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 5* hotel with rooms overlooking Thessaloniki’s main square and the Aegean Sea. After settling in, we meet for a rooftop welcome drink and dinner in a stunning, panoramic setting. (D) 

Day 3 - Thessaloniki
After a cultural and historical orientation to northern Greece, we begin with a walking tour of Thessaloniki. After touring Aristotle Square, we visit the lively Kapani outdoor market and sample some of the produce. Continuing down cosmopolitan Ermou street, we visit the hauntingly beautiful 7th c. church of Agia Sophia. After lunch, we walk past the ruins of the palace of the 4th c. AD Roman Emperor Galerius before arriving at the White Tower, the symbol of Thessaloniki and its struggle with the Ottoman Empire. We then sail along the harbor on a short pleasure cruise before returning along the beautiful waterfront promenade to our hotel. Dinner is out in the trendy Ladadika district. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Thessaloniki Day 2
Our second day in Thessaloniki begins at the Arch of Galerius and the amazing Rotunda. As one of the world’s oldest churches, the golden mosaics in the dome are a treasure of 4th c. art. We then continue to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki with its impressive collection of Classical artifacts. Enjoy lunch and the afternoon on your own before gathering together in the evening for a special culinary experience as we learn how to make Greek specialties with a local chef. (B,D)

Day 5 - Verea, Vergina, Arrive Seaside Hotel
Departing Thessaloniki, we visit Verea, famous as the Biblical town of Berea that was visited by the Apostle Paul (and as Elizabeth Iliadou Sparks’ hometown!). After seeing the Bema where he 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. (B,L)

Day 8 - Depart Northern Greece, 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 - Chania
Today we enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of Chania as we trace 3,000 years of human settlement. Explore Europe’s oldest civilization, the Minoans, at their old citadel, the Chania Archaeological Museum, and at a full sized replica of an ancient Minoan ship. Then, continue as we wander through the Turkish Quarter, visit the Agora, stop into an Orthodox church and an old mosque, stroll through the leather market, and taste the local delicacies that make Cretan food unique in Greece. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Private Boat Ride to Balos Beach
Today we drive to a port on the western end of the island and board our private boat 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 11 - Crete Optional Activities
Depending on the desires of the group, this day is open for numerous optional activities: visiting Heraklion to see the amazing Minoan Museum and archaeological site of Knossos; driving into the mountains to visit a traditional village and winery; hiking the stunning (and all downhill!) Samaria Gorge; or visiting a nearby monastery and the beach made famous in the closing scene of Zorba the Greek. (B)

Day 12 - Free Day
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)