12 Nights / 13 Days
Open a portal through time as you uncover Greece’s most coveted UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Draw a direct line through the country’s esteemed history by tracing the mythological origins of Athens at the Acropolis, revealing Greece’s spiritual essence at the soaring Monasteries of Meteora, basking in the Byzantine glory of Thessaloniki, and discovering the medieval wonders of Rhodes. From ancient temples and cathedrals to medieval fortresses and royal tombs, this immersive trip defines the very soul of Western civilization.
- 3 Nights in Athens
- 2 Nights in Meteora
- 3 Night in Thessaloniki
- 3 Nights in Rhodes
3 Nights in Athens — The Cradle of Western Civilization
Welcome to Greece, where the sands of time don’t just glisten in the Mediterranean sun but take you on journey through millennia of human history. Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel of choice in Athens, the country’s iconic capital. Once checked in, begin your adventure by embracing the timeless streets of a city that still echo with the mythical tales of its renowned past. From the vibrant corners of Plaka and Monastiraki, to the almighty Acropolis hill, this is where legends come to life.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
The Acropolis of Athens
Whether you’re entranced by its architectural grandeur, the mythological essence surrounding its marble wonders, or its status as a symbol of democracy, the Acropolis is a quintessential landmark for cultural connoisseurs and discerning travelers.
Monastery of Daphni
Venture off the beaten path and uncover the serene, glowing allure of the Monastery of Daphni, one of Athens’ best-kept-secrets. An evocative masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the Monastery of Daphne is a gorgeous glimpse into Greece’s esoteric past and an enduring reminder of its cultural diversity.
Suggested Experiences:
- Acropolis Tour – Unveil this ancient marvel in all its glory by following a licensed archaeologist on Guided VIP Private Tour of its iconic monuments and the treasures of its eponymous museum. For the ultimate dive into its mythos, opt for exclusive, on-demand access to its revered grounds.
- Monastery of Daphni – Visit this 11th-century gem to revel in the golden radiance of its renowned mosaics and embrace a stunning piece of its Byzantine history.
Recommended Accommodation:
For a stylish yet relaxing stay in the dynamic capital, the NYX Esperia Palace offers a perfect blend of chic and hospitality.
2 Nights in Meteora — The Land of Monastic Heights & Mystical Stones
Bid farewell to the timeless charms of Athens as a private driver whisks you off north into the heart of Thessaly, where the world of ancient Greece rises up from the ground — quite literally — through the skyscraping rock spires of Meteora. Carved by eons of elemental force and crowned by centuries-old monasteries, these towering pillars of stone invite you into a realm of Greece’s spiritual history that borders on the supernatural. Once checked into your hotel of choice, relax, and prepare to uncover a truly otherworldly side of Greece.
UNESCO World Heritage Site(s):
The Meteora Monasteries
Built in the 14th century by hermit monks seeking isolation and spiritual enlightenment, the soaring Meteora Monasteries are among the most breathtaking examples of Orthodox monasticism in the world. Perched atop sandstone peaks, these celestial sanctuaries blend spiritual stillness with natural drama — a place where faith was etched into stone as both refuge and monument.
Suggested Experiences:
- Panoramic Meteora Sunset Tour – Watch the vivid hues of a setting sun spill over monolithic cliff faces and pensive domes, as you experience the sublime stillness and divine atmosphere of Meteora’s monasteries at their most magical.
- Spiritual Walk along the Ancient Hermit Paths – Connect with the region’s spiritual history by following in the footsteps of early ascetics on a contemplative hike along hidden forest trails, uncovering forgotten caves once used as solitary dwellings along the way.
Recommended Accommodation:
Savor Meteora’s awe-inspiring landscapes from the comforts of your accommodation by staying at the quaint Divani Meteora Hotel.
Royal Legacy of Macedonia — Transfer from Meteora to Thessaloniki with Stop at Vergina
With your private driver at the wheel, leave the towering peaks of Meteora in the rearview as you head toward the vibrant city of Thessaloniki. En route, bear witness to the dawn of Hellenistic power with a stop in the fields of Vergina, where the royal legacy of Macedonia arises in a stately display of Greek ancestry.
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Archaeological Site of Aigai
Sense the resonance of former power as you step into the heart of ancient Macedonia at Aigai, where the past reveals itself in gold and stone. It is here that you will find the royal tomb of Philip II — father of Alexander the Great — and the remnants of a city that once resounded with the ambitions of an empire. This sacred site not only holds some of Greece’s most important burial treasures, but also offers a rare look into the ceremonial grandeur of a kingdom that helped shape the Western world.
