Destination: Greece

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: The Grand Tour

ONE MONTH / ATHENS TO ANCIENT DELPHI

A month in hand should be ample time to complete this epic trip, taking you through the Peloponnese, Crete, the Cyclades and back to the mainland through northern and central Greece.



A month is long enough to have a really good look at the country and to experience the huge variety of attractions (both ancient and modern) that it has to offer.

From bustling Athens, head to the pretty Venetian city of Nafplio in the Peloponnese. Nafplio, first capital of independent Greece, is the perfect base for day trips to Ancient Mycenae and the celebrated Theatre of Epidavros . Head south from here to the attractive fishing town of Gythio, to catch a ferry across to Kissamos , on Crete, possibly stopping at the delightfully unspoiled island of Kythira on the way. It’s certainly worth calling in at either the charming Hania or Rethymno on the journey along Crete’s northern coast to the capital Iraklio and the ruins of Knossos.

From Iraklio, jump across to not-to-be-missed Santorini and start island hopping north. Consider unwinding for a few days at some of the smaller islands like Anafi and Koufonisia, both perfect for beach lovers, before hitting the bars and clubs of hedonistic Mykonos. Mykonos also has good connections to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Thessaloniki is a pleasant surprise to many travellers; a sophisticated city with some fine Roman and Byzantine architecture and a lively nightlife. Walkers will certainly want to call at Mt Olympus on the way to the amazing rock monasteries of Meteora, home of hermit monks. The last stop is at unforgettable Ancient Delphi, former home of the mysterious Delphic Oracle and steeped in ancient Greek history: just the place to ask what to do next.