Rio-Antirrio Bridge
Tholos of Athena, Delphi
Nafplion
Acrocorinth
Nafplion
Mystras
Ancient Corinth
Delphi
The breath-taking ruins of Delphi and the site of Olympia
The great temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
Atmospheric Mystras, a deserted Byzantine city full of wonders
The well-preserved sites of Roman Corinth and Acrocorinth
Historic Nafplio - a town full of charm and character
An opportunity to explore the varied and rich history of Greece with visits to some of its greatest and most beautiful historic sites. We start at the breathtaking ruins of Delphi, hidden in the folds of Mount Parnassus. We then move south, crossing one of Greece's most recent marvels, the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, our destination Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games and its great museum. We visit the lonely but impressive temple of Bassae set among marvellous mountain scenery before travelling on to Sparta to explore the extraordinary deserted Byzantine town of Mystras. The rest of our stay is based at beautiful Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, and the most charming of Greek towns, from where we visit the great palaces of the Mycenaean ‘Golden Age’, Mycenae and Tiryns, and the exceptional sites of Roman and Acro-corinth.
A Mr Davis who travelled on this tour in 2018 has kindly allowed us to link to his collection of stunning pictures he took of the local flora and fauna whilst on this tour, click HERE if you are interested to view them.
Available Departures |
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| 30 - March - 2025 | Sold Out | Travel Info Sold Out |
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Provisional Timings London Heathrow Departing: 30th March 2025 at 08:40 Returning: 08th April 2025 at 14:05 |
Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Athens
Transfer to Arachova (approx. 2 hours) for a two night stay at the Likoria Hotel, Arachova. Dinner at the hotel and a brief introductory talk.
Day 2: Delphi and Byzantine Hosios Loukas
Our visits begin at the breath-taking ruins of Delphi, the site of the most revered oracle in the Greek world, where the views are magnificent. On the same day we experience the peace of Hosios Loukas, one of the finest Byzantine monasteries in Greece, dating to the 11th century. This evening there will be a short talk by Jeremy Peterson, 'Consulting the Oracle'. Rest of the evening is at leisure, an opportunity to explore the pretty town of Arachova where our hotel is located.
Day 3: Journey to Olympia
Leaving Delphi behind, we enjoy a spectacular drive along the Gulf of Corinth where we encounter one of Greece's most recent marvels, the Rio-Antirio Bridge, the world's second longest cable-stayed bridge, which crosses the Gulf. Reaching Patras, we will, if time, visit the Myceneane Cemetery of Voudeni situated just outside Patras. We then continue our journey to Olympia. Check-in to the Olympion Asty Hotel, Olympia for a two night stay on half board basis. Evening talk: ‘The ancient Olympic Games’.
Day 4: Full day Olympia
We spend today at Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympics, set in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios River. We will visit its outstanding museum and wander in one of the most atmospheric of ancient places. Evening talk: ‘Sparta and Mystras’ and dinner at the hotel.
Day 5: On to Sparta with a visit enroute at the impressive Apollo Epircurius Temple at Bassae
Today we journey southwards through some of the most spectacular scenery in Greece to visit the remote and lonely Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae. From here we continue on to Sparta and check-in to the Hotel Menelaion for a one night stay. Evening at leisure.
Day 6: Mystras, ‘the wonder of the Morea’
Built below its Frankish castle, the site of Mystras runs steeply down the side of the valley, with influences from the Franks, the Byzantines and the Ottomans. Now deserted, its palace, churches and monasteries, which have some of the finest surviving wall paintings, look out over the rich valley of what the Greeks called ‘Hollow Lacedaimon’. Later, if time permits, we will visit what little remains of Classical Sparta before driving north to the Amalia Hotel, Nafplio, where we will be based for the rest of our stay, on half board basis.
Day 7: Nafplio and some leisure time.
We start the day with a lecture at the hotel by Jeremy Paterson 'A short history of Greece’.
