Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Ancient Olympia

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, making the peninsula almost an island.

Today, it holds little economic significance and serves mainly as a tourist attraction.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Ancient Corinth was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, boasting a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. The Romans destroyed Corinth in 146 BC, rebuilt it in 44 BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece.

For Christians, Ancient Corinth is notable from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of Paul the Apostle’s missionary journeys.

Market of Ancient Olympia - The archaeological site of ancient Olympia, set in a beautiful natural environment, includes the museum of the Olympic Games and various archaeological sites.

This remarkable place, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, once housed one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, created by Phidias.

As you walk along the ancient paths, you will visit the Doric Temples of Zeus and Hera, the Bouleuterion, the Prytaneion, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, the Palestra, the Workshop of Pheidias, and many others.

Hermes and Infant Dionysus - Ancient Olympia Museum
At the Ancient Olympia museum, you will marvel at the masterpieces of the brilliant Hermes of Praxiteles, the Infant Dionysus, the Nike of Paionios, and the pediments of the Zeus temple, exhibits that everyone should see at least once in their life.

Rio-Antirrio Bridge, Nafpaktos, Ioannina Lake, Ancient Dodoni, Zagorochoria

Rion-Antirion Bridge - The Rio–Antirrio Bridge is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. It spans the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, connecting the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road.

The Rio-Antirrio Bridge, also known as the “Charilaos Trikoupis” bridge, was completed in 2004 for the Olympic Games. The bridge is named after the Greek Prime Minister who envisioned the connection of the Peloponnese with Western Greece in 1889.

Nafpaktos Old Port - Crossing it, we leave the Peloponnese behind and enter the mainland. The first stop is Nafpaktos, a charming little Venetian port and castle, a popular spot for a romantic weekend. You will have a short stop and can enjoy a coffee or tea at the port.

Ioannina - We then head to Ioannina town and Lake. Ioannina is the capital of the Epirus region of Greece and one of the most stunning cities built on the shores of Pamvotida Lake and at the base of Mount Mitsikéli. Lake Pamvótidha is spectacular to walk around, and this is where you will have your lunch, at a traditional tavern with a panoramic lake view.

Dodoni Sanctuary and Theatre - After lunch, your driver will take you to visit the Ancient Theater of Dodoni, one of the largest and best-preserved theatres in Greece and the world. The Oracle of Dodoni was dedicated to Zeus, the King of the Olympian Gods. It is a spiritual place as well as a cultural hub for the Greeks and the rest of the world. It was built in the 3rd century BC during the reign of the mighty King Pyrros. Although it has suffered significant damage due to natural disasters and the passage of time, the theatre is still undergoing renovations and excavations to reveal even more of its splendor.

Right after visiting the Dodoni Archaeological Site, we will head to our final destination of the day at Zagorochoria, with a free evening and overnight stay in Aristi village, our picturesque home for the night.

Megalo & Mikro Papigko, Kolympithres, Voidomatis River

Papigko - The 3rd day of your tour can be a day of outdoor activities. We will visit Papigo, which consists of Megalo and Mikro Papigo, part of 46 villages of Zagorochoria.

These popular villages are known for their beautiful nature, with the most striking spot being Vikos Gorge, the largest canyon in Europe.

The road leading to Papigo passes by the Voidomatis River, a crystal-clear river surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Mikro Papigo is built on the steep slopes of Mt Timfy with remarkable natural beauty. You will walk the cobblestone square, the stone alleys, and experience the Zagorian architecture, all made of stone.

Some of the outdoor activities in this region include rafting along the Voidomatis River, horseback riding, trekking, hiking, and more.

Voidomatis River - We can organize hiking to Vickos Gorge or Dragon Lake for you. Alternatively, you can choose to go rafting on the Voidomatis River, a 2-hour activity ideal for beginners. The Voidomatis River is only 15 kilometers long and spends most of its short journey passing through the unspoiled nature of Vikos Aoos National Park.

