Athens is one of the most historic cities in the world, among the oldest cities in Europe with a history of 3000 years. A fascinating town full of highlights and surprises. Visit the Acropolis museum and site and learn about Greek civilization. But remember that Athens is not just about antiquity; Athens will offer you plenty of opportunities to savour the best of the traditional Greek cuisine. Kalambaka is a picturesque town with narrow cobble-stoned streets and traditional houses, some of them built right next to the rocks and have a long tradition in the production of hand-made, wood-carved objects, but also in the making of religious icons that are painted by domestic artists. Some of the workshops are located outside the town’s centre. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of them. Crescent-shaped Santorini Island is the most precious gem of Cyclades islands. The island itself though hides several gems where with this tour, you are given the chance to explore, see and admire.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Parthenon: The 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
Acropolis Museum: The Acropolis museum is the perfect sanctuary for the ancient artefacts that were found in the Parthenon and its surrounding temples. It covers a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters and nearly 4,000 objects exhibiting
Omphalos of Delphi, the centre of the world: The 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
Meteora monasteries: Meteora phenomenon, a spiritual, mystical, magical, breathtaking and extraordinary experience. Visit a stone forest decorated with historical monasteries, included in the World Heritage List of Unesco. Only 6 of them have made it through the centuries, from an initial estimated number of 24
Santorini Gems: Akrotiri site -the Pompei of Greece, Lava islets -an active volcano, Canava - from vineyards to distillery, Santorinian fava - a gastronomic treasure, Oia sunset - an incredible beauty
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.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (586 km - 7 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 to the cities of Lamía (short stop), Tríkala crossing the Thessaly plain, to Kalambaka, a small city built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowned by the monasteries of Meteora (short stop to buy souvenirs).
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 3: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS ( 437 km - 4 hrs)
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning departure to Meteora for a tour of the clifftop monasteries and visit 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). After visit return to Athens in the evening.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 4: ATHENS CITY TOUR
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. 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 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, artefacts 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 5: ATHENS – SANTORINI (6 hrs, by ferry)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then depart to your next destination. Early transfer from the hotel to Piraeus port to take the high-speed ferry to Santorini. Arrive in Santorini where you will be met and assisted by our representative. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and settlement.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 6: SANTORINI
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today is for you to explore and discover the island of Santorini, on your own.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 7: SANTORINI - ATHENS (6 hrs, by ferry)
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port of Santorini to take your high-speed ferry to Athens Piraeus port. Your boat trip last around 5hrs. Upon arrival at Piraeus port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: DEPARTURE ATHENS
After breakfast and check out, enjoy free time in Athens before your transfer to the airport.
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.