After the lecture a leisurely morning will be spent in the historic town of Nafplio, one of the most charming of Greek towns, yet one that testifies to the remarkable history of modern Greece. There will be a short walk through the town to see some of its highlights and the rest of the day will be free for you to enjoy the town at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: Roman Corinth and Acrocorinth
Roman Corinth is a sprawling site with an excellent small museum. Above it sits Acrocorinth, a towering acropolis that looms over the vast coastal plain below. Whilst here, we take the opportunity to visit the Corinth Canal, first dreamed of by the Greeks in the seventh century BC, but not completed until 1893. Evening talk by Jeremy: ‘I have gazed on the face of Agamemnon’. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 9: Mycenae and Tiryns
Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century BC, and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture. Both sites have excellent examples of cyclopean walls and Mycenae has one of the most impressive tholos ‘Beehive’ tombs ever found.
Day 10: Transfer to Athens airport for return flight to London Heathrow.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion
Please note this tour involves some walking and standing, particularly at the archaeological sites, which can be uneven underfoot.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Likoria Hotel, Arachova
At 990 metres above sea level, the comfortable four-star Likoria Hotel is situated in the heart of the picturesque mountain village of Arachova. Each spacious and tastefully decorated room has a private balcony with views over the valley of Delphi. Hotel facilities include a bar, sauna, steam room, heating/air-conditioning and wi-fi. Rooms all have a private bathroom with bath or shower, balcony, TV, mini-bar and kettle (on request on arrival at the hotel). There is a good choice of tavernas within easy reach on foot from Likoria and some great local shopping too!
Likoria Hotel Website
Olympion Asty Hotel, Olympia
The Olympian Asty Hotel is built on the top of Drouvas Hill just above the town of Olympia and enjoys views of the Arcadian Mountains and the Alfios Valley. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms with private balconies and all modern facilities. The hotel has a pool, (seasonal), bar and restaurant.
Olympion Asty Hotel Website
Menelaion Hotel, Sparta
Centrally located in Sparta, this comfortable hotel provides a welcome one-night stay to ensure we get the best out of our visit to the sprawling site of Mystras. Hotel facilities include wi-fi, lounge café, bar, restaurant and pool (seasonal). Bedrooms have en-suite bathroom facilities, TV, air-conditioning/heating, triple glazing and hairdryer. Dinner isn't included at this hotel, but a choice of restaurants are available within very easy walking distance.
Menelaion Hotel Website
Amalia Hotel, Nafplio
The Amalia Nafplio is a very comfortable four-star hotel which has been designed in a neoclassical style surrounded by pretty gardens, with public areas elegantly and comfortably furnished. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, café lounge bar, pool (seasonal opening) and gardens. Kettles are provided in the rooms at the Amalia Hotel.
Amalia Hotel Nafplio Website
Your Lecturer
Jeremy Paterson
Jeremy taught Greek and Roman history for over forty years at Newcastle University. He has travelled widely in Greece and the Mediterranean. His enthusiasm for the ancient world was first inspired by reading Homer and then by his fascination with the archaeological discoveries at Mycenae and Knossos. He is much in demand as a speaker at home and in many of the classical countries of the Mediterranean, where he has accompanied many groups to sites and museums.
Lectures will be as follows:
Day 2: 'Consulting the Oracle'
Day 3: 'A short history of the Olympic Games'
Day 4: 'Sparta and Mystras' A short history of Greece'
Day 7: 'A short history of Greece'
Day 8: 'I have gazed on the face of Agamemnon: discovering the Mycenaeans'
Jane , Jeremy, George and Nicos are a great team and the trip was wonderful. as a result The only comment I would make is that the brochure describes the walking as moderate but we found it to be more demanding. We mentioned it to Jane and understandably she said that any other description may put people off. It didn't however diminish our enjoyment. Back to Greece in November and looking forward to it.
Review by anonymous who travelled 12-March-2024
Goodness this holiday was so good! Excellent help and advice when booking with Andrew at TEds. Greeted by Jane, Jeremy and Nicos at Athens and smooth transition to first hotel. There are glowing reports of this adventure already but would like to add another. As. Solo traveller I had full confidence throughout and lovely hotel rooms. The team of the best driver ever, Nicos, the brilliant historian Jeremy, and the caring and ever helpful Jane, could not be better. My third trip with them! All sites wonderful but the visit to Delphi and Hosios Loukas, Mystras and Mycenae excellent. The climbing and walking was challenging but with wonderful company and support when needed, all was possible. The wonderful outdoor meal after climbing down Mystras just one of the special moments. There were so many! Thank you to all. So good I am thinking of repeating it! Anna.
