Greece: Athens & the Greek Riviera

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Athens – a charming hotel near the city center. In your free time, maybe wander through the lively Plaka district, visit the impressive Ancient Agora, or admire the views from Lycabettus Hill. Tonight, perhaps enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a traditional taverna.

Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 10.30 am this morning. After the meeting, you’ll head towards the Peloponnese and Loutraki by private transfer, with your first stop at Ancient Corinthos. Join a guided tour with a specialist archaeologist to learn about the area’s historical and religious significance as you wander through temples, admire ancient statues and hear mythical stories. Next, visit a family-owned olive mill. Enjoy an olive oil tasting, learn about virgin olive oil (considered liquid gold in Greece) and sit down to a traditional Greek lunch made with fresh, local ingredients. The last stop of the day is Loutraki (your home for the next four days), a charming seaside resort on the Gulf of Corinth, renowned for its natural thermal springs, clear blue waters and relaxing atmosphere. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for an included dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe take a day trip to Aegina or Agistri Island, or board a boat and cross the Corinth Canal from Isthmia, located approximately 8 km from Loutraki. If you’d rather stay in town, you could visit the Holy Monastery of Saint Patapios, discover the ancient Temple of Isthmia (Temple of Poseidon) or simply relax in a thermal spa. Your tour leader will be on hand to support you and help arrange any optional activities. Tonight’s included dinner will be at a traditional restaurant just across from the hotel.

This morning, travel to Epidauros, a historic Greek sanctuary on the Peloponnese Peninsula. On arrival, set out on a guided tour of the ancient archaeological site. Known for its remarkably well-preserved 4th-century BCE Theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, this area offers an up-close look at Greece’s classical past. Then, continue to Nafplio. According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of the god Poseidon, and today it is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Greece. After a walking orientation tour with your tour leader, enjoy some free time before visiting a local ouzo distillery. Learn how one of Greece’s most iconic spirits is produced and sample it for yourself, before continuing back to Loutraki. Along the way, stop for photos at the Corinth Canal, which links the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Tonight’s dinner is included.

Today you can choose your own adventure! Perhaps visit Vouliagmeni Lake, go kayaking or join a wine tasting tour. In the afternoon, you might like to see the Melagavi Lighthouse or wander through the Archaeological Museum of Isthmia. Tonight’s dinner is included at a traditional restaurant just across from the hotel.

After breakfast, travel to Athens – the capital of Greece and once the heart of the powerful civilisation and empire of Ancient Greece. When you arrive, set off on a guided tour of the Acropolis, the city’s elevated and fortified settlement. Wander through the ancient ruins and learn how the town's greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and many decisive events in the city’s history are connected to this sacred site. Discover the city’s ancient temples and pass by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the hilltop citadel crowned by the colonnaded Parthenon. Then, join your local leader for an orientation walk in the center of Athens and enjoy some free time. Later in the afternoon, take a short transfer to Athens Riviera, where golden beaches, luxury marinas, and chic seaside resorts meet the timeless charm of ancient history - just minutes from the heart of Athens. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe find a local cafe for lunch or bask in the sun. Tonight, head out to a local restaurant for an included dinner with your fellow travellers – a perfect way to celebrate the last night of your Greek trip.

Spend a memorable day along the Athens Riviera, where you can relax by the sea and soak in the coastal beauty. You might swim and enjoy lunch at Vouliagmeni Lake, surrounded by natural thermal waters. Perhaps try a sea kayaking adventure in Sounion or visit the Temple of Poseidon to take in its legendary views. You could also join a wine tour in the Markopoulo area and sample local vintages. To end the day, maybe set sail on a sunset cruise, watching the Aegean glow as evening falls. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to celebrate a trip well travelled!

As there are no further activities today, your adventure will come to an end. You’ll be met at your accommodation and be transferred to Athens Airport. If you would like to stay in Athens (and it’s highly recommended you do), just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.