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Journeys: Discover Mainland Greece

9 days, Athens to Athens

9 days - Athens to Athens

From$2999USD
Valid on Apr 18 2026
Trip Code: EGKNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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9 days - Athens to Athens

From$2999USD
Valid on Apr 18 2026
Trip Code: EGKNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 9

Map of the route for Journeys: Discover Mainland Greece

Places visited

Itinerary Notes

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Itinerary

Day 1Athens

Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.

Day 2Athens

Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon. This Greek temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was built from white marble in 447 BC and takes centre stage in the Acropolis Museum. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to your expert guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of the G Adventures–supported non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Ancient Athens Tour with an Archaeologist| Your G for Good Moment Tour of Shedia Home and Lunch

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3Athens/Kalampáka

Depart Athens this morning to Kalambaka–home of the famous monasteries of Meteora. Make a short stop to see the bronze statue of King Leonidas, erected in Thermopylae and site of the famous battle with the same name. This afternoon, embark on an unforgettable experience led by a skilled truffle hunter and his loyal dogs. Head into the woods and watch this fascinating process and learn all there is to know about truffles-delicious mushrooms that grow underground. Sample some mushrooms under the shade of centuries-old trees, washing them down with wine then finish up with an early dinner - pasta fittingly prepared with truffles.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Truffle Hunting Experience with Dogs

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4Kalampáka/Delphi

Spend the morning exploring the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Built atop sandstone megaliths that rise 1,200 feet (366 meters) from the valley floor, these monasteries offered refuge from hostile attacks during the waning days of the Byzantine Empire. Venture into chapels and courtyards adorned with beautiful frescoes. Take in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, which-on a clear day, includes views of Mount Olympus. In the afternoon, continue to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Delphi/Olympia

Explore mystical Delphi–a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour, then visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with free time to admire the many artifacts unearthed at the site. Later, travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. After arrival in Olympia, head out on an orientation walk then enjoy free time for dinner at your leisure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Olympia/Náfplio

Step back into ancient history on a visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Temples of Zeus and Hera, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. After an optional lunch, travel onward to Nafplio for a locally guided walk. Enjoy the highlights of the old town, including the Bourtzi Castle and Palamidi Fortress while sampling local culinary specialties along the waterfront. Complete the day with a gelato from the most famous shop in Greece.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7Náfplio

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore on your own before an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary King Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate–one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. After, head to a regional winery for a wine tasting paired with cheese and mezze plates for dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Wine tasting with cheese and mezze plates

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8Náfplio/Athens

This morning, make a stop at Epidaurus. Visit the first recorded hospital, the Aesklipion, and the still functioning ancient theatre built in the complex with a focus on mental healing. Next, drive north over the Isthmus of Corinth, crossing the famed Corinth Canal as you return to Athens. Set out for an optional farewell dinner and one final evening in Athens.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Athens

Depart at any time

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ancient Athens Tour with an Archaeologist, Athens
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Truffle Hunting Experience with Dogs, Kalampáka
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wine tasting with cheese and mezze plates, Neméa
  • Your G for Good Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and Lunch, Athens
  • Thermopylae visit at the Leonidas Statue
  • Meteora tour
  • Delphi guided tour
  • Olympia orientation walk
  • Olympia guided tour
  • Nafplio guided tour
  • Mycenae guided tour
  • Epidaurus visit
  • Corinth Canal visit
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (8 nts).

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Allow USD340-445 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private Vehicle, Taxi, Walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

My Own Room - From $1139.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Journeys: Discover Mainland Greece

| 9 days - Athens to Athens - from $2999 USD