Hidden Greece. Spring 2026
We are doing the first of the year. Anyone else? What do you think? We are looking forward to walk in the footsteps of Paul and Titus in Crete as well as Alexander's forbearers. What should we do in free time?
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We are doing the first of the year. Anyone else? What do you think? We are looking forward to walk in the footsteps of Paul and Titus in Crete as well as Alexander's forbearers. What should we do in free time?
Comments
Look up Matt Barrett’s Greece. He has an amazing website filled with information about Greece. He does have a separate page on Thessaloniki. Perhaps hire a private guide specifically towards historical characters from the New Testament. Matt does recommend a private guide who lives there.
I’m taking this trip mid October and am going in early to Thessaloniki. While the guide Matt recommended is busy the day I’m there, he did recommend a colleague that I’ve hired. He’s taking me to areas not included in the itinerary.
Have a great time and post a review please!
Thanks and will leave a review. We are using Matt Barrett's Greece as a guide. Great suggestion. Will get serious about booking something when we get our final itinerary from Tauck next week.
45 days out. Looking forward to getting final docs.
I am looking forward to your feedback on the tour. It looks very interesting. Enjoy!
We have our detailed travel document now. Only one change to the hotel in Athens. Minor change as the new hotel is next door to the previous one which was the King Charles.
Here is the summary of the trip with I few notes we added:
Tauck’s “Hidden Greece”, 12 day journey early 2026
World Heritage sites, major archaeological landmarks, scenic regions, & luxury hotels.
Trip Route & Highlights
• Start: Thessaloniki
• End: Crete (Heraklion)
• Regions visited: Northern Greece, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Athens, Hydra, Crete
• Key UNESCO and historic sites:
o Vergina (Royal Tombs of Macedonia)
o Meteora monasteries
o Delphi
o Olympia or boat tour in Pylos
o Ancient Messene
o Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
o Palace of Knossos (Crete)
o Spinalonga Island (Crete)
Day-by-Day
• Days 1–3: Thessaloniki – guided city tour, & excursion to Vergina
• Day 4: Meteora & Arachova – cliff-top monasteries; overnight in mountains
• Day 5: Delphi → Costa Navarino – Delphi, then travel to Peloponnese coast
• Day 6: Olympia or Pylos – Choice of ancient Olympia or a coastal boat tour
• Day 7: Ancient Messene → Athens – Archaeological site, olive oil tasting
• Days 8–9: Athens & Hydra – Acropolis, museum visit, ferry to Hydra
• Day 10: Fly to Crete – Knossos Palace tour; arrive in Elounda
• Day 11 Spinalonga Cruise – Boat excursion and farewell dinner
• Day 12: Departure – Transfer to Heraklion Airport
Accommodations
• Electra Palace Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki)
• Santa Marina Arachova Resort (Arachova)
• The Romanos Resort (Costa Navarino)
• Hotel Grande Bretagne (Athens). Only change from original itinerary
• Domes of Elounda (Crete)
Meals
• Most breakfasts included
• Many lunches and dinners included, including welcome and farewell dinners
• Some evenings left at leisure, particularly in Athens and Costa Navarino
Travel & Logistics
• Internal flight from Athens to Crete included
• Flight home. We are flying Aegean from Heraklon back to Thessaloniki
• Staying at the Royal Hotel near the airport and using the Welcome Pickups (service & app) for travel to and from the hotel.
• We booked round trip ticket for Thessaloniki
• We plan to use the app for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
Packing & Dress Notes
• Comfortable walking shoes essential
• Layers recommended; spring weather ranges roughly 65–85°F
• Modest dress-women: knee length skirt/dress-religious sites/Meteora monastery
• One checked bag per person (max 50 lbs)
Suggested Gratuities
• Tauck Director: $15/day per person
• Driver: $10/day per person
We can only do one-Pylos or Olympia-which would you do?
Got good information from many people on Tauck Facebook page. We will make final decision while on the tour. Either one will be great.
Update from Filip, our tour director:
• Packing: Bring sturdy, comfortable footwear for uneven terrain, a jacket for windy conditions, & entertainment for long drives.
• Anticipate significant walking on uneven surfaces, & extensive interactions with local experts.
• Stay vigilant against pickpockets in crowded areas
• Embrace local coffee culture
• Carry personal hygiene items like hand sanitizer and tissues for public restrooms