SHORTLIST

Premium Greece in Depth

Embark on a 16-day Premium journey exploring very the best of mainland Greece and the Cyclades. Whether it’s tracing a path through ancient ruins in Delphi, visiting secluded monasteries high in the Meteora Valley, or watching as the sun sets over the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, this is a country where the weight of history makes its presence felt. With plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals, savour traditional Aegean cuisine and visit the acclaimed sites, this is a complete adventure into Greece’s sun-kissed heartland.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$10,706
Number of Days
16
Start Location
Athens, Greece
End Location
Santorini, Greece
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Athens
Kalimera! Welcome to Athens, Greece's storied capital. When you arrive, a local representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do – after all, you’re in one of the world's oldest cities! Maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens to brush up on some history or hunt down the best souvlaki. After your welcome meeting, head out for dinner with your group at a local restaurant and toast the beginning of the trip – maybe with a glass of ouzo.
Day 2: Athens / Kalambaka
Today, you’ll get to know ancient Athens with visits to two of the city’s most famous sites. First, explore the Acropolis – one of the Western world’s most significant landmarks. Meet an expert local guide who'll share deep insights into the history and legacy of the civilisations that once lived in this citadel. Start with an ascent through the towering Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis. Inside, you’ll see the Parthenon – considered the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. In the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka at the base of the Meteora Mountains. Along the way, stop at Thermopylae – the site of the famous 480 BC battle during the Greco-Persian wars, and the inspiration behind the movie 300. Upon arrival, you might like to check out one of the local tavernas for dinner.
Day 3: Meteora / Kalambaka
Travel into the hills this morning to the monasteries of Meteora. These ancient stone buildings sit on towering sandstone cliffs and are among Greece's most extraordinary sites. Join a local guide to explore the ruins of the Pantokrator and Varlaam monasteries and learn about their history – settlement in the area dates back to at least the 11th century when hermit monks sought refuge in the caves. Then, return to Kalambaka to explore the town or relax at the hotel. Regroup in the evening to watch the sunset from the hills surrounding Meteora with an included drink.
Day 4: Delphi / Nafpaktos
After breakfast, travel to Delphi to visit the Delphi Museum and explore the complex with a local guide – including the Temple of Apollo, the most important building where statues and offerings to the gods were housed and where rituals took place. Later in the afternoon, visit a family of local beekeepers for an Exclusive Experience where you’ll see the hives, learn about honey production and, of course, taste their produce. Continue to your overnight stop in the small coastal town of Nafpaktos. For dinner tonight, maybe treat yourself to some seafood by the water.
Day 5: Olympia / Dimitsana
After a leisurely morning, drive to the archaeological site of ancient Olympia – a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings and was the site of the first Olympic Games. You’ll join an expert local guide to tour the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera and the hippodrome. Then, visit the museum to brush up on more history. Continue to the medieval village of Dimitsana to settle into Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel – your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights. This traditionally decorated stone mansion has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 6: Central Arcadia / Dimitsana
Today join a local guide to explore the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and Lousios Valley. Walk deep into the valley where you’ll have an Exclusive Experience at the working monastery of Prodromos – an incredible wood and clay structure built into a rock face. Learn about the monks’ lives as they show you around before sitting together for coffee and Greek delight. Then, see the splendid 14th-century frescs decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. After, visit the tenth-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou and learn how it was the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio' run by monks during Ottoman rule. Continue to the medieval village of Stemnitsa – known for its silversmiths – and Zigovisti (or a similar village) for a traditional lunch before returning to Dimitsana for a free afternoon.
Day 7: Mycynae / Nafplion / Athens
Visit the Mycenae archaeological site this morning – a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the most important cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. Then, drive to the seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio) – the original Greek capital – and take some time to explore at your own pace. Before returning to Athens, stop to sample ouzo and learn how Greece’s national drink is made. A taste of this anise-infused alcohol will take you straight to the heart of Greek culture. Arrive in Athens in the late afternoon and head out for an included farewell dinner at a local restaurant – don't forget to say yamas (cheers) to a brilliant adventure!
