12 Day Epic Greece Adventure
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
5 good reasons to do this trip!
YOU'RE A TRAVELLER, NOT A TOURIST!
The Greek islands are rather mainstream, but on the mainland you'll get much deeper into local life and events that carved the Greece we see today.
SPINE-TINGLING HISTORY:
You'll be treading the same ground that Alexander the Great himself, one of the most famous people in known human history, walked on 2,400 years earlier.
KEEP MEMORIES ALIVE:
That authentic meal you'll cook with a local chef sharing his grandmother's recipe, and her secrets, will be recreated many times over long after the trip ends.
TICK THAT BUCKET LIST!
Don't just google places like the Meteora monasteries, Prespa Lake and ancient Thessaloniki (named after Alexander's sister) – you’ve got to see them for yourself!
WHAT OUR PATCHIES SAID:
They LOVED the less-travelled places on the itinerary and having two nights in each location – perfect for decompressing after a day's adventures.
Trip Details
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Pricing Details
- $1,650 AUD deposit per person.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 4 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room.
- Tip Kitty: 100 EUR
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
12 days, 11 nights
Meeting point
Achilleas Hotel, Athens
Ending point
Achilleas Hotel, Athens
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation/2 x boat rides
- 11 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking tour leader
- Specialist guides as listed
- Alternative itineraries as listed
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Optional spa treatments at the beach resort
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty. Note: as Aussies and Kiwis, we are not used to tipping! However, guide and driver tipping is customary for tours in Greece.
- Personal expenditure
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: ATHENS
Welcome to Greece, the home of modern democracy, the Olympic Games and the best Greek salads you’ll ever eat!
We’re going to hit the ground running on your arrival day in Athens, so one of our team will meet you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel.
The best way to get to know Athens, and your fellow Patchies, is on a guided journey around the Acropolis, so you’ll be doing just that! As you enter this ancient citadel you’ll travel through thousands of years, exploring ruins that date back to the 5th century BC. Stand in awe of these architectural greats – Parthenon, Temple of Athena and Theatre of Dionysus – as they evoke the mythological dreams of a classical, long-gone era. You’ll find it hard to comprehend just how long these structures have been around!
An afternoon session at the Acropolis Museum will have you brushing up on your Greek mythology – and your favourite Greek god.
Tonight, get to know your group even better over dinner at an authentic Greek tavern. This is only day one, and the adventure is just beginning.
Accommodation: The Gem Society Athens (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2: ATHENS RIVIERA
Yesterday was all about ancient ruins. Today, we’re switching it up with a journey to the Athens Riviera for the day. You’re going to unwind in the therapeutic natural springs of Lake Vouliagmeni. Sunbathing, swimming and spa treatments are the name of the game here, so why not indulge? It’s a tough ask, we know, but you’ll thank us later!
Next you’ll be whisked off to an olive grove visit on the outskirts of Athens. Learn all about this humble, ancient fruit – part of the trilogy (with the grape and wheat) that forms the basis of Mediterranean cuisine… since millenia ago! Depending on what Mother Nature says about the ripeness levels, you might see how the oil is pressed before doing a proper tasting, followed by an olive brining class – a skill you’ll be able to repeat back home. So good! (Don’t you love that we timed this with lunch?!)
Refreshed and rejuvenated, you’ll get together this evening back in the Athens city centre at a local deli to learn all about Greek produce. The best way to learn is via your tastebuds, so you’ll sample olive oil, charcuterie, and other drool-worthy local dishes, washing everything down with expertly-selected wine pairings.
Accommodation: The Gem Society Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: ALTERNATIVE ATHENS
Here at Patch, we’re all about looking at popular destinations from a different angle, and Athens is no exception. This morning, you’re going on an adventure around the city’s backstreets to get up close and personal with the challenges modern Greece faces. Through the eyes of our homeless guide, you’ll learn about the side of Athens that isn’t covered in tourism brochures.
After such a thought-provoking experience you’ll dine at Shedia Home, a restaurant that empowers homeless people by providing them with meaningful employment. It’s the perfect way to give back to the local community whilst also enjoying some authentic Greek delicacies.
This afternoon, it’s time to say Goodbye Athens and Hello Kastraki! The drive to your next destination will last around 5 hours, so use this time to snag some precious sleep. Tomorrow is a big day, because we’ll be exploring Meteora. You’ll want to be well-rested for it!
Accommodation: Hotel Doupiani House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: MONASTERIES OF METEORA
The group is up bright and early this morning to check out the Monasteries of Meteora – before the day-trippers arrive! Looking at photos of Meteora, it’s easy to think ‘is-this-even-real’?! Looking at it with your own eyes today though, you’ll see that yes, it really is… and it’s even better in real life!
