Explore the rich history of Classical Greece on an eight-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.
On your arrival at Athens Airport or Port, you will be greeted and you will be taken to your Athens hotel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. 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. Rest of the day free of leisure.
Overnight in Athens
Breakfast in the hotel. Enjoy the day exploring the Capital of Greece: Athens. Our City Sightseeing, open-top, a double-deck bus tour of Athens takes around and encompasses central Athens, commencing at Syntagma Square. Tracing the history and culture of Athens from ancient times to the present day and passing a plethora of various shopping opportunities that are along the route. You can easily visit the many things to do including World famous museums, with spectacular views of ancient temples, the Acropolis and Parthenon. Athens represents the juxtaposition of ancient history and modern life which is a very rare experience and one not to be missed.
Overnight in Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast in the hotel. Explore the remains of the ancient city of Mycenae a major centre of Greek civilization from 1600BC to 1100BC. Depart from Athens via the coastal National highway for the Corinth Canal (shortstop). Drive to Mycenae and visit the archaeological site, home to the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon. Visit the Palace, the Lionesses Gate and the tomb of Agamemnon. Before the optional lunch an optional stop in a pottery factory (lunch not included). After lunch through Argos proceed, to Nauplia the first capital of modern Greece with its Venetian fortress of Palamidi and the fortified islet of Bourtzi (shortstop). Continue to Epidaurus and visit the ancient theatre. The UNESCO’S world heritage listed monument is reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius, the healer and was the most celebrated healing centre of the classical world. Epidaurus is probably most famous for its theatre, one of the best-preserved classical Greek buildings and still used today due to its amazing acoustics. The tour returns to Athens in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Athens
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, leave for Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site. After the visit depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Proceed to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. Visit Meteora and enjoy a unique and most impressive scenery with ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop huge rocks. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (shortstop to see across the road the Leonida’s Monument), arrive in Athens early in the evening.
Overnight in Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. Today the day is at your own leisure or you can optionally book the Athens food tour (not included):
Athens food tour (Shared; English or French): At around 10:00 am at Syntagma square your escort will meet you and take you for that essential eye-opener, Greek coffee, at one of the landmark coffee houses of the city. You’ll get an explanation of the role of food in Greek life, and of the eating habits of Athenians in particular. Next, it’s a treat from the street, as you sample a koulouri, one of the all-time classic snacks on the go before you duck into a carefully selected speciality food store that prides itself on its wide selection of Greek products. Here, you’ll be able to taste different olive oils, oils, spreads and other surprises, but remember to pace yourself – there are seven more food stops to follow! This is your chance to be food-adventurous – among the upcoming stops is a baklava bakery with a long history and some of the best syrupy sweets in Greece. Then, it’s time for authentic souvlaki and fried potatoes at a popular grill spot before heading into the traditional “belly of the city”, the bustling Varvakios Market, the biggest and most popular fish, meat and vegetable market in the whole of Athens. At the stalls, you’ll see plenty of familiar foods, but you’ll find lots of surprises as well, particularly in the central fish hall, where the catch of the day is often some unusual deep-water denizen. As we continue our walk, we’ll take the city’s Spice Street and drop in at a shop with an incredible variety of local condiments and herbs such as Greek oregano and Krokos Kozanis, otherwise known as Greek Red Saffron. Find out how these items and others are used in Greek cooking while you browse the shelves for exotic cooking ingredients. We’ll also stop by a local pastry shop for a serious sugar rush as we tuck into a bougatsa (a traditional cream-filled phyllo treat). The last stop on the tour is for a selection of scrumptious Greek meze at a charming deli. Here, you’ll be able to try classic appetizers, variety of cheese and cured meats. When they finally clear the plates away here, our mission will be accomplished – you’ll leave with a full and happy stomach and a much better understanding of the world of Greek food. Rest of the day free at your own to wander around and stay in Athens city centre returning back at your hotel on your own (Order of visits may change).
Overnight in Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. Today is at your own leisure. Enjoy your free day in Athens or book an optional tour to the three islands Poros, Hydra and Aegina (not included):
One day cruise to three Saronic Islands (Shared): you will be transferred in the morning to the port for embarkation to the cruise ship. Around 08:00 am the vessel will sail for the three beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf. Visit the island of Poros with the enchanting view and famous lemon forest and Hydra island with the unique shape which once served as a safe shelter for the pirates. From the deck, you will be able to admire the very special architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island. The old traditional stone houses and mansions of this place, silently stand witness to a long history. Your last stop will be at Aegina island, the largest of the three islands. Enjoy either a walk or horse-carriage ride around the town or relax in one of the harbour’s charming waterfront coffee shops. Don’t miss to buy the famous Aegina pistachios. In the evening, return to port and get transferred back to your hotel in Athens for overnight.
Overnight in Athens
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Athens Airport or Port to continue with your travelling arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
