Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > Greece

Best of Athens & the Heart of Greece in 14 Days

$3,295 + air • 24-28 people • Begins and ends in Athens

Greece offers an odyssey of travel thrills: cliffs plunging into the Aegean where Odysseus sailed; porches where Plato pondered Socrates; octopi just off the boat; tomatoes fresh from the garden; black-clad grannies in the sun and backgammon in the shade.

Our route mostly hugs the shore, offering the best of both worlds: the stunning coastal vistas, classic harbors, sugar-cube villages, and a taste of the country's hard-fought and well-worn interior — all with the reliable transportation of our big, comfy bus. We've included the "biggies" — like Athens and Delphi — along with plenty of time to explore some fascinating, less-discovered corners of Greece.

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.

Day 1: Welcome to Greece

Our hotel is near the pedestrian-friendly, centrally-located Plaka neighborhood. At 6 p.m. we'll meet here for a "Welcome to Athens" get-together. Sleep in Athens (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Athens' Acropolis and Time to Roam

Our morning begins with an orientation to Athens and a tour of the historic Acropolis and Agora. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Athens' many museums, and the Plaka's labyrinth of inviting streets, squares, shops and cafés. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Archaeological Treasures and Delphi

This morning we'll tour the impressive National Archaeological Museum before we drive into the rugged heart of Greece. A local guide will show us the mystical ruins of Delphi, where 25 centuries ago, the celebrated oracle allowed mere mortals to converse with the gods. Enlightened with our new-found wisdom, we'll dine and sleep well tonight in Delphi (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Peloponnese Mountains and Villages

Today we'll cross over to the Peloponnese Peninsula. From the village of Diakofto, we'll take a scenic drive up the rugged Vouraikos Gorge. After a stop in the mountain town of Kalavryta, we'll drive further into the valleys of the Menalon Mountains to Dimitsana and its Open-Air Water Power Museum. Sleep in Dimitsana (1 night). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 5: Olympia and the Ionian Coastline

A winding mountain drive will take us to the site of the world's first Olympics, over 2700 years ago. After touring the ancient site with a local guide, we'll drive along the sweeping Ionian Sea coast and the Messinian Gulf coast to the picture-perfect fishing village of Kardamyli, nestled at the base of the Taygetos Mountains. Sleep in Kardamyli (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: Free Day in Seaside Kardamyli

After some orientation by your guide, the day is all yours. Kardamyli is an ideal place to enjoy a "vacation from your vacation." Options include relaxing on the beach, hiking in the nearby hills, and enjoying some grilled seafood at a little seaside taverna. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 7: Mani Villages

We'll follow the coast to the isolated Mani peninsula, home to generations-long clan wars and salt-of-the-earth villages. After making a few back door discoveries, we'll head north and east, to the island town of Monemvasia. Sleep in mainland Monemvasia (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Fortified Town of Monemvasia

This morning we'll visit the fortified town of Monemvasia — perched atop a massive rock, surrounded by the Aegean Sea. After a morning of exploring this fascinating town with your guide, you'll have the remainder of the day to wander the medieval streets or swim in the sea. No bus. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).

Day 9: Byzantine Mystras

Today we'll head up into the heart of the Peloponnese, stopping for a tour of the haunting Byzantine ruins of Mystras. Then we drive north, via legendary Sparta, to the fortress-topped harbor town of Nafplio. Sleep in Nafplio (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 10: Ancient Mycenae and Nafplio

After breakfast a local guide will introduce us to Mycenae, the fortified city founded by Perseus, where we'll tour the ruins and walk in the footsteps of Agamemnon. It is amazing to think that the ruins here are 1000 years older than the Acropolis! Then we return to Nafplio for a free afternoon to explore this charming town and its surroundings. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 11: Epidavros and the Island of Hydra

This morning we'll drive across the Argolis Peninsula to explore the ancient theater at Epidavros. Then we'll take a quick ferry hop to the idyllic traffic-free island of Hydra, our home for the next two nights. Sleep on Hydra (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Free Day on Hydra

You'll have the day free to wander the narrow streets and harbor promenade, soak up the whitewashed architecture, hike on the island, or just relax. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 13: Return to Athens

This morning we'll take the short ferry ride to Athens, where our bus will be waiting to take us to our hotel. This afternoon is free and tonight we'll have our last supper together, gaze at the floodlit Acropolis, and toast to enduring memories of our Greek adventure together. Opa! Sleep in Athens (1 night). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.

Day 14: Tour over after breakfast

Some will head for the airport to fly home, while others will head for the nearby suburb of Piraeus where a fleet of ferries awaits to transport travelers to more Greek destinations.

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour

 

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