Discover the famous historical monuments of mainland Greece! With this eight-day tour, you will get to visit some of the country’s most interesting sites, such as the Acropolis, the birthplace of the Ancient Olympics, the archaeological site of Delphi, the Temple of Apollo and the UNESCO-listed World Heritage rock-tower monasteries of Meteora.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Epidaurus: Epidaurus is one of the world’s most important archaeological findings, reflecting the splendour of Greek culture through its imposing beauty. Visit the birthplace of Apollo's son and an ancient place of healing.
Mycenae: See ancient Greek remains and the tomb of Agamemnon.
Olympia: Birthday of the Olympic Games.
Delphi: At the foot of Mount Parnassos lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which was the most famous Oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi is the second most important archaeological site in Greece (after the Acropolis in Athens) and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Meteora: In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Meteora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Athens: Explore the Capital of Greece on your own, with plenty of time for shopping.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS
On your arrival at Athens airport, you will be greeted and taken to your Athens hotel in the comfort of an air-conditioned luxury car or bus. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package offers the cream of the crop. Once you’re settled, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, either by heading out to explore the streets of Athens at your own rhythm or by making the most of the services available at the hotel. In the evening, you have the opportunity to book an optional night tour of the city (not included).
Night out in Athens (English-speaking guide, Thursdays and Saturdays only): The evening begins with a panoramic drive around the centre, allowing you to witness this historical city after dark. Continue up the slopes of the sacred Acropolis Hill, where you will be able to admire and take photographs of the illuminated Acropolis. The tour continues with a pleasant walk through the narrow street of Plaka, the old city, arriving at a typical Greek tavern for dinner. Your dinner tonight will be accompanied by live music and dancers in traditional costumes who will entertain you with a selection of Greek folk dances.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS AND ACROPOLIS
In the morning, have breakfast and then embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city. Along with your expert guide, go see the city centre, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. On your way to the Acropolis you will pass Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Then, at the Acropolis, visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the famous Parthenon. Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or you can book an optional tour (not included).
Half-day Cape Sounio Excursion: Drive along the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni & Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: ATHENS – CANAL OF CORINTH – EPIDAURUS –NAFPLION - MYCENAE – OLYMPIA (385 km – 9 hrs)
After breakfast in the hotel, leave Athens by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where you will make a short stop to contemplate the views. Then drive on and visit the splendid Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. After that, proceed to the town of Nafplion, where you will enjoy a brief photo stop before continuing to Mycenae. Here you will visit the city’s fascinating Archaeological Site, as well as the Tomb of Agamemnon. Lastly, depart for Olympia by driving through the Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Once you arrive in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, check-in at the hotel to spend the night.
Overnight in Olympia.
Day 4: OLYMPIA - DELPHI (330 km – 8 hrs)
Today breakfast in the hotel is followed by a visit to the Archaeological Site containing the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. After that morning of history, monuments and enlightenment, it’s time to drive through the plains of Eliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea before you finally arrive in Delphi, a city once regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, Zeus sent out two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world, and it was in this location that they met. The sanctuary of Delphi is set within the most spectacular landscape. Check-in at the hotel and spend the night.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 5: DELPHI - KALAMBAKA (310 km – 8 hrs)
Wake up to breakfast in the hotel and then head out to explore the Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi, where amongst other archaeological treasures you can contemplate the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos. After the visit, you will depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, an almost alien landscape filled with gigantic rock formations. Check in to the hotel for the night.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6: KALAMBAKA - ATHENS (355 km –9 hrs)
After breakfast in the hotel, explore the striking scenery of Meteora. Perched on top of enormous pillars of rock that seem almost suspended in mid-air, stand a series of ancient monasteries showcasing a wonderful collection of Byzantine art. You will ascend to two of the monasteries to marvel at their beautiful contents before beginning the drive back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae, where you’ll make a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening and check in to the hotel.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: ATHENS
Charge your batteries after finally returning to Athens with breakfast in the hotel. Then you are free to enjoy a full day at leisure. Today you have the chance to book an optional one-day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina (not included).
Hydra, Poros and Aegina Islands Cruise (English-speaking guide): After a morning transfer by bus from Athens to the port, you’ll be welcomed onboard a luxurious cruise ship and invited to one of its spacious open decks. From the deck, you’ll have a great vantage point for enjoying views of the Greek coast. The first stop is the island of Poros, the smallest of the 3 islands you’ll visit on the tour. It’s separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait. Have ample time to explore the island and once you’re on board again you’ll be served a delicious lunch as the ship sail towards Hydra. Take in the stunning views as you enter the port of Hydra and see the cove that at one time served as a shelter for pirates. From the open decks, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of this island. There will be time for you to explore the narrow, stone-paved streets of the island on foot, or by saddled donkey, which is the traditional mode of transportation. If you choose to go by foot, you can walk along the old seaside promenade and perhaps stop at some of the small shops. When you return to the ship, you’ll find the tables set once again with more delicious food prepared by the ship’s superb chef. Along with your food enjoy charming Greek music on the way to Aegina, which is the largest of the 3 islands on the tour. Apart from its beautiful harbour, there are numerous interesting sites that you’ll have a chance to discover on your own. Enjoy a Greek folk show with singers and dancers in traditional costumes on the sail back to Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: DEPARTURE ATHENS
Wake up to one last breakfast in the hotel before taking your transfer back to Athens airport, where you’ll catch your flight to your following destination. The time your transfer leaves depends on your flight departure.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
