Signature: Greece’s Ancient History of Athens, Meteora & the Peloponnese

Welcome to Greece. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Athens, the ancient capital where the pulse of history beats beneath a modern metropolis. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome reception followed by a delicious dinner at the rooftop restaurant. Gaze out at the illuminated Acropolis glowing golden against the night sky, standing guard over the winding streets of the Plaka old town below.

Set off this morning to wander the ancient Agora, standing where Socrates once spoke and democracy was born, then venture into the vibrant Plaka neighborhood. Visit Shedia Home, a non-profit café supporting the homeless, and participate in a hands-on upcycling workshop before a delicious lunch of fresh local ingredients. Later, immerse yourself in ancient history on an exploration of the New Acropolis Museum to examine the Parthenon frieze up close, then ascend the sacred rock to stand before the Parthenon itself, marveling at the symmetry of the columns against the vivid blue sky.

Depart Athens for the legendary pass of Thermopylae to stand before the statue of Leonidas, honoring the 300 Spartans who held the line of battle. Continue north as the landscape shifts to the surreal, towering rock pillars of Meteora. After lunch, join a local expert for an off-the-beaten-path exploration away from the crowds. Visit an active monastery, admire 11th-century frescoes in the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, and walk to hidden hermit caves tucked into the cliffs. Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Olympus before dinner at a local restaurant, watching the shadows lengthen over the valley.

Start the day with a presentation about the spiritual architecture of the region then step back 130,000 years at the Theopetra Prehistoric Cave. Guided by an archaeologist, uncover the traces of early human life in this ancient site, seeing footprints of our ancestors. After a local brunch, continue on to the Hermit Caves of Agios Theodosios for a private visit to the secluded religious retreat. After lunch, enjoy free time before venturing into the damp, mossy forests for a thrilling truffle hunt. Follow an expert hunter and their trained dog as they sniff out "black diamonds" in the earth, culminating in a short tasting of these incredible and rare local delicacies

Travel south, stopping at the Hosios Loukas Monastery to admire its Byzantine mosaics and peaceful courtyards before arriving at Delphi, clinging to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and considered to be the “navel” of the ancient world. Explore the sanctuary with a local guide and walk in the footsteps of pilgrims along the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo. Marvel at the theatre and stadium carved into the mountainside, offering sweeping views of the valley. In the evening, enjoy an open-air barbecue dinner featuring homemade savory pies, perched on a cliff overlooking Greece's largest continuous olive grove.

Journey to Olympia, the UNESCO World Heritage site where the Olympic Games began in 776 BC. Explore the ancient ruins and walk under the archway into the stadium, visualizing athletes standing before the temples of Zeus and Hera. Visit the archaeological museum to deepen your understanding of the site’s significance. In the evening, head to a family-owned olive farm and learn the secrets of harvesting and pressing techniques from the owners before sampling the fresh, peppery oil. Delve into an al fresco dinner of delicious local specialties, surrounded by the silvery leaves of the groves.

Travel to the coastal town of Nafplio, one of Greece’s most romantic destinations with its Venetian architecture and seaside promenades. Board a small boat for a short ride to Bourtzi Castle, a fortress perched on a harbour island that once guarded the city. Stroll among the fortifications before returning to the mainland. Join a guided walk through the narrow, bougainvillea-draped alleyways of the old town, discovering hidden squares and neoclassic mansions before a dinner of Greek delicacies. Finish the evening with a scoop of gelato — a sweet end to a beautiful day by the sea.

Set off from the hotel for a visit of the fortified city and open-air museum of Mycenae. Pass beneath the iconic Lion Gate to discover the royal palace, the ancient grave circle, and the monumental Tomb of Agamemnon, feeling the weight of a civilization that inspired Homer’s epics. Next, visit an award-winning winery to meet the owners, learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle, and sample distinct Greek varietals like Agiorgitiko over a delicious gourmet lunch in the vineyard.

Explore the sanctuary of Epidaurus, a healing center dedicated to Asclepius. Marvel at the acoustics of the magnificent ancient theatre, where a whisper on stage can be heard in the back row. Pause at the Corinth Canal to see the engineering marvel connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas, cutting through solid rock. Return to Athens for a guided visit of the National Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities, including the Mask of Agamemnon. In the evening, gather for a family-style farewell dinner, toasting your journey through the ages in the shadow of the Acropolis.

Your expedition to Greece concludes today. After a final breakfast, transfers are provided to the Athens airport at any time during the day.