GREEK EXPLORER

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.

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.

Athens:

• Rise and shine, Greek explorers! We’ll start with breakfast and then hit the road.

Via Delphi:

• 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.

Galaxidi:

• 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.

Galaxidi:

• This morning we’ll eat breakfast and then set off for one VERY picturesque drive to Meteora.

Via 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.

Kalambaka:

• Tonight will probably be reserved for pics, pics and more pics.

Kalambaka:

• Today we’re off to the mountains as we continue fattening up our insta feeds.

Zagori:

• 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.

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?

Zagori:

• Zo long, Zagori. It’s been delightful… truly.

Via Ioannina:

• 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…)

Corfu:

• 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.

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.

Corfu:

• We’ll take a ‘marathon’ journey to a destination that’s worthy of at least a silver medal. (Wink wink nudge nudge.)

Olympia:

• Yup, we’re off to Olympia – the birthplace of the Greek Olympics. On route we’ll stop in the picturesque village of Parga, the perfect place to grab lunch.

Olympia:

• 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.)

Nafplion:

• Set off to Nafplio, 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.

Nafplion:

• 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.

Athens:

• 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?