Day 8: Athens
Enjoy a day at leisure in Athens. You may wish to take a walk around the National Garden or tackle the climb up Lycabettus Hill. As this is a combination trip, a meeting will take place at your hotel at 6 pm this evening to meet your new leader welcome any new travellers joining the next leg of your adventure. After, join your new leader and group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Paros
This morning, you’ll be transported to Athens' port at Piraeus, where you’ll board a ferry to Paros – a beautiful and relaxed island with a layered history. Ferries are a great way to travel between the islands and are essential to many remote islands in Greece's archipelagos. In the afternoon, get to know Paros during an island tour with a local guide. Start off in Parikia, the island’s main town, where you’ll visit the Ekatontapiliani church, also known as the Church of a Hundred Doors. Drive across the island, passing by ancient marble quarries and verdant hills, to Marpissa for a visit to a cultural centre to learn about island life from a group of local women. Carry on to Naoussa – a village known for its whitewashed alleys, Venetian castle and scenic port.
Day 10: Paros
The day is yours to uncover more of Paros’ charms. There’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do on the island. You might like to take a guided morning hike along the coast – starting off at a fishing village and weaving through some of the island’s best beaches. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby island of Antiparos – a favourite secret holiday spot for royals and celebrities. Or maybe you’d like to spend the day relaxing on one of Paros’ many beaches, cooling off with dips in Aegean Sea. Speak to your leader for more information about the activities on offer today and for tips on how to make the most of this island.
Day 11: Naxos
Say goodbye to Paros this morning and catch a short ferry to Naxos. The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos has something for everyone – from beaches to an Old Town and hundreds of years of Venetian history. Take some time to settle in, then regroup in the late afternoon to learn about the town. Visit the Portara with a local guide – the giant marble doorway is the only remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo from 530 BC. Naxos is unique in the fact that it is the Cyclades’ only self-sufficient island, meaning all produce is grown and available on the island without imports. Because of this, the cuisine is hyperlocal and differs to the rest of the country. Try it for yourself this evening during a group dinner, where you will learn all about the regional specialties.
Day 12: Naxos
Drive to Kaloxylos in the heart of the island’s biggest olive grove and one of the oldest in the world. Here, tour an olive oil press museum to learn about the importance of olive oil to Greek culture and traditional extraction methods. After your visit, you’ll put your new knowledge to good use as you travel to the nearby village of Galini for a hands-on cooking class. Meet with a local who will share her culinary knowledge with the group, leaving you with recipes you can cook up at home. First, collect fresh ingredients from your host’s organic garden and learn about cultivation and farming on Naxos. Then put the ingredients together to create a Naxian dish from scratch, enjoying the fruits of your labour for lunch. Pair your lunch with a tasting of local kitron. This citron liqueur, with a history stretching back to the 19th century and produced exclusively on Naxos, offers a taste of the island’s culture.
Day 13: Naxos
Today is free to explore more of Naxos as you wish. You may like to head to one of the island’s beaches or discover more of its history at a local museum. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos in Chora Naxos dates back to the 17th century and houses artefacts from the Neolithic to the early Christian periods, and the Geological Museum of Apeiranthos digs up the natural history of the island. If you’re after a sweet treat, walnut cake flavoured with local kitron is an excellent regional specialty. Your leader will be on hand to help tailor a day that suits your interests.
Day 14: Santorini
Depart Naxos in the morning and catch a ferry to Santorini. When you arrive in Santorini's capital, Fira, you’ll be met and transferred to your Feature Stay hotel – a whitewashed building in traditional Cycladic style, El Greco Resort wraps around the year-round swimming pool. Featuring modern, spacious rooms, this hotel also sits in a prime location for exploring Santorini. It’s only a short walk from the Archaeological Museum of Thera, so perhaps head there to learn about how previous civilisations lived on the island. Tonight, make sure you catch Santorini's world-famous sunset.