Following the hiking trails of Meteora, it’s a 7 km walk to check out the jaw-dropping mountain views. This is a walk over hilly terrain, so if you’d prefer to take it easy you’re welcome to skip the hike and stroll around Kastraki instead. Your driver will then transfer you up to the Meteora Monasteries to meet back with the hikers.
Once you’re all reunited it’s time to explore! The monasteries, which were built between the 14th and 16th centuries, are some of the most unusual in the world. That’s because they’re perched on the top of steep cliffs, over 300 metres above the ground below!
Staring out at the tranquil countryside surrounding the monasteries, you’ll understand why they were built up here. It’s beyond peaceful, and the views make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Accommodation: Hotel Doupiani House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: KASTORIA
You thought Greece couldn’t possibly get more beautiful? Just wait – the next destination, the lakeside village of Kastoria, will blow your socks off!
This morning, you’ll get to know Kastoria from the ground up on a walk around the village, checking out its 18th and 19th-century mansions and small, niche museums. Kastoria is a bird-watching paradise, so if you’re a birder grab your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled!
Lunch today is full of local goodies, and a few unexpected surprises – mushroom liquor, anyone? The owner of the cafe, Dino, will share local delicacies with you as you eat and recall all the epic adventures we’ve already had together.
Next, it’s time to descend into the Dragon’s Cave, where you’ll see seven underground lakes and cavernous rooms filled with astonishing stalactites. Just watch out for the dragon!
Accommodation: Enastron View Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: PRESPA LAKES
You’re out the door after breakfast this morning to explore the magical ‘wild frontier’ of Greece: the Prespa Lakes. We bet that snow-covered mountains surrounding deep blue lakes probably aren’t what you picture when you think of Greece, but here, by the Albanian and North Macedonian border, there’s a chance that you may.
You’ll start on your Prespa Lakes exploration by walking ‘The Architectural Route’, an easy 4.3 km hike around the charming town of Agios Germanos. After admiring the vistas from every direction there’s a short ride to our next hike.
On this second easy trail, you’ll walk a 5.3 km loop around the island of Agios Achillios, one of only two inhabited lake islands in Greece. The star attraction here is the Agios Achillios basilica… or is it the fabulous bird species you’ll see on the walk… or maybe it’s the views of the mountains reflected in the lake…? You decide!
If you’d prefer to take it easy, no worries – we offer an alternative that involves less walking.
This afternoon, the group hit the water of the Megali Prespa lake on a scenic boat cruise. Grab your camera, because you won’t want to miss the out-of-this-world scenery here!
Accommodation: Enastron View Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: VERGINA
Archaeology enthusiasts, your time is now. Vergina is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, and today you’ll see it for yourself! This ancient city, originally called Aigai, was the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. Its ruins, which date back to the 11th century BC, are still adorned with lavish mosaics and painted stuccoes!
We’re joined by an expert guide at Vergina who will lead us around the most impressive sections of the ruins and share their endless knowledge about this period. After you’ve explored the ruins, Indiana Jones-style, you’ll head to the Vergina Museum to check out some of the most valuable treasures found at Vergina, which include a royal tomb!
Accommodation: Modern Luxury Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: THESSALONIKI
It’s known as Greece’s second city, but with over 2,300 years of history, Thessaloniki is far from second best. This city is a tantalising mix of old and new, chaos and calm, riches and ruins, and today you’ll get to know Thessaloniki for yourself.
You’ll check out all the highlights, from the White Tower, a 19th-century former prison and iconic landmark of the city, to the Rotonda, a building from the 4th century AD that was originally a Mausoleum for Emperor Galerius. Oh, and of course we’ll throw some hidden gems into the mix as well!
For lunch, you’ll do as the locals do and enjoy a picnic at the park, accompanied by live music. You’ll have enough time before dinner to continue exploring Thessaloniki independently, or maybe you just want to head back to the hotel for a snooze!
Accommodation: Modern Luxury Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: KAMENA VOURLA
In the morning you’ll visit the local food markets of Thessaloniki. Yiannis, an experienced chef, will help you select mouth-watering local produce from the colourful and chaotic market. Then, he’ll teach you how to cook yummy Greek dishes using them.
With full bellies, your group will kick off the 3.5-hour drive to your next stop, Kamena Vourla. With dramatic mountains plunging into the sea, the scenery at Kamena Vourla is something you’ll never forget. You’ll spend the entire journey glued to the windows.
