Greece had always lived in our imaginations—a land of myth and marble, of ancient gods and sun-washed coastlines. But no photo or story could prepare us for the way it would feel to stand beneath the columns of the Acropolis, to hear the echoes of history in Epidauros’ great theater, or to watch the sun slip below the horizon in Nafplio.
We will guide you on what to expect on Globus’ Greek Escape along with some of our personal explorations on our pre-days we spent in country.
Our Globus Greek Escape journey through Greece was packed with discovery: from the bustling heart of Athens to tranquil mountain villages, from Olympic ruins to seaside towns steeped in legend.
Along the way, we explored archaeological wonders, savored local dishes, and made memories layered with laughter, learning, and the occasional sugar crash (yes, it happened multiple times!).
Come along as we retrace each unforgettable day—step by step, city by city, and myth by myth.
Day 1: From Snow to Sun – Flying to Athens
Leaving behind the snowy streets of Edinburgh, I boarded an early flight that took me first to Zurich, and then onward to Athens. Swapping wool coats for light sweaters, I could already feel the shift in energy as I descended into Greece for my Greek Escape. Sunshine spilled across rooftops as the plane landed, and the winter chill I left behind seemed like a distant memory. This day was booked as a pre-day to the official Greek Escape tour.
I was greeted by a separate transport service around 5:00 p.m., I booked outside of Globus and was taken to the Zafolia Hotel in Athens where I met my weary, napping companion who had a much longer trek to get to Athens than I did.
After a quick nap to shake off the travel fatigue, we headed out for a late evening walk from the hotel, eager to stretch our legs and start exploring.
We grabbed a quick burger and fries for dinner, then made our way past the Roman Agora, where we admired Hadrian’s Library, the Tower of the Winds, and the charming Panaghia Kapnikarea Church. We wandered past the Fethiye Mosque, caught a glimpse of the Traditional Pottery Mosque, and walked up to the rock overlooking the Acropolis, catching a glimpse of it softly lit in the distance.
We continued on to the Church of the Metamorphosis, passed Kerameikos, and finished our night with a reflective walk near the Acharnian Road, where ancient tombs line the path—a beautiful and humbling reminder that we were truly walking in the footsteps of history.
While we were out, we actually saw a road block with Greek police stopping car and making drivers take breathalyzer tests in their cars to continue driving; a very odd sight to see for sure. We returned to the hotel early in the morning.
It was nice to see the city at night with the lights and with no crowds. The only crowds we saw were earlier in the evening and the road block with the police early in the morning; besides that we had the entire city practically to ourselves.
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel, Athens
Weather: 49°F / 62°F
Day 2: Athens – Exploring At Our Own Pace & Official Start of the Greek Escape Tour
We started our day, (the official starting day of the Greek Escape tour) exploring the city on foot. We wandered over to the Acharnians Gate, part of the ancient Athens city wall, and then into Kotzia Square, filled with pigeons and lined with neoclassical buildings. There we visited the Archaeological Site of City Hall and observed the remains beneath the modern structure.
We didn’t set out to visit Syntagma Square, but as we were exploring Athens, we noticed large crowds—including families with strollers—all heading in the same direction. Curiosity led us to the square after we verified it was safe for American travelers with a Greek police officer, where we discovered a peaceful march commemorating a tragic train accident from two years ago (we learned this later in the day).
Families, students, and activists had gathered near the Parliament building, holding signs and honoring the lives lost. It was a deeply moving and unexpected moment that reminded us of Athens’ living connection to both its ancient and modern histories.
We ate lunch at The Athinaikon Restaurant. It was quite a tasty meal and we needed a quick recharge on sugar and a rest of our feet.
As we moved through the city, we passed a funeral for a beloved soccer player, Mimis Domazos, at The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, which added another poignant, human layer to our day.
Nearby, we found a lovely Byzantine church, currently known as Little Metropolis, formerly known as Church of Theotokos Goroepikoos or Ayios Eleytherios—a quiet spiritual retreat amidst the city buzz.
