Explore the rich history of Classical Greece on a seven-day tour departing from Athens. Led by an expert guide, see UNESCO-listed sites such as the Sanctuary of Asclepius and discover the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Epidaurus: Epidaurus is one of the 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 in Mycenae
Meteora: Discover the secrets of the ancient monasteries of Meteora in Kalambaka
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 World Heritage Site
Food tour: Visit the Athens Central Market and stroll through off-the-beaten-path areas in the city. Discover where Athenians shop and eat in a lively neighbourhood. Learn about the Mediterranean diet and sample Greek savouries and sweets.
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. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package has the cream of the crop, and we know you will thoroughly enjoy your stay in Athens. Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS: DAY AT LEISURE
Breakfast at your hotel. Today is at your own leisure. Enjoy your free day in Athens or book an optional Half Day Excursion Athens Sightseeing and Acropolis Museum (not included).
Half-Day Excursion Athens Sightseeing and Acropolis Museum: Discover Athens in all its splendor with this guided tour that includes a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Admire the city's most important famous sites of ancient and modern Athens and discover its history and culture. Marvel at the views from the Acropolis that offers an excellent panorama of the modern city. This half-day guided tour will help you get your bearings if this is your first visit to Athens. It is an ideal option for those who want to see the most interesting things about the capital in one morning. The half-day tour of Athens begins with a photo stop at the Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built of white marble. We will continue, passing by the Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass through the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Passing then through the National Garden, Hadrian's Arch, St. Paul's Church, Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Schliemann House (Numismatic Museum), the Catholic Cathedral, the old Parliament, Plaza de la Constitución, the Russian Orthodox Church, and finally the ACROPOLIS (visit to Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, Erechtheon with its portico of maidens). The expert guide will continue the sightseeing tour of Athens and the museum tour with a pleasant walk passing through the Theaters of Herod and Dionysus, in order to visit the ACROPOLIS museum. Avoiding and skipping the lines of the new museum. You will be impressed with the main attractions such as votives, artifacts of daily life, statues of the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, pediments and frieze.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: ATHENS – CANAL OF CORINTH – MYCENAE – NAUPLIA – EPIDAURUS (250 km - 3 hrs)
Breakfast in the hotel. Explore the remains of the ancient city of Mycenae a major center of Greek civilization from 1600BC to 1100BC. Depart from Athens via the coastal National highway for the Corinth Canal (shortstop). Drive to Mycenae and visit the archaeological site, home to the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon. Visit the Palace, the Lionesses Gate and the tomb of Agamemnon. After lunch (not included), proceed through Argos to Nauplia the first capital of modern Greece with its Venetian fortress of Palamidi and the fortified islet of Bourtzi (shortstop). Continue to visit the ancient theatre. The UNESCO’S world heritage listed monument is reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asclepius, the healer and was the most celebrated healing center of the classical world. Epidaurus is probably most famous for its theatre, one of the best-preserved classical Greek buildings and still used today due to its amazing acoustics. The tour returns to Athens in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 4: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (420 km - 5.5 hrs)
After breakfast, you will leave in a northwest direction towards the province of Boetia. You will arrive in Delphi around noon. Famous for its theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the universe and the earth and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon after lunch departure to central Greece and Kalambaka.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS (355 km - 4.5 hrs)
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning departure to Meteora for a tour of the clifftop monasteries and a visit of two different monasteries built on top of rock towers, offering fantastic views of the plain. Meteora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monasteries are perched atop sandstone towers, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for monks. Meteora is considered one of the best areas of mainland Greece and its monasteries are one of the most unique attractions in the country. On your return you can optionally visit a factory of Byzantine-style icons. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas of Sparta in Thermopyles (short stop for photos).
Overnight in Athens.
Day 6: ATHENS: DAY AT LEISURE
Breakfast at your hotel. Today is at your own leisure to enjoy your free day in Athens. Explore the city and discover its secret corners on your own rhythm or book an optional tour to the three islands Poros, Hydra and Aegina for a relaxing day on the sea. With all your transport, transfers and buffet lunch organized, (a delicious lunch and Greek folklore show aboard your ship are included), you can sit back and enjoy your leisurely day cruise with free time on each island to explore.
Full-day Cruise to Three Saronic Islands: After transferring from Athens to the port by coach, you'll set sail for the island of Poros, where you'll have free time for strolling and shopping. Head ashore at the colorful capital and enjoy around two hours to look around on your own. As you approach the island of Hydra admire the colourful harbor. You will have about 1.5 hours at leisure to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra island, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. Amble down the narrow lanes, relax over coffee, or buy souvenirs in the quaint shops. As an asset, you can explore the island on your schedule with a free self-guided audio tour. From the decks, you will be able to admire the very special architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently stand witness to a long and turbulent history. Upon arrival in Aegina a guided excursion to Egina's ancient Temple of Aphaia is also available at your own expense or take a walk around the main town. Aegina is one of the Saronic islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf. The lovely island is only 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Athens and is a popular getaway for Athenians during the summer months. Return to your cruise boat and sit down to enjoy a Greek folklore show of traditional music and dancing as you sail back to the port. After an hour at sea, disembark and finish your trip with a drop-off in Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: ATHENS: FOOD TOUR
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by the Delicious Athens Food Tour. Discover a different side of Athens by indulging in the Greeks' favourite pastime: eating! Your English-speaking guide will meet you in central Athens to start the tour with a Greek coffee and insights into local food culture. Taste a variety of Greek specialties, beginning with koulouri, a classic street snack, and sampling olive oils, spreads, and other delights at a specialty food store. Next, visit a historic baklava bakery known for its syrupy sweets, and enjoy authentic souvlaki with fried potatoes at a popular grill. Experience the bustling Varvakios Market, Athens’ largest fish, meat, and vegetable market, alive with vibrant vendors showcasing local and unique ingredients. Stroll through Spice Street to browse herbs and spices like Greek oregano and saffron, and enjoy a bougatsa pastry for a sweet treat. End the tour at a charming deli with a selection of Greek meze, cheeses, and cured meats. By the end of the tour, you’ll leave with a happy stomach and a deeper appreciation of Greek food culture!
Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: DEPARTURE ATHENS
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Athens airport to continue with your travelling arrangements.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Athens. 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.
