided by an archaeologist, uncover the traces of early human life in this ancient site, seeing footprints of our ancestors. After a local brunch, continue on to the Hermit Caves of Agios Theodosios for a private visit to the secluded religious retreat. After lunch, enjoy free time before venturing into the damp, mossy forests for a thrilling truffle hunt. Follow an expert hunter and their trained dog as they sniff out “black diamonds” in the earth, culminating in a short tasting of these incredible and rare local delicacies.
Signature Moment – Archaeologist Led Exploration of Theopetra Cave
Led by a professional archaeologist, this immersive journey bridges the gap between prehistory and local tradition through an exploration of the region’s most significant sites. You will uncover the ancient secrets of the Theopetra Prehistoric Cave and enjoy an exclusive visit to the secluded Hermit Cave of Agios Theodosios, gaining rare insight into the area’s long human history. This cultural experience is complemented by a series of authentic culinary encounters, from traditional village snacks to a full taverna lunch featuring classic regional specialties.
Hermit Caves
Step inside the Hermit Cave of Agios Theodosios for a private tour of this secluded rock-hewn sanctuary. You will have exclusive access to explore the ascetic cells and ancient frescoes preserved within the quiet mountainside.
Truffle Hunting Experience with Dogs
Take part in a truffle hunt with a local guide and their trained dogs. You’ll follow the dogs as they use their sense of smell to locate truffles buried in the forest; a rewarding experience that connects you with nature and the joy of the hunt. Then, enjoy a snack featuring the famous truffles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Divani Meteora Hotel (or similar)
DAY 5 – KALAMPAKA/ DELPHI
Travel south, stopping at the Hosios Loukas Monastery to admire its Byzantine mosaics and peaceful courtyards before arriving at Delphi, clinging to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and considered to be the “navel” of the ancient world. Explore the sanctuary with a local guide and walk in the footsteps of pilgrims along the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo. Marvel at the theatre and stadium carved into the mountainside, offering sweeping views of the valley. In the evening, enjoy an open-air barbecue dinner featuring homemade savory pies, perched on a cliff overlooking Greece’s largest continuous olive grove.
Guided Hosios Loukas Monastery
Experience the architectural splendor of the UNESCO-listed Hosios Loukas monastery, a premier masterpiece of Middle Byzantine art and architecture nestled on the slopes of Mount Helicon.
Delphi Orientation Walk
Orient yourself to the dramatic setting of Delphi with an Expedition Leader led walk through its historic streets and cliffside pathways. This brief tour offers a helpful overview of the town’s geography and the stunning natural scenery that has inspired visitors for millennia.
Guided Tour of Ancient Delphi
Visit the ancient city of Delphi, at the base of Mount Parnassos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes ancient buildings like treasuries, a stadium, a gymnasium, an altar, hippodrome and the Temple of Apollo.
Temple of Athena Pronaia Photo Stop
Capture the iconic image of Delphi with a brief photo stop at the Temple of Athena Pronaia, home to the famous circular Tholos. This visit offers a stunning perspective of the sanctuary’s graceful columns set against the dramatic, steep backdrop of the Parnassus mountain range.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Amalia Delphi (NGS) (or similar)
