Athens, Meteora, and Thessaloniki

Explore Athens with your local guide, where ancient history and modern life meet. Visit the Acropolis, the heart of classical Athens, to see the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the elegant Temple of Athena Nike. Admire sweeping views of the city before stopping at the 2004 Olympic site, a symbol of Greece’s enduring athletic spirit. Continue to Syntagma Square to watch the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Parliament, then to Omonoia Square, a lively gathering place surrounded by cafés and olive trees.

The Acropolis Museum contains an impressive collection of sculptures from the area. Learn how the monuments of the Acropolis have withstood centuries of change, from ancient times through the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travelers described many of the classical buildings as remaining intact.

Explore the impressive ruins of Delphi, once considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world. During a guided sightseeing tour, visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo, where the famous Oracle of Delphi delivered Apollo's prophecies. Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the site also offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Hidden beneath a grassy mound in northern Greece, the Royal Tombs of Vergina contain the remarkably preserved burial site of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Priceless treasures, elaborate tomb paintings, and ancient artifacts offer insight into the wealth, power, and achievements of the ancient Macedonian kingdom.

Freshly baked and coated in sesame seeds, koulouri has been a staple of Thessaloniki's street food culture for more than a century. Sample this iconic snack while learning about the culinary traditions that have helped shape the city's identity.

Discover more than 2,000 years of history on a guided tour of Thessaloniki, where Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Greek influences converge. Visit the White Tower, the city's iconic waterfront landmark; the 4th-century Rotunda; Ano Poli, the historic Upper Town that survived the Great Fire of 1917; and the Church of Agios Dimitrios, dedicated to the city's patron saint. Together, these landmarks highlight Thessaloniki's rich cultural heritage and enduring significance.

Ancient artifacts spanning thousands of years trace the story of Macedonia from prehistoric times through the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Sculptures, gold treasures, mosaics, and everyday objects provide insight into the civilizations, cultural achievements, and historical events that shaped northern Greece and the ancient world.

Explore the remarkable monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering sandstone pillars and built by Orthodox monks seeking isolation and spiritual devotion. Learn how generations of monks constructed and preserved these cliff-top communities while discovering the religious, cultural, and architectural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the Western world, with a recorded history spanning more than 3,400 years. During the Classical Era, it was a center for the arts, learning, and philosophy, and home to Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Today, Athens blends its ancient heritage with a vibrant modern culture.

The narrow pass of Thermopylae was the site of one of the most famous battles of the ancient world, where a small Greek force led by King Leonidas defended Greece against the Persian army in 480 BC. Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and memorials explore the battle's strategy, sacrifice, and lasting impact on Greek history.