Discover the Greek mythological sites with our unique tours of Ancient Greece. Whether you're a history buff or not, these fascinating itineraries will immerse you in enchanting culture and majestic heritage.
Planning a tour of Ancient Greece is an exciting challenge, offering a journey through history, culture and breathtaking scenery.
Start by exploring the rich history of this ancient civilisation. Explore iconic sites such as Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus and the Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete. Your itinerary should be carefully considered, taking into account the length of your trip, your budget and the optimum time to visit.
When travelling, book flights to major Greek cities and accommodation in advance. Also, be sure to research travel options within the country.
Want to avoid the hassle of planning? Contact our Greece travel experts - they will create a unique itinerary in full accordance with your desires and preferences.
Ancient Greece, Plaka district © Shutterstock
It's no secret that Greece is a treasure trove of ancient civilisation. It is one of the places on earth that allows you to travel back in time and be in awe of the greatness of ancient history. You can explore the country's ancient treasures endlessly, but below we've compiled the places you certainly don't want to miss.
In Athens, the past looms large – literally, in the shape of the mighty Acropolis that dominates almost every view, as well as on every visitor’s itinerary. For all too many visitors, this is a city that happened two-and-a-half thousand years ago.
Yet modern Athens has been transformed in the twenty-first century; home to over four million people, it’s the vibrant capital of the nation and a place full of interest.
The historic associations and resonance of Olympia, which for over a millennium hosted the most important Panhellenic Games, are rivalled only by Delphi or Mycenae. It is one of the largest ancient sites in Greece, spread beside the twin rivers of Alfiós (Alpheus) – the largest in the Peloponnese – and Kládhios, and overlooked by the Hill of Krónos.
The monasteries of the Metéora are indisputably one of the great sights of Greece. These extraordinary buildings, perched on seemingly inaccessible rock pinnacles, occupy a valley just north of Kalambáka. Metéora means “suspended in mid-air”, while kalabak is an Ottoman Turkish word meaning cliff or pinnacle.
Arriving at the town, you glimpse the closest of the monasteries, Ayíou Stefánou, firmly ensconced on a massive pedestal; beyond stretches a forest of greyish pinnacles and stubbier, rounded cliffs.
Epidaurus Epidavros Theatre, Greece © Shutterstock
The cultural riches and natural beauty of the Peloponnese can hardly be overstated. This southern peninsula – technically an island since the cutting of the Corinth Canal – seems to have the best of almost everything Greek.
Ancient sites include the Homeric palaces of Agamemnon at Mycenae and of Nestor at Pýlos, the best preserved of all Greek theatres at Epidaurus, and the lush sanctuary of Olympia, host to the Olympic Games for a millennium.
It’s easy to understand why the ancients considered Delphi the centre of the earth, especially given their penchant for awe-inspiring sacred spots. Framed on all sides by the soaring crags of Parnassós, the site truly captures the imagination, especially in spring, when wildflowers cloak the precipitous valley.
But more than a stunning setting was needed to confirm the divine presence. Sanctity, according to Plutarch, was confirmed through the discovery of a rock chasm that exuded strange vapours and reduced supplicants to incoherent – and undoubtedly prophetic – mutterings.
Knossos is the largest and most important of the Minoan palaces, and the most visited. The mythological home of King Minos and the Minotaur dates from the second millennium BC, and its labyrinthine interconnected rooms and corridors provide a fitting backdrop to the legend.
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The Bridge of Arta, west of the city of Arta in Greece © Shutterstock
Our tour of Athens and ancient sites offers an eight-day introduction to classical Greece, starting in Athens. On the first day, you will arrive at Athens Airport and transfer to the city centre, after which you will have free time to explore Athens.
On the second day, you'll head north-west to Epirus, where you'll visit the historic sites of Arta, including a medieval bridge and Byzantine church, before reaching Ioannina on Lake Pamvotida.
Day three is dedicated to exploring Janina Castle and Lake Pamvotida, visiting historic sites and taking a boat trip. The fourth day is dedicated to discovering the diverse ecosystems of the Zagori region.
Day five includes a visit to the ancient sanctuary and oracle of Zeus in Dodona, before travelling to Parga on the Ionian coast. Day six includes an excursion to Kassope, Necromanteion and the banks of the Acheron River.
Day seven is a tour of the Roman city of Nicopolis. On day eight, you will return to Athens for a leisurely tour of the city before concluding your journey.
Ruins of Dodona, Epirus, northwestern Greece © Shutterstock
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The Statue of Leonidas of Sparta in Greece © Shutterstock
This 8-day tour of Ancient Athens and the Peloponnese begins with arrival in Athens, one of the world's oldest cities, and transfer to a hotel in the city centre.
The second day includes a tour of the Acropolis and Athens city centre.
