Hi from Rick: Big-City-Small-Town Greece
When my staff suggested designing a second, shorter Greece tour — to complement our existing 14-day itinerary — I immediately thought: Let's keep things simple…and just bounce between Athens and Nafplio.
In my opinion, these are Greece's two best cities. Bustling, historic Athens is world-famous for its can't-miss ancient sights. Where else can you kick around the same pebbles that Socrates once got stuck in his sandal while gazing up at the floodlit Acropolis — the beaming symbol of this great civilization that invented democracy, theater, philosophy, and more — floating ethereally overhead?
But no visit to Greece is complete without getting out of the sprawling capital to explore the countryside and smaller towns. And my vote for the most charming of them all is Nafplio. Both cozy and elegant, this strollable port town, where a scattering of colorful houses scampers up a steep hillside toward the old fortress, boasts great restaurants, fine beaches, and an I-could-retire-here, bougainvillea ambience.
Like Athens, Nafplio has its own fascinating history, and some of the most important sights in all of Greece are an easy drive away — like the ancient-to-the-ancients fortress city of Mycenae and the remarkably preserved theater at Epidavros. (Watch me being a good tour guide as I demonstrate the theater's famous acoustics.) But unlike the Greek capital, in-town sightseeing is low impact. For many, the best thing to do in Nafplio is kick back, relax, and soak up slow-paced Greek life. On multiple visits, I've found myself thinking…a glass of ouzo tastes even better when enjoyed while watching the sun set across a picturesque harbor.
Our brand-new Best of Athens & Nafplio in 8 Days tour is a big-city-small-town best of Greece journey between the two destinations…and more. Not only have we designed this tour to help you get the most out of these great destinations — we've also packed in some countryside travel thrills along the way, creating a nice blend of urban and rural. And, like our Athens & the Heart of Greece in 14 Days tour, this itinerary also offers a great opportunity to tack the Greek Isles onto your trip: both itineraries end back in Athens, where fleets of ferries and cheap-and-frequent flights make it easy to continue your Greek vacation.
Explore both our Greece tours in this month's Tour News: We have colorful, day-by-day slideshows, an interview with legendary Greek guide Apostolos Douros, and raves about traveling in Greece from recent tour members.
I'm so glad we've added the Best of Athens & Nafplio itinerary to our 2027 tour choices for exploring Greece. Whether you're eyeing a quick getaway or have time to experience the whole shebang, I know you'll have an unforgettable Greek vacation either way. How do I know? I was just in Greece for weeks…and loved it!
Happy travels,
Rick