Embark on a journey of discovery through mainland Greece that will take you to the famed sites of Meteora and Delphi, but also to roads less traveled, like the Koziakas mountain range and the forest of the White River. Although Greece is inextricably tied to the sea, few people know that it is the mountains that dominate its landscape. With the help of a fun and knowledgeable private guide, you will discover an unknown side of Greece and learn how these mountains shaped the local folks’ life, culture and traditions.
Day 1: Delphi
After a morning departure from Athens, the ancient past meets the present in this spectacular exploration of the breathtaking site of Delphi, navel of the world and oracle of the ancient Gods. Here, you’ll marvel at the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Athenian Treasury. You’ll have plenty of time to soak in the magical scenery, after which it’ll be time to visit the Delphi Museum, where some of the finest examples of ancient Greek art are on display – including the world-famous bronze statue of the Charioteer of Delphi.
Then you’ ll head to Amfissa, the regional capital of Amfissa, where Greece's last hand-made bell-maker will show you how livestock bells have been forged by hand in his family for generations; then you'll stroll through the cobbled streets of the old leather-tanning district. Here, in one of the last remaining tanning workshops in Europe, you’ll see what a tanner’s working life was, almost unchanged from a century ago up to today, and listen to the tanners’ stories – father and son – to understand what life is like today in this part of Greece.
You’ll then enjoy your lunch under the shade of the large plane tree in the town square, where you will taste local delicacies prepared for you by women of the village.
From Amfissa, you’ll then head north across the mainland towards Meteora. A few miles before reaching your destination, you will have dinner in a traditional family-run taverna in the foothills of Mt Koziakas. The food there is superb, sourced from local farms and gardens, and the tavern itself looks like a setting from a Middle Earth fantasy, featuring a giant tree right in the middle of it! You will spend the night in a charming family-run guest house in the pretty village of Kastraki, right under the towering rocks of Meteora.
Day 2: Meteora
Meteora is a stunning natural phenomenon, featuring enormous sandstone columns, formed millions of years ago, all pointing heavenward. These remote rock skyscrapers became dwelling-places for Christian Orthodox monks and, by the 14th century, large monastic communities were flourishing on the summits of many of these rocks. Today, six monasteries are still functioning, of which you will visit two. You’ll also walk around and drive among the rocks, to make sure you soak in the sights and the awe-inspiring landscape before enjoying lunch in a nearby Kalambaka.
After lunch, you'll visit a local icon painter from a family of artists linked for generations to the monasteries here. In his tiny workshop you’ll have a chance to learn about his art and try out your skills in customizing an orthodox icon to take back home with you!
Then it's a stop at the small but original Book Museum, where you'll get to try your skills in Greek handwriting and find out about Greek classrooms of the past. The owner is a fascinating personality, a collector of rare books that decided to turn his passion into a private museum!
You’ll then leave the Meteora towards the south, to the little-known Forest of the White River, a group of small mountain villages hidden in the depths of a massive forest. Here, at a mountain lodge in perfect harmony with its surroundings, you’ll dine and spend the night under the warm hospitality of Mrs Eleni, the owner who fell in love with the region some 40 years ago.
Day 3: Greek mountain scenery
The next morning, you’ll embark on a food tour to discover the local specialties and flavors of Northern Greece! First, you'll join a local shepherd and help him milk his sheep and goats before hitting a local kitchen for a quick cooking lesson: Pie making is on the menu today!
After work comes play; a swim at a beautiful river spot known only to locals. Close by is a fascinating small monastery rarely visited by tourists, which you will also visit.
Afternoon Greek coffee will be at a charming rustic outpost with far-reaching valley views. Here you will also taste Greek yoghurt and traditional ‘spoon sweets’ that Mrs Soula, the owner’s mother, makes year-round.
Then it's off to a nearby winery to taste the area’s best wines, cheeses and cold cuts, before lunch at a local tavern. Here, you'll eat like locals, savoring wild mountain greens, juicy lamb ribs and other local specialties. With this wonderful meal in a village that isn’t featured in any tourist map or guide, you'll finish our mountain odyssey, satisfied in body and soul and ready for the ride back to Athens.
