A Journey Across Greece’s Ancient History and Modern Mysteries
Next Departures :
11 to 18 May 2024 / 19 to 26 October 2024
10 to 17 May 2025 / 18 to 25 October 2025
Ad-hoc tour dates are available upon request
For season 2024 and beyond, I’m joining forces with New York based filmmaker Ariel Viera to design a new multi-day experience in Greece. Travelling in a small group (6-10 guests), we’ll be exploring the history and myths of ancient antiquity while immersing in its modern culture – in an epic itinerary comprising several UNESCO heritage sites, great food, off-the-beaten-path locations, and surprising stories and highlights. Let’s hear it from Ariel :
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Greece?
Is it the ancient ruins that are the origins of Western civilization as we know it?
Maybe it’s the delicious food complete with salads, gyros, and plenty of the best olive oil in the world?
Or perhaps it’s the epic mythology which has permeated into so many aspects of culture today?
On this journey through the heart of Greece you’ll get to experience all three: the ancient history, the food, and the mythology. Plus even more!
Come with us on a multi-day adventure through the best that Greece has to offer. You’ll learn about the secrets of its ancient past, see the real life locations of famous mythological heroes, and enjoy a variety of the best food this country has to offer.
But this is an Urbanist-style adventure after-all! We’re also taking you to places that you won’t find in the guidebooks or learn in the textbooks.
We will show you a side of Greece that most tourists never get a chance to see. Are you ready?
Day 1 : Athens
Athens is a historic and cultural marvel, standing as a testament to human achievement. The birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy, it exudes a rich tapestry of ancient wonders.
We start our journey in the very cradle of Western civilization: Athens. This eternal city is where western philosophy, democracy, and architecture were born!
But Athens is more than its ancient past, it’s currently a bustling metropolis that has so much to offer to the curious traveler on its sun-soaked avenues.
From the weaving streets of the oldest neighborhood in the world in Plaka, to the 19th-century grandeur of Syntagma Square, to the chaotic-but-yet-endlessly-interesting backstreets of the city center.
We will meet in the hotel lobby at 6pm on Arrival Day and have a session where we get acquainted with the adventure ahead of us and meet your fellow tour guests.
Then we will head out to experience the Athenian street food culture first-hand by sampling some of the tastiest gyros in town! Coupled with craft beer from local microbreweries.
Day 2 : Ancient Athens
This is the day where you will be walking on the very same footsteps as the legendary individuals that transformed the world. The likes of Socrates, Aristotle, Sophocles, and Pericles!
That’s right, we’re visiting the Acropolis crowned by arguably the most famous building in the world dating back to the 5th century BC, the Parthenon.
There you’ll learn about how Athens acquired its name, the intricate friezes that still tell the stories of the mythological origins of Greece, and the political dramas that surround these magnificent structures that stood the test of time.
In the Afternoon, you will get a chance to visit the Acropolis Museum or wander the ancient streets of Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis.
Then in the Evening, we will enjoy a delicious ancient Greek themed meal in a private setting, where we’ll learn about the culinary traditions of the ancients.
Day 3 : Modern Athens
In the morning, we will explore modern Athens, following the overlooked exit signs of the passageways in the heart of Athens, to discover a city within a city that even locals leave unnoticed. We will decypher typographical and architectural styles to discover family stores, urban myths, the modes of urban transformation and the ways locals relate to it.
After lunch, we will hop on our coach and leave Athens for the vibrant town of Kalamata in the south of Greece, Famed for its succulent olives and picturesque seafront, it captivates with a blend of tradition and contemporary charm, and we will enjoy a fun night out by at its seafront promenade.
Okay, so now that we immersed ourselves into Ancient Athens, now it’s time to explore the often-overlooked Modern Athens. In the morning, we will venture into the passageways that snake through the heart of the city, in order to learn about the unseen Athens.
We will learn about the mish-mash of architectural styles that make this one of the most misunderstood cities in Europe. As we visit secret shops owned by families for generations and learn about the tumultuous history of Athens’ history in the past century.
