Greek Explorer | Summer | 2026
Greek Explorer | Summer | 2026
$3334
Greek Explorer | Summer | 2026
11 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Galaxidi, Meteora, Kalambaka, Zagori, Ioannina, Corfu, Olympia, Nafplion
Tour Overview
THE important sites from the ancient classical world. Natural wonders that give you shivers even when it’s warm. Starting in the current capital, working our way to the first modern capital, Nafplio, via Olympia, Kalambaka, Corfu and oh so many more in 11 sun-soaked days. Acropolises, oracles, stadiums, gorges. Some of the best scenery you’ve ever witnessed – plus an actual castle in the sky. From the classical to the ob-skewer. This. Is. Greece.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
We’ll start out in Athens (where else?) Say hey to your Trip Manager and get to know your Contiki crew who’ll be your fav people in the world in 11 days’ time (trust us.) Our first activity is an Athens orientation walk, where we’ll explore the Plaka neighbourhood – famed for its cobbled streets, ancient monuments and saucy ceramics.
Day 2: Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to your first full day. To celebrate, we’ll up our sightseeing game, complete with a local guide to answer all your burning questions about ancient Greece. The jewel in today’s crown is the legendary Acropolis of Athens. With a free day to look forward to after our guided tour, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb its magic, and check out the nearby museum (which we highly recommend.) Peckish? Athens is renowned for its grilled meats and veggies, so do make sure you give them a try.
Day 3: Athens To Galaxidi Via Delphi
Location: Athens, Delphi, Galaxidi
Accommodation Name: Europa Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine, Greek explorers! We’ll start with breakfast and then hit the road. Bucket lists at the ready, folks. We’re going to be doing some hardcore ticking on our stop-off at Delphi. You’ll see the site of Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi – once the intellectual and spiritual centre of the ancient classical world, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make sure you save some excitement for the Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 4th century B.C. After marvelling at the ancient stadium, we’ll enjoy a local lunch and then continue on our journey to Galaxidi… light on our feet but with hearts throbbing from newfound historical lore. After views of Venetian fortresses on our journey, we’ll touch down in the magical Galaxidi. Once you get settled at tonight’s accom, we recommend a stroll down to the harbourside and sampling the local fish.
Day 4: Galaxidi To Kalambaka Via Meteora
Location: Galaxidi, Meteora, Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Edelweiss Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll eat breakfast and then set off for one VERY picturesque drive to Meteora. Meet Meteora, one of Greece’s truly breathtaking sites, where natural and man-made beauty come together like flowers in a vase. Mystical monasteries perched on enormous sandstone rocks. Seriously. You’ll think you’ve walked into a scene from Lord of the Rings. Tonight will probably be reserved for pics, pics and more pics.
Day 5: Kalambaka To Zagori
Location: Kalambaka, Zagori
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’re off to the mountains as we continue fattening up our insta feeds. Zagori averages about 4 inhabitants per square kilo – so basically it’s tranquil AF and you’ll experience some serious zen here. This afternoon, you’re free to hike the riverbanks and continue taking in this area’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Day 6: Zagori
Location: Zagori
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Home to stone villages, epic caves and traditional monasteries. There's plenty in Zagori to keep you wide-eyed with wonder... especially Vikos Canyon, which might be one of the best views on planet Earth. Good thing you've got all day to explore however you like, right?
Day 7: Zagori To Corfu
Location: Zagori, Ioannina, Corfu
Accommodation Name: Karda Bungalows (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zo long, Zagori. It’s been delightful… truly. En-route to Corfu, we’ll stop off at Ioannina to admire Lake Pamvotis and learn all about the fascinating history surrounding the Agios Panteleimon monastery. (His Dark Materials fans, this is your moment…) Ferry good. We’ll travel on the water to Corfu, where you'll have a free evening to relax and wander to your heart’s content.
Day 8: Corfu
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Karda Bungalows (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you're free to soak up this sun-kissed island however you like. Whether you're going all out for the historic fortresses and palaces, or you're just kicking back by the beach, it's completely your call.
Day 9: Corfu To Olympia
Location: Corfu, Olympia
Accommodation Name: Neda Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll take a ‘marathon’ journey to a destination that’s worthy of at least a silver medal. (Wink wink nudge nudge.) Yup, today we’re off to Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Day 10: Olympia To Nafplion
Location: Olympia, Nafplion
Accommodation Name: Nafplia Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Relax. Today, we’re doing ’em all. The temple of Zeus, once home to one of the 7 wonders of the world. The gymnasium where the athletes trained. The Nymphaeum. The Stadium. We’ll also visit the nearby museum, whose standout works include the Hermes statue and the Nike of Victory. (Nope, not deliveries and nope, not the sports brand – but you’ll soon see how both brands got their name.) Set off to Nafplion, the first capital city of modern Greece. The city itself is a pleasure to walk around with great views to the waterfront and some lovely neoclassical buildings which manage to maintain the grand feel of this city. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful and historical towns of Greece.
