Étape 1
Delphi
Meet the gods at Delphi, the "navel of the world" according to Zeus. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1972, the archaeological site of Delphi boasts a prestigious site not to be missed: the time of Apollo, the god of light.
Even today, Central Greece remains a little-known region, wrongly neglected by most travellers. Only the sites of Delphi and Meteora attract the crowds, while the surrounding area has so much more to offer. Our local advisors would like to share with you their vision of this forgotten corner of the world, through this free-roaming tour. You’ll discover superb natural landscapes, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear coves…
On this timeless journey through the heart of Greece, between pine forests and rugged landscapes, you’ll come across traces of history and charming traditional villages, reminding you of an ancestral world.
Region visited during this trip to Greece: Delphi & Greek Mainland
N.B : Contact our greek specialists so they can customize this itinerary and adapt it to your needs and wishes.
Étape 1
Meet the gods at Delphi, the "navel of the world" according to Zeus. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1972, the archaeological site of Delphi boasts a prestigious site not to be missed: the time of Apollo, the god of light.
Étape 2
En arrivant à Préveza, vous aurez la sensation d'avoir mis le pied sur une île. Entre les multiples plages, son port charmant aux bateaux à voile, ses restaurants et son histoire, la ville de Préveza vous transporte dans une atmosphère joyeuse, idéale pour déconnecter.
Étape 3
Ioannina is a mountainous region with a variety of landscapes. In the heart of this modern city, you'll find an oriental quarter and an island covered with Byzantine churches.
Étape 4
Kalambaka is a small Greek town in Thessaly, wedged between a low-lying mountain and the famous Meteora Mountains, on which the Meteora monasteries were built.
Étape 5
Veria is a small town in Macedonia that is still relatively unknown. It is the closest town to the site of Vergina, where the tomb of Philip II of Macedonia is located.
Étape 6
Traditional mountain village at an altitude of 650m created around the monastery of "Panagias de Portarea". It has a magical natural beauty, with lush vegetation, cobbled streets and old houses.
After the hustle and bustle of built-up areas and motorways you will see a more traditional side of Greece. You might want to consider taking the direct road rather than the motorway. After Thebes, whose rich past can still be glimpsed at, the road works its way in through the mountains from one valley to another, passing the foot of Mount Parnassus. Make a detour and visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery in the heart of the Phocis mountains. A monastic gem from Byzantine Greece.
Visit the Delphi site during the afternoon. It is at the heart of Greek civilisation. It was the centre of the world during almost one thousand years. People came from far and wide to consult the oracle and make offerings. It will take you over 3 hours to explore the site on the slope of the mountain and visit the museum. You could also visit the site the following morning.
Distance covered: 220 km. 3 hours
Overnight stay at a hotel in Delphi.
Head for the road that runs alongside the Gulf of Corinth. On your way, why not stop off at Galaxidi, a charming little harbour nestled in the Gulf. The road works its way between mountains and sea all the way to Naupactus. There is a nice fantastic walk to be had around the Byzantine citadel. It is also the site where the renowned battle of Lepante was played out between the Holy League and the Ottoman fleet, resulting in Cervantes losing his arm.
After Naupactus, admire the impressive bridge taking you across the Isthmus of Corinth. Arrive in Preveza at the beginning of the afternoon. This seaside town is located at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf. Explore the Nicopolis site. The remnants of this Roman city that later became Byzantine spread far and wide. Nicopolis was founded by Octavian following his victory over Antony at the Battle of Actium.
Distance covered: 250 km. 4 hours
Overnight stay at a hotel in Preveza.
If you are there at the right time of year, go and enjoy the beach before heading north, back up the Louros valley. On your way, visit Dodona, the oldest sanctuary in Greece. Pilgrims would come from far and wide to consult the oracle of Zeus and hear about their futures through the rustling leaves of an oak tree. The theatre of Dodona with its 2,000 seats and the beautiful natural setting make this little-visited site well worth seeing.
You will arrive in Ioannina, the capital of the Epirus region, during the afternoon. You will have time to visit the city and fortress. This city’s beautiful architecture testifies to its historic Ottoman and Jewish past.
Distance covered: 150 km. 2 hours.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Ioannina.
You will cross the Epirus mountains. Why not get off early and take the main road that winds between valleys and woodland.
You will eventually arrive at Kalambaka, the village at the foot of Meteora’s monasteries. It is definitely one of the most majestic sites in Greece. Built on top of rocky peaks, these monasteries defy the laws of gravity and boggle the mind. Set aside an afternoon, or more, to explore several of them.
Distance covered: 120 km. 1 hour 30 minutes.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kalambaka.
Take a beautiful mountain road and then a motorway to arrive in Macedonia. Before you reach Veria it is worth going to see the royal burial site at Vergina, including the spectacular tomb of Philip II of Macedon, finally discovered in 1977.
Arrive in Veria sometime during the afternoon. In the Middle Ages some referred to Veria as “Little Jerusalem”, on account of its 72 churches. Ten or so of the churches are still standing, so why not explore the city centre.
Distance covered: 180 km. 2 hours 30 minutes.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Veria.
Take the motorway down to Volos. Midway you will pass alongside Mount Olympus, which at 2,917 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain in Greece. In Greek mythology the mountain was regarded as the home of the gods. If you enjoy hiking, you can walk at least part of the ascent by taking the road at Litochoro. Only the last 500 meters pose technical problems.
After Volos, the large harbour located at the foot of Mount Pelion, continue your journey towards Portaria, a quaint little village tucked away in the wooded hills.
Distance covered: 200 km. 2 hours 30 minutes.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Portaria.
Day devoted to exploring Pelion, the mountainous peninsula that forms the Gulf of Volos, with its small fishing harbours, white villages clinging to the mountains, crystal-clear inlets and magnificent beaches. Make a long stop in Pellies, the “capital” and most picturesque village on the peninsula.
Return to Portaria at the end of the day. In the evening, you could go down into nearby Volos and soak up the atmosphere along the seafront.
Distance covered: 200 km. 4 hours.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Portaria.
Stop off at the Thermopylae before heading back to Athens. Little remains of this heroic battle. It is hard to distinguish legend from historical fact. You must stop and pay tribute to Leonidas I, who championed democracy 2,500 years ago!
Return your vehicle to the airport.
Distance covered: 130 km. 2 hours.
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