14-Day Athens, Meteora &Thessaloniki by train, Skiathos, Skopelos & Alonissos.

Day 1: ATHENS – CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION

Upon your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional and friendly English-speaking assistant will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Later in the afternoon, at an agreed time, our representative will meet you at the hotel to provide all the essential details of your trip. He will also offer a captivating presentation of the city, sharing insights into its everyday way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and have any doubts dispelled, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the rest of your trip.

You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and explore Athens at your own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Day 2: ATHENS TOURIST BUS – HOP ON HOP OFF FOR 48 HOURS

Take a seat and enjoy the city of Athens and its suburbs on a comfortable open-top, double-decker bus with this unique 48-hour pass. You can ride the bus as many times as you wish, and it’s available in more than 16 languages, including English, Spanish, and Chinese. The bus departs from selected points all over Athens, as well as from the cruise terminal.

In the evening, you can join our English-speaking guide for a leisurely but informative walk through the prettiest districts of Athens, such as Anafiotika, Tiseo, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

Orange Line

Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon on the orange line tour. This route takes you through the most beautiful attractions of the Athenian historic center, including the neighborhoods of Plaka, Thisseo, and Monastiraki. These areas are known for their traditional and lively atmosphere.

Along the way, you can also visit the famous “Adrian’s Gate” in honor of the Roman Emperor, the Temple of Olympian Zeus (built during the Roman period and the largest temple in Greece at the time), the Hellenic Parliament to witness the changing of the Guards at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Ermou Street (the heart of the capital’s commercial district), the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first modern Olympic Games were held), the National Library, and the National Archaeological Museum.

Blue Line – Piraeus

If you arrive by cruise, you can start your tour immediately upon disembarkation from any of the stops near the cruise terminal. You’ll be amazed by the charming ports of Pasalimani, Turcolimano, the yacht marina, and even “Mikrolimano,” the old port of Piraeus. By combining the Orange Line with the Blue Line, you won’t miss out on visiting the impressive new Acropolis Museum or the Acropolis Hill, which offers superb views of the Parthenon.

Yellow Line – Glyfada

Begin your tour of the Athenian Riviera from the “Planetarium” stop on the Blue Line. Discover how this once sparsely populated area has now become one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Greece. From the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to the largest marina in the Mediterranean, Marina Alimou, the Yellow Line to Glyfada offers a mix of history and modernism. You’ll experience a combination of old-time culture and contemporary entertainment.

Don’t miss the sunset from Marina Flisvou or the opportunity to sunbathe and swim on the Aghios Kosmas beaches. In the Glyfada Terminal, you can also explore the most cosmopolitan neighborhoods of the capital, shop in luxurious department stores, relax in beautiful cafes, and enjoy delicious cocktails at one of the seafront bars.

Green Line – Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni is not just about beaches; it’s also a history lesson. Take the Green Line to visit this area. Relax on the beautiful Kavouri Oceanis beach, one of the most popular beaches in Athens. Discover Vouliagmeni Lake, a hidden treasure of Attica’s nature, and indulge in a truly natural and unique thermal spa experience. Don’t miss the Allied Forces Cemetery and the Byzantine Museum, which are both worth visiting.

Train of Happiness – Piraeus

If you arrive by cruise, you can start your visit immediately upon disembarkation at one of the stops near the cruise terminal. Whether you choose the Blue Line or this distinctive train line, you can explore the narrow streets of Piraeus and get a closer look at this bustling port. Some important landmarks to see include the impressive Municipal Theater, the Nautical Museum, the Pasalimani port, and Korai Square, the commercial center of Piraeus.

Day 3: FROM ATHENS TO THESSALONIKI BY TRAIN

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the train station to start this adventure to Thessaloniki.  You will enjoy a relaxing train journey through the beautiful Greek countryside and also enjoy the amenities available onboard the train.

At midday, you will arrive at the Thessaloniki train station (Monastiriou Str) in the city center.  Your driver will be waiting for you with a name sign and will then transfer you to your hotel.  You can use the rest of the day to discover the astonishing beauty and charm of this cosmopolitan city.  You could start from the historical quarter of Ladadika, Aristotelous Square, the traditional markets, or the Old City (Ano Polis).

