Dig into Greece’s rich history. Explore Athens and discover the classical sites of Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and visit Meteora with its impressive monasteries.
Description
Experience a 7 day tour of Greece commencing with Athens followed by Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora and then a full day cruise to discover the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina from Athens. Enjoy views of the Greek coast from the open deck of a cruise ship.
Day 1: Sunday - Welcome to Athens
Arrival in Athens, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time to explore Athens at your own pace. Discover Plaka, the oldest district of Athens located under the Acropolis or enjoy shopping at Kolonaki, Ermou and Voukourestiou streets. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: Monday - Athens Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast, depart at your scheduled time for the Athens sightseeing tour including a panoramic tour of the city and a visit to Acropolis archaeological site. Expert tour guides will take you around the centre of Athens which includes Syntagma square, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemanns House, the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, the University and the National library. On the way to the Acropolis, you will see Hadrian's Arch, St Paul's Church, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. There will be a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens; The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with its porch of Maidens and finally, the famous Parthenon. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time. Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: Tuesday - 4 day Classical Tour. Epidaurus - Mycene - Olympia
After breakfast depart from Athens and start your 4 day classical tour. Drive by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal for a short stop which connects the Saronic to the Corinthian gulf with breath-taking views, then drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidaurus dated back to 4th century BC famous for its remarkable acoustics, then proceed to the town of Nauplion with a short photo stop and through Argos. Arrive to Myceane and visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. In the afternoon, optional stop for souvenirs. Depart for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the town of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia.
Day 4: Wednesday - 4 day Classical Tour. Olympia - Delphi
In the morning, visit the archaeological site with the temple of Zeus, the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, in antiquity the temple was housing one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus. Visit the Temple of Hera, the altar or the Olympic flame, the Ancient Stadium where the marble starting blocks are still in position! and the Archaeological Museum. Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece. Leaving Ancient Olympia, drive through Ilia and Achaia with a short stop in Patras town and afterwards cross over the magnificent bridge of Rio - Antirio, one of the biggest bridges of Europe, pass by the picturesque town of Nafpactos along the coastal road and arrive in Delphi - known in ancient times as the navel of the world. In the afternoon visit the mountain village of Arachova. Overnight in Delphi.
Day 5: Thursday - 4 day Classical Tour. Delphi - Kalambaka
After breakfast, visit the archaeological site and the Museum of Delphi, one of the most important museums in Greece. Delphi is perhaps best known for the oracle at the sanctuary that was dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. Depart for Kalambaka with a short stop by Lamia. Kalambaka is a small traditional town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks of God, at the shadow of the great Meteora Monasteries. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6: Friday - 4 day Classical Tour. Meteora Monasteries - Athens
Visit Meteora enjoying a unique and most impressive scenery of ageless monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures standing between Earth and Sky atop of huge rocks. To enter the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required, ladies long skirt and gentlemen long trousers. Return to Athens via towns of Trikala and Lamia, passing the heroic monument of Leonidas of Sparta at Thermopylae. Arrive in Athens early and overnight in Athens.
Day 7: Saturday - One Day Cruise to Saronic Islands
Our first stop is the picturesque island of Hydra. Here you have free time for a walk or a swim. Embark and sail to Poros, Lunch will be served during this trip. After a 2 hour trip arrive to the last port of call, the island of Aegina. Optional excursion to the fine preserved Temple of Aphaia Athena. Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: Sunday - Departure
After breakfast, depart at indicated time to Athens International Airport.
Olympic Rating: 3 Star
Official Rating: 3 Star
Accommodation
Double or Twin Inland View sleeps up to 3 persons featuring, a fully equipped bathroom with shower, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi (included) and safety deposit box (payable locally). Triple Room also available at a supplement sleeps up to 3 persons.
All customers are allocated into a 3 star hotel on this tour. Details of the hotel are provided on arrival in Athens.
Important Information
The Classical Greece Tour is packed with wonderful sights and experiences, therefore early mornings/long days are to be expected. We would recommend that you bring appropriate, comfortable footwear (such as trainers) for exploring the many sites.
What is included:
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- 4 nights in Athens in a 3 star hotel on bed & breakfast basis
- 1 night in Olympia in a 3 star hotel on half board basis
- 1 nights in Delphi in a 3 star hotel on half board basis
- 1 night in Kalambaka in a 3 star hotel on half board basis
- Deluxe air- conditioned coach for the classical tour
- Bilingual English tour guide
- All entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
- One day cruise to Saronic Islands, Hydra, Poros and Aegina including lunch on board.
What is not included:
- Optional excursion to the Temple of Aphaia Athena