Adventurous Greece

There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same way as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue, and beauty. It’s not just a place for history buffs, however, it’s also one of the liveliest European capitals. A thriving café culture ensures you’re not left waning in between all the sightseeing and you’ll never have to venture far to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Put the best of science, art and philosophy together in one creation and you have the definitive monument of human civilisation - the Acropolis. The Acropolis, and the Parthenon in particular, is the most characteristic monument of the ancient Greeks and it continues to stand as a symbol of democracy, Western civilisation and European unity. During the walk, you'll also get to see the Hephaisteion Temple, Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora and the New Acropolis Museum, which is housed in a state-of-the-art building designed by Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi.

Acrocorinth is a spectacular place, with commanding views towards ancient Corinth and the mountains of the Peloponnesse. It was first built as a Greek acropolis and is sometimes referred to as 'the residence of the Sun God'. It's located 3.5 km south of ancient Korinthos, at the peak of a 575m high hill and is the oldest, largest and most impressive castle in the Peloponnese, whose walls were built during the Middle Ages. Make sure that you check out the ruins at the temple of Aphrodite, and the relics of the Christian churches and the Turkish buildings, on the peak of the hill.

In addition to its archaeological significance, Acrocorinth has a rich botanical garden with numerous indigenous Greek wildflowers.

Nafplio is one of the most historic cities of the region, full of spectacular monuments and sights that have stories that span from the ancient times to the medieval. Venture into the countryside for beautiful views of the ocean and mountains.

Set off to explore the rural area of Nafplio with your hiking expert guide. Walk along forgotten trails, admire the views, breathe in the fresh air and explore parts of the area you would not be able to see otherwise. Argolis, and Nafplio in particular, is an ideal place for those who love hiking and trips to unfamiliar routes. Made up of ancient paths through archaeological monuments, coastal hiking trails overlooking the blue waters of the Argolic Gulf and the fortresses of Acronafplia really do make for a very special experience. Depending on your needs and ability, you can choose between numerous hiking routes.

Enjoy a tour around this city, which preserves fascinating, timeless relics from three different historical phases, with elements of neoclassical, Venetian and Turkish styles found in the architecture of the buildings. The archaeological museum, Agios Spiridonas Church, is another highlight, the walls of which are still scarred by the bullet marks that killed Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of the newly liberated country in 1828.

There are impregnable fortresses of the Byzantine era, overlooking this quaint town and the harbour waterfront is the place to enjoy the fiery Mediterranean sunset or sip on a cup of coffee while you watch the world go by.

Starting from the old port of Nafplio, sail among the natural beauties of Argolic Gulf and explore the waters with some aquatic activities, such as snorkelling, paddleboarding or fishing. During the sailing route, relax and sunbathe at leisure, or pick a spot of your liking to stop and enjoy a refreshing plunge in crystal waters. Onboard, you'll find a variety of soft drinks, snacks, fruits and water for your convenience. Your captain and the friendly crew look forward to hosting you onboard the sailing boat for a memorable cruise.

Ideal for adventurers, this experience offers a great opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Argolic Gulf side to side with your certified PADI scuba diving instructor. You'll set off early in the morning, taking a boat transfer from Nafplio marina towards two selected islets, where you'll suit up and dive in the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. Before your dive, you'll cover the basics of scuba diving in an information brief given by your instructor, including breathing techniques, pressure relief and security procedures.

Walking along the coastline, you'll have the perfect warm-up before you arrive at the beach where you'll enjoy a private professional yoga session for approximately 1.5 hours. The place has been chosen especially because of its harmony with the core essence of yoga. It's also an incredibly relaxing spot, and you'll enjoy the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze as you practice. Acquire flexibility, strength and peace of mind through specific exercises (karanas), yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayamas). By the end of the session, you'll be feeling completely in harmony with your body and the surrounding nature.

Exuding a Venetian charm, Chania is the second-largest city on Crete. Scenic monasteries, traditional houses and elegant mansions are part of what makes the old part of town so special. Go trekking through the mountains, or spend time exploring the quaint streets.

Visit some of the most important sites in Chania, including the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral, and the old Jewish and Turkish quarters behind the inner harbour. You'll also get the chance to explore hidden places off the beaten track, which perfectly capture Chania's unique atmosphere.

Samaria Gorge is one of the most famous national forests in Greece. Starting at Omalos Mountain, you'll have the chance to admire the beauty of the reserve. At the end of the hike, you'll have some time to enjoy a refreshing swim in clear blue waters at the beach of Agia Roumeli before sailing to a nearby port. This trek is ideal for those who are fit or used to walking long distances.

A special tour that offers an immersion in the slow way of life in deeper Crete. Over the mountains and through the pine woods, there is a region stuck in time that feels like nowhere else on the island. We will drive to the south coast and have a first stop for a refreshing dip in the Libyan sea before taking the road up the south cliffs of the White Mountains. We will visit Aradena, with the impressive bridge over its rugged gorge and the museum-like abandoned village and then continue to the end of the road to reach the Agios Ioannis settlement, home to just 15 residents. The owners of a small family-run hamlet will welcome us and you can choose from a number of rewarding experiences to spend your time here; you can take a hike to one of the 'balconies' with sweeping views of the coast, walk around the village to visit frescoed Byzantine chapels, visit the beehives and animals or cook an authentic Sfakian recipe, before enjoying a feast around the typical Cretan table. You can go active or just sit back and appreciate the unhurried life that happens naturally here, either way you can rest assured of a culturally rich experience and a memorable day surrounded by great scenery, fresh flavors and welcoming people.

You'll be taken to the mountain village of Lakki where you'll be kitted out with safety gear and a bicycle. Surrounded by olive fields and orange groves, you'll pass through the village of Fournes and onward to Meskla. The cycling part of the tour complete, you'll be driven in the support vehicle to Zourva, which is a great viewing point. There may be time for a visit to a family-run taverna, before heading off to Theriso and its impressive gorge.