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Home Group Tours Ancient Epirus and beyond

Greece

Ancient Epirus and beyond

  • EXPERT-LED GROUP TOUR
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Start date End date Days
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Single Supplement Tour Expert Group Size Status
10/09/22 18/09/22 9 days £3,695 ex. flights £460 Carolyn Perry 15 Max AVAILABLE Reserve place
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This is a Greece tour with a difference, focusing not only on the great poleis or city-states of the south but on some of the fascinating sites of the regions of Acarnania, Epirus and Boeotia. Accompanied by Greek historian, Carolyn Perry, who will bring this region’s history to life. 

The Epirus region is located in the north-west part of Greece, and is characterised by mountain chains, gorges and jagged coastline, providing a spectacular backdrop to the history of this mesmerizing region. It combines impressive mountains and charming seaside scenery. The villages and cities have always been connected via a number of trails carved through the many mountains. Later, this contributed to the flourishing of trade and the development of the region.

Begin in Athens, journey down to Patras, the largest city in the Peloponnese. From here, visit Dodona the city of Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great and capital of King Pyrrhus. Explore the incredible UNESCO city of Nikopolis, the largest ancient city in Greece. Continue onto the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora to marvel at the Eastern Orthodox monasteries which cling to the spectacular rock formations that seem to rise miraculously from the plain. In Boeotia pass by the site of the battle of Thermopylae, where the legend of the 300 Spartans was forged, before returning to Athens.

Introducing your expert

Carolyn Perry

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Following a degree in Classics and Archaeology, Carolyn lectured in Ancient History and Mythology in the Department of Mediterranean Studies at Queen Mary College, University of London. In 1997 she moved to the Education Department of The British Museum, where she set up and ran the Arab World Education Programme.

In 2002, Carolyn left the British Museum to become the administrator of the newly formed MBI Al Jaber Foundation, a UK based charity which aims to promote better understanding between the peoples of the Middle East and the wider world through activities in the areas of education, cultural dialogue and good governance.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Preveza city port and boats, Preveza, Greece 1

Preveza

Situated at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, Preveza is a charming coastal city.

Aerial drone photo of Nikopolis, Preveza, Epirus, Greece 2

Nikopolis

Explore the archaeological site of Nikopolis and labyrinthine passageways of the Sanctuary of Persephone and Hades.

Aerial view of Metsovo, Epirus, Greece 3

The Zagori region

Travel through Zagori, home to the stunning Pindus mountain range.

Great Monastery of Varlaam on the high rock in Meteora, Meteora monasteries, Greece 4

Meteora

Marvel at Meteora’s monasteries ‘hovering in the air’.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Map View List View

  • Day 1

    Athens - Patras

  • Day 2

    Patras - Preveza

  • Days 3

    Preveza to Orraon and Arta

  • Day 4

    Preveza to Kassope and Nikopolis

  • Day 5

    Preveza to Parga and Ephyra

  • Day 6

    Preveza to Agios Giorgios, Dodoni and Ioannina

  • Day 7

    Preveza to Meteora and onto Trikala

  • Day 8

    Meteora to Thermopylae and onto Athens

Day 1

Athens - Patras

Old historic castle of Patras in Achaea on Peloponnese, Greece

On arrival you will be met by Carolyn Perry, your tour expert, and your local guide. Transfer by private vehicle to Patras.

Day 2

Patras - Preveza

Preveza city port and boats, Preveza, Greece

Depart Patras for Messolonghi. Visit the hillside archaeological site of Plevron. Continue via Aitolikon to Oiniadai. Finally, continue to Preveza on the strait of the Ambracian Gulf.

Days 3

Preveza to Orraon and Arta

Dolma from grape leaves and minced on the wooden table, Greece

Morning visit to the little-known archaeological site of Orraon. In the afternoon, visit the remains of the ancient town of Ambracia, a Corinthian colony and the capital of Pyrrhus of Epirus.

Day 4

Preveza to Kassope and Nikopolis

Aerial drone photo of Nikopolis, Preveza, Epirus, Greece

Visit the incredible UNESCO city of Nikopolis, the largest ancient city in Greece. The city, meaning ‘victory city’, was built by the Roman emperor Octavian after his victory at Aktion against Antony and Cleopatra of Egypt.

Day 5

Preveza to Parga and Ephyra

Beautiful coastal town Parga, Greece

Head north to visit the Necromanteion, also known as ‘Oracle of the Dead’ and an entrance to the realm of Persephone and Hades. In the afternoon, walk along the River Acheron, once thought to be the river of the underworld with its source, the entrance to Hades itself.

Day 6

Preveza to Agios Giorgios, Dodoni and Ioannina

Cultural center of Ioannina city in Epirus, Greece

Visit Dodoni to see the ancient oracle of Zeus, reputedly the oldest in Greece and mentioned in The Iliad and The Odyssey. In the afternoon, visit Ioannina to see the Archaeological Museum and a short visit to the castle.

Day 7

Preveza to Meteora and onto Trikala

Great Monastery of Varlaam on the high rock in Meteora, Meteora monasteries, Greece

Depart for Meteora the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora to marvel at the Eastern Orthodox monasteries which cling to the spectacular rock formations that seem to rise miraculously from the plain.

Day 8

Meteora to Thermopylae and onto Athens

Acropolis of Athens, Greece

Journey from Trikala to Thermopylae – the Hot Gates, site of the famous last stand of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans against the Persians. Travel onto the city of Thebes, made famous in Greek tragedies and myths. Continue onto Athens, where you will spend your final evening.

