Mainland Greece & Corfu

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Athens

   Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

   Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Love at First Sight

   Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Athens

   

   Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

   Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

   As the sun sets, embark on a truly decadent foray into Greek gastronomy and viticulture. This immersive food tour includes two authentic eateries, followed by a wine tasting, in which an expert sommelier takes you through five different varieties, plus ouzo.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Traveling to Meteora by Private Transfer / Arrival in Meteora

   

   Today you will leave Athens and travel to Meteora. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your preferred departure time and take you on a 4-hour journey to Meterora. If you'd prefer, you can make a day of this transfer and visit the Archeological Museum of Thebes or Delphi, UNESCO listed site on the way. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.

   As the name (meaning "high in the air") implies, Meteora seems suspended in space. The six monasteries (some dating as far back as the 11th century) sitting above dramatic rocky pillars are UNESCO-listed, and Greece's second most important pilgrimage destination, after Mount Athos. The views here are breathtaking, and can seem hard to believe, attracting tourists and film crews alike. Inside, you'll find a rich collection of artifacts explaining the last thousand years of events and belief. Beyond, explore the region's rugged landscape, whether hiking from monastery to monastery, or ascending the surrounding peaks.

   Upon arrival in Meteora, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Majestic Meteora Sunset Group Tour

   On this captivating journey to the historic monastic community of Meteora, perched atop towering rocks, you will be able to explore all six Holy Monasteries and have the chance to enter one. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, delve into the area's history and geological marvels with scenic stops and insightful walks. Conclude your tour with a breathtaking sunset view from the best vantage point, where you can witness the sun descending behind the majestic Pindos mountain range. Capture the mesmerizing play of light and colors before returning to your accommodations, cherishing this once-in-a-lifetime Meteora sunset experience.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Explore and Savor Meteora!

   Due to its many forests and mild climate, Meteora excels at mushrooms. In local shops and the Mushroom Museum, you can buy truffle flakes, truffle oil, packets of dried mushrooms, powdered mushrooms, mushrooms preserved in oil, and, strangest of all, a mushroom liqueur. In autumn and winter, you also can take part in mushrooming and truffle hunting excursions. Mushrooms aside, the local diet draws on produce like yogurt, cheese, honey, fruit, and first-rate meat. At a taverna, try the local leek sausage or lamb stew with aubergine. Be sure to try soutzoukos, a sweet specialty made from grape must and nuts akin to Georgia's Churchkhela and available in the family-run wineries near Kalambaka. Wash down your meals with a shot of twice-distilled Tsipouro brandy made from local varieties of grapes. Shots are almost always served with a small plate of traditional appetizers!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Ioannina by Private Transfer / Arrival in Ioannina

   

   Today you're off to lakeside Ioannina. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodations, and take you directly to Ioannina, a drive that takes about two hours, although you can make stops along the way for an extra fee.

   Small but charming, Ioannina's history is closely linked to Ali Pasha, the ruthless and divisive provincial leader who made Ioannina into a center of Greek culture in the late 18th century, at great cost. Ioannina's castle, a lakeside Byzantine fortress with earlier elements, was made into a palace by Ali Pasha, with generous green spaces and historical monuments, mosques, and museums covering the town's cosmopolitan past. Ioannina's modern museums cover topics from its Christian, Islamic, and Jewish past, to Byzantine history and art, and the town's famed silversmiths. Lake Pamvotis is home to tiny Ioannina Island, which somehow manages to fit seven monasteries, forming Greece's third largest monastic community. Here, you'll also find the Museum of Ali Pasha, in the monastery where he was assassinated at the end of a failed rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

   Upon arrival to Ioannina, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Stroll Around the Historic Centre

   Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Ioannina's historic center, where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences intertwine seamlessly. A must-explore destination, the vibrant streets are adorned with charming bars, mezedopoleia offering delectable small portions, and inviting coffee shops. Each establishment in this diverse quarter provides a unique opportunity to savor the multifaceted flavors of Ioannina's history and heritage, making it an essential and delightful aspect of your visit.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Ioannina