Day 4: THESSALONIKI: RELAX, SEA, AND HISTORY

Free day to enjoy this magnificent city. Thessaloniki is the largest city in northern Greece and the second biggest in the country. It is famous for its history, the dazzling shops, and the vibrant nightlife. In the Byzantine era, it was one of the most important cultural centers and in modern Greek history one of the most multicultural cities.

Day 5: FROM THESSALONIKI TO METEORA BY TRAIN AND SUNSET TOUR

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel to start this adventure to Meteora by train.

The tour begins at the Thessaloniki train station at 07:20 in the morning. You will enjoy a picturesque train journey through the beautiful Greek countryside and at around 11:30 am, you will arrive in Kalambaka. Your driver will be waiting for you at the station with a name sign and will transfer you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will begin your sunset tour, starting from one of the six operating monasteries of Meteora, Agios Stefanos, or Roussanou. You will visit the oldest standing monument in the area, the Byzantine church of the Virgin Mary, located in the old town of Kalambaka. This church, built in the early Christian period and with ancient marble embedded in its walls, tells the history of the city spanning 27 centuries.

You will continue to the ancient hermitages of Badovas, hear about the stories and legends, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.   As the sun begins to set, slowly descending upon the mountain ridges, you will climb to the top of the Meteora rocks, a magical place, for a pure, joyous, and uninterrupted experience.

Up there, you will hear the breeze amidst these cliffs and your heart will burst with joy at the sight of the splendour of nature. This will be the perfect way to end a beautiful day at Meteora. After sunset, you will return to your accommodation and have a good rest.

Dress code in the monasteries: Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted. Skirts, shawls, and trousers are available at the entrance of the monasteries for those who do not have appropriate clothes to cover themselves with.

Day 6: MORNING TOUR IN KALAMBAKA AND ROAD TRIP TO VOLOS

After a delicious breakfast, your driver will meet you at the lobby of your hotel to begin an unforgettable morning tour of Meteora.

You will learn which monastery was the first to become established and the reasons behind the monks’ decision to climb the steep rocks and build the monasteries there. In the panoramic tour that will follow you will enjoy the incredible views and have the chance to take photos of the magnificent scenery.

At around 14:00 hs. your driver will pick you up to drive to Volos, a large and attractive port city at the foot of Mount Pelion and home to the mythical Centaurs. After your arrival and check-in at your hotel, you will have the afternoon/evening free to familiarize yourself with the city. We recommend that you have dinner in one of the famous little mezes restaurants (Greek tapas) or tsipouradika in the city center.

Day 7: VOLOS TO THE SPORADES ISLANDS: ALONISSOS

Early in the morning, and after a generous breakfast, you will take the ferry to the Sporades Islands.  During the ferry crossing you will enjoy the paradisiacal landscape of this archipelago until you reach your destination: Alonissos: an ideal island for nature lovers.

In Alonissos, you will have the opportunity to observe shoals of dolphins, monk seals, and all the creatures that populate and take refuge in the National Marine Park, founded in 1992.

The old capital, called Chorio or Liadromia, is built on the top of a hill. The devastating earthquake of 1965 destroyed a large number of traditional houses, the ruins of which can still be seen today. Many of them have been restored, especially by foreigners, who have gradually settled in the area.

Upon your arrival, our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore this picturesque island, take a stroll in the streets of its capital, and visit the 15th-century Venetian fort, offering sweeping views to the sea, as well as the main harbor of Patitiri, with the beautiful stone paved waterfront.

Day 8: ALONISSOS – PROTECTED NATURAL HABITATS AND SERENE PLACES IDEAL FOR RELAXATION

After a tasty breakfast, you will have a free day to enjoy this fascinating island. With dense vegetation, large pine forests in rocky terrain, olive groves, and orchards, Alonissos has many surprises for you in store.

