Explore the rich history of Classical Greece on a seven-day tour departing from Athens. Led by an expert guide, see UNESCO-listed sites such as the Sanctuary of Asclepius and discover the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Epidaurus: One of the 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 the ancient Greek remains and the tomb of Agamemnon in Mycenae.
Olympia: The birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Delphi: At the foot of Mount Parnassos, lies the PanHellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which was the most famous Oracle of ancient Greece.
Acropolis: Visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens.
Acropolis Museum: Recognized as one of the top museums in the world, you’ll find yourself up close to the impressive marble masterpieces found on the Acropolis including dramatic sculptures and friezes that brilliantly define the Classical period of ancient Greece.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS (40km – 35min)
On your arrival at Athens Airport, you will be greeted and you will be taken to your Athens hotel in total comfort. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package has the cream of the crop, and we know you will thoroughly enjoy your one night stay in Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS – CANAL OF CORINTH – EPIDAURUS –NAUPLION - MYCENAE – OLYMPIA (385km – 9 hrs)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games. Dinner served at the hotel.
Overnight in Olympia.
Day 3: OLYMPIA – OLYMPIA ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE & MUSEUM – ANCIENT STADIUM – DELPHI (330km – 9 hrs)
Have breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 4: DELPHI – DELPHI ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE & MUSEUM – ATHENS (330km – 9 hrs)
Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum. A couple of hours free time in Delphi before departing and drive through the village of Arachova, renowned for its colourful rugs and carpets. Return to Athens via Levadia and Thebes. Arrive in Athens early in the evening.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 5: ATHENS
Recharge your batteries with breakfast in the hotel. Day free at your own to explore Athens city.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 6: ATHENS CITY TOUR – OPTIONAL HALF DAY TOUR TO CAPE SOUNION
Start your day with an energizing breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the 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. Please note that due to certain restrictions in the visiting hours of the new Acropolis museum the order of the program can be changed. In the evening you can optionally book the half-day tour to Cape Sounion (not included):
Half-day Cape Sounion (shared): includes shared bus transportation, shared bilingual (English and Italian) speaking local guide, entrance fee for Poseidon Temple. Drive along the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni & Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounio, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounio. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: DEPARTURE ATHENS (40km – 35min)
Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight departure transfer to the airport of Athens.
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, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.