Greece with Toldinstone

Cheers to an exciting adventure ahead! Your included welcome dinner will be at a local taverna, where you will enjoy Greek cuisine. Your meal tonight is a set menu consisting of family style shared starters, a choice of one main dish, a dessert, and either one glass of wine or one beer or one soft drink. Water and bread are also included. The final menu and restaurant are to be determined.

After dinner, you will be transferred to Syntagma square to begin your evening walk in the Plaka! Take a stroll in the Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Under the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples, the neighborhood has a village feel with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops, tavernas and cafes. A perfect introduction to Greece! Finish your evening walk at a local taverna for your welcome dinner. Please wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes as you will be walking an approximate distance of 1.3 miles.

After dinner, anyone interested can meet me in the hotel lobby for an informal Q & A session about Ancient Greece.

Overnight in Athens.

A Greek continental breakfast buffet at the hotel is included. A typical Greek continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissants, cakes, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages. Breakfast items may vary and will be dependent upon your finalized hotel.

Departing from your hotel after breakfast, your private coach will transfer you to the site of the Acropolis. Explore the mighty Parthenon, built in the mid 5th century. This magnificent structure sits above a compound of temples known as the Acropolis of Athens, overlooking the city. Take a step back in time as you wander through the Acropolis amongst ruins and architectural marvels, then delve deeper into its history with a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Learn about the ancient Greek civilization and visit the site of the first Olympic Games. Please note that this tour includes walking on uneven ground, and the sights visited at parts include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Please wear comfortable non-slip walking shoes and pack a hat, sunscreen and water. You will be walking approximately 2.6 miles. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

After the Acropolis visit, step back in time as you enter the Ancient Agora, once the bustling heart of public life in classical Athens. Accompanied by a professional local guide, you’ll walk through the same grounds where great philosophers, statesmen, and citizens once gathered for politics, commerce, and culture. Highlights of the Experience: Temple of Hephaestus (Hephaisteion): Admire one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece, dedicated to the god of craftsmanship and fire. Stoa of Attalos & Museum of the Ancient Agora: Explore the beautifully reconstructed stoa, now home to an impressive collection of artifacts that illustrate everyday life in ancient Athens. Odeon of Agrippa: View the remains of this grand concert hall, once used for performances and public gatherings. Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles: Discover this 10th-century church, a striking example of early Christian architecture nestled among the ruins. Philosophical Footsteps: Walk the same paths where Socrates once debated and shared his ideas, bringing history vividly to life. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating insights into the political, social, and cultural significance of the Agora, helping you imagine the energy and vibrancy of the ancient marketplace. Duration: Approx. ~ 1 hour.

Around the Agora are many traces of Roman Athens - a university city supported by the emperors. We'll explore the remains on a short walk.

Overnight in Athens.

A Greek continental breakfast buffet at the hotel is included. A typical Greek continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissants, cakes, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages. Breakfast items may vary and will be dependent upon your finalized hotel.

Today you will take a private transfer to Nafplio. During your transfer, make stops at Corinth and Mycenae, and then vineyard for wine tasting. You will be transferred 1.5 hours to the archeological site of Corinth, then 30 minutes to Mycenae, and then an additional 20 minutes to the winery. After the winery, a 25-minute transfer awaits to your next accommodations. Stops along the way for the restroom and snacks will be made as needed.

Heading out to Ancient Corinth, your first stop will be at Corinth Canal. Ancient Corinth was capital of the province and the one of the richest and largest cities of Ancient Greece. Strategically located guarding the narrow isthmus that connects the Peloponnese to the mainland it was a powerful commercial center near two sea ports. Corinth considered to be the home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece. The streets of Ancient Corinth were once trodden by the likes of Pausanias and Saint Paul.

In the middle of the first century AD, two famous Romans - Emperor Nero and the Apostle Paul - visited Corinth. During our visit, we'll discuss the city's history through the careers of these very different men.

Depart from Athens after breakfast. You will transfer to Mycenae, one of the most important cities of ancient Greece, for a tour. You will walk under the famous Lion gate up to the Mycenaean acropolis and the Palace. Mycenae is very impressive as it is possible to feel the city as you retrace the steps of the ancients. You will see the tomb of Agamemnon and the ruins of the Cyclopean walls that protected this mighty city. This tour includes walking on uneven ground, and the sights visited at parts include uphill walking on unpaved ground, so please be sure to wear comfortable non-slip walking, and pack a hat, sunscreen and water. This tour is a combination of walking and touring by coach. You will be walking an approximate distance of 0.5 miles.