Review by Wheeler who travelled 12-March-2024
A fascinating tour, very well led by Jane and with magisterial talks and guidance from Jeremy.
Review by anonymous who travelled 12-March-2024
This tour was led by Jane Freeman and her reliability and commitment to the tour was exceptional. She created such a positive atmosphere and it was a real pleasure to travel with her. The tribute paid to her by Colin (a fellow traveller) was fitting. Equally Jeremy Paterson was very knowledgeable, energetic and with unquenchable enthusiasm for a man of his age. for his subject. I read Classics at Cambridge many years ago and we very soon on the same wave length, though his up to date knowledge dwarfed mine. Coupled with George, the local guide, they all made the trip so really enjoyable. It was a very full programme of history and the only possible improvement may have been to include a vineyard/farm or boat trip to balance the tour. Some members of our tour said they would welcome just one alternative on one day. But overall Jane and Jeremy delivered a truly memorable experience both in organisation, fun and a learning exercise. Recommend to all aspiring historians!!
Review by Butter who travelled 12-March-2024
The tour arrangements were very well organised and managed by the tour manager Jane Freeman. The guest lecturer Dr. Jeremy Paterson, was both very informative and amusing and conveyed his enthusiasm for the subject. The local guide was very good as well. The hotels varied from excellent - The Olympion Asty to just about adequate - The Menelaion, Sparta. Overall good value for money.
Review by Ryan who travelled 12-March-2024
My first, but certainly not my last, holiday with Travel Editions. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole, extremely well planned, experience and cannot praise the team who travelled with us - Jane, Jeremy and Nikos - highly enough. Jane was not only an exceptional organiser but a friendly and caring companion to the group. Jeremy, the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable and approachable of historians who brought the past vividly alive. And as for the driving of Nikos! His expert knowledge of the roads and experience as a driver meant we always felt safe, even on the most testing of roads. All in all, a great and most memorable experience!
Review by Sach who travelled 12-March-2024
A very interesting and varied tour. The hotels were of a good standard, particularly in Arachova, Olympia and Nafplio. Jane Freeman, excellent as always. Driver Nikos also very good, negotiating those tricky bends. Perhaps inclusion of other sites e.g Epidauros or actually staying in Nafplio would have added to the experience, although I understand why this was not possible. Will be travelling Greece with you again.
Review by anonymous who travelled 12-March-2024
A most enjoyable trip, again. Jane Freeman is an outstanding tour manager and Jeremy Paterson a wonderful lecturer. I appreciated the freedom to eat out by ourselves when possible, and the leisurely timing of visiting sites so that we weren't rushed but had time to explore.
Review by Brewitt-Taylor who travelled 12-March-2024
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-September-2022
It was a really excellent tour. Jeremy Paterson was as wonderful as ever and hugely generous with his time and his knowledge. He and George added immeasurably to the pleasure of the trip which was very efficiently organised by Travel Editions and by Tricia on the ground. It was a really nice group and the holiday was just perfect. I keep recommending this company to my friends!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-September-2022
Impressive Lecturer and tour manager. Jeremy enthused.... Jane very caring and considerate. Good pace, no early starts allowing for an enjoyable and informative holiday. So thankful that as a single traveller, allocated double rooms of a very good standard (that means a lot to me!) A very compatible group. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour and will look to book another in the future.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-March-2019
As this was my first solo holiday, I was a little daunted at first, but didn't need to be. The tour manager and lecturer were welcoming and helpful and I enjoyed the company of like-minded fellow travelers. The lecturer was not only knowledgeable, but fun and entertaining. I learned so much - thank you for a fantastic holiday. Hotels were great, as was our driver. I'll book again!
Review by Bachelard who travelled 16-March-2019
The Tour Manager Jane was excellent - very caring (we had some people who required assistance at a few of the sites). She made everything work well and sorted out any problems in creative and adaptable ways. Our lecturer Jeremy, is very interesting, genial and entertaining. He answered every question no matter how obscure and clearly loves every place we went. He made the tour a joy and very sociable. The driver, Nicos, was wonderfully safe - never any doubts on the twisting, tight curves of the mountain roads.
Review by Brewer who travelled 16-March-2019
Review by Whitehouse who travelled 16-March-2019
Flight/Train/Ferry irrelevant as we did that ourselves. Excellent trip. Tour Manager ran the trip brilliantly and the archeologist was outstanding. The Group was ideal sized and all very friendly - plenty of space in a large bus for travel.
