This self-drive tour will let you discover mainland Greece, the famed archaeological site of Delphi, the world-famous Meteora monasteries -both UNESCO World Heritage sites- but also to roads less traveled, like the Koziakas mountain range and the forest of the White River. Each day has a theme, to make your trip more fun and insightful!
You will be staying in carefully selected family-run guesthouses and everything you need to know will be arranged in our mobile app:
- detailed day per day itinerary & navigation
- a great choice of optional stops, local tips & audio storytelling
- suggestions for tours, audio guided tours & activities
- our favorite restaurant suggestions in each area
Our app will give you the freedom to modify and adjust your itinerary according to your interests and pace, while maximizing your time. All content is presented in a clear and simple way to give you a deeper understanding of Greek history and culture. The advice of our favorite guide Danae will escort you at each stop, while you will be able to contact our team of travel designers too!
Day 1: Delphi - Meteora I Mountains and waters, a source of divine inspiration
Pick your car at your arranged location in Athens and start your trip towards Delphi. Make a stop at a mystical location of a mythical river and its sacred springs, where the oracle of Nightmares offered ancient people divine guidance. Your next stop will take you back to medieval times where you can admire royal architecture and mosaics dating back to the 11th century. The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the visit of the ancient site and the museum of Delphi, where you can opt for a guided tour to get a better understanding of the monuments and the mystical role of Kastalia spring's waters. After Delphi, you can enjoy a traditional Greek lunch under century-old plane trees in a beautiful, abandoned village, followed by a road trip through the mountains and valleys of central Greece. You will pass by villages that will give you a taste of the Greek countryside and you will finish the day with an evening walk, dinner and overnight in Meteora.
Day 2: Meteora I Between Heaven and Earth
After breakfast start your exploration of Meteora, a stunning natural phenomenon, featuring towering sandstone columns, formed millions of years ago, all pointing heavenward. These rocks became dwelling-places for Christian Orthodox monks and today you can visit six monasteries that are still functioning. You’ll be able to walk and drive around Meteora, to make sure you soak in the sights and the awe-inspiring landscape. You can also visit a prehistoric cave and admire how people lived in the area 130,000 years ago. Then, explore the town of Kalambaka and learn about local society and how it has developed under the shade of the Great Rocks. If you want to take a deeper dive into local culture choose between a visit to the Greek Education Museum, a Greek language mini course or a workshop of byzantine art with a local artist. For lunch you can enjoy delicious local food in a nearby village or learn all about local wine by visiting one of the best wineries in the area. Finish the day with a scenic sunset and photo-stop route around Meteora rocks. Overnight in Meteora.
Day 3: Pindos - Athens I In search of the divine in the Greek mountains
This day is dedicated to a road trip in Pindos, the most scenic mountain range of central Greece. You will explore the little-known Forest of the White River, a wild area of small mountain villages hidden in the depths of a massive forest. We'll also show you the secret path to one of the most beautiful -but rarely visited by tourists- monastery with thirteen domes, before visiting the spot where three rivers meet. Here you can take a dive in turquoise waters and continue your drive through the gorge to enjoy one of the most scenic routes along the Pindos Mountain range. Your last stop will be at an impressive stone bridge and lunch at an unexpected, middle-earth fantasy tree-tavern!
