Join our ten-day tour and travel to the heart of Greece, the land of Gods. Discover the legends of Greek mythology by visiting the Acropolis and feel the harmony between material and spirit in the magical Parthenon. The 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 an ancient prophecy. Admire the beautiful landscape that surrounds Meteora Monasteries in Kalambaka and once in Thessaloniki, get into 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 navel (or centre) of the world, as represented by the stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi.
Kalambaka: picturesque town, home to a Meteora monastery, 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 (40km – 35min)
Upon your arrival at Athens airport or Piraeus port, 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. Today participate at the 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 the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colourful 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 harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts the order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum. Return to your hotel in Athens. The rest of the day free of leisure.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: ATHENS – CORINTH CANAL – EPIDARUS – NAFPLIO – MYCENAE – OLYMPIA (395km – 5.45hrs)
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, the cradle of the ancient Olympic Games and after the check-in enjoy a dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Olympia.
Day 4: OLYMPIA – DELPHI (215km – 3.15hrs)
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 is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 5: DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (235km – 3.15hrs)
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 steeply from the plain of Thessaly. Arrive in Kalambaka, check-in and wrap up the day with dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6: KALAMBAKA – METEORA –THESSALONIKI (230km – 2.5hrs)
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. Afterwards, 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, learn about the history of this city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the "co-reigning" city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. On this city tour, you will visit unique monuments and you will feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world as well as in the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded with the Council of Europe's Museum Prize for the year 2005. Rest of the day free, to enjoy time in the lively centre of the Thessaloniki city. Dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 8: THESSALONIKI – EDESSA – NAOUSSA – VERGINA – VERIA – THESSALONIKI (245km – 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. Afterwards 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 the past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 9: THESSALONIKI – PELLA – DION – THERMOPYLE – ATHENS (575km – 6.15hrs)
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 afterwards, you proceed driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, back to Athens, where you arrive in the late afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 10: DEPARTURE ATHENS (40km – 35min)
Delightful breakfast at the hotel is 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.
