Ancient Wonders of Greece

Athens is one of the world's oldest cities, with a history that spans around 3,400 years. It's no wonder there are so many things to see and do.

We'll then ascend the hill to the Acropolis - an ancient citadel, the mythical home of the ancient gods and kings, perched high on a rocky outcrop above the modern city. Although badly damaged by a Venetian cannonball in 1687, you can still admire the white columns of the Parthenon, the larger-than-life statues of the Porch of the Maidens which support the southern part of the Erechtheion, Beule Gate - a Roman ticket addition and two great amphitheatres, Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theater of Dionysus.

We'll also visit the Acropolis Museum with its amazing glass floor displaying ancient houses, streets and even an olive press below. Exhibits include superb sculptures and an incredible series of carved pediments from the temple of Athena. 

After visiting the Acropolis, we'll have time to explore the historic Plaka district. Once the nightclub district, Plaka's now quiet, pedestrianised streets are home to restaurants, jewellery stores tourist shops, and cafes - the perfect place for lunch.

This afternoon, we'll leave Athens and drive north past Mt. Pendeli, from where the marble of the Parthenon was quarried. Driving through Thebes - home to the legendary king Oedipus and the locale of most of the ancient Greek tragedy - we'll then begin our ascent of Mt. Parnassus, the site of the Delphic oracle and check into our hotel.

Ancient Greeks believed Delphi was the omphalos - "Navel of the Earth" - the spiritual centre for all Greeks and the home of the most famous oracle in Ancient Greece. It was here the high priestess, Pythia, whispered messages from the god Apollo to mortals seeking divine advice. The oracle received some of the most famous names in ancient history, including Alexander the Great, Croesus of Lydia, King Midas and Emperor Hadrian - leader of the Roman Empire.

While no Oracle resides here now (we checked), the archaeological site offers incredible insights into the religious beliefs in Ancient Greece. Set in extraordinary natural beauty, this series of terraces is overlooked by the lofty crags and cliffs of Mt. Parnassus. Here, we'll see the treasuries once crammed with gold, silver and all kinds of precious objects donated by grateful city-states in return for the oracle's wisdom. And, overlooking it all is the superb temple itself and below, in an underground chamber, was a geological fault which probably emitted mind-affecting vapours from deep within the earth. This was where the oracle relayed the god's thoughts and wisdom.

We'll also explore the adjacent museum has some of the finest exhibits in the country. Highlights include the spectacular, full-size ‘Charioteer’ - a masterpiece of ancient bronze sculpture - and architectural elements, like the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury.

This afternoon we'll drive westwards through a tapestry of timeless Greek - tiny, isolated villages are surrounded by miles of olive groves and rolling hills. We cross the huge spans of the amazing new Rio bridge connecting the mainland with the Peloponnese and continue southwards to the site of ancient Olympia, where we stay for one night.

Located in the so-called 'Valley of the Gods', Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. They were as popular in Ancient Greece as they are today, so all military conflicts were suspended for the duration. Events included the discus and javelin, sprinting and wrestling and winners were awarded huge prizes whilst penalties for cheating included fines, bans and public embarrassment - not much has changed! The stadium itself has a capacity of 45,000 - another clear indication of its importance.  

Today, you'll learn more about the history of the Olympic Games on a guided tour of this ancient archaeological site, including a visit to the museum with exhibitions on the ancient world, the long history of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Games.

This afternoon, you will visit a local family-run olive mill and learn the secrets of ancient Greek oil-making tradition. You’ll be guided through the modern method of olive processing, oil extraction and storage before visiting the historic mill and finally sampling various extra virgin and aromatic olive oils.

Later, we'll experience the spectacular wild and mountainous landscape of the Peloponnese, driving through the province Arcadia, known as the land of the god Pan and woodland nymphs in antiquity. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in the small town Nafplion, our base for the next three nights.

Today, we'll journey to Epidaurus, an ancient city in the Peloponnese steeped in Greek mythology, offering a chance to delve into tales of gods, heroes, and rituals. It's known for the masterful design of its theatre, which offers perfect acoustics. Built in the 4th century BCE, it hosted performances integral to ancient Greek religious and cultural life, and it's still used for plays and concerts today - even the UK's own Helen Mirren has performed in its centre.

