News from the road – “Walking Through Time: A Greek Odyssey” May 2026
In this story, Rosanne recounts her experience walking in Greece with a small group tour that blends culture, history, and landscapes. From the vibrant food scene in Athens and the ancient ruins of Delphi to Crete’s dramatic gorges and the island paths of Naxos, each walk reveals a deeper connection to the country. Guided by local experts, discover archaeological sites, wartime history, traditional villages, and regional cuisine while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travellers. This immersive journey showcases the best of Greece through thoughtfully curated walking experiences.
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There are few better ways to experience Greece than on foot. Walking slows the pace of travel, revealing details that might otherwise be missed: the scent of wild herbs on a hillside path, the warmth of a village taverna, or the stories shared by our guide, Peter, that bring this ancient landscape to life.
Our journey began in the vibrant Athens neighbourhood of Psiri, where we were introduced to Greek food and culture by a wonderful local guide. Small tavernas, bakeries and market stalls sit side by side along narrow, graffiti-lined streets. Along the way we sampled Greek favourites—freshly baked koulouri, sizzling souvlaki, honey-drenched loukoumades, local sausages, artisan cheeses and strong Greek coffee. By the end of our culinary wanderings, we were completely full and becoming better acquainted with what we would eat on our tour.
From modern Athens, we travelled deep into Greece’s ancient past at Delphi. Set dramatically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, Delphi remains one of the country’s most fascinating archaeological sites. We spent a morning exploring its extensive ruins and outstanding museum.
At the Temple of Apollo, we stood where the Oracle, the Pythia, once delivered her famously cryptic prophecies to kings, generals and pilgrims. Nearby, a remarkably preserved amphitheatre and ancient stadium spoke of a sophisticated civilisation whose influence is still with us today. With the expert guidance of Georgia, our local guide, the centuries between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE came vividly to life.
The next stage of our adventure took us to Crete, where we walked through some of Greece’s most dramatic landscapes. Along the island’s rugged south coast, our paths wound through rocky mountains, deep gorges and spectacular coastal tracks overlooking turquoise seas. Challenging descents led us to tiny whitewashed villages tucked between mountains and sea.
One of the most memorable walks was through the Imbros Gorge. Beyond its natural beauty, the gorge carries special significance for New Zealanders. During the Battle of Crete in 1941, units of the 2nd New Zealand Division fought fiercely before retreating south across unforgiving terrain towards the ports around Sfakia for evacuation to Egypt. Many soldiers passed through this gorge, exhausted, short of water, under constant air attack and often travelling only at night. Walking the route and visiting the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery at Souda Bay transformed the historical record into something deeply moving.
Our walking tour concluded in the Cyclades, on the island of Naxos, with a day trip to neighbouring Paros. Ancient footpaths threaded through hillsides lined with olive trees, some more than a thousand years old. Their twisted trunks clung to rocky terraces cultivated by generations of islanders.
Naxos has long been renowned for its marble, and the island’s ancient quarries reveal why. Prized since antiquity for its exceptional quality, Naxian marble was used to create statues that we saw in places as significant as the Acropolis and Delphi.
In Naxos Town, life revolved around the deep-blue harbour, where ferries and yachts arrived and departed throughout the day. The island’s culinary traditions proved equally memorable. Famous Naxian potatoes, sun-ripened tomatoes, aubergine and a remarkable variety of local cheeses featured prominently on every menu, with the island’s celebrated Graviera cheese a particular highlight.
Over the course of our travels, we completed a remarkable variety of walks—some leisurely, others demanding. From the bustling streets of Athens to ancient ruins, wartime landscapes, mountain gorges and island paths, each step offered a deeper understanding of Greece. More than simply a walking holiday, it became an immersion into the country’s history, culture, landscapes and way of life.
On Calder & Lawson’s walking tours, the journey is never simply about reaching a destination. With our small, companionable group, the highlights are about the stories, connections and discoveries made along the way.
-Rosanne Matheson
