Family Exploration of Mainland Greece: Athens, Delphi, Meteora, & More - 14 Days

Welcome to Greece!

Once you've settled in at your lodgings, head out to experience Athens' unique blend of the ancient and the modern and admire major historical monuments on a relaxed walk. Follow Athens' famous walking route that connects its archaeological sections and marvel along the way at some of the city's most important and interesting sites. It's up to you whether you simply stroll around or purchase tickets for a deeper look at the sites.

Start outside the perimeter of the Temple of Olympian Zeus to admire the views and walk to the nearby Arch of Hadrian, which is entirely built with Pentelic marble without cement or mortar. The Parthenon and many other notable structures in Athens contain this same material. The arch is completely symmetrical, sitting at nearly 60 feet tall (18 m), 44 feet wide (13.5 m), and 7.5 feet deep (2.3 m). 

Following the Dionysiou Areopagitou (pedestrianized) street, you'll admire the Ancient Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of Greek tragedy and the oldest theater in the world. Then you will cross the Herodes Atticus Roman amphitheater, known locally as the Herodion.

Your next stop is the Parthenon, built in the 5th century BCE atop the Acropolis (pro tip: the Parthenon is the building, the Acropolis is the hill). Atop the Acropolis, you can also visit the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaia, and the Erechtheion. This monument is the most accurate representation of Athens' splendor, power, and wealth during the Golden Age of Perikles.

Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, you can visit the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens. This was once the focus of political, commercial, administrative, and social activity, the religious and cultural center, and the seat of justice. Nearby you'll find the Roman Agora, the famed market of Caesar and Augustus built between 19-11 BCE. Inside the Roman Agora, you can visit the Tower of the Winds. The famous astronomer Andronikos of Kyrrhos designed this tall, octagonal building. It features an elaborate water clock on the inside, a sundial on the outside, and a weather vane on the top. You'll find the personifications of eight winds carved on the sides of the building, hence its nickname.

Lastly, visit the ruins of Kerameikos, Ancient Athens' largest cemetery with many tombs. The area gets its name from the Greek word keramos, which means pottery. Before it was a cemetery, there were numerous pottery workshops at this site.

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 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.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Athens to Delphi, which takes about two and a half hours toward the center of the mainland. The route leads you through rural farmland and along scenic Lake Yliki. As you near the town of Livadia, you'll pass the Springs of Kryas, lined with pedestrian areas and crossed by quaint stone bridges. If you're feeling hungry, you'll find a few restaurants and cafés nearby.

After Livadia, the road becomes narrow, winding through the hills and mountains. Before reaching Delphi, another potential stopping point is Arachova. This charming mountain village with stone-built houses and paved streets sits under Mt. Parnassos, home to Greece's largest ski resort and more. 

Once you arrive, let your little ones explore the nature around Delphi with an easy walk through the National Park of Mt. Parnassos. Established in 1938, the park encompasses Mt. Olympus and stands as one of the country's oldest national parks. Enjoy walking through the forest, in fields, and amongst the wildflowers with your babies, toddlers, and young kids.

You'll walk along a circular path smooth enough to accommodate strollers. Along the way, your kiddos can peer into the entrance of the underground Eptastomos Cave. Deep inside sits the southernmost glacier in Europe, but the Ancient Greeks considered it one of the entrances to the underworld.

Take a stop to enjoy a picnic with traditional delicacies while you get to know your guides. Discuss local traditions, try your hand at archery, or play and climb on the trees. You'll find two main tree species in this area: the Cephalonian Fir and the juniper tree.

On the way back, keep an eye out for little black squirrels hiding in pine trees and golden eagles soaring through the sky. The Ancient Greeks believed that Mt. Parnassos was the home of beautiful dancing forest nymphs that were the daughters of Gaia, also known as "Mother Earth."

Discover the ancient archeological site of Delphi, known as the "center of the world," where Apollo spoke through his oracle. A family-friendly guide will lead you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, set against a scenic mountain landscape. You'll explore the most sacred place of the ancient civilization while walking amongst ruins and learning all the secrets of the old prophecies.

As you discover different treasures of Delphi, you'll hear stories and myths of ancient Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes. Follow along the paths and view the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, and the preserved Theater. Then, walk up to the stadium for stunning views of olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf.

After the tour, you'll explore your artistic skills and enjoy a unique painting workshop with a specialized guide. Choose your favorite scene of Delphi or its natural surroundings and work to create your own masterpiece. Your guide will help you learn a few painting techniques and offer advice as you work.

Once you've finished exploring Delphi, you'll head to the picture-perfect village and fishing port of Galaxidi, hidden in a picturesque bay on the northern side of the Gulf of Corinth.

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 for when you'll need a pit stop.

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.