Greece

Greece has been the celebrated stage for the legacy of Western civilization to play upon for thousands of years. Ancient Greece is thought to be the birthplace of Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, democracy, Western literature, drama, mathematics and so much more. From Greece’s heart and capital, Athens, to the pulsing modernity in Mykonos and rugged islands of Crete, Patmos and Santorini, Trafalgar’s Greek tours walk you through every aspect of the fascinating history and beauty of Greece.

Greece has approximately 1400 islands, but a firm favorite with tourists is Greece’s largest island, Crete, where you’ll be drawn to Heraklion to enjoy that classic Greek architecture, hospitality and great food along rustic harbors and busy beaches. Crete was the centre of the Minoan civilization - the oldest known inhabitants of Greece - so of course there's plenty of ancient relics to see here.

On entering Greece’s capital, Athens, you’ll be blown away by the friendly people, masses of historical sites and energetic, sun drenched streets. Having been inhabited for at least 7000 years, Athens was once home to Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum. The ancient and classical heritages of Greece’s history are evident in a number of monuments and artworks, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. Take a morning walking tour of the Acropolis to see this landmark as well as the Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the stadium which was built for the first modern Olympics in 1896. Cross the Corinth Canal and visit the remains of the ancient city of Corinth, en route to Mycenae, where you’ll see the Beehive Tombs and remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace. For more history try the Sanctuary of Aesculapius and visit the brilliant amphitheater.

Escape to Delphi to see the slopes of mighty Mount Parnassus, home of the Oracle. Here you should find time to walk along the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo, to really explore this ancient archaeological site. A picturesque morning drive will take you to Thermopylae, which is famous for the heroic defense by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. Stories like this soak every site and monument you’ll see in Greece; you’ll never be far from a tale of an all-powerful god or mighty hero.

Admire the mediterranean countryside as you cross the fertile Thessaly region, the ‘bread basket of ancient Greece’ to visit two of the monasteries of Meteora, which are perched high above the town. If you love sports, you’ll be fascinated by Olympia, where you’ll see where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. Stroll around the ancient Olympic stadium and Temples at this archaeological site, in awe of the historical magnitude of Greece, a country which is filled with majestic memories.