Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
SPECIAL OFFERS
- 2024 Signature Land Early Booking Offer
For a limited time, National Geographic Expeditions travelers can save on exciting Signature Land trips to North America and around the world. Book by September 5, 2023 and enjoy the following offers:
- Save $400 per person on select 2024 North America Signature Land itineraries
- Save $500 per person on select 2024 international Signature Land itineraries
Take advantage of these limited-time savings by calling (877) 728-7282, contacting your Travel Advisor or booking online with the Offer Code: SLEBR24.
This offer has limited availability, so reserve your trip soon!
Important Details
- Trip must be booked by September 5, 2023 to take advantage of this offer
- Booking begins June 7, 2023
- Offer excludes Jordan and Petra Extensions
- Valid on select Signature Land itineraries only
- Valid on new bookings only
- Available for online booking with the Offer Code: SLEBR24
- Offer is not combinable with any existing offers, discounts or promotions
- Offer availability is limited for each departure
- Disney Vacation Club Member Exchange: At least one person in the traveling party must book with Reservation Points when exchanging through Member Services.
Between June 7 and September 5, 2023, book select National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land itineraries and save: (1) $400 off per person on select North America Land departures; or (2) $500 off per person on select International Land departures. Valid only on select departures with travel start dates between January and December 2024. The per-person savings is taken from the non-discounted prevailing rate for each departure as quoted on the date of booking (“Regular Rate”). Regular Rates are based on double occupancy, vary depending on departure date and time of booking, and are subject to change. Offer availability is limited for each departure. Travel must be booked 30 days prior to applicable departure date. Not applicable to deposit or extensions. Qualifying itineraries have an offer designation on the Special Offers box of the itinerary page on https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/. Any offer designations may not reflect real-time offer availability. Availability of the offer is subject to confirmation at time of booking and paying the standard trip deposit. Any courtesy hold, without payment of the standard deposit, will not guarantee availability of the offer for the selected departure date. Valid for new bookings only. Subject to availability at the time of booking. May not be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Not valid for group bookings. Offer valid for residents of the US and Canada (except for Quebec where the offer is only available to travel agents). Void where prohibited. Offer is subject to restrictions and conditions and may change without notice. Bookings subject to restrictions and trip standard terms and conditions.
Available Departures- May 13-23, 2024
- Jun 10-20, 2024
- Sep 2-12, 2024
- Sep 30-Oct 10, 2024
- This expedition was inspired by the National Geographic television series The Greeks, the July 2016 National Geographic magazine photo-essay, and the 2016 National Geographic Museum exhibition The Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great.
- In Athens, meet with a local expert to discuss the political and economic landscape of contemporary Greece.
- Explore an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites including ancient Mycenae; the Byzantine monasteries of Meteora; and Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.
- Visit an award-winning Greek winery to sample local vintages, and learn about olive oil production at a family-owned olive farm.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Trace 5,000 years of Greek history while exploring the country's incomparable archaeological treasures. From the legendary Acropolis in Athens to the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and the Mycenaean treasures of the Peloponnese, delve into the mythology and masterpieces of ancient Greece with local scholars and archaeologists.
Arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the historic Plaka neighborhood. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner on the hotel's rooftop, which offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis.
Begin the day at the New Acropolis Museum, examining panels of the famous Parthenon frieze, along with many other ancient works. Visit the hilltop complex of the Acropolis, crowned by the magnificent Parthenon. Venture back into the Plaka neighborhood for a delicious lunch. Then discover the origins of democracy at the ancient Agora, once frequented by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore the charming cobblestones streets of the Plaka neighborhood.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to countless treasures including Mycenean gold masks, Greek vases, and evocative marble sculptures. Travel south over the Isthmus of Corinth to see the Temple of Apollo and the Forum. This evening, take a stroll along the waterfront in the charming town of Náfplio, then gather for dinner at a local taverna.
Explore the fortified city of Mycenae, the center of the powerful Mycenaean civilization that flourished in the second millennium B.C. Enter the citadel through the Lion Gate, discovering an ancient grave circle, the royal palace, and the Tomb of Agamemnon—the largest of the tholos (beehive) tombs found here. Journey into the renowned wine region of Nemea for a visit to an award-winning winery. Learn about the wine making process and enjoy a sampling of Greek wines over lunch. Later, visit the theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Return to Náfplio for an evening on your own.
Today we travel to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games and a World Heritage Site. After lunch, explore this evocative collection of ancient temples, altars, and a stadium. Visit the archaeological museum to learn about Olympia’s origins as a sanctuary honoring Zeus. This evening, visit a local, family-owned olive farm and delve into the process for harvesting and pressing olives. Enjoy an olive oil tasting before an al fresco dinner.
Depart the Peloponnese for mainland Greece. Arrive at the sanctuary of Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world. Walk the sacred way to the Temple of Apollo and explore Delphi's awe-inspiring ruins which include a theater, a stadium, treasuries, and altars. Later, have dinner at a local restaurant.
Begin the day with a visit to the 11th-century monastery of Hosios Loukas, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Enjoy time at leisure in the hilltop town of Aráhova, taking in the panoramic views and picturesque architecture. This afternoon, journey to Kalambáka and have dinner overlooking the stunning rock formations the area is known for.
Spend the morning exploring the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Built atop sandstone megaliths that rise some 1,200 feet from the valley floor, these monasteries offered refuge from hostile attacks during the waning days of the Byzantine Empire. Venture into chapels and courtyards adorned with beautiful frescoes. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, when on a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Olympus. After lunch, venture into the surrounding forests to experience truffle hunting with a guide and specially trained dog.
This morning, travel to the mountain pass of Thermopylae, where Persian and Greek armies clashed in 480 B.C. Later, upon our return to Athens, meet with a local expert to discuss the political and economic landscape of contemporary Greece. Enjoy a free evening to explore Athens on your own.
Travel to the port city of Piraeus, stopping to view a striking mural by the Greek visual artist iNO, whose artistic process was captured in the National Geographic television series The Greeks. Board a ferry to the island of Aegina, once an important maritime power. Explore the fifth-century B.C. Temple of Aphaia and have lunch before returning by ferry to Athens. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening.
Transfer to the airport and connect with your international flight home.