Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece’s prettiest spots. Heraklion: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of the urban capital of the island of Crete - Heraklion, a port city with millennia of history.

Others

Thessaloniki: Explore the historical city of Thessaloniki with your Local Expert. Thessaloniki: Explore Thessaloniki and its cuisine, perfect for local-food-lovers. 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. 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. Athens: Visit the Mediterranean’s first turtle sanctuary and learn about the efforts to aid injured turtles and protect the species. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life Below Water. Delphi: Visit a family-run Moka honey farm for an educational tour about bees and taste the rich thyme honey produced in the valley of olive trees. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. 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. Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honour of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans. Metsovo: Visit Metsovo, the authentic traditional village on the picturesque mountainside. Ioannina: Cruise to the island of Ioannina, spreading out around the beautiful lake Pamvotida. Walk around the old town, see the Ali Pasha and Revolutionary Period Museum, where Ali Pasha was killed and decapitated by the sultan’s troops in 1822, marvel at the museum’s rich collection. See the Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Philanthropinoi – an important site as the island is Greece’s third-largest monastic community. Nafpaktos: The site of the Great Sea battle of Lepanto, scenery and history are revealed on your visit to the Venetian town of Nafpaktos. 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. Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle. Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon. Heraklion: Take an internal flight to Crete, your home for the next four nights Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Heraklion: Further your discovery of the Crete 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 treasures from the Palace of Knossos, astounded by the incredible details in pieces from thousands of years ago. Rethymno: Take a walking tour past the Venetian buildings as well as Ottoman domes and minarets built by the Turks. View the 16th-century Venetian fortress built on Paleokastro hill overlooking Rethymno town to protect it from Turkish invaders. Chania: 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. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Accommodation

Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations

Flights

Internal Flight per itinerary

Meals

6 Dinner (D) 14 Breakfast (B) 1 Lunch (L) Athens: Indulge in local specialties with your fellow travellers as you savour dinner in one of the city’s historic neighbourhoods. Heraklion: Enjoy the famous Cretan hospitality this evening and join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant for a Cretan feast. Food is a social affair for the locals, to be savoured with good company, served in the middle of the table to taste, and share. An array of dishes such as the delectable dakos – a traditional Cretan recipe, with barley rusk, fresh tomato and Cretan cheese “mizithra” and the famous kaltsounia, a pastry dessert served with honey and cinnamon are carefully prepared for you this evening. Complete your Cretan experience this evening perhaps raising a toast with a glass of tsikoudia or raki, the national drink of the Cretans! Chania: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.

Transport

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. 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.

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

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Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Athens

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 Day 2: The Glorious City Of Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: The Glorious City Of Athens

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 Day 3: Ancient Dion And Onto Thessaloniki
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Ancient Dion And Onto Thessaloniki

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 Day 4: Thessaloniki, The Foodie Capital
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Thessaloniki, The Foodie Capital

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 Day 5: Vergina, Metsovo And Onto Ioannina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Vergina, Metsovo And Onto Ioannina

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 Day 6: Picturesque Ioannina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Picturesque Ioannina

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 Day 7: Venetian Town Of Nafpaktos To Galaxidi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Venetian Town Of Nafpaktos To Galaxidi

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, your home for the next two nights, where you’ll unwind sampling local dishes at a seaside restaurant.
Day 8 Day 8: Delphi With A Local Expert
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Delphi With A Local Expert

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,’ rumoured 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. 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 Day 9: Onto Nafplion
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Onto Nafplion

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 Day 10: The Beauty Of Nafplio
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: The Beauty Of Nafplio

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 Day 11: The Big Island Of Crete, Heraklion
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: The Big Island Of Crete, Heraklion

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 Day 12: Heraklion History With A Local
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Heraklion History With A Local

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 Day 13: Rethymno And Onto Chania
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Rethymno And Onto Chania

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 Day 14: Chania, The Old Town
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Chania, The Old Town

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 Day 15: Farewell Greece
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Farewell Greece

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Chania airport for your onward flight.

+12

15 days tour

Greece Undiscovered (Classic Group, 15 Days)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Greece Undiscovered (Classic Group, 15 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Athens

Day 2: The Glorious City Of Athens

Day 3: Ancient Dion And Onto Thessaloniki

Day 4: Thessaloniki, The Foodie Capital

Day 5: Vergina, Metsovo And Onto Ioannina

Day 6: Picturesque Ioannina

Day 7: Venetian Town Of Nafpaktos To Galaxidi

Day 8: Delphi With A Local Expert

Day 9: Onto Nafplion

Day 10: The Beauty Of Nafplio

Day 11: The Big Island Of Crete, Heraklion

Day 12: Heraklion History With A Local

Day 13: Rethymno And Onto Chania

Day 14: Chania, The Old Town

Day 15: Farewell Greece

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