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Travelling Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland tour to Athens and Thessaloniki

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Tour leader
Self-led
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Dates
23 Apr
30 Apr
2026

Journey back to antiquity amid the vibrant contemporary spirit of Greece’s two great cities, and experience their richly layered culture, architecture, and gastronomy on this immersive tour.

Start your journey in the bustling ancient capital of Athens, where mythology and legend are carved into every street. A city of distinctive neighbourhoods, it is home to a melting-pot of students, artists, and anarchists, and its streets pulse with art and literature that both beckon and confront. Experience the magnitude of the Acropolis and the dizzying vastness of Athens sprawled below on a guided tour that also includes the Acropolis Museum. Explore the charming district of Plaka, and take a full-day excursion to Delphi, once believed to be the centre of the ancient world.

Experience the mystical landscapes of the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries and the village of Agios Dimitrios, then proceed north to Thessaloniki, Athens’s younger sister. Heiress to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, the city’s archaeological landscape can rival that of the capital. Visit important landmarks such as the Rotunda, the White Tower, and the Church of Agios Demetrios, and set out on a full-day excursion to historic Vergina.

On day four, the tour pauses its cultural activities for a full-day scientific programme at Errikos Dunant Hospital, giving the Travelling Surgical Society members the opportunity to spend time with professional peers and further their learning. Stay in excellent accomodation, take in spectacular scenery, and indulge in culinary offerings that reflect the cities diverse communities.

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Reference:
GRE0426-2
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Medicine
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Nights
7
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Athens
Thursday
,
23
April
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the Elia Ermou Hotel. Dinner will take place at the +2H rooftop restaurant, an experimental culinary hideaway overlooking the Acropolis.
2
Athens
Friday
,
24
April
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Athens, starting at the Acropolis Museum, where modern architecture showcases ancient treasures. Then ascend the Acropolis Hill to behold the majestic Parthenon, the enduring symbol of classical Greece. Stroll through the charming Plaka district, where neoclassical homes, cobbled streets, and tavernas create a lively atmosphere. Dinner at a local restaurant.
3
Athens/ Delphi
Saturday
,
25
April
Depart early for a full-day excursion to Delphi, once thought the centre of the ancient world. Travel through the scenic countryside at the foot of Mount Parnassus and visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum, home to the famous Charioteer of Delphi. Lunch at a local Taverna before arriving back at the hotel.
4
Athens
Sunday
,
26
April
Transfer to Errikos Dunant Hospital for a full day’s scientific programme, or enjoy the day at leisure.
5
Athens / Thessaloniki
Monday
,
27
April
En route to Thessaloniki, visit the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries-old monasteries cling dramatically to towering rock pillars. This mystical landscape offers stunning views and insight into the lives and traditions of Byzantine monks. Continue to the village of Agios Dimitrios for lunch under the “platani tree” before arriving in Thessaloniki.
6
Thessaloniki
Tuesday
,
28
April
Full-day tour of Thessaloniki. Once part of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, Thessaloniki later flourished under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule—a heritage reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and culture. Explore the Upper Town (Ano Poli), the Byzantine Walls, and key landmarks such as the Rotunda, the White Tower, and the Church of Agios Demetrios. Dinner at Kellarios Ormos.
7
Thessaloniki
Wednesday
,
29
April
Full-day excursion to Vergina and the Museum of Aigai, the ancient royal capital and burial site of Macedonia’s kings. Visit the Royal Tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, and the ancient theatre. The museum showcases golden artifacts and royal regalia. Stop in nearby Ekeimeros for a relaxed lunch before returning to celebrate your final night in Greece with a farewell dinner.
8
Thessaloniki
Thursday
,
30
April
Depart for the airport, extend your stay in Thessaloniki, or transfer back to Athens by train, bus, or private car.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Travel to Greece’s two great metropolises, Athens and Thessaloniki. Experience the bustle of these vibrant cities and enjoy full-day excursions through stunning Mediterranean landscapes to sites of historic significance.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Parthenon on Acropolis hill
Athens

Visit the Acropolis Museum, one of the world’s finest, and ascend the Acropolis Hill to stand before the majestic Parthenon.

The ruins of Delphi
Delphi, Phocis

Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, where oracles once spoke the words of the gods, and visit the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum, home to the Charioteer of DelphIi.

Meteora Monasteries
Trikala, in Thessaly, in northwestern Greece

A UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries-old monasteries cling dramatically to towering rock pillars. Gain insight into the life of the monks, their spiritual traditions and Byzantine art.

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Beautiful landscapes

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Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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