Metsovo, Vickos Gorge, Kalambaka, Meteora Sunset

Metsovo - An unforgettable trip to Metsovo with a simply breathtaking view!

You won’t believe this amazing area, which has lakes, rivers, canyons, and forests.

Metsovo town is a hidden gem, famous for its great museums, local savory and smoked cheeses, the nearby Lake Aoos, and numerous options for hiking, horseback riding, and crossing Vikos Gorge.

You can visit Anthochori, which has an open-air museum of water-driven movement, Chrisovitsa with Panagia Monastery and its famous potatoes, the villages Anilio and Votonosi, as well as the traditional settlement of Milia on the borders of the national forest.

Kalambaka - In the late afternoon, we will head to Kalambaka and the Meteora Monasteries. If there is time and you would like, your driver can take you up on the rocks for a spectacular sunset view.

Kalambaka is nestled at the foot of the Meteora district, characterized by its main street with traditional and family-run taverns where you can have your dinner. Souvenir shops in the town sell local handmade embroidery, leather sandals, and carved wooden handicrafts.

Meteora Monasteries, Plastira Lake, Elati village

Meteora - There are six monasteries on Meteora: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, Agios Stefanos, Holy Trinity, and St. Nikolaos. You will visit 2 or 3 of the Meteora monasteries, depending on the day and time we are visiting. If you would like to visit all 6 monasteries, you would need to spend at least 2 days in Meteora.

Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 and an official holy place for Greece since 1995. Meteora monasteries date from the 14th century and are unique in the world because of the amazing treasure of Byzantine and Christian items you can witness. Items such as the classic attire of the monks, wall paintings, etched glass, religious treasures, icons, and libraries rich in old manuscripts. Most of them were built in the 1500s.

Proper attire is required. Women must wear skirts below the knees, though in some monasteries these are provided for women in shorts or slacks. Men’s arms must be covered, and they must wear long pants.

Lake Plastira - Right after visiting the Meteora Monasteries, your driver will take you to another stunning place, Plastira Lake, where you will enjoy your lunch with a lake view.

The Lake holds up to 400 million cubic meters of fresh water. Due to its altitude (one of the highest in Europe), the Lake is a popular tourist resort in Greece, as the formed landscape is quite unique.

Later on, we will visit the beautiful Elati village, the largest village in the mountainous area of Trikala and one of the most beloved destinations in Greece. Built on the southwest side of Koziakas Mt at 950 meters, in a dreamlike mountainous landscape.

Free evening and dinner in the village of Elati.

Delphi, Arachova

Thermopylae Museum - Returning to Athens, we will stop at Thermopylae and the Museum, the battlefield of 300 Spartans against the elite soldiers of the Persian empire. There we can also see the statue of Leonidas, king of Sparta, as a memorial of the battle.

Full of beautiful and memorable experiences, we head back to Athens.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - We then visit Delphi, another UNESCO world heritage site and the center of the ancient world, according to the Greeks.

You will walk through the ‘Sacred Way’ with the temple of Apollo, the theatre, the stadium, the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia with the Tholos, and the Kastalia.

You will visit the Museum with rich collections of findings from the site, including the famous bronze Charioteer, Sphinx of Naxos, friezes of the Siphnian Treasuries, and the Statue of a philosopher, said to be Plutarch or Plato.

For lunch, we have chosen a traditional tavern in Delphi “To Patriko mas,” which combines an astounding view of the vast olive tree valley and sea with exceptional food and service.

Arachova - Our next stop is Arachova, a traditional village where you can taste the famous local formaela sheep cheese, which has been designated as a protected designation of origin.

• Transfers included for evenings out
• 5 nights in 4-star or boutique hotels
• Complimentary airport/residence/hotel/port pick up and drop off
• Professional English-speaking tour driver with live commentary
• Luxury vehicles equipped with WiFi, A/C, and complimentary chilled mineral water

• Admission fees: Corinth 8 euro, Olympia 12 euro, Dodoni 8 euro, Delphi 12 euro
• Meals and drinks
• Your tour driver can not escort you into the sites
• Gratuities