Day 11: Nafplion To Athens
Location: Nafplion, Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Expect great waterfront views and regal neoclassical buildings that will inspire pure awe. The atmosphere here is larger than life and grander-than-grand, but somehow still super relaxed at the same time. Gosh, how do we do it? Between Napfilion and Athens, we'll be stopping off at the famous Mycenae site for a guided tour. With a mind full of memz and a belly full of breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to Nafplio and head back to Athens – where you’re free to do whatever you like. Next adventure, anyone?
What's Included
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Meals
10 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Locally guided tours of Athens, Delphi, and Mycenae are included.
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Entry Fees
Entry to the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Dorian Inn (or similar), Europa Beach Hotel (or similar), Edelweiss Hotel (or similar), a conveniently located hotel in Zagori, Karda Bungalows (or similar), Neda Hotel (or similar), and Nafplia Hotel (or similar) is included.
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Transportation
Transportation between Athens, Delphi, Galaxidi, Meteora, Kalambaka, Zagori, Ioannina, Corfu, Olympia, Nafplion, and back to Athens is included.
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Ferry Ride
Ferry ride to Corfu is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of private coach and ferry rides, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey through Greece's most iconic locations, from Athens to Corfu and back.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as Dorian Inn in Athens, Europa Beach Hotel in Galaxidi, Edelweiss Hotel in Kalambaka, and Karda Bungalows in Corfu, ensuring a pleasant and restful experience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- Athens: A locally guided tour of Athens, including entry to the legendary Acropolis.
- Delphi: One of Greece’s most important (and simply stunning) historical sites, with a guide on hand to answer all our questions.
- Temple of Apollo In Delphi: Apollo may be the God of music and harmony, but it’s you who’ll be singing his praises after this temple tour.
- Delphi: Take some time to visit a long held family run Beekeeping business in Delphi and learn all about the benefits that bees bring to the environment. View the bees and discover how honey is produced in this tradition that dates all the way back from Ancient Greece.
- Meteora: Dating as far back as the 14th century, these monasteries are mesmerising from the inside as well as out.
- Zagori: There's no better place to check out the traditional villages in Greece than the Zagori region. And that's what you'll get to do today! Imposing hills, and beautiful forests, studded with little houses - there are 46 such villages for you to explore.
- Zagori: Today we’ll visit Ioannina and see the Monastery of Agios Panteleimon.
- Corfu: Grab a book. Hit the waves. Sip a drink. Soak the sunshine. Whatever you choose to do, you're guaranteed to have a good time chilling on one of Corfu's incredible beaches.
- Archaeological Site of Olympia: This is your chance to see the official birthplace of the Olympic Games IRL. With a local guide on hand to impart all their wisdom, we'll check out the Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Hera and Zeus, plus much more.
- Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Stroll around the ancient city of Mycenae with an expert. Hear the myths and legends and see the Palace of Agamemnon.
- Corinth Canal: The world’s deepest canal is an epic sight. It was carved through the rock, as a link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Athens?
In Athens, you will start with an orientation walk exploring the Plaka neighborhood, known for its cobbled streets and ancient monuments. You will also have a locally guided tour of the Acropolis and free time to explore the nearby museum.
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What will we see in Delphi?
In Delphi, you will visit the site of Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi, and the Temple of Apollo. You will also have a local lunch and enjoy views of Venetian fortresses on your journey to Galaxidi.
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What is special about Meteora?
Meteora is known for its breathtaking monasteries perched on enormous sandstone rocks. It is a place where natural and man-made beauty come together, offering a truly picturesque experience.
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What can I do in Zagori?
In Zagori, you can hike the riverbanks, explore stone villages, epic caves, and traditional monasteries. You will also have the opportunity to visit Vikos Canyon, which offers some of the best views on Earth.
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What activities are available in Corfu?
In Corfu, you have the freedom to explore historic fortresses and palaces or simply relax by the beach. The choice is entirely up to you.
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What historical sites will we visit in Olympia?
In Olympia, you will visit the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium where athletes trained, the Nymphaeum, and the Stadium. You will also visit a nearby museum featuring the Hermes statue and the Nike of Victory.
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What can I expect in Nafplion?
Nafplion is known for its beautiful waterfront views and neoclassical buildings. It is one of the most beautiful and historical towns in Greece, offering a grand yet relaxed atmosphere.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be guided tours in Athens, Delphi, and Mycenae. Local guides will be available to answer your questions and provide historical insights.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
