I offer exclusive, personalised tours in Greece (and some neighbouring countries), focusing on local culture, music, history, botany, ornithology and literature, in collaboration with local experts and partners. I aim to bring visitors as close as possible to the ‘spirit of the place’, in all its aspects. This often means going to less-visited sites, or sites with special cultural, literary or historic resonance. Along the way we read poetry, identify flowers and birds, and meet interesting people. We see beautiful landscapes and eat the best local food. My tours are for small groups. I am happy to discuss tours in all parts of Greece, but I specialise in the following places:

• Athens and Attica

• Northern Greece: Thessaloniki - Prespa Lakes - Zagori - Ioannina

• Aoos/Vjosa River (Greece and Southern Albania)

• Crete

Since 2019 I have also led tours with The Slow Cyclist in Zagori and Crete.

If you wish to enquire about a possible trip, or discuss an itinerary, please contact me at joshuabarleygreece@gmail.com

Testimonials

In early May Josh guided us to the most interesting places in Northern Greece, when fields of wild narcissi, orchids and even peonies were in full flower.

Bowled over by the natural beauty of the area, we were equally thrilled by the many sites Josh showed us, from the extraordinarily well preserved tomb of Philip ll of Macedon, to dozens of beautifully painted churches, all very different and fascinating.

It was Josh’s brilliance as a guide that made this journey unforgettable. His love of Greece – the language, the people, the history and the culture – is palpable and his enthusiasm for every aspect of Greek life utterly infectious.

The highlight of highlights was a surprise picnic in a wooded grove, next to a silent lake. There we were met by a Pan-like clarinettist, a friend of Josh’s, who not only serenaded us with his glorious, mournful playing but also cooked us dozens of delicious fish which we scoffed with greedy relish.

Deborah K.