We met a lovely couple that explained the history of the train accident and the significance of the march that we had just attended in Syntagma Square. We followed Acharnian Road once again, this time able to view even more ancient tombs in the daylight, that lined the route.
We also explored the Church of Panagias Grigorousas, the Tetraconch Church, and one of the most fascinating places—the Oldest House of Athens, also known as the Mansion of Benizelos. Each site told a layered story of Athens through centuries.
That evening, we gathered with our Globus tour group and guide Maria, for the official start of the Greek Escape tour, enjoying drinks and snacks at the hotel, as we introduced ourselves and shared our excitement for the journey ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel, Athens
Weather: 46°F / 63°F
Day 3: Athens – Acropolis & Ancient Glory
We started the day early with breakfast at the hotel and had to be loaded onto the bus by 8:30 a.m. Our first planned activity was a panoramic drive through Athens, where we admired key sites like Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the National Gardens, the Presidential Mansion, and the Zappeion.
Our first stop was the Acropolis. Maria had everyone’s entry tickets and we entered as a group. She had distributed everyone’s whisper devices that will be used throughout the tour (it is a device with an earpiece so the tour guide can speak softly and the entire group can hear as you tour though all of the sites).
At the Acropolis, we walked up to explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike; We were able to view Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the way up. The views of Athens from the top were breathtaking, and the ancient marble practically glowed in the winter light. Once Maria finished telling us about all the sites, we had some free time to explore.
After the time we had at the Acropolis, we boarded the motor coach and drove to the Panathenaic Stadium where we had a quick stop for photos. We re-boarded the coach and our driver drove back towards the hotel with a few options.
We had some optional free time. We had the option for the coach to drop us at a few different stops or we could take it back to the hotel. We chose to take it to The National Archeological Museum where we grabbed lunch at a museum café nearby—it was charming and convenient, and gave us a great chance to relax and reflect on the ruins we’d just explored and once again we had the need for recharging our sugar levels and resting our feet.
We had to stop by a local pharmacy and let me tell you be sure to pack all your pharmaceuticals because in Europe, they are not even familiar with some of the common over the counter medications that we have in the US.
I thought I had 99% of everything I needed, except the one I needed. Be sure to travel with a travel first aid kit and over the counter pharmacy kit to include all the common medicines for headaches, common infections, pain, GI issues, etc.
Luckily our hotel was very near to a laundromat because after I had been traveling for so long, I needed to do some laundry. It was very conveniently located and much less expensive than if the hotel did the laundry for me. We quickly washed our laundry and were ready to continue our day.
We returned to the hotel in the afternoon for some rest before heading out on our own for a lively and delicious dinner at Mamacita, a stylish local spot with vibrant ambiance and flavorful dishes. After dinner, on the return walk, we did some more exploring.
We walked by The Library of Pantainos, to Ancient Agora of Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Statue of Theseus, and the Holy Church of Saints Theodores on the way back to hotel before we settled in for the evening. The next day it was an early wake-up call, so we needed to get our rest.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel, Athens
Weather: 49°F / 62°F
Day 4: Ancient Tombs, Theaters & Coastal Castles
We had an early start—wake-up at 6:00 a.m., bags out by 7:00 a.m., and breakfast before boarding the coach by 8:00 a.m. We departed Athens and drove past views of the Aegean Sea, eventually stopping for a 25-minute photo break at the Corinth Canal. The nearby shop offered snacks, bathrooms, and a chance to stretch before crossing into the Peloponnese, a man-made island separated by the canal.
Our tickets included entry to Mycenae, where we explored the impressive Treasury of Atreus, also called the Beehive Tomb—believed to date back to 1250 BC. These circular tombs, some as old as 1550 BC, were part of a vast cemetery designed so spirits couldn’t hide in corners and were unable to return.
We continued on to the Mycenaean Acropolis, where massive stones and ancient beliefs made history feel tangible. After a scenic drive, we stopped for lunch, recharging before our next destination: Epidaurus.