On the third day, you will hire a car and head south, visiting the Corinth Canal, Mycenae and Nemea for wine tasting. You will then travel to the ancient city of Sparta.
Day four includes exploring Mystras, Alepotripa, the Vlihada Caves and Areopoli. Day five continues with a visit to ancient Messene, Pylos, Voidokylia beach and the traditional watermill of Kyparissia.
Day six is a visit to Chlemoutsi Castle, the honey farm at Olympia, the ancient Olympic site and the beach. On the seventh day, explore Langadia and Loutraki, famous for its thermal spa, before returning to Athens.
On the eighth day, you will have free time to explore Athens, concluding your journey of cultural and culinary treasures.
The Corinthian Canal in Greece © Shutterstock
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Monastery perched on a rock in Meteora, Greece © Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock
This 15-day Greece motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora.
Starting on your first day in Athens, the journey continues with a city tour on day two. Day three marks the start of your RV adventure as you head south, visiting the Corinth Canal, Nemea and Nafplio.
On day four you'll have a free day at a campsite. Day five is a visit to the archaeological site of Mycenae.
Day six - explore Mistras and Sparta. Day seven is another free day at the beach and day eight is an excursion to the Laconian region of Mani.
Day nine includes an introduction to ancient Messene and olive oil tasting. Day ten is a visit to Ancient Olympia and an organic honey farm.
On the eleventh day, you will travel to Nafpaktos, Galaxidi and Delphi. On the twelfth day, you will explore Delphi and visit Arachova.
On the thirteenth day, you will travel to Meteora via Domokos. The fourteenth day is dedicated to exploring the monasteries of Meteora.
On the fifteenth day, the journey will end with a return to Athens with a visit to the Thermopylae Monument.
Ruins Athina Pronaia Temple in Delphi, Greece © Shutterstock
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Chania at sunny summer day, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock
Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique, 10-day self-drive tour of Crete.
Day one begins with your arrival at Heraklion Airport, where you'll hire a car and set off to explore the vibrant seaside town of Heraklion.
On day two, you'll head to the mythical Palace of Knossos. Day three is a day of relaxation on the beach or an optional historical excursion.
On the fourth day, you drive west to Rethymno and on the way you can visit the Archaeological Museum of ancient Eleutherna. Day five is dedicated to the romantic medieval town of Rethymno.
On the sixth day, you will travel to the picturesque town of Chania.
Day seven is dedicated to exploring the old town of Chania. The eighth day is a day of relaxation on Platanias Beach, while the ninth day offers a choice between a beach holiday and two excursions.
On the tenth day, the journey comes to an end: you return to Heraklion Airport, hand over your hire car and fly home.
Knossos Palace ruins. Heraklion, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock
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Acropolis Museum, Athens © Shutterstock
This 4-day Tour of Ancient Athens will immerse you in the rich history and modern charms of the Greek capital. On the first day, after arriving at Athens Airport, you will be able to explore the centre of Athens at your leisure.
Day two will begin with a guided tour of Athens' historic centre, leading to the iconic Acropolis. A private guided tour of the Parthenon and the New Acropolis Museum awaits you.
Day three focuses on modern Athens with a visit to the Old Parliament building and the City Museum. You will stroll the market streets, shop in Kolonaki and savour Greek cuisine. In the afternoon you will enjoy a luxurious sunset cruise on the Athens Riviera.
On the fourth day, you will have free time to explore Athens before your departure, which will mark the end of this unforgettable journey.
Acropolis Parthenon Athens, Greece © Shutterstock
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Ancient ruins of the important Philippeion in Olympia © Oleg Znamenskiy/Shutterstock
Learn the secrets of Greek mythology with this self-drive Ancient Greece itinerary which takes you on a real adventure.
Your adventure begins in Athens, where you'll hire a car and set off to explore the vibrant city. Day two focuses on Athens' iconic landmarks.
On the third day, you'll travel to Rethi, where you'll enjoy activities such as horse riding and archery. Afterwards, you'll spend the night in a treehouse overlooking the mountains in the village of Feneos.
On the fourth day, you will hike through the forest of Foloi, following in the footsteps of the mythical hero Hercules. Day five is dedicated to Ancient Olympia.
Days six and seven include hikes to the Cave of Coricia and the sanctuary of Delphi. You will then sail through the port of Rafina to the island of Naxos.
On the eighth day, you will climb Mount Zas, and visit a marble quarry and wine tasting. On the ninth day, you will travel to Delos, Mykonos and the famous Portara before finishing your journey on the tenth day and flying home from Naxos.
Mykonos with famous windmill © Shutterstock
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Inspired? Talk to local Greece travel experts or browse our fully customisable Greece itineraries and start planning your perfect trip.
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written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 31.10.2023
