Join our 10-day tour and travel to the heart of Greece, the land of Gods. Discover the legends of the Greek mythology by visiting the Acropolis and feel the harmony between material and spirit in the magical Parthenon. Coastal driver along the Corinth Canal will take you to the cradle of the Olympic Games, Olympia, and magnificent sanctuary of Delphi will unveil you the secret techniques of ancient prophesy. Admire the beautiful landscape that surrounds Meteora Monasteries in Kalambaka and once in Thessaloniki, get in to the vibrant life of this bustling city and enjoy its beauty as a local, savouring the local gastronomy and surrounded sites to Edessa, Vergina and Naoussa. This trip will fill all your senses and will leave great memories for the lifetime.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Parthenon: dedicated by the Athenians to goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron of the city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power
Omphalos of Delphi: oracle which consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The Greeks considered Delphi the naval (or centre) of the world, as represented by the stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi
Kalambaka: picturesque town, home to a Meteora monasteries, a spiritual, mystical, magical, breath-taking and extraordinary experience, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. Only 6 of them have made it through the centuries, from an initial estimated number of 24
Edessa: romantic town, surrounded by the charming little bridges, running water and magnificent waterfalls that will accompany your loving walks around this place.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS
Upon your arrival at Athens airport or Piraeus port (please advise your flight details or ferry details, in order to arrange the pick-up), meet and greet, and transfer to your hotel for check in. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never sleeping city.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS
Luscious breakfast at your hotel is followed by the exciting Athens city tour which gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guide will take you to see Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held (shortstop), the Prime Minister's residence guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the monument that "puts the order in the mind", magnificent Parthenon. The tour ends with a visit to the new Acropolis museum. Return to your hotel in Athens. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Optionally, you can book a half-day excursion to Cape Sounio (not included, optional extra).
Cape Sounio excursion
This unique tour will take you through the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni & Varkiza to Cape Sounio, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounio.
(Includes roundtrip shared transportation from/to hotel, shared professional English-speaking guide, entrance fee to Cape Sounio).
End time: 19:30
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: ATHENS – CORINTH CANAL-EPIDARUS –NAFPLIO-MYCENAE-OLYMPIA (395 km – 5.45 hrs)
After the delightful breakfast at the hotel, depart today by the coastal road to the impressive Corinth Canal where you will have a short photo stop. Continue the drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidaurus famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the Town of Nauplion (short stop) drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese passing by the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Arrive at Olympia, cradle of the ancient Olympic Games and after the check-in enjoy a dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Olympia.
Day 4: OLYMPIA – DELPHI (215 km – 3.15 hrs)
Breakfast at your hotel. In the morning visit the archaeological site with the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the archaeological museum. After drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, and once in Delphi, check-in to your hotel. Dinner serves at the hotel.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 5: DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (235 km – 3.15 hrs)
Wake up to tasty breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your morning visit of the archaeological site and the museum of Delphi. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the Meteora, those gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of Thessaly. Arrive to Kalambaka, check-in and wrap up the day with a dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6: KALAMBAKA – THESSALONIKI (230 km – 2.5 hrs)
Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel and get ready for one of the most exciting sites, Meteora, perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Afterward, depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece, home to the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece, check-in to the hotel and dinner.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 7: THESSALONIKI
After breakfast, in the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige after Constantinople. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins of the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics. The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city (dinner and overnight).
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 8: THESSALONIKI – EDESSA – NAOUSSA –VERGINA – VERIA –THESSALONIKI (245 km – 4hrs)
After an energizing breakfast at the hotel, depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop is at picturesque Edessa where you see the town's famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to visit the Aristotle's School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Afterward drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. A walk in a city where past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 9: THESSALONIKI – PELLA – DION – THERMOPYLE – ATHENS (575 km – 6.15 hrs)
Start your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel, after which you drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Further on continue to the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos) and afterward, you proceed driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, back to Athens, where you arrive in late afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 10: DEPARTURE ATHENS
Delightful breakfast at the hotel are followed by a big farewell to Greece. At an indicated time you will be transferred to the Athens airport to take your flight to following destinations.
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.