In Epidaurus, we visited the Sanctuary of Asclepius, dedicated to the god of medicine and healing. The site also pays homage to Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine. We wandered through the museum before entering the ancient Greek theater, renowned for its incredible acoustics and near-perfect preservation.
Built in limestone and still in use today, the theater hosts shows on Fridays and Saturdays, with some visitors even ferrying in from Athens. I heard the most beautiful words ever spoken from the center of the theater, well, and so did the crowd.
We also viewed the Katagogion archaeological site located at Epidaurus, thought to be a guesthouse or dormitory in ancient times.
Before heading to our hotel, our guide surprised us with a scenic drive through Nafplio, once the capital of Greece and said to be founded by Nafplios, son of Poseidon. With its three castles and name meaning “a place to send ships away,” Nafplio offered gorgeous coastal views. Be sure to see the legendary Bourtzi Castle in the Nafplio Bay.
We arrived at the Amalia Hotel and checked in. Dinner was a generous buffet served at 7:00 p.m., capping off a day filled with some of Greece’s oldest and grandest historical treasures.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Amalia Hotel, Nauplia
Weather: 47°F / 65°F
Day 5: Mountains, Sea Views & Ancient Olympia
We were up early again—bags out at 7:00 a.m., breakfast at 7:00 a.m., and on the motor coach by 8:00 a.m. Our day started with a stop at the Agora Art Gallery, where we enjoyed about an hour of shopping for local crafts and souvenirs.
As we drove through the Arcadian Mountains, we learned that this region gets snow every winter and even has a ski center. The dramatic scenery gave way to a quick restroom stop, though the small facility only had one stall each for women, men, and handicap access; it took quite a while for our group of 44 to use the facilities.
Shortly afterward, we crossed the Tsakona Arch Bridge, a unique modern structure—our guide reminded us to keep a lookout. A viaduct on the right side offered a few scenic moments for photos from the bus.
We continued westward, catching glimpses of the Ionian Sea, the body of water between Greece and Italy. Driving through Makrisia, we passed a unique cemetery visible on both sides of the road, perfect for a few quick snapshots.
Eventually, we rolled into the village of Olympia, home to the ancient Olympic Games. We stopped for lunch, then made our way to the archaeological site.
The archeological site at Olympia felt like sacred ground. The arch that once led athletes into the stadium is all that remains of the original tunnel. The track—600 feet (or 200 yards)—still faces west, a necessity since a direct line to the Temple of Zeus prohibited eastward orientation. Men and women competed separately in antiquity, and male athletes performed naked, barefoot, and covered in olive oil, while females were clothed for their events.
We also had time to spend in the Olympia Museum with our tour guide. She led the group around, but we chose to rest outside on a bench due to once again low sugar issues. We also had some time to shop for souvenirs and snacks on the walk back to the motor coach.
We headed to the hotel and checked into the Europa Hotel. Once settled, that evening, we joined a cooking demonstration teaching us the secrets on making the perfect Tzatziki Sauce, this Greek specialty using olive oil with 0.2% acidity, considered the best in Greece (compared to the more common 0.8% for cooking). The 0.1% batches, we were told, are reserved by the olive growers themselves.
We wrapped up the evening with a buffet dinner at 7:00 p.m., full of good food and warm conversation. This was one of our favorite hotel provided meals on the trip.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Europa Hotel, Olympia
Weather: 51°F / 68°F
Day 6: Sea Roads, Sacred Bridges & Dancing into Delphi
Wake-up was at 6:00 a.m., with breakfast and bags out by 7:00 a.m., and we were on the motor coach by 8:00 a.m. Our first stop was just around the corner at the Padelina Shopping Center for a quick olive oil tasting experience—short and flavorful.
This olive oil tasting was very different than the method of olive oil tasting I was taught by my tour guide, Silvio on my tour of Southern Italy with Globus. I preferred Silvio’s method much better.
We continued our journey along the Ionian Sea, passing through Patra, and eventually approaching the magnificent Charilaos Trikoupis (Rio-Antirrio) Bridge. The toll for our coach alone was €78.20! Once we crossed, we paused on the mainland side for an ATM stop, bathroom break, and a few photos of the bridge from above.
