GREEK HEARTLANDS

A 13 day, off-the-beaten-path adventure to the charming and culturally-rich destinations of northern Greece & Crete

DATES

May 30 - June 11, 2026

PRICE

$5,750 per person + flights

Day 1 and 2 - Arrival
Depart USA, arrive Thessaloniki, Greece. We check in to our five star hotel on Thessaloniki’s main square and steps from the Aegean Sea. After settling in, we meet for a rooftop welcome drink and dinner in a stunning, panoramic setting overlooking the waterfront. (D)

Day 3 - Thessaloniki: Agios Demitrios Church, Rotunda, White Tower
After a cultural and historical orientation to northern Greece at a cafe in Aristotle Square, we visit Thessaloniki's most important church, dedicated to the early Christian martyr St. Demitrios and originally dating to the 300's AD. We continue to the Arch of Galerius, a monument built by one of the four Roman co-emperors who was based in Thessaloniki during the early 300's, and the adjoining Rotunda with its incredibly preserved 1600 year old golden mosaics, potentially the oldest in the world. We then return to the waterside to see the White Tower, the symbol of Thessaloniki and its struggle with the Ottoman Empire. After lunch, travelers are free to sail along the harbor on a short pleasure cruise or visit the nearby Byzantine Museum or Archaeological Museum. In the evening, dinner is out at a meze restaurant in the lively and historic Ladadika district. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Thessaloniki: Kapani Market, Greek Home Visit

The morning begins on foot with a visit to the striking Kapani market, which echoes the bazaars of Thessaloniki's Ottoman past. Taste a large variety of local olives and cheeses and snap photos of the colorful displays. The remainder of the morning is at leisure for shopping at Thessaloniki's many boutiques, a visit to the Museum of Ancient Music or Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, or to step inside churches dating back over 1,000 years. Then, join Elizabeth Iliadou Sparks (Adam's mother) for a special visit to her cousin Anda's lovely home outside the city. Take a tour of the beautiful, traditionally-decorated house, share a Greek coffee, tour their beehives and taste their homemade honey, watch Anda make Greek pita by hand, and learn about life in 20th c. and modern Greece. Departing Anda's home, visit a local grill-house for a festive dinner. (B,D)

Day 5 - Berea, Vergina, Arrive Seaside Hotel
Departing Thessaloniki, we visit modern Verea, famous as the Biblical town of Berea, which was visited by the Apostle Paul (and is the hometown of Elizabeth Iliadou Sparks). After seeing the Bema where Paul spoke, we visit the old Jewish Quarter of Berea and have the opportunity to visit the restored synagogue. We continue to one of the most unique museums on the planet, the underground tombs of Vergina. Discovered in the 1970s, these tombs, thought to include the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, are an unforgettable testament to the wealth and grandeur of the Macedonian kingdom. We then arrive to our beachside, five-star hotel and spa for a relaxing afternoon and dinner al-fresco. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Beach Day, Mount Olympus Walk
The morning is at leisure to enjoy the hotel, its spa, and the Aegean Sea. In the afternoon, take an optional excursion to the mountain town of Litochoro and take a (fairly flat) stroll along a covered aqueduct through a beautiful gorge on the base of Mt. Olympus. In the evening, we head to a nearby psarotaverna for an authentic sea-food dinner. (B,D)

Day 7 - Monasteries of Meteora
Heading out on bus, this day trip visits one of the world’s most remarkable sites, the Monasteries of Meteora. Located on top of mountainous crags reaching as high as 600 meters, these 14th c. monasteries were built in their secluded locations to help weather the 400 year Ottoman occupation. The combination of the mystical monasteries with the stunning location makes this an experience like no other. Also included is lunch at a traditional, 100-year-old restaurant in the town of Kalambaka. Enjoy the late afternoon and evening at our beachside hotel. (B,L)

Day 8 - Depart Northern Greece, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Arrive Chania
Departing the Olympus Riviera, transfer to either the Thessaloniki or Athens airport and fly to Chania. Upon arriving in Chania, settle in to your hotel room facing the Old Harbor and enjoy dinner waterside. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Cretan Cooking Class
After a leisurely morning to stroll the picturesque streets of Chania or attend a portion of a local Orthodox service, we take a short journey out of Chania to the foohills of the White Mountains to participate in an unforgettable Cretan cooking class. Learn traditional recipes and explore the countryside lifestyle in a beautiful and welcoming setting, and then enjoy a dinner made by your own hands. (B,D)

Day 10 - Chania Walking Tour
Today we enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of Chania as we trace 3,000 years of human settlement. Explore the Venetian fortress, the Ottoman harbor mosque, a full-scale replica Minoan boat, Orthodox churches, and local artisan workshops before a harbor-side lunch. The afternoon is free to shop in the local boutiques or swim at a nearby beach before dinner housed within an old Ottoman era bathhouse. (B,L,D) 

Day 11 - Private Catamaran to Balos Beach
Today we drive to a port on the western end of the island and board our private catamaran for a special day cruising the Cretan coastline. After cruising along the rugged landscape, we enjoy a fresh-cooked lunch on board before arriving at Balos Beach, considered to be the most beautiful beach in all of Greece. Famous for its shallow lagoon, pristine sand, and stunning location, we enjoy a lazy afternoon in this lovely setting. (B,L)

Day 12 - Free Day in Chania
Enjoy the day at leisure in Chania to shop at one of the many boutiques or artisans’ shops, indulge in a traditional Turkish bath, or continue exploring the numerous historical and natural sites of Crete. In the evening, we gather together for a final celebration, closing meeting, and celebratory dinner. (B,D)

Day 13 - Depart 

Depart Chania and return to the States with a new, deeper understanding of this amazing country. (B)