Day 15: Santorini
In the morning, embark on a hike along Santorini’s legendary caldera. The island you see today is what remains from a huge volcanic explosion that destroyed the early settlements and created a geographical caldera. The natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Your walk will take you along the north-western rim of the caldera, passing steep cliff faces and amazing views along the way. The walk ends in the town of Oia, built on a steep slope inside Santorini’s volcanic caldera. Famous not only for its scenery, Santorini’s microclimate and volcanic soil make it a top spot for wine production. Sip your way around the island with two special stops – the Symposium Cultural Centre, where you’ll learn about Greek wine and try it in traditional cups, and a family-run winery, where you’ll discover more about the history of wine production and taste the different varieties yourself alongside a food pairing.
Day 16: Santorini
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you want to spend some more time in Santorini, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners.
  • Transport: Private vehicle, Ferry, Taxi.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights), Feature stay (4 nights).
  • Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant.
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
  • Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide.
  • Meteora - Monastery Visits with Local Guide.
  • Delphi - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide.
  • Itea - Beekeeping Experience & Honey Tasting.
  • Olympia - Archaeological Site and Museum Visit with Local Guide.
  • Central Arcadia - Lousios Valley Hike with Local Guide.
  • Central Arcadia - Philosophou Monestary Visit.
  • Central Arcadia - Prodromos Monastery Visit with Coffee & Greek Delight.
  • Nafplion - Ouzo Tasting.
  • Mycenae - Archaeological site with guide.
  • Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant.
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
  • Paros - Highlights of Paros Half Day Island Tour with Local Guide.
  • Naxos - Old Town Walk & Portara Guided Tour.
  • Naxos - Cooking Class at a Local Farm.
  • Naxos - Kaloxylos Olive Oil Press.
  • Santorini - Caldera Hike.
  • Santorini - Winery visit with tasting and food pairing.
  • Santorini - Mythology and Wine experience.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
17 Aug 2025 01 Sep 2025 7 $11,020
31 Aug 2025 15 Sep 2025 9 $10,706
07 Sep 2025 22 Sep 2025 2 $14,635
16 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 2 $15,110
21 Sep 2025 06 Oct 2025 3 $15,045
30 Sep 2025 15 Oct 2025 1 $15,715
03 May 2026 18 May 2026 9 $12,945
10 May 2026 25 May 2026 10 $12,945
17 May 2026 01 Jun 2026 11 $13,460
24 May 2026 08 Jun 2026 11 $13,460
31 May 2026 15 Jun 2026 12 $13,460
14 Jun 2026 29 Jun 2026 11 $13,980
21 Jun 2026 06 Jul 2026 12 $13,980
12 Jul 2026 27 Jul 2026 12 $13,980
16 Aug 2026 31 Aug 2026 12 $13,980
23 Aug 2026 07 Sep 2026 12 $13,980
30 Aug 2026 14 Sep 2026 10 $13,980
06 Sep 2026 21 Sep 2026 12 $14,540
08 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 12 $14,540
15 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 12 $14,540
20 Sep 2026 05 Oct 2026 12 $14,540
29 Sep 2026 14 Oct 2026 12 $14,540
06 Oct 2026 21 Oct 2026 12 $13,460
11 Oct 2026 26 Oct 2026 12 $13,460
02 May 2027 17 May 2027 12 $13,590
09 May 2027 24 May 2027 12 $13,590
16 May 2027 31 May 2027 12 $14,135
23 May 2027 07 Jun 2027 12 $14,135
30 May 2027 14 Jun 2027 12 $14,135
13 Jun 2027 28 Jun 2027 12 $14,680
20 Jun 2027 05 Jul 2027 12 $14,680
11 Jul 2027 26 Jul 2027 12 $14,680
15 Aug 2027 30 Aug 2027 12 $14,680
22 Aug 2027 06 Sep 2027 12 $14,680
29 Aug 2027 13 Sep 2027 12 $14,680
05 Sep 2027 20 Sep 2027 12 $15,265
07 Sep 2027 22 Sep 2027 12 $15,265
14 Sep 2027 29 Sep 2027 12 $15,265
19 Sep 2027 04 Oct 2027 12 $15,265
28 Sep 2027 13 Oct 2027 12 $15,265
05 Oct 2027 20 Oct 2027 12 $14,135
10 Oct 2027 25 Oct 2027 12 $14,135