The Grand road trip of Classical Greece in 5 days

Highlights

  • Immerse into one of the most ancient civilisations in the world at Mycenae, the mythical citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Reach the top of incredible rock formations to admire the great orthodox monasteries of Meteora, perched on soaring rocky promontories.
  • Discover hidden villages of unique beauty and immerse into Greek rural life
  • Explore at your own pace, with the ease of mind that our customized app gives you: seamless navigation,  local tips, audio storytelling

STARTS FROM: Athens
DURATION: 5 days
TRIP DISTANCE: 1.292 km
ACCOMMODATION: We have carefully selected boutique hotels and family-run guest houses in great locations, with lots of character. Below you can see some photos of the hotels we use in this trip (hotel selection is based on availability at the time of the booking)
CARBON: Neutral (We have offset the CO2 footprint of this trip to mitigate the impact on the environment)

Source: Back to the Routes

Description

Drive across thousands of years to the most awe-inspiring destinations inGreece, combining the wonders of Classical Greece with the amazing achievements that followed.

This road trip is a journey of discovery towards the origins of Western Civilization. It combines the most important historical sites of Greece with places of unique natural beauty and cultural interest: Argolis, land of Iliad’s heroes, Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Delphi, the center of the Ancient World, Nafplio, the first capital of the Greek State, Meteora, the world-famous  monasteries, but also roads off the beaten path, like the Koziakas mountain range, the Forest of the White River and its villages. 

 

Source: Back to the Routes

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Nafplio-Mycenae-Olympia I The Land of Legends

    Start your trip to explore the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Opt for a stop at the Corinth Canal or Epidaurus, the finest and best-preserved theatre of the ancient world. Then visit the fabled homeric city of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. 

    You'll then head towards the historic seaside city of Nafplio, a romantic, picturesque town, which was the old capital of modern Greece, crowned by Venetian fortifications and embraced by a beautiful seafront. From Nafplio, your trip will take you through the beautiful Peloponnesian countryside and to end the day in Olympia.

    Overnight in Olympia
     

  • Day 2

    Olympia - Galaxidi I An “Athlos” for a Good Life

    Start your day with a visit to the ancient site and museum of Olympia, the most important athletic, religious and political center of the ancient Greek world, birthplace of the Olympic Games and the ideals of world peace.

    After lunch drive over the Rio-Antirio bridge, the longest fully-suspended bridge in the world and stop for coffee at the impressive medieval harbor of Nafpaktos. Continue your trip along scenic coastal roads till you reach one of the most beautiful seaside villages of Greece, Galaxidi.

    Overnight in Galaxidi

  • Day 3

    Delphi - Meteora I Mountains and waters, a source of divine inspiration

    Enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters of Galaxidi, before driving to the highlight of the day: the ancient site and the museum of Delphi, the most important Oracle of antiquity and a monument of incredible beauty.

    After Delphi, you can enjoy a traditional Greek lunch under century-old plane trees in a beautiful, abandoned village, followed by a drive through the mountains and valleys of central Greece. You will pass by villages that will give you a taste of the Greek countryside and you will finish the day with an evening walk and dinner in Meteora.

    Overnight in Meteora.
     

  • Day 4

    Meteora I Between Heaven and Earth

    After breakfast start your exploration of Meteora, a stunning natural phenomenon, featuring towering sandstone columns, formed millions of years ago, all pointing heavenward. These rocks became dwelling-places for Christian Orthodox monks and today you can visit six monasteries that are still functioning. You can also visit a prehistoric cave and admire how people lived in the area 130,000 years ago.

    Then, explore the town of Kalambaka and learn about local society and how it has developed under the shade of the Great Rocks. For lunch you can enjoy delicious local food in a nearby village or learn all about local wine by visiting one of the best wineries in the area.

    Overnight in Meteora

  • Day 5

    Pindos - Athens I In search of the divine in the Greek mountains

    This day is dedicated to a road trip in Pindos, the most scenic mountain range of central Greece. You will explore the little-known Forest of the White River, a wild area of small mountain villages hidden in the depths of a massive forest.

    We'll also show you the secret path to one of the most beautiful -but rarely visited by tourists- monastery with thirteen domes, before visiting the spot where three rivers meet. Here you can take a dive in turquoise waters and continue your drive through the gorge to enjoy one of the most scenic routes along the Pindos Mountain range before you head back to Athens.

Source: Back to the Routes

What's Included

Included

  • Rental of category D car for 5 full days (Toyota Auris or similar), with Unlimited Mileage, Third Party Cover, Collision Damage Waiver (with excess based on category booked) ,Theft Waiver (with excess based on category booked), Airport surcharge, 24h road assistance (for accidents or mechanical breakdowns), Local Taxes
  • Four accommodations at 3* & 4* hotels or traditional guest-houses
  • Four traditional Greek breakfasts
  • Customized trip app featuring:
    • thematic detailed itinerary & navigation
    • enriched content
    • audio storytelling & advice from a top-rated guide at each location
    • optional stops
    • local tips & points of interest
    • suggestions for tours
    • audio guided tours & activities
    • restaurant recommendations in each area.

Our rates are based on the rental of one car per 4 people, one double room per 2 people, one triple room per 3 people and one quadruple room per 4 people. In case your group has different requirements please contact us for a customized offer.

Not included

  • Car delivery and collection
  • Gas & tolls
  • Site entry fees
  • Meals
  • (Optional) local guided tours / audio guided tours / activities
Source: Back to the Routes

About the provider

Back to the Routes

Back to the Routes is a personal journey, or better, a collection of personal journeys in the land of Greece. It is the collection of our childhood journeys that we started with our parents, who taught us to love and appreciate simple things in life and that we later continued ourselves.

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