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
Arrival at Athens Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never-sleeping city. You may optionally visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe. Enjoy shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area or Ermou, and have a nice, quiet walk at the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a big number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artefacts (own expense).
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS AND ACROPOLIS
In the morning embark on your sightseeing tour of the ancient city. Discover the secrets of Athens, including its famous Acropolis on your sightseeing tour. The half-day tour of Athens begins with a photo stop at the Panathinaiko Stadium where 3 the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built of white marble. We will continue, passing through 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 next, through the National Garden, Hadrian's Arch, St. Paul's Church, the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Schliemann House (Numismatic Museum), the Catholic Cathedral, the old Parliament, Constitution Square, the Russian Orthodox Church, and finally the Acropolis (visit Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, Erechtheum with its maiden porch). Your knowledgeable guide will continue your Athens sightseeing tour and museum tour with a leisurely stroll past the Theaters of Herod and Dionysus to visit the Acropolis museum. You will be impressed by the main attractions like votives, artifacts from everyday life, statues from 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 – EPIDAURUS – MYCENAE – OLYMPIA (385 km – 9 hrs)
Breakfast in the hotel. The tour starts with departure from Athens, to reach Ancient Olympia, after a stop at the Corinth Canal, a tour of the magnificent ancient city of Mycenae and a visit to the popular Epidaurus ancient theatre. The day closes with dinner at the hotel in Ancient Olympia, where we stay overnight.
Overnight in Olympia.
Day 4: OLYMPIA – DELPHI (330 km – 8 hrs)
Breakfast in the hotel. Start with a morning tour of the archaeological site and the museum of Olympia, the homeland of the Olympic Games. Afterwards, we leave Olympia for our hotel in Delphi, where we dine and stay overnight.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 5: DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (310 km – 8 hrs)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Today takes on a mystical tone with a visit to the ancient Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, famously known as the "Navel of the Earth," where you'll delve into the captivating history of the oracle. Later, journey to the awe-inspiring Meteora, concluding the day with your arrival at a hotel in Kalambaka.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS (355 km – 9 hrs)
Breakfast in the hotel. Embark on a journey through time to the Byzantine era, exploring the breathtaking rock formations of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour includes visits to two monasteries perched dramatically atop the towering cliffs. The day concludes with our return to Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: ATHENS
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Then you are free to enjoy a full day at leisure.
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.
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.
