Family Exploration of Mainland Greece: Athens, Corinth, Nafpaktos & Delphi - 7 Days

Explore the myths and fables of the natural world inside the Ioulia & Alexandros N. Diomidis Botanical Garden. 

At the largest botanical garden in the southeastern Mediterranean, you'll be surrounded by over 4,000 species and subspecies of plants. As you stroll through the greenery, learn about the relationship between humans, nature, and plants. According to Ancient Greek legends, gods, goddesses, and nymphs always play with our imagination and travel around us in nature. 

This kid-friendly activity features a professional biologist who shares the stories of gods and goddesses. The ancient Greeks feared and worshipped nature, including the sea, sky, rivers, lakes, trees, and fountains, all designated as gods or mortals who changed shape to become a rock, a tree, or an animal. Listen to their various stories and learn the answers to questions within these stories, such as what connects the pine trees with Pitys and the relationship between the first feminist, Rodanthe of Corinth, and the roses.

At the end of the tour, you can stay and enjoy the gardens. The grounds are the perfect place for a family picnic and feature a well-protected playground.

Afterward, hop in the car and drive for roughly an hour along the Saronic Gulf to Corinth. You'll pause to cross the Corinth Canal by boat and travel back in time to the 7th century BCE. The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and the Aegean Sea, and is considered the second-most important place to visit in Greece, after the Parthenon.

You'll cross the canal in a traditional ship, cruising underneath the submersible bridges of Posidonia and Isthmia. As you squeeze through the narrow waterway flanked by cliffs, discover the history and construction of this unique site, including the Peloponnese's transformation to an island. Enjoy an up-close experience of this engineering marvel conceived over 2,000 years ago and learn why in his book "Corinthian," Pausanias famously wrote that, “whoever attempted to make the Peloponnese an island failed even before starting to dig the isthmus."

Enjoy a family-friendly boating adventure in the Corinthian Gulf, a scenic waterway connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. You'll cruise out to sea on a high-speed rigid inflatable boat, passing through the crystal-clear waters and along the shores of Northern Peloponnese. This area is a favorite place amongst the local dolphins, and you may see them playing in the water!

Along the way, you'll pass the tiny islands of Diporta and Alkyonides and gaze at idyllic beaches and small fishing villages. Stop to admire coastal archaeological sites, such as Heraion, a sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Hera. You'll also see the 19th-century Melagkavi Lighthouse and the narrow canal connecting to Lake Vouliagmeni.

Your guide will make a stop at a white-sand beach with clear, turquoise water. Here, enjoy some free time to swim, play on the beach, or snorkel. Before heading back, you can snorkel and swim in the miniature cave called the Maltese Azure Window.

Explore the beauty of the Aigialeia region, situated by the northern tip of the scenic Peloponnese. You can start with the Odontotos Railway, a steep mountain railway that takes you to the alpine town of Kalavryta through the impressive Vouraikos Gorge. Many visitors opt to hike part of the distance (usually from Zachlorou to Kalavryta, or vice versa) to fully enjoy the area's natural beauty. Still, the railway alone will give you incredible panoramic views of the gorge and Aigialeia's scenic landscapes. 

An alternative to the railway is driving to Mt. Helmos, allowing you to lose yourself amongst endless alpine forests and creeks. This drive is ideal for hot summer days but can be done any time of year with the right equipment. Stop to enjoy an easy trek to the waterfalls near Mesorougi village, whose waters flow down from Ydata Stygos, the spring where Achilles became immortal. 

Whether you chose a railway adventure or a hiking excursion, you can end the day with a visit to a highly awarded olive farm in the village of Akrata. Relax in the shade of olive trees and absorb the amazing views of the Gulf of Corinth. You can even adopt an olive tree and receive its olive oil at home.

Continue your drive along the roughly 1.5-hour route between Corinth and Nafpaktos. Along the way, you can also stop at the village of Psathopyrgos, where you can enjoy fresh fish and take a refreshing swimming break. Or, if you're a history aficionado, visit the Ancient Theater of Aigeira just off the highway. This hidden gem dates back to the 3rd century BCE and features a chiseled orchestra area and stone-cut seating.

Spend the evening exploring Nafpaktos at your leisure.

Take some time to explore the lovely seaside town of Nafpaktos. The historic town wraps around the scenic fortified old port, where you’d never guess the naval battle of Lepanto took place in the 16th century. The waterfront promenade, central square with views of the old port, and the statue of Miguel de Cervantes (to honor his participation in the Battle of Lepanto) have made Nafpaktos a favorite spot for locals and visitors.

Visit the hilltop Venetian castle or stroll around the historic port for a scenic view of the now-calm harbor and the Rio bridge that connects central Greece and the Peloponnesian peninsula. The Fethiye Mosque is the largest Ottoman-era mosque in the city, complemented by the old mansions along the streets. 

Then hit the road to head to Delphi, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours.

On the way, you can stop in Galaxidi. Famous for the wonderfully restored old shipowners' mansions, the coastal town of Galaxidi makes you feel like you are on an island rather than on mainland Greece. Take a stroll down the seafront promenade and enjoy the sea breeze with beautiful views and a choice of cafes and restaurants. If you hike through the pine forest across from the main promenade, you'll be rewarded with clear beaches and hidden coves.

Galaxidi is all about the locals, so grab any opportunity to engage in a discussion with the fishermen, the cafe staff, or little shop owners, they always have interesting stories to tell. Keep an eye out for the locally crafted miniature ships for a unique souvenir.