In addition to the amphitheatre, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was also an important healing centre dedicated to Asclepius - the god of medicine. Epidaurus became a sanctuary: the greatest centre of medicine in the Classical world. On our visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore the ruins of ancient temples, baths, and dormitories where pilgrims sought cures for ailments.

We'll continue to Mycenae, an ancient city located on a small hill on the fertile Argolid Plain in Peloponnese. This Bronze-age acropolis is one of the great cities of the Mycenaean civilization. According to Greek mythology, Mycenae was founded by Perseus - son of Zeus and Danae, the daughter of the King of Argos - and is best known as the kingdom of King Agamemnon, ruler of the Greeks in the Trojan War.

The ancient town was surrounded by gigantic walls - said to have been built by giants - while the most famous spot is the magnificent 3,300-year-old Lion Gate, where you can still discern the pivot holes carved for the door hinges.

When Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, shared the secret of viniculture with Oeneus and urged him to go forth and multiply the vines of the world, it could well be that the Valley of Nemea is where he asked him to pay special attention.

Journey through the seemingly endless landscape of olive groves, cypress trees and hillside vineyards to one of the renowned wineries. In these magnificent surroundings discover the different grape varieties and then sample a selection of unique wines. A sumptuous lunch will follow, and you’ll dine on delicious local dishes amidst the idyllic surroundings of the winery.

We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Nafplion, chosen as Greece’s first modern capital in 1825 before the honour shifted to Athens, radiates an enchanting air of quiet sophistication. Its beautiful, pedestrianised waterfront promenade invites you to linger in charming cafés and tavernas, while the marble-paved main square and captivating boutiques and galleries nestled among neo-classical, red-roofed houses beg to be explored.

Today, you can relax with a day at leisure in Nafplion, or perhaps take a trip to visit two of the most beautiful Greek islands: Spetses and Hydra.

Spetses is the most southerly of the Saronic Islands, just a few hundred metres from the Peloponnese coast. This picturesque, car-free island flourished during the early 18th century, developing into a significant naval power, and dominating the major shipping routes of the Mediterranean. You can still see the echoes of its grand past in the captain's mansions lining the coast. Among them is the mansion of the heroine of the Greek War of Independence, Laskarina Bouboulina – the only female admiral in world naval history - which houses Bouboulina's Museum. The main town is full of narrow alleyways, charming houses, shady squares and waterfront restaurants around the old harbour.

Carrying on to Hydra, one of the quaintest Greek islands, where most streets are too narrow or steep for cars. Hydra's lovely harbour is full of traditional ‘caiques’ (fishing boats). Behind the harbour is row upon row of elegant stone mansions, once owned by rich shipping families.

Here, you can wander where your feet take you, through narrow alleys, past churches and little shops. Why not enjoy a coffee, and absorb the unique atmosphere of the Greek islands?

* Please note this boat cruise is an optional excursion payable in resort and runs from April to November and is weather-dependent.

Today we'll say goodbye to Nafplion and head back to Athens. Our journey takes us via the Corinth Canal. This man-made marvel of engineering was originally conceived by a ruler of Ancient Corinth, begun by Roman emperor Nero, and completed in the 19th century by the French. It connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

The afternoon is at leisure. The centre of the city is within walking distance of our hotel, with Constitution Square and the opulent Hotel Grande Bretagne, where Churchill stayed. If you're looking for that perfect souvenir, browse the shops and stalls on Ermou Street.

For sightseeing, why not seek out the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? It's guarded by the elite National Guard and 'skirted' in the instantly recognisable national costume. Nearby is Athens' best-kept secret, the extensive National Gardens, full of winding sandy paths, hidden grottoes, pergolas and shady ponds.

No visit to Athens would be complete without experiencing the lively atmosphere and warm hospitality of a traditional taverna. We’ve arranged dinner in the picturesque Plaka district, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens, which has been continuously inhabited since antiquity and known as “The Neighbourhood of the Gods” as its overlooked by the Acropolis. Tonight, we’ll savour a superb menu of Greek classics to get your taste buds tingling, surely the perfect finale.