After Lunch, we will hop on our coach and leave Athens. We will be headed to the vibrant seaside town of Kalamata in the Peloponnese. The name might sound familiar, because it’s famous for its succulent olives. But there’s also a picturesque waterfront that lights up at night with vibrant local life. We will enjoy a fun night out! Who knows what surprises await?
Day 4 : Sparta, Mystras & Ancient Messene
On this day, we will enjoy a full day of ancient history highlights, beginning from Ancient Messene, an archaeological marvel in Greece’s Peloponnese region, revealing the grandeur of a once-thriving city-state. Its well-preserved ruins, including a stunning stadium, agora, and impressive city walls, offer a glimpse into ancient life.
If you’ve been waiting with baited breath to yell “This is Sparta!” Then this day will be your chance. The Greek Peloponnese offer insights into a history filled with technological achievements, riddled with wars, and glimpses into ancient life.
We begin in Ancient Messene, an archaeological marvel where we can get up close and personal with well-preserved ruins that include a stadium, agora, and impressive city walls.
Then we will head towards Ancient Sparta, an iconic ancient Greek city-state, echoed with tales of legendary warriors with unparalleled discipline. Renowned for its military prowess and austere lifestyle, it remains an emblem of antiquity’s resilience.
Mystras, nestled nearby, continues this historical narrative as a medieval fortified town. Its well-preserved ruins, churches adorned with elaborate frescoes, and a hilltop fortress reflect the splendor of the Byzantine era.
Together, Sparta and Mystras form a juxtaposition of two distinct eras, showcasing the evolution of civilizations. While Sparta evokes the valor of the past, Mystras offers a glimpse into the artistic and architectural achievements of the Byzantine era, collectively enriching Greece’s cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, we will continue our journey towards Ancient Olympia, where we will be staying for the night. The evening will be free for you to explore the small town, making your own arrangements for dinner.
Day 5 : Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games
This morning is dedicated to visiting Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
This sacred site, dating back to the 8th century BCE, hosted the quadrennial athletic competitions that celebrated physical prowess and honored the gods.
The centerpiece is the Temple of Zeus, which used to house the magnificent gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The stadium, gymnasium, and various sanctuaries dot the archaeological site, revealing the rich history and cultural significance of Olympia. We will explore the ruins and gain insights into the ancient Greek appreciation for athleticism and divine worship.
After lunch, we will cross over the bridge connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece heading towards our next stop, Delphi, where we will be staying for the next two nights.
Day 6 : Religion and Mysticism at Delphi
This morning, we will be at Delphi : the ancient sanctuary nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus is an archaeological site with profound spiritual and historical significance.
This morning we will be at Delphi. This was the home of the Oracle of Delphi, a priestess who channeled prophecies for many of the leaders of Ancient Greece. This sanctuary is nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and contains a profound spiritual significance for more than millenia.
The site boasts structures like the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, and the Tholos, showcasing remarkable ancient Greek architecture. Pilgrims and leaders sought guidance at Delphi, making it a cultural and political hub. Today, the well-preserved ruins draw visitors, offering a glimpse into the mysticism and wisdom of classical Greece.
In the afternoon, we will visit a local beehive to experience the fabulous world of bees. We will learn about the life-cycle, habitat and social traits of this fabulous insect, as well as its significance to Earth’s ecosystem. We will also get hands-on with bees, and sample locally produced honey.
In the evening, you will be free to explore the town of Delphi, making your own dining arrangements.
Day 7 : Pan’s Cave Hiking
In the morning, we will go trekking at Mt. Parnassus discovered the Corycian Cave, a mythical and historically significant site.
In the morning, we will trek up to the legendary cave of the god Pan! Located in Corycian Cave in Mount Parnassus, this was a sacred site to the muses who worship this half-man-half-goat god.
Its name is derived from the nymph Corycia, believed to be a companion of Apollo. The cave’s striking entrance leads to subterranean chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
A steady hike rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Revered by poets and mystics, the Corycian Cave has inspired awe for centuries, inviting exploration into its natural beauty and mythological resonance.
