Escape to Parnitha National Park in a semi-private safari tour group of no more than 6 guests per premium off-road vehicle. Driven by multilingual guide/drivers, you will be introduced to Mount Parnitha and discover a densely forested mountain range 40km north of Athens. This destination provides the opportunity to enjoy unspoiled nature and is the perfect, serene place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a moment, stop what you are doing and close your eyes to immerse yourself in the smell of pine and fir. Listen in this true oasis for many species of wildlife, such as red deer, foxes, and different kinds of birds. During the hottest summer days, you will find cool relief in a place that will help you become one with your surroundings.

Your journey begins with a pickup from the port and you will then set off following the road which leads to Parnitha Mountain. Along the way you will make a stop to pick up your morning coffee, tea or juice. After approximately less than an hour of driving you will have left Athens and the noise of the city center behind as you will find the entrancement of the mountains. This densely forested mountain range north of Athens is the highest on the peninsula of Attica, with an elevation of 1413 meters (4636 feet) and a summit known as Karavola. Much of the mountain is designated a national park, and is a protected habitat for wildfowl, first created in 1961. Parnitha National Park commands ecological interest and constitutes a reserve for the protection and preservation of Southern Greece's flora and fauna. The flora is one of the richest in Greece, boasting 818 recorded plant species, many of which are endemic or listed as critically endangered. The area's fauna includes many species protected under law both at the national and international level. Indicative of this is the fact that Parnitha is the only area in Southern Greece where the red deer (Cervus elaphus) still survives.

Your first destination will be at an altitude of 600m at Lake Beletsi, an artificial lake that seems to have been created from a fairytale. This picturesque landscape resembles the Alps and is not at all reminiscent of anything you will see in or around Athens, Greece. Continuing your route, follow a unique off-road course through the forest full of pine trees, goats, chapels, monasteries and natural springs.

Soon you will approach Avlonas Village, crossing through the village and continuing on you will travel to the Voutima Wildlife Refuge. The uniqueness of the terrain, dense vegetation, rare species of endemic plants, different kinds of mammals and birds are spread in smaller or larger areas of the mountain.

Reaching the west slope of Parnitha Mountain, an incredible and panoramic, breath-taking view of the Saronic Gulf with the islands of Salamina and Aigina will appear in front of you. Driving on the asphalt road and enjoying the view of Saronic from above, you will next arrive at Hasia village, where it is time to stop for lunch. Visit a traditional Greek tavern where you will be welcomed by the owner. He will introduce you to delicious Greek Mediterranean cuisine with many options, plus wine and his warm, Greek hospitality.

After lunch, it's back on the trail, where you will follow the road making a return to Athens through different villages before reaching the city. Your knowledgeable, local guides are professionals who are passionate about what they do, and they will create a most memorable day out of the city, offering panoramic vistas with amazing photo opportunities at every turn. Your tour will plan to make stops every 30-40 minutes for comfort and convenience.

Depart the port in an air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic ride to Paleokastritsa Monastery, stopping along the way to sample some of the island's traditional tastes. Local honey and jams, homemade olives and olive paste, homemade wine, ouzo, and the ever-popular limoncello are waiting to tantalize your taste buds! Be sure to try the kumquat, a tangy citrus fruit brought over to Corfu from China in 1846.

Continue to Paleokastritsa Monastery, a large Byzantine complex dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Located atop a promontory, this 12th-century monastery is visible from every direction and offers breathtaking views of the island and the sea. Step inside to find Byzantine icons and other relics in the small, on-site museum. Within the complex, you will also see the cells of the monks as well as a traditional olive oil press.

While in the area you can opt to board a boat and visit the nearby Caves of Paleokastritsa just offshore (15 Euro not included). These 6 caves rising out of the crystal clear turquoise waters are an Insta-grammable moment you won't find anywhere else on the island.

From there you will make your way to Corfu's Old Town with its famous Greek, Venetian, French and British architecture. While here enjoy some free time to roam its ancient, narrow streets and see the highlights including Spianada Square, Liston, and the Old Fortress before your return trip to port. This 4-hour, small-group tour is a fabulous introduction to the beauty, history, and culture of Corfu. Book now.

Full Day Byzantine and Ottoman Marvels with Lunch

If you want to experience the marvels of Istanbul, this full-day sightseeing tour is the perfect option. Tour one of the most famous architectural creations in history, Hagia Sophia, and see the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque. This Istanbul tour will take you to all the highlights of the city in just one day.

The Hagia Sophia was originally an Orthodox patriarchal basilica before it was converted to a mosque. Famous specifically for its huge dome, it is often regarded as the essence of Byzantine architecture. As the largest cathedral in the world for over a thousand years, Hagia Sophia is an element of history that you will be amazed to see. Next, you will visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which is a famous square in the city of Istanbul. During the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great around AD 324, the Hippodrome functioned as a circus and entertainment center for the empire. Today the area is officially called Sultan Ahmet Square and is an exciting and historical stop on the tour.

The Blue Mosque, otherwise known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is the next stop on this Istanbul sightseeing tour. The culmination of two centuries' worth of both Ottoman mosque and Byzantine church development makes this mosque overwhelming due to its size, brilliance, and majesty. Built in 1616, this mosque consists of awe-inspiring facades and interior architecture, which amazes visitors due to its size and beauty. The Topkapi Palace once housed the great Ottoman Sultans of history and now functions as a museum. At the Topkapi Palace, you will see imperial treasury as well as weapons, Chinese porcelain, calligraphy many more noteworthy artifacts. Travel back in time at this historical landmark to learn about the success and glory of the Ottoman Empire.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world and contains over 4,000 shops within an area that consists of 61 streets. Inside the walled city of Istanbul, shop and enjoy the Turkish culture that this market has to offer. This full-day Istanbul tour is the best way to explore the marvels of Istanbul, paired with the convenience of a professional guide.

Please note: The Blue Mosque is closed from 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after prayer time, and 2 hours during Friday noon prayer. The covered area of the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be substituted with a visit to the Spice Market. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and will be substituted with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace. If you are traveling with children please make sure to have documentation showing the child's current age for site entrances.