Greece with Toldinstone

Tonight you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Syntagma square, where you will start your Plaka walk. Finish at a local taverna for your welcome dinner. 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! Packing essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, non -Slip. Walking Distance: approximately 1.3miles/2km

For dinner you will try Greek cuisine. Dinner is included at a local taverna with set menu consists of: Family style shared starters, choice of 1 main dish, dessert and 1 glass of wine or 1 beer or 1 soft drink. Water and bread are also included. Final menu and restaurant to be determined.

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

Overnight in Athens.

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon & sausages (Above items can be vary).

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. Learn about the ancient Greek civilization and visit the site of the first Olympic Games. This tour includes walking on uneven ground. The sights visited at parts include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, non slip, and pack a hat, sunscreen & water. You will be walking approximately 2.6miles. At the end of the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel.

After lunch you will reconvene as a group and be transferred in a coach to the start of your tour. Athens is a street artist’s paradise: from the established to the constant streams of new talent spraying up the neighborhoods, this tour celebrates them all: tagging, bombing, stencil and painting. Please note you will be walking for approximately 2.5 miles.

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.

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon & sausages (Above items can be vary).

Today you will take a private transfer to Nafplio while making a stop at Mycenae and a vineyard. You will be transferred 1.5 hours to the archeological site, 20 minutes to the winery after the tour and finally 25 minutes to your new accommodations. Stops along the way for the bathroom/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

Depart from Athens after breakfast. One of the most important cities of ancient Greece, you will tour around Mycenae. 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. The sights visited at parts include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Packing essentials: Comfortable walking shoes-non slip, hat, sunscreen & water Combination of walking & touring by coach. Walking distance: approximately 0.3miles/0.5km

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 20minute guided tour of the winery. You will visit bottling room, cellar & finish in the tasting room for the wine tasting. 3 local wines will be served, accompanied by bread sticks and local cheese.

Lunch today is included at the Nemea wine tasting. Your meal will be a set menu which consists of a salad, bread, 1-2 starters, choice of 1 main dish and a dessert. 2 local wines will be served for the group at lunch. Depending on the size you will either be served or it will be buffet.

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.

Overnight in Nafplio.

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon & sausages (Above items can be vary).

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. This tour includes walking on uneven ground. Admission is included. The sights visited at parts include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Please note you will be walking around for approximately .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. The sights visited at parts include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Please note you will be walking around for approximately .5 miles. At the end of your time in Epidarus you will be transferred 30 minutes back to Nafpilo.

Pretty and romantic, with narrow alleyways, hidden gems, and stunning views of the gulf, you will join the group for a lovely stroll of the waterfront. This tour includes walking on pedestrias streets & pavements. Packing essentials: Comfortable walking shoes-non slip, hat, sunscreen & water. Walking tour with short stops Walking distance: approximately 1.3miles/2km Transfer to the hotel after the end of the tour

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

Overnight in Nafplio.

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon & sausages (Above items can be vary).

Take a private transfer to Sparta

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.

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 Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil.

Take a private transfer to Nafplion

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.

Overnight in Nafplio.

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon & sausages (Above items can be vary).

Take a private transfer to Athens. Stops along the way for bathrooms/snacks will be made as needed.

Farewell dinner included at a local taverna with set menu consists of: Family style shared starters, choice of 1 main dish, dessert and 1 glass of wine or 1 beer or 1 soft drink. Water and bread are also included. Final menu and restaurant to be determined.

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

Overnight in Athens.

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon & sausages (Above items can be vary).