Review by Walesby who travelled 16-March-2019
Very enjoyable and informative. Jane and Jeremy Paterson were fantastic. A big 'thank you'd.
Review by Dinnick who travelled 16-March-2019
Well-chosen hotels, comfortable, stress-free travelling and interesting guiding and lectures. Group size good. Altogether a delightful experience.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-March-2019
The tour manager was excellent. The tour lecturer was excellent and made a real positive contribution. The first local guide was excellent. The second local guide was really poor, she was too obese to have the energy to provide a good service. The third local guide, George, was poor, his mobile phone appeared to be his prime priority. The driver was excellent. The BA airline was poor in comparison with Aegean airline.
Review by Humphris who travelled 10-March-2018
The trip far exceeded expectations. All the sites were fascinating and Jeremy Paterson was so able to share his wealth of knowledge and experience in an accessible and interesting manner. He is so approachable and never minded questions being asked. Wonderful. On my way to Heathrow, I injured my knee and I cannot thank Jane, the tour manager, and Nichos the coach driver enough for their help and support. Quite outstanding and I feel they acted beyond the call of duty. They helped me ( and another lady) to continue with the tour. Wonderful. The hotels were good ( pleasant staff and very clean) though the food was nothing special. I want to make some negative comments about the tour guide who joined us for the last 4 days, George. Several of us found him difficult to understand and he would start his descriptions before everyone was gathered around. Also on the last day he took us to a restaurant where the food was fine but the billing was chaotic and it ended up with some of us picking up the tab for others. And only one loo.Jeremy and Jane were full of admiration for him but it was not shared by several of us. ( No doubt few will pass on their reservations). OVERALL: one of the best Art History trips I have ever done. Fabulous. Will book again with Travel Editions. Thank you.
Review by Davie who travelled 10-March-2018
We were well looked after and the expert guide and tour manager were brilliant
Review by Gray who travelled 10-March-2018
This wonderful tour fulfilled everything that I'd hoped for and more really. It was inspiring. Jane, the tour manager, was wonderful, Jeremy, the lecturer, was interesting, engaging, inspiring and before I run out of superlatives, just great fun. And finally, not the least, Nikos the driver was also excellent. The Itinerary was well thought out, giving enough time to see sites, with company and in our own time. Some of the sites visited I knew little about and so it was wonderful to go on 'the road less travelled'.
Review by Christie who travelled 10-March-2018
I loved it and am hoping that I will be able to return to Greece next year when I think that you have 2 new trips ? It was excellent value and Greece is a lovely holiday destination. One of the best holidays I have ever had.
Review by who travelled 10-March-2018
This was an excellent trip over with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable lecturer. We did, however, have reservations about the Greek guide, George, and felt that he was not as engaged with the group as he might have been. The hotels were good, but one or two of the restaurants where we stopped for lunch were variable and did not provide good value for money, particularly on the way back from Mycenae.
Review by Brown who travelled 10-March-2018
This trip was pretty well everything I had hoped for. I had known about several of these sites for most of my life and the risk was always that I would find their physical reality disappointing; far from it! They were magnificent and Jeremy's enthusiastic and knowledgeable guidance made the whole experience memorable, and I have booked on the Road Less Traveled already! A major bonus was the wild flowers - the sites were made all the more beautiful by them and this year at any rate, they were at their best at just the right time for us.
Review by Davis who travelled 10-March-2018
This was one of the best organised and enjoyable tours we have taken. Jane (tour manager) and George (local guide) kept us informed and entertained throughout with their combined skills and prodigious knowledge. Jeremy (guest lecturer) was a fount of information, knowledge and humour and brought the ancient civilisations of this beautiful area to life. "Thank you" to all of them - a highly recommended tour.
Review by Mrs Ann Walker who travelled 12-October-2016
What a great team. Superb site descriptions by Jeremy and George. Safe and smooth driving from Nikos and Jane was a very empathetic manager, looking to the needs of individuals and responding to all situations that arose. Our travelling companions were most congenial and it was altogether a great tour, enhanced by excellent weather - thanks for that!
