Greece - Korina Miller [7]
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THE GRAND TOUR One Month / Athens to Ancient Delphi
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A month-long epic trip, taking you through the Peloponnese, Crete, the Cyclades and back to the mainland through northern and central Greece.
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A month is long enough to experience the huge variety of attractions (both ancient and modern) that Greece has to offer.
From bustling Athens, head to the pretty Venetian city of Nafplio in the Peloponnese. Nafplio, first capital of independent Greece, is the perfect base for day trips to Ancient Mycenae and the celebrated Theatre of Epidavros. Head south from here to the attractive fishing town of Gythio to catch a ferry across to Kissamos on Crete, possibly stopping at the delightfully unspoiled island of Kythira on the way. It’s certainly worth calling in at either the charming Hania or Rethymno on the journey along Crete’s northern coast to the capital Iraklio and the ruins of Knossos. From Iraklio, jump across to not-to-be-missed Santorini (Thira;;) and start island hopping north. Consider unwinding for a few days at some of the smaller islands such as Anafi and Koufonisia, both perfect for beach lovers, before hitting the bars and clubs of hedonistic Mykonos. Mykonos also has weekly flights to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Thessaloniki is a pleasant surprise to many travellers; a sophisticated city with some fine Roman and Byzantine architecture and a lively nightlife. Walkers will certainly want to call at Mt Olympus on the way to the amazing rock monasteries of Meteora, home of hermit monks. The last stop is at unforgettable Ancient Delphi, former home of the mysterious Delphic oracle and steeped in Ancient Greek history; just the place to ask what to do next.
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MAINLY MAINLAND Two Weeks / Igoumenitsa to Athens
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This circuitous 1000km-long route takes in the more spectacular scenery of the north plus the centre’s most visited attraction, Meteora, and finally leads you to Athens along less-travelled routes.
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If entering Greece from Italy with your own transport, Igoumenitsa is a good place to start exploring the natural and historic wonders of the mainland.
Do not linger in Igoumenitsa, the busy entry port in Greece’s far northwest; head across the mountains to Ioannina with its arresting lakeside location, Ottoman monuments and social life. Head northwards to the Zagorohoria, unlike anything else you will see in Greece. Cross the Pindos Mountains via the less-travelled northern route to Kastoria, a pretty lakeside town. Now make a beeline for the Prespa Lakes, where tranquillity reigns over landscapes of water and mountains. Visit the artists’ town of Florina and cruise through western Macedonia with an overnight stop in Edessa – famous for its tumbling waterfalls. Spend some time in bustling Thessaloniki before heading to the home of the ancient gods at Mt Olympus, a mere 90-minute drive south. Passing through the Vale of Tembi you enter the sprawling plains of Thessaly where monks built monasteries atop pinnacles of rock at stunning Meteora. Heading south, the route takes you across agricultural plains and mountains to the sea once more near Lamia, not far from where ancient hero Leonidas stood his ground against invading Persians at Thermopylae. A fast highway now leads on to Athens, a detour from which leads you to Thiva (Thebes;).