Greece: Wonders of an Ancient Empire

Explore over 5,000 years of Greek history during this 11-day National Geographic Expedition. Journeying from Athens to Kalambáka, Mycenae and Olympia take in the magnificent and diverse scenery and landmarks including the legendary Acropolis in Athens and the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora. Explore the mythology and masterpieces of ancient Greece with local scholars and archaeologists including National Geographic experts.

Trip highlights

This expedition was inspired by the National Geographic Television series The Greeks, a July 2016 National Geographic magazine photo-essay, and the 2016 National Geographic Museum exhibition The "Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great."

In Athens, meet with a local expert to discuss the political and economic landscape of contemporary Greece.

Enjoy a festive dinner at a local family home.

Itinerary - 11 Days

1-2 Athens, Greece

Arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner on the hotel's rooftop. Begin the following day at the New Acropolis Museum, then visit the Acropolis and explore the ancient Agora.
Electra Palace Athens (Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L)

3 Athens/Náfplio

Visit the National Archaeological Museum. Travel south to see the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Forum. Continue to Náfplio and cap off the day with a walking tour.
Amalia Hotel Nauplia (B/L/D)

4 Mycenae/Epidaurus/Náfplio

At Mycenae, discover an ancient grave circle, the royal palace, and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Later, enjoy a wine tasting of local varietals, and stop at the theatre of Epidaurus.
Amalia Hotel Nauplia (B/L/D)

5 Olympia

Discover the mountain villages of Arcadia on our way to Olympia. Explore this evocative collection of ancient temples, altars, and a stadium, and visit the archaeological museum.
Olympion Asty Hotel (B/L/D)

6-7 Delphi

Visit an olive oil press and enjoy a tasting. Depart the Peloponnese for mainland Greece and arrive at the sanctuary of Delphi. Walk the sacred way to the Temple of Apollo and explore Delphi’s awe-inspiring ruins. Enjoy a weaving demonstration in Aráhova, and stop in at the 11th-century monastery of Hosios Loukas.
Amalia Hotel Delphi (B/L/D)

8-9 Kalambáka/Meteora/Athens

Journey to the mountain pass of Thermopylae and continue to Kalambáka, our base for exploring the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Venture into chapels and courtyards adorned with beautiful frescoes. In the evening return to Athens and meet with a local expert to discuss the political and economic landscape of contemporary Greece.
Dellas Boutique Hotel; Electra Palace Athens (Day 8: B/D; Day 9: B/L)

10-11 I Aegina/Athens

Travel to Piraeus, stopping to view a mural by the Greek visual artist iNO, whose work was featured in the National Geographic series The Greeks. Take a ferry to Aegina island. Return to Athens and gather in the home of a local family for a festive farewell dinner.
Depart for the airport the next day.
Electra Palace Athens (Day 10: B/L/D; Day 11: B)