Suggested Experiences:
- Bask in the imperial splendor of this iconic site with a Private Tour of Royal Tombs and Museum, a walk through the restored Palace of Aigai — where Alexander the Great was declared king — and a visit to the eerily atmospheric Ancient Theater, the site of Philip II’s assassination.
3 Nights in Thessaloniki — Byzantium’s Beating Heart
Following your royal visit to Vergina, continue you journey to Thessaloniki, Greece’s cultural capital of the north and once a glittering jewel of the Byzantine Empire. Here, Roman arches rise beside early Christian basilicas, Ottoman facades brush against neoclassical mansions, and the city’s very air pulses with a thousand years of uninterrupted history. Upon checking into your hotel of choice, embrace the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Greece’s second-largest city, and let time circle back through its historical marvels
UNESCO World Heritage Site(s):
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki
A living, breathing display of history, Thessaloniki is the embodiment of the term ‘open air museum’. Home to a mosaic of ecclesiastical wonders — from domed basilicas to mosaic-filled chapels — the city is a storied tapestry that reflects the deep spiritual and artistic evolution of Byzantium. These sacred spaces once marked Thessaloniki as a bastion of Orthodox faith, and today they remain a stunning testament to the enduring beauty of devotion.
Suggested Experiences:
- Guided Exploration of Thessaloniki’s Most Celebrated Churches – Venture on an immersive pilgrimage through the city’s most notable and hidden of faith. From Hagia Sophia, inspired by its namesake in Constantinople and Panagia Chalkeon, Acheiropoietos to the Basilica of Saint Demetrios — built over the site of the saint’s martyrdom and filled with shimmering mosaics — each chapel each tells a unique story of piety.
- Visit to Saint Nicholas Orphanos – A humble treasure tucked away within the city’s old quarter, this chapel stuns with 14th-century frescoes of haunting expression and spiritual depth — some of the finest in all of Greece.
- Walk Along the Ancient City Walls – Ascend to Thessaloniki’s upper town (the Ano Poli) to scale the remnants of its mighty Byzantine fortifications; where the city’s timeline unfolds beneath your feet, shedding light on its Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, modern eras.
Recommended Accommodation:
Overlooking Aristotelous Square and the Thermaic Gulf, the Electra Palace Thessaloniki is a neoclassical gem that is perfectly placed for exploring the city’s layered elegance.
3 Nights in Rhodes — A Living Medieval City
With the North of Greece conquered, it’s time to plant a flag in one of its illustrious islands. On you final morning in Thessaloniki, your private driver will carry you off to Thessaloniki Airport for your brisk flight to Rhodes, The Island of the Knights. Home to the Colossus and a vital outpost of the Crusader knights, is a living medieval tale where Gothic grandeur meets Mediterranean mystique. From the moment you check into your hotel of choice, the past will begin feeling startlingly present — and every moment purely unforgettable.
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
The Medieval City of Rhodes
A unique fusion of cultural styles, the Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved fortified cities in all of Europe — a place where every step ignites the imagination and makes you want to embark on a crusade of your own. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, its winding alleys, towering bastions, and hidden courtyards tell tales of sieges, saints, and shifting empires.
Suggested Experiences:
- Private Guided Walk through the Medieval City – Hear faint clanks or swords against armor while wandering through stone arches and cobbled lanes as you trace the knights’ path along the Street of the Knights (one of Europe’s oldest continually inhabited medieval streets) and past the Hospital of the Knights, now a beautifully curated archaeological museum.
- Palace of the Grand Master – Storm a bonafide medieval stronghold (part palace, part fortress) where sweeping halls, mosaic floors, and battlement views bring the grandeur of Crusader rule to life
- Excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos – Venture along the coast to Lindos, where whitewashed homes spill down to turquoise waters and an ancient citadel crowns the cliffs above. Walk the sacred way to the Temple of Athena Lindia, where centuries of worship still whisper in the wind.
Recommended Accommodation:
Compliment Rhodes’ medieval wonders with the elegant luxury of Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas, a seaside retreat that seamlessly blends contemporary comforts with echoes of Grecian refinement.
1 Night in Athens — A Historic Farewell
Having discovered the perks of knighthood in Rhodes, a private driver will take you to Rhodes Airport for your flight to Athens, where you will spend the final night of your timeless journey relaxing and reflecting upon Greece’s legacy.
Recommended Accommodation:
Discover the perfectfusion of comfort and convenience at the Sofitel Airport Hotel, whose understated splendor can only be matched by its ideal proximity to the Athens International Airport.
Departure
With a wealth of Greek history uncovered through its timeless UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s time to return to the present. After breakfast, you will head to Athens International Airport, where you will catch your departure flight home, carrying centuries of stories with you.