Two-Week Immersive Greece Road Trip Vacation

Athens is a marvelous city with layers of the past that encircle the crown jewel of the Acropolis. Cafes fill the streets with the savory scent of roasting lamb and the sweet aroma of baklava. The Parthenon looms over the city and looks perfectly balanced from every angle. Your private transfer will meet you at Athen’s Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport upon your arrival and escort you to the comforts of your centrally located hotel. For an introduction to Athens, you can stroll the marbled avenue of Emrou and find the small Byzantine church of Kapnikarea.

Your private transfer will take you to Piraeus Port in the morning. Here, you will board a ferry boat bound for Aegina Island. The charming Greek island boasts prestigious archeological sites and the aroma of pistachio trees. A traditional horse carriage will meet you at the seaside and guide you alongside the unique mansions and antique homes between the water and ancient Kolona. At Aphaia, you will find foundations that date back to 500 BC. The remains stand on a pine-covered hill with a panoramic view that sweeps back to Athens.

You will have an immersive experience of ancient Athens with a guided tour of the Acropolis and Agora. At the top of the Acropolis Hill, you will find the remarkable Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheion, which dates back to the 5th century BC. Six maiden figures take the place of typical columns across from the towering figure of the Parthenon. The eastern pediment of the Parthenon depicts the Birth of Athena from Zeus’s head. You will continue to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, where an incredible sunset will shine against the marble columns and fade behind the Aegean Sea.

You will uncover the dynamic history of Marathon with a guided tour of the often-overlooked coastline of Attica. Blossoming gardens will brush against expansive vineyards and fragrant olive groves. The sunlight will glint against the marble dam and water of Marathonas Lake. The Battle of Marathon took place on the surrounding plain with traces of the occasion being captured in the burial mound that was conceived as a sign to honor those who fought. The secluded ruins of the port of Ramnous offer a perfect plateau for overlooking azure water and the Doric remains of the Temple of Nemesis.

Make your way to the gorgeous city of Nafplio, the first capital of a united Greece either on your own with a rental care delivered to your hotel, or by private transfer. Nafplio is one of Greece’s most beautiful cities. It is home to a romantic ambiance that originates from its seaside setting and marbled lanes. The Palamidi fortress looms atop the hillside, and elegant Venetian houses and Neoclassical mansions line the pedestrian lanes. Along the way, you can stop in Corinth to experience the Gateway to the Peloponnese. You can also visit the Corinth Canal to view the 19th-century excavation that spans nearly four miles.

Your guided tour of the Argolis region of the Peloponnese will take you to Mycenae, which is known as the kingdom of Agamemnon from Homer's Iliad. The Cyclopean walls that surround the former kingdom showcase inspiring power and prestige. Foundations date back to the 9th century BC and will capture your imagination with images of two large lions that adorn the dramatic Lion Gate. At the ancient Theater of Epidaurus, you will stand among the stadium seating where Classical Greek plays were performed more than 2,300 years ago and continue to be performed until this day.

You will make the scenic drive to Monemvasia to find the preserved medieval town etched into the backside of steep rock. A narrow road connects the island to the mainland, and the walls of the town only allow pedestrian access. After settling in to the charms of your boutique hotel, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure to wander the old mansions and churches that blend Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman architecture.  You can also trek to the top of the cliff to reach the 12th-century Byzantine church of Agia Sofia for spectacular views of the coastline.

Your private guide will meet you at your hotel and lead you through the history and culture of Monemvasia castle. The foundations date back to the 6th century AD. As you wander the cobbled paths, you will be able to hear the water of the Myrtoan Sea splash against the stone outside the lower wall. A former mosque hosts the Archeological Museum, where you can find remains of the long history of the castle, including sculptures and elements of marble temples. After the tour, you can sip a local wine that is known for its sweet aroma of honey and orange with caramel colors.

You will drive to Olympia and meet your guide at your hotel before embarking on an excursion into the home of the Olympic Games from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Your immersive private tour will introduce you to the marvelous ruins that retain a mysterious and powerful allure, from the ancient Olympic Games to the sanctuary that was dedicated to Hera. The museum showcases the development of the games with approximately 463 ancient artifacts, including a stunning statue of Hermes and the Infant Dionysus. The remains of the Temple of Hera embody one of Greece’s oldest monuments.

Delphi edges into the slopes of Mount Parnassus and offers marvelous views that span the Gulf of Corinth. You will enjoy the scenic drive from Olympia to Delphi, which will take you across the Rio-Antirrio suspension bridge. The cables sweep down from the supportive posts to resemble billowing sails above the gulf. The entire bridge spans more than 9,450 feet. Upon your arrival in Delphi, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax in the comforts of your boutique hotel.

Your private tour of Delphi will take you through the most visited ancient sites in Greece, second only the Acropolis in Athens. The potent spirit of the infamous Oracle remains an iconic allure, and you will follow the ancient mountainside paths that lead to the Sanctuary of Apollo. Columns line the Sacred Way and span the nearly 656-foot long road alongside former votive monuments and treasuries. The remains of the temple date back to the 4th century BC. You can find the conical stone of Omphalos, which was once referred to as the navel of the ancient world.

Before you reach Meteora, you can stop at the famous historical site of Thermopylae. The legendary military feat occurred nearly 2,500 years ago and featured Leonidas and his brave 300 Spartans who fought against the vastly larger Persian army. You can stroll the edges of the broad coastal plain, where thermal springs bubble near the museum. The galleries inside the museum use virtual reality to stage the armor, strategies, and battle, allowing you to participate in the soldiers' military preparation. You can relax in Meteora with the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Your private tour of Meteora will take you into the clouds to explore the unique karst and secluded monasteries. The twisted and beautiful rock formations can reach up to 984 feet tall and retain six of the former 24 monasteries. At the Great Meteoron Monastery, you can traverse the foundations that date back to 1356 to find stunning views of the surrounding plains and marvelous frescoes. At sunset, your guide will lead you along hidden paths, Byzantine churches, and ancient hermitages to bask in the breathtaking colors of the sunset over Meteora.

Before you return to Athens, you can visit the authentic and unspoiled village of Kastraki, which is nestled into the hillside of two rocky pinnacles. Terracotta tile roofs and wooden window shutters embody the timeless beauty of the village. You will return to Athens, where a representative will meet you at your hotel to return your rental car. You can relax in your hotel or travel into the heart of Athens to enjoy the aroma of kataifi, the scent of strong coffee, and the sight of the Parthenon glowing at night.

At breakfast, you may wish to sip the strong and sweet flavor of typical Greek coffee with a slice of bougatsa, which is a pastry of filo-dough that is often stuffed with custard or cheese and topped with cinnamon and sugar. You will have a quick and easy transfer to Athens’s airport after breakfast with plenty of time to connect with your flight home.