First of all, it is the proud host of the National Marine Park, a protected area and the ideal place for diving and exploring the underwater sea world. Here you will be able to see the remnants of the 5th century BC shipwreck and afterward, if you are looking for a serene place to relax, you can lie on the beach of Kokino Castro, “the red castle”, which was the first settlement of the island.

Another very popular beach is Agios Dimitrios, a place that has repeatedly been recognized for its commitment to environmental conservation.

At night, we suggest trying a typical fish and seafood dish in one of the taverns.

Day 9: FROM ALONISSOS TO SKOPELOS – OUR ADVENTURE CONTINUES!

After a delicious breakfast, our representative will pick you up to transfer you to the port of Alonissos, where you will board the ferry to the island of Skopelos.

This island has become famous for being the setting of the screen musical Mamma Mia! and from the very first moment, you will see the perfect film location unravel before you!

Upon arrival in Skopelos we will transfer you to your hotel and, along the way, we will introduce you to the unique attractions of this famous island.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy a visit to the capital, Chora, which dominates from the top of a hill and extends from the castle down to the port in an amphitheatrical style.

Day 10: SKOPELOS – THE EMERALD ISLAND

After your breakfast, you will have a whole day to visit the most stunning places in Skopelos, strolling through the traditional alleys and enjoying a lovely meal in one of its bustling taverns.

If you wish, you can start by visiting the locations, where the movie Mamma Mia! was filmed and, most likely, also inspired you to visit the island. Agios Ioannis at Kastri is the small church, where the wedding scene was shot and, while the climb may seem steep, the views are worth the effort.

The most famous beach in Skopelos is Kastani, also shown in the film and, although it can get very busy and crowded, it is so vast that you are bound to enjoy it.  Also, on the southwest coast of the island, you will find the wonderful, sun-drenched beaches of Panormos and Milia, where you can swim and sunbathe.

However, as they are located at some distance from Chora, we suggest hiring a car or a motorbike, while for more secluded coves, remote bays, and serene beaches, we suggest hiring a small boat.

Optionally, as there is much more to see on this beautiful island, you have the option of extending your stay in Skopelos by adding extra nights during step 1 of 3 of your reservation.

Day 11: FROM SKOPELOS TO THE ISLAND OF SKIATHOS

In the morning we will enjoy a lovely breakfast and then, we will be transferred to the port to take the ferry to Skiathos.

This is the most famous island of the Sporades, the only one with an airport, which not only serves domestic but also some international flights, too, especially during the summer season. Thanks to its beaches and the fun atmosphere, it is also known as the “Capri of the Aegean”.

Upon arrival at the port of Skiathos, we will be transferred to our hotel, where you can first take a rest and then set out on a splendid tour of the town at your own pace.

Day 12: SKIATHOS – “CAPRI OF THE AEGEAN”

After a delicious breakfast, you will have a free day to explore this beautiful island. We recommend hiring a boat to visit the well-known, calm, and idyllic Lalaria beach, located in the northwestern part of the island and surrounded by impressive and impassable cliffs.

Very close to the Chora of Skiathos, you will find Kastro, the old medieval capital of the island, which was a fortified city with its 14th-century fortress facing the cliffs. You can arrive there through a winding road or by boat and you will enjoy the wild and imposing natural beauty of the place together with its history, narrated in a melancholy way through its ruins.

Day 13: FROM SKIATHOS TO ATHENS, THE RETURN

After breakfast and at the time indicated, our staff will transfer you to Skiathos Airport, where you will board your flight to Athens.

Upon your arrival, we suggest that you take a stroll in the city center and finally make yourself comfortable in one of the taverns, where you can enjoy some traditional Greek dishes and discover the energy and vibe of the city’s nightlife. This is the perfect time to shop for souvenirs, have a magnificent coffee, and observe the Lycabettto mountain illuminated in the distance, while we review the little moments of this great trip in our mind.

Day 14: GOODBYE ATHENS – FAREWELL GREECE!

At the appointed time, a member of our team will drive you to Athens Airport for your international flight back home or to your next destination.

Have a nice trip! Or, as Greeks say, “Kalo taksidi!“