Discover the famous historical monuments of mainland Greece! With this eight-day sightseeing tour in Greece from Athens including Meteora and Delphi, you will visit some of the most interesting sites in Greece. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi with Apollo temple and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-tower monasteries of Meteora.
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.
Meteora: In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremitic ideal in the 15th century.
Athens: Explore the Capital of Greece on your own, with plenty of time for shopping.
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 stay in Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS
Have a rich breakfast at the hotel. Day free at your leisure to explore Athens city.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: DELPHI – DELPHI ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE & MUSEUM – KALAMBAKA (310km – 8hrs)
Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town stated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6: KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ATHENS (355km – 9hrs)
Recharge your batteries with breakfast in the hotel. Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, 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. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida's Monument). Arrive in Athens early in the evening.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: ATHENS CITY TOUR
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.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: 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.
