Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the old theatres, sitting in the stands and imagining what life felt like during these times. Oh and running on the original Olympic track of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria has a large and incredible knowledge of the sites we visited - we were able to ask intricate questions and receive an in depth response.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Brush up on your ancient Greek history before the tour - this will allow you to truly appreciate the sites and artifacts you see.

Most Inspirational Moment

Messene and Meteroa.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was a very well informed guide, always happy to answer questions.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amphitheatre at Epidaurus, Mycenae, Meteora, Messene and the optional boat trip in Navarino Bay were all highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

'George' was a good tour leader. He was very knowledgeable about the history and mythology of all the places we visited. He was friendly, organised, and he worked hard to ensure that we all had an enjoyable trip. A bonus: he was a fully-qualified guide, so we didn’t need any additional local guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good walking sandals are OK at many sites, but shoes are often more comfortable as it can be rough and gritty underfoot. If you are staying at the Achilleas Hotel in Athens for the second night of the trip, or are having some additional nights at the end, we can recommend two nice, unpretentious local restaurants: Neoklassiko, on the corner of Lekka towards Syntagma Square, and To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias (The Rose of Taste), which is almost opposite the hotel. The latter does great food and is a real locals’ place. Also, if you’re staying on in Athens at the end of the tour, check museum opening times as many are closed early in the week. Make sure you visit a rooftop bar at night for a spectacular view of the Parthenon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meteora, Olympia and Delphi were particular highlights for me - Acropolis in Athens was of course amazing but way busier even than expected. Navarino bay at Pylos was also unexpectedly spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

George was a consummate professional with encyclopedic knowledge of all the sites and museums visited, as well as being superbly organised and amenable to questions in general, and IMO went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a good trip. A conscientious tour guide, he made sure he had all the information anyone on a trip like this could ever need, and spent much of his own time making sure everything was in place for the day's events. He and our diver Gregoris were very good at getting us in to places before they got too busy with the many big cruise ship and coach trip tours that seemed to be everywhere, and were always helpful and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a full-on itinerary which can be quite tiring, especially in the heat, and IMO was a bit museum-heavy. Some sites don't have much shade so for anyone pale and Irish like me, sunscreen, insect repellant and hats are essential! So are good walking shoes and plenty of water - I find an insulated water bottle essential, and there are often public fountains where you can fill up (top tip, use the Refill app to discover where these are).

Most Inspirational Moment

Whilst Delphi and Olympia were amazing, Messene floored me. The site is jaw dropping in it's completeness and it's lack of exposure to the tourist trail. Here, above all other sites, I could imagine what it was like to be in ancient Greece.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Syrago was a wonderful leader, always cheerful and happy to help. She shared her country and her knowledge generously and was a great help on food selection too. A lovely calm presence on the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This tour is full on. Apart from Athens, there is only one night in each hotel, so you are constantly moving. This is great for the trip, as it covers a lot of ground, but if you can extend to a few nights downtime on one of Greece's fantastic islands afterwards I would heartily recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too difficult to choose. seeing the Acropolis lit up at night? walking underneath the Lion Gate at Mycenae? The scale of Messene? the rock formations of Meteora?

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can't praise her highly enough . Often there are separate specialists for each place but Stephania knew eveything about everywhere. She was a walking encyclopaedia. Not only that, she had a lovely manner , was friendly , approachable and arranged a group meal every night if we wanted it . This was perfect for me because as a single traveller i was slightly worried about being left on my own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

you have to have an interest in the subect matter . I had studied prehistory and archaeology at university and had originally booked this trip in April 2020 so it was something I had longed to do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to rank such diverse and excellent experiences

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - very enthusiastic and knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a need to be interested in the Ancient Greece (as the title suggests) but there is also a reasonable about of 'free time' for individual exploration. Really good trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the Olympic Stadium ruins completely alone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good on detail and organisation but does need to limit the static time or learn to talk and walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ignore the advice about the water being safe, it is if you are southern European but very iffy for the north European. Came back with a water borne bug.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights but I think of all the places we visited probably Olympia was the most inspirational All those athletes in ancient Greece, many of whom travelled long distances , gathering together to compete

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eva was great. She was very friendly, very helpful and extremely knowledgeable She had an amazing way of bringing the places we visited to life with her tales of the ancient gods, goddesses and heroes , So much fun to have roles to play.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you add on a day or two extra in Athens either at the start or end of the trip

Most Inspirational Moment

As a runner, visiting Olympia the home of the Olympic Games was special for me, particularly as I was able to run the length of the ancient stadium. Delphi was also spectacular with it’s site on the side of a steep hill.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eva was amazing. She was really friendly and presented information on the different sites in an interesting and engaging manner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for quite a bit of travelling on the minibus, particularly on the last three days.