On arrival, you’ll check in to your new home away from home, the Lagou Raxi Country Hotel. Catch some rest while you can, because tomorrow is going to be wow-worthy!
Accommodation: Lagou Raxi Country Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: MONK SEAL EXPEDITION IN KAMENA VOURLA
So, you’ve made the journey to Kamena Vourla… but why? Two words: Monk Seals. Today, you’ll hit the water on a boat tour to look for the adorable seals who call the Mediterranean their home – so special because these mammals are the rarest in Europe. You’ll sail around Lichadonisia, a small group of islands thoroughly off the beaten path, to ignite your adventurous spirit.
Aside from seals, with a bit of luck you’ll spot some dolphins, certainly some different species of gulls and even a WW2 shipwreck on the journey. Observing the rare seals is easy enough from mid May to the beginning of October; it’s later on that they are more elusive. There’s plenty of time to cool off in the water with some swimming and snorkelling before dining under the pine trees of the Island of Evia.
As you sit on the beach, chatting with your new friends about the cute seals and turquoise water you saw today, you’ll agree – experiences like this are what you travel for!
Accommodation: Lagou Raxi Country Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: TRANSFER TO ATHENS
There’s enough time before check-out this morning to go slow. If you fancy lounging at the resort’s pool, getting a spa treatment, or wandering the idyllic gardens here, nobody would blame you.
After check-out, there’s one last lunch by the sea before the final drive back to Athens. Tonight is your farewell dinner, so let’s make it special! Fill up on your favourite Greek dishes, laugh with your newfound friends about the incredible journey you’ve shared, and, oh, why not, have a drink or two. It’s the last night, after all!
Accommodation: The Gem Society Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: FAREWELL FRIENDS
The most difficult part of any journey is saying goodbye, so let’s just say “see you later” for now. You’ll have made friends for life after spending 12 unforgettable days exploring Greece with your fellow Patchies. Don’t forget to exchange numbers before leaving!
If you’re heading home today, we’ll drop you off at the airport. If you have time to spend extra nights in Athens before departing, who can blame you? It’s one of those cities you’ll never get enough of!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
ACCOMMODATION HIGHLIGHTS:
Athens: Achilleas Hotel
Meteora: Hotel Meteora
Kamena Vourla : Galini Wellness Spa & Resort
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
We love Greek food! And not just moussaka, tzatziki, fresh Greek yoghurt and cheese that they’re known for. The Greeks really are experts in preparing fish and lamb. Not to mention delicious desserts like rizogalo (rice pudding), halvas (semolina cake), diples(fried, honey-covered pastry), bougatsa (creamy, custard breakfast pastry) and portokalopita (orange cake). Greek cuisine is a mixture of both, Eastern and Western cultures, spreading its culinary contribution throughout Europe and beyond.
Expect to see bountiful food markets, a wide range of eateries and street food sold on every corner. When you are in Greece, you’ll never go hungry. Your local guide will introduce you to the mouthwatering pleasures of this amazing country.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on these trips is based on the following exchange rates:
23 October 2023 departure: 1 AUD : 0.64 EUR
21 May 2024 departure: 1 AUD : 0.61 EUR
18 June 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.61 EUR
20 August 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.61 EUR
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
We can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets, or any variation of the above. Please let us know about your dietary requirements in advance. If you have any other medical requirements, please advise.
Australian and NZ citizens do not need a visa to travel to Greece.
Airfares are not included.
There are several code share flights departing Australia for Athens, Greece via Dubai, Doha and Istanbul.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
Please contact us for more information.
Greece’s currency is the euro (€). All major credit cards are widely accepted in Greece, though some establishments do not accept American Express and Diners. You can find ATMs all around the cities that can disperse cash from your accounts at home.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at most Greek and foreign banks and at exchange bureaus located at Athens International Airport, Piraeus port, and around the city centre. You will need your passport to exchange money. Travellers checks and credit cards are also widely accepted.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Greece adventure, we ask your contribution be: 100 Euro and given to your guide on Day 1.
The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and providers. Don’t worry – there’s some left at the end of the trip for your guide too!
Airport transfers are included. You can plan to arrive at any time, but we recommend arriving in the morning to give yourself time to settle in.
Level 2 or Moderate
A moderate level of fitness is required for this trip. If you can comfortably walk 7–10 km (3–4 hours) at an easy pace on undulating terrain, you’ll do just fine. Some days will involve spending significant time on your feet, and there may also be opportunities for activities like swimming.
One particular walk involves a steep climb to a monastery. While it’s a rewarding experience, participation is optional—feel free to skip it if you’d prefer.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