After a stopover at the nearby picturesque village of Arachova for lunch, we will continue our journey to central Greece and the imposing monasteries at Meteora.
Day 8 : The Meteora Monasteries
If there’s one place that will be forever imprinted into your mind, it’s Meteora. The rock formations that soar up to 400 meters tall and are topped by lavish monasteries.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is translated as “suspended in the air,” Meteora’s monastery complex consists of six active Greek Orthodox monasteries established in the 14th century.
Initially only accessible by precarious staircases or baskets hauled by winches, Meteora offers breathtaking views of the Thessalian Plain. The site seamlessly blends natural beauty with religious heritage, creating a unique and awe-inspiring destination for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.
We will visit Meteora by hiking the ancient monastic paths traditionally used by the monks to ascend to the Byzantine cliff-top monasteries.
In the evening, we will begin our return to Athens, stopping at the ancient battle site of the legendary ‘300’ Spartans versus the Persians. Thermopylae – or Hot Gates – is the narrow coastal pass, flanked by mountains and the Gulf of Malis, which witnessed the epic Battle of Thermopylae during the Greco-Persian Wars in 480 BC.
King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, along with allies, held the narrow passage for three days.
Although ultimately defeated, their sacrifice delayed the Persians, altering the course of history.
Today, the site preserves remnants of ancient fortifications and a commemorative monument, immortalizing the bravery of those who defended Greek freedom.
We will arrive in Athens in the evening, and head out for a farewell dinner you will be sure to always remember.
Pricing
The group size ranges from 6 to 12 guests. The price of the tour is $4200 per person. The single occupancy supplement is $600. The price includes :
- 8 nights accommodation (including taxes)
- Daily breakfast included
- All Meals and drinks included except two dinners on free evenings
- All transport in a modern, fully air conditioned minibus (including petrol and highway toll fees)
- All entrance fees and public transport tickets
- Expert private guides at the Acropolis, Olympia, Mystras & Ancient Messene
- Seasoned mountain guides for the hikes at Mt Parnassus and Meteora Monasteries
- All tips (except tour leader)
- Experienced, licensed and insured English speaking driver
- A passionate, knowledgeable, tireless, and fun tour leader
The price does not include
- Flights
- Airport Transfers
- Dinner on either of the 2 free evenings
- Tour Leader tip
- Personal expenses such as additional hotel services, shopping, gifts or souvenirs
Book your rooming option below. You will be able to select your tour departure date from a drop down list during checkout. Here’s a link to the Booking Terms and Conditions :
Frequently Asked Questions :
- Will I get to meet Ariel during the tour ? Probably not. Although Ariel loves being in Greece, his various commitments means that he normally won’t be able to attend this tour in person.
- What’s the weather going to be like ? Greece is sunny and warm for most of the year, and it’s not unusual for the temperature to be between 21-26C (70-80F) between March and November. The occasional deluge of rain is possible, however.
- What clothes should I pack ? Make sure you pack a raincoat, as well as sturdy hiking shoes and a hat for our hikes. For our visit to the Meteora monasteries, ladies will need a skirt that goes below the knee, and a garment that covers the shoulders. However a wrap-around-the-waist garment over trousers or tights is also fine. Gents should ideally wear long trousers in Meteora, although we haven’t had issues with shorter trousers or combats.
- What about money ? Greece’s currency is the Euro. There’s plenty of ATM’s everywhere we’ll be, most of which will charge you a small fee for withdrawing cash. You will be able to use credit/charge cards almost everywhere, and you should always choose the option to pay in your native currency (without conversion) to avoid additional costs.
- Tipping ? In Greece, it is unusual to include service tips in bills. A 10%-15% tip is customary for most cases, provided you’re satisfied with the service. For our trip, tips for all the places and activities we will enjoy – such as restaurants or guided tours – are included in your tour price, your tour leader will take care of these, and you won’t need to pay extra. However – tips for the tour leader and the driver are not included.
Please contact Evan at urbanist@explorabilia.co.uk for further info