The Wonders of Mainland Greece

The wonders of Greece's glorious past are revealed in its monuments and architecture. From the Acropolis to the ruins at Delphi, your honeymoon will allow you to see what draws visitors to this country's sights and coastal areas. Your adventure begins in the bustling city of Athens.

From the airport, you will be spirited by private transfer to your accommodations. You wouldn't want it any other way, as the streets tend to be busy with drivers of all kinds! You will be spending your first set of nights at Hotel Grande Bretagne, a 19th century property with an enviable location in the city center across from Constitution Square. Enjoy delicious Greek cuisine from the rooftop restaurant with the Parthenon as a backdrop.

Fortunately for travelers, the most important sites are situated in the middle of the city around the Acropolis. The best introduction to this ancient city is by taking a funicular to the summit of Mount Lycabettus, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Athens and the distant islands in the Saronic Gulf.

Cascading down the slopes of...

Lycabettus Hill, is the chic Kolonaki neighborhood. Meander through its narrow, winding streets lined with shops, restaurants, art galleries and trendy cafes. On your way to the Acropolis, you'll pass through the Plaka district, a good base for exploring the major monuments and sights. This picturesque neighborhood is the oldest in the city and has retained much of its character and original buildings. If you want something to do at night, head to Psirri (the "SoHo of Athens") - it's abuzz with late-night crowds.

Rising over the center of Greece is...

the Acropolis, the jewel of the ancient world. You will marvel at the traces of Greece's rich history - The Parthenon, The Temple of Nike and the Acropolis Museum among others.

While the Acropolis tends to be the focal point for mainland visitors, head west of the city to the Museum at Delphi, which houses some of the most significant artifacts of ancient Greece and the Sanctuary of Apollo. Delphi, the most dramatically located of all of Greece's classical sites, is set amid the towering cliffs and craggy peaks of Mount Parnassus.

Your trip to mainland Greece would not be complete without a visit to the northern Peloponnesian Peninsula, where you will find a variety of ruins, situated in a diverse landscape consisting of massive mountains, valleys, rocky shores and sandy beaches. In addition to sightseeing, you will have time to relax and enjoy the languid pace of this region. Sitting at seaside cafes and watching the fishing boats in the horizon are part of every day life here.

Your base will be Nafplion, often described as "the most beautiful town in Greece," which sits on a hillside dominated by a colossal fortress overlooking the serene waters of the Gulf of Argos. When a break from sightseeing is in order, kick back and unwind at Amphitryon Hotel. Built right into the cliffs overlooking town and the water, this contemporary hotel offers a nice refuge - lay by the pool, enjoy a cocktail on your spacious private deck, or take an elevator down through solid rock right to the waterfront.

There is much to uncover...

during your stay in Nafplion - elegant Venetian and Greek neoclassical buildings; the Venetian fortress of Palamidi; the island citadel of Bourtzi; the Archaeological and Folk Art Museums. Classical treasures can also be explored in the surrounding towns - Mycenae (setting for plays by famous dramatists); Epidaurus (classical theatre); Ancient Corinth (Temple of Apollo). A 4-hour drive west of town will lead you to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.

After a good amount of touring...

your final few nights will be spent at the exclusive Arion Resort & Spa on the scenic Saronic Gulf. This luxury property offers lavish accommodations with commanding sea views. Dine at the excellent restaurants, take a dip in the sea from one of the sandy cove beaches, partake in a variety of water sports or simply relax and refresh for your trip home. If you begin to get a little antsy, there are many interesting spots within close proximity to the resort, including the lovely Saronic Islands and the ancient Temple of Poseidon.

As you return home from your adventures through mainland Greece, you will leave with a deeper understanding of its amazing sights, both ancient and modern.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those who are primarily interested in active sightseeing, history and Greek culture.

Who should avoid this trip:

Those who prefer to stay put in one place. Those who prefer more relaxation and less sightseeing should consider Romance in the Greek Isles.