Details, prices and bookings come from the operator (coda-tours.com). Check with them before you go.
Travel in the footsteps of one of history’s most celebrated generals, Alexander the Great, who has captured the world’s imagination for thousands of years. Admired by rulers both ancient and modern, he is still the subject of stories in the lands through which he marched. Yet over 2,300 years after his death, it is still possible to follow the journey of Alexander. Our program puts you at the very heart of Alexander’s story — just a heartbeat away from the places he stood, the cities he conquered and even the very people he knew and loved.
Depart the USA for Thessaloniki, Greece (SKG).
Arrive Thessaloniki where you will be met outside baggage claim and escorted to you vehicle for a transfer to the hotel. Later this afternoon, meet your guide for a short Orientation Tour. Enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers this evening.
Drive to the upper part of the city where there are superb panoramic views of Thessaloniki, Thermaic Golf &
, the ancient site of
Transfer by coach from Thessaloniki to the harbor of
Your tour starts with a 45-minute drive to
Drive to Meteora this morning (approx. 3 hours). One of the most remarkable sites in Greece: a group of monasteries perched atop pinnacles of rock up to 600 meters high. A rare geological phenomenon, a quirk of nature as it were, created these looming rocks which trust skywards from the plain of Thessaly, as if striving to come closer to God. These peculiarly impressive natural sculptures are known as Meteora because they do indeed seem to hang or hover (meteoro in Greek) above the plain. Their summits totally isolated from the rest of the world, were a refuge for many hermits from as early as the 11th century. Three hundred years later the first monasteries were founded. Access to the monasteries and settlements was made by ladder and rope.
Drive to Metsovo, the largest centre of Vlach life in Greece. Continue to Pelion. Modern Pelion’s twenty-four villages retain traditional Pelian architecture and construction, with stone buildings made out of expertly carved local grey, blue, or green slate and red clay. They are built on terraces on the slopes and offer stunning vistas of the surrounding slopes and the sea. Houses are usually multi-storied and feature the characteristic Pelian oriel construction, with tall windows and abundant painted ornamentation. Pelian tradition calls for three-level houses, with the ground floor used for work (tools, kitchen, storage, washing, weaving), the middle floor used for socializing (common rooms), and the top floor for private rooms (bedrooms).
In the morning drive to Delphi. Evening at leisure to explode picturesque village of Delphi, overnight at Amalia Delphi or similar.
Delphi’s allure is two-fold: its amazing setting on the cliff and its ruins that will enthuse even the most skeptical among us! In ancient times, pilgrims from all over the world traveled to Delphi to consult the oracle for any major decisions that needed to be taken. The oracle’s priestess,
Drive to Athens. Proceed immediately to the National Archaeological Museum. The Athens Archaeological Museum is home to antiquities from all around the country and includes famous sculptures and statues as well as an impressive collection of frescoes retrieved from Santorini’s Akrotiri site.
On a tour to Athens you will view many significant historical and archaeological monuments that date back to the Golden Age of Pericles, in the 5th century BC. During that time, the wealthy, newly democratic and invigorated city-state decided to rebuild the Temples on top of the Acropolis in great splendor. Visit the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, a unique masterpiece of Greek Architecture. This monument is recognized as the culmination of Greek architecture and sculpture. Examine the Propylea, which blends Doric and Ionic building principles. Continue to the Temple of the Athena Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum Temple, which was formerly used for cult worship and consists of three basic parts: the main Temple, the north extension and the famous Porch of Maidens. After lunch on your own you will have the chance to explore the Νew Acropolis Museum located across the hill of the Acropolis serving as a reminder to all visitors of the true greatness of 5th century Athens. Among its many important exhibits are the Caryatids (female sculptures acting as columns of the Erechtheion Temple), the Parthenon Gallery with the inner frieze, outer metopes and pediments of the temple and the statue of Artemis by Praxitelis. Next, view Mars Hill, where St. Paul preached Christianity. You will also be seeing the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, Theater of Dionyssos,Temple of Zeus, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the former Royal Palace which is now the House of Parliament. Continue to the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the National Library and then to the “Panathenian” Olympic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
Transfer to the airport for return flights to the USA.
11–21 Jun 2027 · +1 more date · Greece · with Out of Office
23 May – 2 Jun 2027 · +2 more dates · Greece · with Out of Office
5–15 Mar 2027 · with Coda Tours