Discover Greece beyond the guidebooks. Explore 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites on this 12-day semi-private journey from Athens. Immerse yourself in authentic local traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and stories that history forgot. Curated experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures make this tour a truly unforgettable cultural journey.

Our Unesco Uncharted tour begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Under a starlit sky and with sweeping views of the illuminated Acropolis, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome and a delectable Greek dinner, a perfect prelude to the journey ahead.

Embark on an in-depth private guided tour of Athens, where you’ll delve into the city’s rich history, ancient landmarks, and vibrant culture with our expert local guide. Visit iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, while uncovering the fascinating stories behind each. Visit the Acropolis Museum, where you’ll marvel at the treasures that bring Athens’ ancient past to life. Explore charming neighborhoods and hidden historical gems, with personalized insights along the way. This exclusive experience invites you to immerse yourself in Athens at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Greece’s timeless capital. Travel to the Corinth Canal and experience the engineering marvel of a stunning 6.3 km (3.9 miles) waterway that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas, separating the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece. Visit the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, celebrated for its perfect acoustics and architectural harmony.  Spend the night in Nafplion, the first capital of Greece and one of its most romantic cities. Wander its elegant alleyways, admire the Venetian architecture, and witness a sunset that sets the Argolic Gulf ablaze.

Explore Tiryns, the nearby fortified palace renowned for its massive cyclopean walls and strategic significance in Mycenaean Greece. Uncover the secrets of Mycenae, a powerful civilization from 1600–1100 BC. Stand before the monumental Lion Gate and descend into the Treasury of Atreus, believed to be Agamemnon’s tomb. Visit the Acropolis of Ancient Sparta, and wander among the ruins of temples, fortifications, and public buildings that once formed the center of Spartan life.

Step into the Byzantine stronghold of Mystras, a medieval city perched on the slopes of Mount Taygetus. Wander through palaces, churches, and monasteries adorned with stunning frescoes, and experience the atmosphere of a city that once rivaled Constantinople in wealth and culture. Reach Monemvasia, a remarkably well-preserved medieval castle town, dramatically hidden from the mainland. The unique ambiance of the castle offers visitors a journey back in time, a benchmark for their travel experience.

Visit Gytheio, a charming coastal town on the Mani Peninsula where the Aegean Sea meets history. Stroll along its picturesque harbor, admire neoclassical mansions, and take in the rugged southern Greek coastline, a serene and authentic taste of southern Greece. Continue to Neda, a scenic natural destination in the heart of the Peloponnese, known for its gorge, waterfalls, and lush landscape. Discover the hidden 5th-century BC Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, a unique blend of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architecture set amid dramatic mountain scenery.

Step into the sacred grounds of Ancient Olympia, where athletes competed for eternal glory over 2,000 years ago. Walk the historic stadium, and imagine the splendor of the colossal Statue of Zeus, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your journey then leads to Ioannina, a hidden gem nestled beside Lake Pamvotis, whose origins trace back over 20,000 years. Life here unfolds around the lake’s silver surface, steeped in romance and history. Discover this enchanting city before setting out to explore the nearby region of Zagori.

High above the Vikos Gorge—the deepest in the world—Zagori reveals a rugged, majestic Greece. Towering peaks, arched stone bridges, ancient fountains, and rare alpine flora form a landscape where nature and tradition coexist in harmony. Wander through fairytale villages crafted from stone, slate, and wood. Enjoy a homemade lunch at Kikitsa’s, famous for her handmade “pites”—savory pies passed down through generations. Visit the remote Monastery of Agia Paraskevi, established in 1414, and immerse yourself in the wisdom and spirituality of its sole monk, Helias. Embark on a scenic journey to Metsovo, a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of the Pindus Mountains. Stroll through its cobbled streets, surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks. Savor the renowned Katogi Averoff wines, celebrated for their distinctive flavors and profound connection to the region’s history and traditions. Pair it with Metsovone, the town’s famed smoked cheese made from cow’s and sheep’s milk, known for its rich, buttery flavor and delicate smoky aroma.

Explore Vergina, the ancient capital of Macedonian kings, where royal tombs, including that of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, reveal the wealth and power of one of history’s greatest dynasties. Wander among intricately painted frescoes, golden artifacts, and monumental burial mounds that showcase the artistry and culture of ancient Macedonia. This UNESCO site offers a fascinating glimpse into a civilization that shaped the course of Greek and world history.

Step into the heart of ancient Macedonia and lose yourself in the sprawling ruins of Philippi, a city that once thrived at the crossroads of history. Walk among its forum, basilicas, and grand theater, imagining the bustle of civic life and the echoes of voices from centuries past. Discover Thessaloniki’s rich Byzantine heritage through its iconic monuments. Admire the intricate mosaics of the Holy Church of Hosios David, visit the Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, and marvel at the imposing Rotonda, a monumental Roman structure later converted into a church. Together, these sites showcase the city’s vibrant history, architectural brilliance, and enduring spiritual legacy.

Journey westward to Meteora, where nature and spirituality collide in a truly unforgettable landscape. Marvel at the towering sandstone pillars that rise dramatically from the Thessalian plain, crowned by centuries-old monasteries that seem to cling to the sky. Follow winding paths and stone stairways that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, with valleys and rivers stretching out below. Each monastery tells a story of faith, resilience, and art, while the natural landscape inspires awe at every turn. Meteora’s unique combination of geological wonder and spiritual heritage makes every step an unforgettable journey through both history and nature.

Pay tribute to the legendary hero King Leonidas at his memorial in Thermopylae, honoring his bravery and sacrifice. Standing in the shadow of history, you’ll feel a deep connection to one of Greece’s most heroic moments. Step into the heart of ancient Greece at Delphi, once considered the center of the world. Marvel at the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, and the stadium, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountain slopes and olive-strewn valleys. Rich in history, myth, and breathtaking scenery, Delphi offers a journey where legend and landscape meet. Rest in the scenic mountain village of Arachova, perched on Mount Parnassus, where traditional streets, panoramic valleys, and crisp mountain air set the stage for your next cultural adventure.

Before returning to Athens, visit Hosios Loukas Monastery, one of Greece’s finest Byzantine treasures, perched on the slopes of Mount Helicon. Explore its domed katholikon and chapels, admire the intricate mosaics and frescoes, and soak in the serene mountain landscape that surrounds this historic sanctuary.

Personalized Attention: Smaller groups mean more interaction with guides.

Flexible Schedule: Explore at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.

Authentic Experiences: Gain behind-the-scenes access to local culture, food, and history.

U.S. Traveler-Friendly: Designed for Americans who want cultural depth with comfort.

Off-the-beaten-path itinerary

Discover the medieval Byzantine city of Mystras

Uncover the secrets of the powerful Bronze Age civilization of Mycenae

Marvel at the unique 5th-century BC temple of Apollo Epicurius

Visit the ancient capital of Macedonian kings, including the royal tomb of Philip II

Wander among towering sandstone pillars in Meteora

Step into the sacred sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi

Visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia

Level 1: Flat route and leisurely walks

Level 2: Well-established footpaths and a few short hilly sections

Level 3: Uneven rural paths and a few sections over rough ground

A detailed description of each day’s pace level can be found under our weekly plan.