Neméa is arguably Greece's most important red-wine appellation, located in the northeast corner of the Peloponnese peninsula. You'll visit a vineyard for a tasting and lunch. The experience starts with a 20-minute guided tour of the winery. You will visit the bottling room, cellar, and finish in the tasting room for the wine tasting. Three local wines will be served, accompanied by bread sticks and local cheese.

Enjoy an included lunch today as part of the Nemea wine tasting experience. Your meal will feature a set menu that includes a salad, bread, one to two starters, a choice of a main dish, and a dessert. Two local wines will be served for the group during lunch. Depending on the size of the group, the meal will be either served at the table or offered buffet style.

Overnight in Nafplio.

A Greek continental breakfast buffet at the hotel is included. A typical Greek continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissants, cakes, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages. Breakfast items may vary and will be dependent upon your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the site of Epidaurus, which is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. With ruins of temples and hospital buildings devoted to the healing gods, it is considered to be the birthplace of Asklepios. Admission is included. This tour includes walking on uneven ground, and the sights visited at times include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Please note you will be walking around for approximately 0.5 miles.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is regarded as the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece in terms of its perfect acoustics and fine structure. It was constructed in the late 4th century BC and it was finalized in two stages. Your local guide will lead you on a tour going through the history of the region. Admission is included. This tour includes walking on uneven ground, and the sights visited at times include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Please note you will be walking around for approximately 0.5 miles. At the end of your time in Epidarus, you will be transferred 30 minutes back to Nafpilo.

Charming and romantic, with narrow alleyways, hidden gems, and breathtaking views of the gulf, you'll join the group for a delightful stroll along the waterfront. This tour involves walking on pedestrian streets and pavements, with short stops along the way. Please be sure to pack comfortable non-slip walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. The walking distance is approximately 1.3 miles. After the tour, transfer to your hotel.

In the evening, I'll hold another historical Q&A session for anyone who wants to learn more about postclassical Greece.

Overnight in Nafplio.

A Greek continental breakfast buffet at the hotel is included. A typical Greek continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissants, cakes, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages. Breakfast items may vary and will be dependent upon your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Sparta.

Sparti (Sparta) is a modern town in Greece, built near the site of the ancient city-state famous for its military prowess and legendary warriors. Known for its disciplined society and leadership in the Peloponnesian War, ancient Sparta left a lasting legacy of strength and endurance. Today, Sparti is a peaceful town surrounded by olive groves, with nearby historical sites like the ruins of ancient Sparta, the Leonidas Monument, and the Archaeological Museum of Sparti.

On the site of Sparta, we'll talk about how the contested history and complicated legacy of the most militaristic city-state in Ancient Greece.

Mystras, a captivating historical site near Sparta, offering a glimpse into the Byzantine Empire's rich history. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Taygetos, the UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its medieval architecture, stunning views, and well-preserved ruins. During the tour, you'll explore ancient churches adorned with frescoes, a palace complex, and the Monastery of Pantanassa, still inhabited by nuns. You'll walk through cobbled streets and discover the remnants of Mystras' past as a cultural and religious center, enjoying panoramic vistas of the Laconian landscape.

Take a private transfer to Nafplion.

Overnight in Nafplio.

A Greek continental breakfast buffet at the hotel is included. A typical Greek continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissants, cakes, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages. Breakfast items may vary and will be dependent upon your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Elefsis. Stops for bathroom breaks will be made along the way.

Accompanied by a professional guide, discover the ancient sanctuary of Elefsis, one of the most sacred sites of classical Greece and the center of the renowned Eleusinian Mysteries. Explore the impressive archaeological remains, including the Sacred Courtyard, the Ploutonion (Sanctuary of Hades), and the Telesterion, where secret initiation rites were once held. Along the way, your guide will bring to life the myths of Demeter and Persephone, whose story inspired these rituals and shaped ancient Greek spiritual traditions. Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours

Transfer back to Athens.

A visit to this sprawling museum will be an excellent capstone for a week exploring the history of ancient Greece.

Toast to incredible adventures with your new friends! Your included farewell dinner will be at a local taverna. Your meal tonight is a set menu consisting of family style shared starters, a choice of one main dish, a dessert, and either one glass of wine or one beer or one soft drink. Water and bread are also included. The final menu and restaurant are to be determined.

Overnight in Athens.

A Greek continental breakfast buffet at the hotel is included. A typical Greek continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissants, cakes, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages. Breakfast items may vary and will be dependent upon your finalized hotel.