Espa

The Grand road trip of Classical Greece

A journey of discovery to Greece's most significant historical sites: Olympia, Nafplio, Mycenae, Delphi & Meteora

Duration

5 days

When

year-round

Languages

english, french

This five-day self drive trip takes you across thousands of years to the most awe-inspiring destinations in Greece, combining the wonders of Classical Greece with the amazing achievements that followed, all set against peerless natural beauty. Featuring our custom app it provides tips for activities, restaurants, places to visit, audio storytelling and support from our team!

Highlights

  • Immerse into one of the most ancient civilisations in the world at Mycenae, the mythical citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Reach the top of incredible rock formations to admire the great orthodox monasteries of Meteora, perched on soaring rocky promontories.
  • Discover hidden villages of unique beauty and immerse into Greek rural life
  • Explore at your own pace, with the ease of mind that our customized app gives you: seamless navigation,  local tips, audio storytelling

What you can expect

This road trip is a journey of discovery towards the origins of Western Civilization. It combines the most important historical sites of Greece with places of unique natural beauty and cultural interest:  Argolis, land of Iliad’s heroes, Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Delphi, the center of the Ancient World, Nafplio, the first capital of the Greek State, Meteora, the world-famous  monasteries, but also roads off the beaten path, like the Koziakas mountain range, the Forest of the White River and its villages. Each day has a theme, to make your trip more fun and insightful!

Our app will give you the freedom to modify and adjust your itinerary according to your interests and pace, while maximizing your time. All content is presented in a clear and simple way to give you a deeper understanding of Greek history and culture. 

Day 1: The Land of Legends I Nafplio, Mycenae - Olympia

Start your trip to explore the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Opt for a stop at the Corinth Canal or Epidaurus, the finest and best-preserved theatre of the ancient world. Then visit the fabled homeric city of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. 

You'll then head towards the historic seaside city of Nafplio, a romantic, picturesque town, which was the old capital of modern Greece, crowned by Venetian fortifications and embraced by a beautiful seafront. From Nafplio, your trip will take you through the beautiful Peloponnesian countryside and to end the day in OlympiaOvernight in Olympia

Day 2: An “Athlos” for a Good Life I Olympia - Galaxidi

Start your day with a visit to the ancient site and museum of Olympia, the most important athletic, religious and political center of the ancient Greek world, birthplace of the Olympic Games and the ideals of world peace.

After lunch drive over the Rio-Antirio bridge, the longest fully-suspended bridge in the world and stop for coffee at the impressive medieval harbor of Nafpaktos. Continue your trip along scenic coastal roads till you reach one of the most beautiful seaside villages of Greece, Galaxidi. Overnight in Galaxidi.

Day 3: Mountains and waters, a source of divine inspiration I Delphi - Meteora

Enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters of Galaxidi, before driving to the highlight of the day: the ancient site and the museum of Delphi, the most important Oracle of antiquity and a monument of incredible beauty.

After Delphi, you can enjoy a traditional Greek lunch under century-old plane trees in a beautiful, abandoned village, followed by a drive through the mountains and valleys of central Greece. You will pass by villages that will give you a taste of the Greek countryside and you will finish the day with an evening walk and dinner in Meteora. Overnight in Meteora.

Day 4: Between Heaven and Earth I Meteora

After breakfast start your exploration of Meteora, a stunning natural phenomenon, featuring towering sandstone columns, formed millions of years ago, all pointing heavenward. These rocks became dwelling-places for Christian Orthodox monks and today you can visit six monasteries that are still functioning. You can also visit a prehistoric cave and admire how people lived in the area 130,000 years ago. Then, explore the town of Kalambaka and learn about local society and how it has developed under the shade of the Great Rocks. For lunch you can enjoy delicious local food in a nearby village or learn all about local wine by visiting one of the best wineries in the area. Finish the day with a scenic sunset and photo-stop route around Meteora rocks. Overnight in Meteora.

Day 5: In search of the divine in the Greek mountains I Pindos - Athens

This day is dedicated to a road trip in Pindos, the most scenic mountain range of central Greece. You will explore the little-known Forest of the White River, a wild area of small mountain villages hidden in the depths of a massive forest. We'll also show you the secret path to one of the most beautiful -but rarely visited by tourists- monastery with thirteen domes, before visiting the spot where three rivers meet.  Here you can take a dive in turquoise waters and continue your drive through the gorge to enjoy one of the most scenic routes along the Pindos Mountain range before you head back to Athens.

 

Itinerary

DAY 1

  • Departure from Athens
  • Corinth Canal
  • Ancient Epidaurus and its world-famous theater
  • The Homeric site of Mycenae, seat of the Bronze Age Mycenaean civilization
  • Lunch at the port town of Nafplio
  • Overnight in Olympia

DAY 2

  • Ancient Olympia and the masterpieces of its museum
  • Optional visit at a local honey farm or ancient excavation simulation
  • Lunch in Olympia
  • Overnight in the seaside village of Galaxidi

DAY 3

  • Delphi archeological site & museum 
  • Lunch in Amfissa, a town of olives and craftspeople
  • Overnight in Meteora

DAY 4

  • Meteora monasteries and their surroundings
  • Optional activities in the area
  • Lunch in the rural town of Kalambaka
  • Overnight in Meteora

DAY 5

  • Eastern Pindos mountain range & villages
  • Greek traditional lunch near Trikala town
  • Return to Athens

Practical info

Duration
5 days
Languages
english, french
When
year-round

What's included

  • Rental of category D car for 5 full days (Toyota Auris or similar), with Unlimited Mileage, Third Party Cover, Collision Damage Waiver (with excess based on category booked) ,Theft Waiver (with excess based on category booked), Airport surcharge, 24h road assistance (for accidents or mechanical breakdowns), Local Taxes
  • Four accommodations at 4* hotels or traditional guest-houses
  • Four traditional Greek breakfasts
  • Customized trip app featuring:
    • thematic detailed itinerary & navigation
    • enriched content
    • audio storytelling & advice from a top-rated guide at each location
    • optional stops
    • local tips & points of interest
    • suggestions for tours
    • audio guided tours & activities
    • restaurant recommendations in each area.

Our rates are based on the rental of one car per 4 people, one double room per 2 people, one triple room per 3 people and one quadruple room per 4 people. In case your group has different requirements please contact us for a customized offer.

Not included

  • Car delivery and collection 
  • Gas & tolls
  • Site entry fees 
  • Meals
  • (Optional) local guided tours / audio guided tours/ activities
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You'll love:

Our app that will accompany you as a personal digital guide and will show you the way to the most authentic routes and off the beaten path landscapes.

The Grand road trip of Classical Greece

Awards & Accolades