Preveza city port and boats, Preveza, Greece
Preveza, Greece

Preveza

Situated at the edge of the stunning Ambracian Gulf, Preveza is a scenic town that, with an Italian style. It is a historical place evoking memories like the Old Nicopolis. Here, discover majestic delights like the castle of Ali Pasha that proudly stands above the beautiful town of Parga. It is a place of colours that dominated and the endless Ionian Sea. It is well-known for its nearby site, Nikopoli.

Aerial drone photo of Nikopolis, Preveza, Epirus, Greece
Greece

Nikopolis

The incredible UNESCO city of Nikopolis, the largest ancient city in Greece. The city, meaning ‘victory city’, was built by the Roman emperor Octavian after his victory at Aktion against Antony and Cleopatra of Egypt. Many inhabitants of surrounding cities were resettled here in order to populate the city. See the impressive theatre, of which the proscenium walls still stand.

Great Monastery of Varlaam on the high rock in Meteora, Meteora monasteries, Greece
Greece

Meteora

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, the Eastern Orthodox monasteries which cling to the spectacular rock formations that seem to rise miraculously from the plain. Six of the original twenty-four monasteries remain, dating from the 14th century onward.

Acropolis of Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece

Athens

Athens is often referred to as the historical capital of Europe, given its long history which dates back to the Neolithic age. In 1834, Athens became the capital of the modern Greek state and since then has become an attractive and contemporary metropolis with unrivalled charm. The marketplace of Agora is one of the most interesting archaeological sites to visit, having been the heart of public life in Socrates and Plato’s day.

Group Tour FAQs

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Why travel with Steppes Travel to Greece?

Exceptional leaders are the first essential component of a successful group tour, and in Carolyn Perry, we are confident we have found this. Carolyn has worked with Steppes Travel for over five years and clients return time and time again to travel with and learn from her, as detailed below from a previous tour client that travelled with Carolyn on a Steppes Greece tour.

“I have taken many group tours in the last 10 years and this was one of the best. The credit goes first and foremost to Carolyn, whose knowledge, a wealth of information and command of detail, from the historical to the anecdotal, added so much rich texture to my understanding. I would love the chance to tour with her again.”

What happens on a typical day?

The local guide and Carolyn will brief you of the day ahead at breakfast. After breakfast, at around 7:00 am, set off for a full day of exploring. This may include visits to historical sites and museums or a travel day between cities.

Is September a good time to travel to Greece?

Not excessively hot but the days should be clear and sunny. When travelling in mountainous areas the weather can vary.

What is the standard of accommodation on this tour?

We have carefully selected a range of small comfortable hotels and boutique three to four-star guest houses for this group tour. Where possible, we have chosen properties with wonderful locations.

Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?

Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places does provide security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour Lecturer.

If you are willing to share, we will always do our best to match you up with another solo traveller of the same sex so that you do not have to pay for a single room.

If you would prefer the privacy of your own room and would like this guaranteed, then the single room price supplement will apply.

What is Greek food like?

Greek cuisine offers a unique blend of Mediterranean flavours, representing a rich historical past.

From baked lamb with yoghurt to fresh vibrant salads – the Greeks live for lunch. The main food in Greece is characterised by the use of spices such as black pepper and Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, mint, basil and rosemary. In the cooking of meat and fish, chilli pepper and garlic is used to good effect. In true Greek style, take lunch at a local’s house to try homemade sheep’s cheese (feta), made from traditional methods in the mountains and washed down with the local hooch, raki…not for the faint-hearted!

Do I need to be physically fit to enjoy this tour?

You do not need to be particularly fit to participate, there are no long walks involved but there will be a certain number of stone steps and uneven surfaces.

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Why a Steppes expert-led group tour

1.Experience Matters

We have been running insightful and groundbreaking group tours since our inception in 1989. We have worked with institutions such as the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum and run wildlife tours in conjunction with conservation agencies such as Fauna & Flora International, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Orangutan Foundation, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute.

2.Size Matters

Our average group size is typically eight to ten people, smaller than other group tours typically offered – a factor which many of our clients appreciate. Travelling as part of a smaller group provides a more intimate, personalised and relaxed atmosphere.

4.It’s about who you know

We have developed an enviable pool of expertise from which to choose our tour experts, who we carefully select based on their knowledge, companionship and personality. Often, these experts can use their influence to facilitate private access to sites not typically open to the public.

3.Like-Minded People

Steppes Travellers are like-minded people – interesting, interested and curious. Our group tours aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere – we have a lot of fun on our tours and many friendships have been formed.

5.Value for money

Our tours are well-priced to ensure you get real value for money. We include gratuities on the majority of our tours and do not pass on currency surcharges. We strive to look after single travellers as well as we can, keeping single supplements to a minimum.

6.Peace of Mind

When you travel on one of our group tours, you will be looked after by our local agents and your tour expert with the back-up of our 24-hour emergency number and duty manager. All our holidays are fully bonded and protected – our ATOL number is ATOL 6495.

Includes / Excludes

Important Information

Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Single Supplement

Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.

Flexibility

To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.

What is included

  • Accompanied by Carolyn Perry throughout
  • Accommodation as indicated
  • Accompanied by a local guide throughout
  • Meals throughout
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Entrance fees to Sites and Museums
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and porters
  • Transportation throughout
  • £25 to help fund the communities, conservation agencies and NGOs that we work with
  • £25 contribution to ‘Trees and Science’ in mitigation of your carbon emissions

What is excluded

  • International flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa

Our future tour dates

For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980

Start date End date Days
Prices from
Single Supplement Tour Expert Group Size Status
10/09/22 18/09/22 9 days £3,695 ex. flights £460 Carolyn Perry 15 Max AVAILABLE Reserve place

Reserve your place on this group tour

Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.

01285 880 980

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