European Autumn in the Aegean Sea

Located on the edge of the Saronic Gulf, Athens, Greece's capital, boasts a plural name derived from its surrounding villages. Enchanting with its UNESCO-listed monuments atop the rocky plateau, it invites exploration of vibrant districts like Plaka, rich in cultural treasures like the National Archaeological Museum.

Discover Skiathos, a gem of the Aegean Sea known for its stunning beaches and as a filming location for Mamma Mia! Fall in love with its charming main town, adorned with white houses and quaint streets. Explore cultural landmarks like the Alexandros Papadiamantis Museum and the post-Byzantine Evangelistria Monastery, nestled amid picturesque hiking trails through shady forests and coastal coves.

Included Excursion

WALKING TOUR OF SKIATHOS TOWN

Volos, one of the biggest port cities in Greece, is located at the foot of Mount Pelion. According to mythology, Mount Pelion was a place of celebration for gods and heroes and the home of the centaurs. The beauty of the place and the magical atmosphere that reigns here can indeed only have been inspired by the gods: the clear water that flows from a multitude of sources bathes the plane trees, apple trees, oaks, beech trees, gardenias, camellias, and hydrangeas that thrive in the fertile soil of Thessaly. Do not miss your chance to visit the picturesque village of Milies in the hills, and to discover its traditional architecture. 

Included Excursion

WALKING TOUR OF VOLOS
After disembarking, board your coach for a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Volos, featuring Palaeolithic finds and Neolithic artifacts. Enjoy a walking tour through Anavros park, then visit the impressive Agios Konstantinos & Eleni Church. Savor local sea "mezedes" and tsipouro at a local restaurant before seeing the Statue of Liberty. The excursion concludes with free time and a walk back to the pier. The tour involves 2 hours of walking on uneven streets and some steps. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and appropriate clothing for religious sites.

MYTHICAL VILLAGES OF PELION
Explore Mount Pelion, home of the ancient Greek gods and centaurs, featuring picturesque villages and unique architecture. Your tour includes visits to Portaria, with its 13th-century Monastery of Panagia Portarea, and Makrinitsa, renowned for its traditional houses, old churches, and local delicacies. Enjoy a stroll, admire frescoes by Theophilos, and relax in the central square. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on narrow, paved streets.

SPECTACULAR METEORA MONASTERIES
Explore Meteora, an iconic site in mainland Greece known for its towering rocks and ancient monasteries. After a 2.5-hour coach ride from Volos, cross Thessaly's plains and visit Kalambaka. See two of the remaining five active monasteries, admire their icons, mosaics, and frescoes, and enjoy stunning views. Enjoy a Greek lunch in Kalambaka before returning to Volos. The tour involves walking and many steps; wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing. Lunch and refreshments included. Limited to 150 participants.

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city after Athens, is in the Macedonia region, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. Visiting its historic centre means exploring the entire history of ancient civilizations and peoples: Roman, Greek, Ottoman, Jewish, Byzantine, and so on. Cultures have come together and left their mark on many monuments in the city and in its architecture. No fewer than 15 monuments are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, such as the magnificent Byzantine church, and the Hagia Sophia, with its splendid 8th-12-century mosaics. Thessaloniki is also a modern and lively city, animated during the day as well as night, with its many seafront bars and markets.

Included Excursion

THESSALONIKI, A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
Explore Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, and journey through its rich cultural history. With 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city showcases Byzantine, Roman, Jewish, and Ottoman influences. Begin your tour at the iconic White Tower, then visit the Archaeological Museum to see the "Gold of Macedon" exhibit. Head to the Acropolis for stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus. Visit the restored Basilica of Hagios Demetrios, another UNESCO site, featuring magnificent mosaics and a historic crypt. Conclude your tour on Via Egnatia, viewing the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda of Saint George. This medium-difficulty excursion includes flat, uneven surfaces and some stairs.

Mount Athos, a peninsula measuring 50 km (31 miles) long and 12 km (7 miles) wide and which rises to an altitude of 2,030 meters (6,660 feet), is also called “Holy Mountain” because of the twenty or so orthodox monasteries and the 2,000 monks that it shelters. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988 thanks to its long religious history, the well-maintained agrarian architecture of the monasteries, and the preservation of the flora and fauna around the mountain. Sailing around the peninsula, you will admire the majestic monasteries clinging to the rock face and overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Lying in north-east Greece, between East and West, Kavala has many treasures to offer, starting with a majestic fortress overlooking the Aegean Sea, while historical and architectural wonders lie hidden everywhere in the old town. You will have a chance to explore the archaeological site of Philippi, a fortified city founded in the 4th century BC, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site A real journey back in time, where Greeks, Romans, and early Christians have all left visible marks.  Known as the "Blue City", Chania is also one of Macedonia's most important ports, with delicious seafood restaurants all along its marina.

Included Excursion

EXPLORE KAVALA ON FOOT
Wander Kavala's cobbled streets, visit the Tobacco Museum, and explore Mohamed Ali's house. Admire the Byzantine fortress, stroll through squares and lanes, and enjoy the peaceful garden. Wear comfortable clothing for this medium-difficulty walk.

PHILIPPI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
 

A volcanic island located near the Dardanelles Strait, Limnos was venerated during Antiquity. Legend has it that Hephaestus, the god of fire, had his forge here. Now one of Greece’s major seaside resorts, Lemnos offers its visitors many superb sandy beaches. It is also home to several archaeological sites, such as the towers of Kastro, an ancient acropolis fortified by the Venetians, or the neolithic site of Poliochni and the city of Hephaestia. Renowned for its olives, fruits, wheat, and honey, and for the authenticity of its inhabitants, Lemnos is also known for the quality of its restaurants, ideal for tasting typical Greek dishes.

Included Excursion

POLIOCHNI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE & WINERY:
From the pier, board your coach for a 50-minute drive to Limnos' east coast to explore the Poliochni archaeological site. Discovered in 1930, Poliochni reveals seven layers of ancient civilizations, predating even Troy and considered Europe's first city with a social structure. After exploring, enjoy a wine tasting with local snacks at a Limnos winery. Return to the pier with a 30-minute drive. This tour involves an hour of walking on uneven terrain; wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. Not recommended for guests with mobility issues.

This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic Islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbor town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-colored caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from the Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.

Included Excursion

A DIVE INTO HYDRA’S HISTORY
Experience Hydra's history and charm on a walking tour. Visit landmarks like the Church of the Dormition and Koundouriotis Mansion, indulge in local treats, and stroll through picturesque streets.

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic Gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name about the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological Museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.