As we drove along the Corinthian Gulf, we admired the view and passed the Venetian port of Nafpaktos. Just beyond the town, we caught a glimpse of monasteries perched up on a hill to the left—silent sentinels above the sea. We were not allowed to stop in the city on the tour bus sadly, but is definitely a town worth a revisit if ever back in Greece.
Our guide shared mythology along the way, including the story of Hermes and Aphrodite, who had a son together—Cupid. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of all the history, architecture, and mythology of Greece.
The almond trees were in bloom throughout Galaxidi which added a soft touch to the roadside views, a seasonal signal of early spring.
We had some beautiful views of Galaxidi as we drove through, then made our way to the port of Itea, where we had lunch as a group at Scala. We had about 90 minutes total, but only about 35 minutes of free time after eating to explore the charming harbor front. We had time to grab a cup of coffee and a quick casual walk around a few blocks.
After lunch, we drove up a very curvy mountain road toward Delphi, checking into the Amalia Hotel. We had a short visit to the village of Arachova, known for its ski slopes (17 of them!) on the other side of the mountain—though there’s no hotel up at the slopes themselves.
We would have enjoyed much more time to visit Arachova, but since we were there during off peak season, we were unsure of the availability of taxis, so we took the motor coach back to the hotel with the group.
At 6:30 p.m., we gathered for a Greek dancing lesson at the hotel, where we learned the steps to Zorba the Greek and laughed through every misstep. With my bad back and my no coordination, I was a sight to see trying to learn a Greek dance. A buffet dinner followed in the hotel dining room, bringing a joyful and energizing end to a full day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Amalia Hotel, Delphi
Weather: 41°F / 59°F, with rain
Day 7: Delphi’s Legacy & Return to the Capital
Wake-up came at 6:30 a.m., followed by breakfast and bags out by 7:30 a.m. We boarded the bus at 8:30 a.m. for a short five-minute ride to the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Once again, we donned our whisper devices and Maria delved into her wealth of knowledge and shared with us. After exploring the incredible exhibits, we ventured out to the Delphi archaeological site, where myths and ruins met in stunning harmony.
By 11:30 a.m., we left Delphi and enjoyed lunch at Omfalos, a cozy spot perfect for refueling after a morning of ancient wonders. Before departing the region, we drove through the quaint village of Arachova and as we exited the village, our group posed for a group photo at the #Arachova sign, capturing the charm of the mountainous village. Here is a photo of our tour guide, Maria!
The ride back to Athens was peaceful but quite a long drive. We passed Lake Iliki, then drove through the town of Marathon, home of both the historical battle and modern race. As we neared Athens, we drove past the 2024 Olympic Venue, designed by Santiago Calatrava, who is also working on the new art museum in Milwaukee.
We also passed the former press building, now converted into the upscale Golden Hall Mall. Our guide even shared a humorous Socrates quote: “By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll be happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.” With that said, I personally think there are a lot of philosophers in the world, if Socrates thoughts are true.
We arrived back at the Zafolia Hotel around 4:30 p.m., where we took time to rest and recharge. For our final evening, we made dinner reservations at 8:30 p.m. at 48 Urban Garden, a hip and atmospheric restaurant perfect for wrapping up the trip. After a delicious meal, we headed to bed early to prepare for the early start for our journey home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel, Athens
Weather: 37°F / 64°F
Day 8: Early Farewell – Flight Home
With a 2:30 a.m. wake-up call, bags out by 3:00 a.m., and a pre-dawn transfer to the airport, our Greek Escape adventure officially came to a close. We boarded our flight home feeling changed in the best way.
This journey had been more than sightseeing—it was a soul-deep experience through mythology, history, and humanity.
Meals Included: Boxed Breakfast
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel, Athens
Weather: 43°F / 63°F
This Greek adventure was a living timeline—where every stone had a story and every sunset felt like mythology made real. Thank you, Globus, for guiding us through the cradle of Western civilization, one incredible moment at a time.
-S&B
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