DAYS
11
TOUR CODE
WGRE-27
COST
£3995
DAYS
11
TOUR CODE
WGRE-27
COST
£3995
Locked between the Ionian and Aegean Seas lies the awe-inspiring landscape of Western Greece, a land where ancient magic and history collide. Here, we will delve into the region's rich myriad of sites, where powerful nations once shaped the course of the ancient world.
Overview
Grand campaigns were launched across the classical world, from Greek influences during the reign of Alexander to Roman conquests under Augustus, with strategic centres fluctuating in control. Across the region, we will explore remains of these prominent strongholds from the fortified Orraon, noted for its stone-built houses with upper levels visible, to Kassope, a prosperous Hellenistic urban centre featuring a Hippodamian grid plan, minted coins and grand public structures.
Nearby, Kalydon and Pleuron, once lauded by Strabo as the “ornaments of Greece”, were celebrated for their Hellenistic fortifications. Meanwhile, Arta, a vital Corinthian colony before becoming the capital of King Pyrrhus of Epirus’ kingdom, is home to an array of ancient ruins showcasing the region's wealth and authority.
The subsequent Roman domination and dispersal of power is especially prominent at Nikopolis, the ‘City of Victory,’ which was founded by Octavian after the decisive Battle of Actium. Drawing populations from nearby declining cities, Nikopolis developed into a massive commercial and administrative hub with an impressive theatre, stadium and odeon.
Ritual processions were integral to the daily life of ancient people, guiding military campaigns, marriages and even the formation of empires. As we journey across western Greece, we will take in some of the most evocative and revered oracular sites of the classical world. From the seat of the famous Oracle of Apollo, set against the phenomenal mountainous backdrop at Delphi, to the peaceful sanctuary of Dodoni, home to the oldest oracle of Zeus, we will be able to trace and interpret the history of prophecy and its incredible influence. We will also delve into the hauntingly beautiful Nekromanteion, believed to be the gateway to the underworld, where the ancients consulted the dead in the sanctuary dedicated to Hades and Persephone.
Tour Director
Aristotle Koskinas
Aristotle Koskinas is an archaeologist, specialising in the classical era, and a pioneer of the study of ancient roof tiles and architectural terracottas in Greece.
This tour will be led by Aristotle Koskinas. Throughout his career, Aristotle has participated in and supervised various excavations and restoration projects conducted by the Greek Ministry of Culture as well as taken part in surface survey projects undertaken by the Greek Research Foundation and the University of Thessaly. Following this, he graduated from the Greek School of Tourist Guides, combining his love of storytelling and archaeology, leading and organising cultural tours all over Greece. Aristotle also lectures on Greek history and archaeology, has published several papers, and has taken part in conventions about architectural terracottas.
– ACE customer on a 2026 tour to Greece led by Aristotle Koskinas
Our Accommodation
Throughout our tour, we will stay in a selection of hotels carefully chosen for their comfort, welcoming character and location. Whether these are by the coast, nestled in the dramatic mountain ranges, or situated near the heart of town centres, each property provides a convenient base for exploring the rich tapestry of Western Greece’s ancient past.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London Heathrow 0925 on British Airways, arriving Athens 1520. Transfer to hotel (to be confirmed closer to departure) for overnight. Welcome and introductory talk.
Day 2
Transfer to Hotel Nafpaktos, Nafpaktos for three nights, with visit to the archaeological museum at Patras en route.
Day 3
Morning: Kalydon (important city in ancient Aitolia with theatre and sanctuaries) and Pleuron (Hellenistic city with impressive fortifications, cistern and theatre). Afternoon: Castle of Nafpaktos (Venetian defensive castle). Evening lecture.
Day 4
Via Aitolikon to Oiniades for theatre, dockyard and fortifications (strategically important town, subject to many battles in antiquity). Continue to Missolonghi for visits to the archaeological museum and Garden of Heroes (dedicated to the fallen of the two sieges of Missolonghi). Evening lecture.
Day 5
Morning: Thermos (archaeological site and museum – central sanctuary of the Aitolians). Afternoon: Arta (open-air site including archaeological museum). Transfer to Margarona Royal Hotel, Preveza for three nights.
Day 6
Morning: Orraon (well-preserved Molossian hill settlement) and Kassope (4th century BCE Hippodamian grid plan town). Afternoon: Nikopolis (built by Augustus after Battle of Actium). Free evening.
Day 7
Visits in Nekromanteion (oracular site) for Sanctuary of Persephone and Hades. Evening lecture.
Day 8
Via Agios Georgios (monumental Roman aqueduct) to Dodoni (ancient oracle of Zeus and theatre) and Ioannina for visit to archaeological museum and castle (fortress of the despots of Epirus, restored by Ali Pasha). Overnight at Hotel du Lac, Ioannina.
Day 9
Transfer to Delphi via Galaxidi (significant nautical history, views of local architecture, visit to Maritime Museum). Transfer to V Hotel Delphi, Delphi for two nights.
Day 10
Whole day in Delphi (the ‘centre of the world’) with visits to Sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, 4th century theatre and archaeological museum.
Day 11
Depart Athens 1520, arriving Heathrow 1725.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and certain visits may be subject to change or confirmation nearer the time. Some sites in Greece can close at short notice, so minor adjustments may be made, including to the order of visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our full list of frequently asked questions please visit our general FAQs here.
What is the maximum group size of this tour?
What is the deposit cost for this tour?
What tour staff will be on this tour?
Am I fit enough to travel on this tour?
Fitness Requirements
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature. To make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy – there are often several visits included each day. As such, our tours require a certain minimum level of physical and mental fitness, mobility and stamina.
Many visits will involve navigating several steps, uneven ground, steep ascents and descents, and could involve embarking and disembarking aircraft, coaches, trains and cruise vessels. Plenty of walking, punctuated by lengthy periods of standing, is the norm. Some tours may involve long coach journeys.
It is essential that all customers are sufficiently fit and able enough to fully participate. Furthermore, every tour comprises a group of guests. We cannot allow the entire group to be negatively impacted by one participant, either holding up the pace we reasonably need to maintain or disproportionately requiring the attention and support of the tour staff.
We carefully consider the intensity, fitness and other requirements of each itinerary and describe them on the tour pages of our brochures and website. Please study these descriptions closely. When you call to book, we will reiterate those requirements and ask you to confirm that all group members are indeed fit enough and otherwise able to meet the criteria. It is your responsibility to answer fully and honestly. If it transpires that you are not able to keep pace with the tour and/or it reasonably appears you are negatively impacting (or are reasonably likely to negatively impact) the enjoyment of the rest of the group (including their ability to complete all scheduled visits), we may ask you to sit out certain days/visits, take a taxi at your own expense (if available in the location), or even, if we consider there is no other reasonable alternative, ask you to leave the tour and make your own way home.
This tour is designed to make the most of our stay in Western Greece with a wide variety of visits. The itinerary contains some longer days with a significant amount of coach travel and walking, so participants should have a good overall level of fitness, mobility and stamina. At some sites the ground is uneven or hilly, and there are steps to navigate. Please note that some archaeological sites are exposed, and the weather will be warm. For ACE’s minimum fitness criteria, please see the Booking Terms & Conditions.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for at least 30 minutes
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
UK Government Travel Advice
For additional travel information from the UK government please consult the following pages.
Flight Information
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £360.
Cost Details
Western Greece: Oracles & Empires
May 19 - 29, 2027
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, ten breakfasts, nine dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £395.
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