Secrets of Greece Including Corfu

Day 1
Welcome to Athens
Venture back to a time when great philosophers roamed the halls of the Agora and gods competed for mythical supremacy. Your journey delving into the treasures of Greece begins in its vibrant capital, which you'll have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. Kick off your in-depth discovery of what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' this evening, when you meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.

Day 2
Journey to Epidaurus and Nafplion
Journey to a land of legends this morning. Travel through the scenic northeast Peloponnese, passing the Corinth Canal, which links the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs. Stop at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of Medicine. Take to the stage and experience the remarkable acoustics that once entertained over 14,000 spectators. Continue to a family-run olive oil mill for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and discover how sustainable farming supports local traditions. Taste award-winning olive oil and learn how ancient methods meet modern practices. Later, arrive in the seaport town of Nafplion. Wander its neoclassical streets or relax over a traditional meal by the bay.

Day 3
A Day Exploring Mycenae Dive Into Culture
Continue your journey inland and join a Local Specialist for a guided visit of Mycenae, whose ruins remains a testament to what was once a major palatial centre of the late Bronze Age in Greece. Stroll through the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Royal Palace before seeing the tomb of this fearless Greek leader who commanded the Greeks in their battles against Trojan forces. This afternoon, Dive Into Culture and sample delicious local vintages, gaining insights into wine production in the Nemea region. You'll have free time to stroll through the seaside retreat of Nafplion, perhaps with a delicious Greek ice cream in hand.

Day 4
Onwards to Ancient Olympia Connect with Locals
Crossing the Peloponnese and head towards the famous village of Olympia, where sacrifices were once made to the gods, and athletes competed for supremacy in the ancient Olympic Games. Visit the ruins of temples, the museum and the stadium, with our Local Specialist, imagining agile runners racing in honour of Zeus. This evening, join the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm for a traditional Be My Guest experience including dinner and dancing.

Day 5
Off to Nikopolis and Sail to Corfu
Leave the Peninsula and return to mainland Greece, continuing north past Amphilochia and Preveza, before arriving in Nikopolis to see where the Battle of Actium took place. Board a ferry and cross to the beautiful island of Corfu, where you'll have time at leisure to admire its splendid architecture, arcades and Spianada, one of the largest and most impressive squares in Greece.

Day 6
A Day to Discover Amazing Corfu
Begin your day with an orientation tour of the island, followed by a visit to the Venetian Castle and the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. Later, stop at the Phaeacian-styled Achilleion Palace, built by Elizabeth 'Sissi' Empress of Austria and Hungary, who so admired Greece and its culture that she decided to build an enchanting summer retreat. Stroll through its Imperial Gardens and enjoy magnificent views of the lush valley and glistening Ionian Sea beyond before returning to your hotel for an evening on your own terms.

Day 7
Continue on to Lakeside Ioannina
Bid farewell to island living on Corfu and sail back to the mainland, continuing to the lively lakeside city of Ioannina, where you'll spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the tranquil lakeshore and through the Old Town to admire its Ottoman and Byzantine treasures, including the imposing castle that overlooks Lake Pamvotis.

Day 8
Journey to Meteora
Start your day with the rich, smoky flavours of Metsovone cheese before heading to Kalambaka. Here, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Meteora rock formations, where your Local Specialist shares the history of these towering pillars and the monasteries that have stood atop them for centuries. This evening, choose an Optional Experience to Trikala, a town steeped in history and legend. Walk along the riverside before settling in for a Greek family-style dinner, where delicious local dishes and free-flowing wine promise a night to remember.

Day 9
Admire Thermopylae, Delphi and on to Galaxidi
Traversing the peaks of Parnassos and Giona, stop in Thermopylae, the mythical entrance to Hades and the site where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought bravely against the invading Persians. Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to Delphi, the seat of the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo and ramble through what remains of this ancient sanctuary, once the site of the Pythian Games, a precursor of the modern Olympics. travel towards the Corinthian Gulf and stop in the harbour village of Galaxidi for the night.

Day 10
Return to Athens
Return to cosmopolitan Athens for a day of delving into antiquity, coming face-to-face with the treasures of Ancient Greece. Ascend to the Acropolis and join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with magnificent views of Athena's Parthenon, the Agora, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus. See Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and view the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. On our final evening together, join your fellow travellers for dinner to celebrate the millennia and miles explored together on this epic voyage of discovery.

Day 11
Farewell Athens
Bid farewell to Athens and newfound friends as you prepare to depart Greece.

Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)
10 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
Olympia: Say "opa!" to a traditional Greek experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm. Join the family for dinner and dancing, and learn about their history on the land.
Dive into Culture
Nemea: Learn about the winemaking tradition of the Nemea region and enjoy a local wine tasting.
Iconic Experience
Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus: Visit the Theatre of Epidaurus and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius during a stop in the Peloponnesus.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Specialist.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: Join a Local Specialist to view the stadium of Olympia which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Corfu: Enjoy time at leisure to explore Corfu's Old Town narrow streets and arcaded squares. 
Corfu: Visit the Achilleion Palace, former summer home of Elizabeth 'Sissi' Empress of Austria and Hungary. 
Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Delphi: Visit Axion Esti, a family-run organic beekeeping facility in Stemnitsa. Meet Sophia and Anthony and learn how their passion for bees has grown into an award-winning operation. Suit up to see the hives up close, explore the museum, and sample local honey while discovering the importance of pollinators to the ecosystem. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Meteora, Delphi and Athens
Visit the ancient theatre at Epidaurus, Olympic Stadium in Olympia, Monastery of Paleokastritsa and Achilleion Palace in Corfu, rock Monastery in Meteora and Acropolis in Athens
View the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens
See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae
Trafalgar Difference
Nafplio: Set amongst beautiful gardens with palm trees and flowers, Amalia Hotel Nafplio features eco-friendly practices to save energy, water, and manpower. It employs geothermal technology for heating, cooling, and hot water, eliminating the use of diesel fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.