This morning you’ll have an introduction to both ancient and modern Athens with a walk through the mainly pedestrianized neighborhoods below the Acropolis. Later in the afternoon, we’ll ascent to the famous Acropolis and watch the sun set over Athens while hearing about the Golden Age of Ancient Greece and the story behind one of the most recognizable monuments. We’ll also get a taste of Greek storytelling near the Roman Odeon of Herod Atticus. In the evening we’ll learn about the cuisine and culinary etiquette of Ancient Greece and enjoy a legendary feast fit for Greek philosophers, with original recipes that have been researched, preserved, and revived by a team of local enthusiasts.

Today we’ll see a more local side of the city where not many travelers get to.  In the morning we’ll stroll through the flea, spice, and meat markets, lunching at a traditional mageirion—a local meal du jour restaurant, that is usually open only for lunch, serving up only what’s fresh and in season.

Afterward, we’ll head out from Athens to Delphi, home of the famous Delphi Oracle, an incredibly powerful woman that you’ll later learn more about. To break up the drive, we’ll be making a stop near Corinth for a sot of railbiking; riding specially constructed velocipedes on the disused 19th-century railroad tracks near Corinth. You’ll take in spectacular views of abandoned lime kilns and forgotten ancient temple ruins. While definitely a thrill ride, this is a low-impact activity that requires about the same peddling you might do in a pedal- or pedalo- boat.  There's an option to ride along in the electric support vehicle for anyone who would rather not partake. 

Today we will be wandering around the ruins of the Medieval ghost town of Mystras, the last seat of the Byzantine emperor, with views of the majestic landscape of the Spartan plain below. The cobbled alleyways and ruined stone houses once housed the Despots of Mystra, as well as the last emperors of Byzantium. Hear about the final days of the rivalries, machination, and betrayal that beset the final days of the Empire, and the surprising ultimate fate of the Imperial Title and Emblems from a certified local guide. If you’re feeling pekish, the opportunity might arise to sample the legendary kolokythokorfades, fresh zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and kagianas with syglino, a local staple of egg scramble served with salted pork. Tonight you’ll have free time to explore Kyparissia and perhaps join in a backgammon game at the local agora.

Today we’ll spend the day with a local family, invited to help prepare and consume one of Greece’s more complex, labor-intensive meals: gemista, oven-baked vegetables stuffed with rice, or moussaka, the divine-tasting layered mince, vegetable, and thick cream bake. We will also experience the collection of horta, the several varieties of wild greens found everywhere in the green countryside. Somewhat akin to collecting mushrooms, if you know what to pick you are in for a refreshing boiled horta salad! In the afternoon, we will visit the Fairytale Castle, an odd-looking local folly with an interesting history.

Visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and even experience running on the very track those ancient athletes competed at! We will learn about the history of the Games and their social and religious significance in the Classical World with a certified local guide. Afterward, on our way to our next hotel at Kalambaka, we’ll stop by Byzantine and then Ottoman Acropolis of Ic-Kale and learn about the city’s unique heritage and history at the majestic lakeside town of Ioannina. Tonight, we’ll feast on a Byzantine-themed lunch prepared and presented by experts from the local gastronomy club.

In the morning, we will visit the grand Byzantine monasteries perched on the rocks above Kalambaka. Learn about the important prehistoric human presence in the area, as well as the medieval monastic history of the region - and imagine the life and commitment of the hermits who sought refuge and divine illumination atop the awe-inspiring rocks. You can choose to hike the ancient trail to the monastery, the route is 7km and ascends 320m and while not considered to be strenuous, hiking shoes will be required. For those not wishing to hike, a coach will be available.

After a rest in Kalambaka, visit a hagiography workshop to learn about the intricate art of Byzantine hagiography, the centuries-old art of representing religious scenes on icons.

Enjoy the morning in Trikala, a picturesque old town while experiencing the local culinary delights, such as the making of halva, a local sugar and almond delicacy traditionally made in a bronze cauldron. We will also have a bit of tsipouro, a clear spirit distilled out of grape pomace with associated mezes, usually the Trikalino, the local leek infused pork sausage. After lunch, we’ll make our way towards Delphi with a stop in Thermopylae, the legendary battle site where 300 Spartan warriors found glory against a host of invading Persians.

Experience the iconic Sanctuary of Delphi on the slope of Mt Parnassus. Hear stories of the Oracle, whose strange omens once commanded the fates of the Ancient Greek world in a tour led by a local certified guide. The afternoon will be dedicated to a deep dive into the region’s culinary delights. We will wander Delphi and nearby Arachova to sample the local cheese formaella, and a hands-on food experience making something that’s in season.

Trek the Corycean Cave on the southern slopes of Mt. Parnassus north of Delphi. A sacred space since the Neolithic era, its name comes from the nature spirits who were said to inhabit the cave. Learn the mythology of the cafe from serving as a place of worship to the imprisonment of Zeus.  For those interested there will be an option to hike the ancient trail to the cave, the route is 6km and ascends 300m and while not considered to be strenuous, hiking shoes will be required. 

Afterward, we’ll travel back to Athens for our Farewell Dinner together.

After breakfast, you’ll have your scheduled transfers to get you back to the airport.