Review by Mr Jonathan Holland who travelled 12-October-2016
Accommodation - 1st hotel satisfactory, 2nd excellent, 3rd good. Team of Manager, Lecturer, Greek guide, and Driver exceptional.
Review by Mr James Wright who travelled 12-October-2016
The lecturer, tour manager and driver were first rate. Jeremy's enthusiasm was infectious! I would definitely travel with you again. The only downside was the hotel near Delphi and some of the buffet meals, but it is a minor gripe!
Review by Ms Frances Cousins who travelled 12-October-2016
The personnel involved were brilliant and so knowledgeable. I think the tour should be advertised as being more physically difficult than it is. The last two hotels were fine, particularly the one at Olympia and | would have appreciated staying longer there. However the food at the first hotel was not great and did not give a good first impression.
Review by Ms Gwenda Roberts who travelled 12-October-2016
Review by Mr Richard Grant who travelled 12-October-2016
The first local guide was excellent, a delight, but we really didn't like the second and felt he rushed round and was on a bored autopilot throughout. Also disliked his relentless cynicism and casual racism. Jane (tour manager) was lovely, the coach driver was outstanding. The second hotel (at Olympia) was brilliant, a real shame to spend only one night there. The third hotel was a crashing disappointment after that, bland and generic and a bit in the middle of nowhere. I would have traded one star for a better location or more personality. And it was unforgivable that there was no water in the pool when it was so hot outside. We would have loved more time at Mystras, it felt rushed for such an extensive and spectacular place. It would have been fun to stay at Sparta and have a full day there. Highlights were Olympia, Mystras and Epidauros,
Review by Mr Robert Ryan who travelled 04-April-2016
Review by who travelled 04-April-2016
Definitely the best time of year to go, with beautiful wild flowers enhancing the ancient sites, and before Greece is too hot for sight seeing. A night in Sparta (and five nights in Nafplio) with more time at Mistra would have been good. Great guides and lecturer brought the sites and history alive for us.
Review by Mrs Helen Keys who travelled 04-April-2016
To find such a rich mix of academics, politicians,and business people on such a small group was a delight. The mealtime conversations were most stimulating. The sites were nice too!
Review by Mr Robin Watts who travelled 04-April-2016
Hotels varied - the last was excellent but the others less good. Jeremy is the ideal erudite cuturall guide philosopher and friend.
Review by Mr Hugh Edmunds who travelled 31-October-2015
This was the best group tour we have been on! The hotels, sites, etc were all memorable.The day to day organisation was excellent. Jane was a suberb manager, Nikos a very skillful driver and Jeremy and George were supremely knowledgeable and all were great company. Jeremy in particular was a terrific teacher -always more than willing to answer questions and with a great ability to put across information in an interesting and easily digestible way. Above all they were all very flexible. You never felt you were being rushed to fit in with a set programme. A very enjoyable trip!! (Despite having to stay an extra night in Athens as a result of aircraft problems, but even then BA did a great job in the circumstances -a very reassuring airline)
Review by Mr David Osborne who travelled 31-October-2015
This tour exceeded my hopes and expectations. It was a very friendly group and we had a happy time with our excellent guides, visiting wonderful places in glorious sunshine. Some of the days involved long journeys but we always had breaks.
Review by Mrs Ann Miller who travelled 31-October-2015
The tour was excellent. A slight delay at Athens at the start when 2 people failed to arrive. But from then on everything and everyone was great. Jane the tour manager and George combined to get me to a chemist from Delphi en route to Olympia as I had a cut/ on my arm which was deteriorating and that panned out well with treatment for which I would have almost undoubtedly had to go to a doctor here. It was a big programme but it helped enormously that we had six nights at the Amallia ( all very good and comfortable) in Nafplion which made it possible to opt out of trips, although I occasionally stopped en route, for example inside a fortress to sit and paint and wait for the return of the main group. We ate well. The leaders (especially Jeremy with his enthusiastic recall of classical Greece) were all great and my companions very friendly and interesting. I would ask for no more.
Review by Ms Judy Hillman who travelled 31-October-2015
Lovely holiday. Brilliant lecturer. Tour manager, Greek guide, Lecturer and Driver worked fantastically as a team and were very friendly. Problem over return flight dealt with efficiently by tour manager's deputy and BA, though it was a pity she was unable to be there.
Review by Mrs Felicity Ramell who travelled 31-October-2015
