Travel

I offer tailor-made tours to Greece and neighbouring countries, focusing on local culture, history, and the natural world, in collaboration with local experts and partners. My tours are for small groups of interested travellers. We see the famous historical sites as well as the hidden gems. We stay in fabulous places, meet local people and eat exquisite food. I often incorporate walking and botany into my tours.

Some sample tours are described below, but I will tailor your itinerary to your specific needs and desires. I am also available as a guide on a daily basis.

I also lead 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

Vikos Gorge and sternbergia
Bridge over the Aoos River at Konitsa
Vikos Gorge hike
Musicians in Zagori

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.

J and I did so enjoy our two days with you being guided around the sites of Athens:  you were exactly as described, very well informed and a fountain of stories about every monument we visited, and above all , really good fun to be with! We really enjoyed ourselves with you and thank you for all the driving you did yesterday to show us the Temples of Artemis and Poseidon, with the latter taking the prize.

Noel G.