   

   Zagori Sightseeing Private Tour

   As the Zagori region and National Park is quite a huge area, hoping into a mini van is a perfect way to see as many places as possible within one day. You will have the chance to learn about this region from your guide and to see the natural wonders and traditional villages of the area.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Stock Up on Local Specialties

   Ioannina may be famous for its baklava, but there are plenty of goods that are a bit easier to take home. Stock up on herbs from the surrounding mountains, items made from silver, and an alcohol-free liqueur made from various fruits and herbs. If you like your drinks to have a bit more of a kick, the region is also known for traditional wines, such as Zitsa and its raki.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Traveling to Corfu by Ferry / Arrival in Corfu

   

   Today you will be traveling from Ioannina to Corfu. First, the driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Ioannina and drive you to Igoumenitsa in plenty of time for your departing ferry to Corfu. For an additional fee, we can include a stop in Dodoni, at the Temple of Zeus - an important ancient Greek archaeological site. The private transfer from the Ioannina to the port takes one hour and the ferry takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

   The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu exudes a sense of elegance, nostalgia and aristocratic grandeur. Its charming old town, with its noble architecture, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable sea views, has a prime spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Corfu’s multicultural history is a juxtaposition of conquests by the Venetians, French, and British. Their stories are reflected in the island’s eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Corfu's historical center is protected by two Venetian Fortresses: the Old Fortress which played a crucial role in Corfu’s history protecting the island from many sieges, and the hilltop New Fortress, with its vaulted passageways, underground galleries, and astonishing views of the Old Town. Discover the island’s unique history by visiting a few of its grand palaces, like the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elizabeth ("Sisi") of Austria in 1892, with its luscious gardens and impressive collection of marble statues. Corfu's countryside is dotted with pretty villages, expansive olive groves, vineyards, and herbal gardens. The coastline is a dream world of its own, with crystalline azure waters and secret coves only accessible by boat.

   Upon arrival at Corfu's Port, your driver will meet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Shop Local

   Nestled mainly in the heart of the capital, Corfu's shops beckon with a diverse and plentiful array. Among the treasures, discover intricately hand-woven carpets, elegant tablecloths, napkins, as well as lace and cotton skirts and blouses, showcasing the island's artisanal craftsmanship. Embrace the charm of heavy white stitched sweaters, uniquely crafted on the Aegean Islands, adding a touch of timeless fashion to your collection. Don't miss the chance to bring home typical Greek delights, from skewers for souvlaki enthusiasts to delectable Greek pastries, ensuring your journey is not only a visual feast but a delightful sensory experience.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Corfu

   

   Paleokastritsa Private Boat Trip

   Escape the crowds and embark on a unique private boat trip in Paleokastritsa, the most exhilarating highlight of your holiday. A high-speed motor boat, navigated by an expert skipper intimately acquainted with Corfu's west coast, offers an exclusive exploration of secluded beaches, mesmerizing caves, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Palaiokastritsa. With crystal-clear blue waters and stunning landscapes, let this trip redefine your Corfu experience.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Corfu

   

   Traditional Villages, History, and Natural Beauty Private Hiking Tour

   This delightful private walking tour explores two of the island's oldest and most historically rich villages. You'll stroll through lush vegetation, cross an ancient stone bridge, and rest under the shade of a massive tree outside a 16th-century chapel with a fascinating story. Wander through the charming alleys of San Marco, the 17th-century summer resort of the Venetian aristocracy, and discover the rich history of Ano Korakiana, the last village to join Corfu's union with Greece. Enjoy a peaceful walk along olive tree paths and relax with a refreshing beverage or traditional Greek "frappe" at a local kafenion.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Corfu's airport, with plenty of time to catch your departing flight.