Classical Greece
The ancient Greek civilization, one of the oldest in the world, is still present in the various archaeological sites around Greece. See the old stories – and myths – come alive through the narrative of our expert guides. Relive the battles and the geo-political turmoil that laid the ground for the ‘Golden Era’ (5th century BC), where philosophy and democracy, mathematics and astronomy flourished. Take a fascinating tour through the ages in the ‘cradle of civilization’!
Day 1 – Athens - Sightseeing in the Greek capital
Outline: Flight arrival in Athens - Meet with our representative & transfer to hotel - Check-in – Afternoon tour of city highlights
Overnight in Athens
Highlights: Our expert guide will accompany you through the city sights, including the magnificent Acropolis, the historic centre of Plaka, the Parliament building with the Evzones changing of the guard and the Panathenaikon Stadium among others. Dive into the Greek culture, both ancient and contemporary, and take in the urban landscape and pulse!
Day 2 – Argolis - Epidaurus and Mycenae adventure
Outline: Early breakfast – Depart for Argolis in the morning – Visit the Corinth Canal, Epidaurus and Mycenae – Lunch at Mycenae – Early afternoon tour of Nafplion – Check-in to hotel
Overnight in Nafplion
Highlights: Stop for a photo-op at the awe-inspiring Corinth Canal. Continue to the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics, and on to Mycenae to visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon, the Lions Gate and the ruined Palace, where the Trojan War comes to life. After lunch, arrive to the picturesque town of Nafplion, located in the Gulf of Argolis under the rocky promontory of Akronafplia and the fortified hill of Palamidi.
Day 3 – Mystras - The Byzantine Castle city
Outline: Early breakfast – Visit of Sparta and Mystras with lunch– Afternoon at leisure in Nafplion
Overnight in Nafplion
Highlights: Stop for a short visit of modern Sparta and the Archaeological Museum that houses local artifacts, before continuing to Mystras. Mystras used to be the stronghold of the last Emperor of the Byzantine Empire and a significant city in medieval Greece. Nowadays abandoned, the castle walls, fortifications and various buildings still stand, a reminder of the area’s past history.
Day 4 – Olympia - The birthplace of the Olympic Games
Outline: Early breakfast – Depart for Olympia – Visit the archaeological site and Museum - Afternoon at leisure in Olympia
Overnight in Olympia
Highlights: Tour the site of the first Olympic Games which ran from 776 BC to AD 393. Major structures include the 6th century BC Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Apollo, Nero's Villa, the Altis Sanctuary and a museum housing superb sculpture displays. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the local shops in Olympia village, have some Greek coffee and the superb sweet preserves with local ingredients.
Day 5 – Delphi - The naval of the earth and sanctuary of the Pythia
Outline: Early breakfast – Depart for Delphi in the morning – Tour of Delphi - Afternoon at leisure in Delphi
Overnight in Delphi
Highlights: Cross the Corinthian Bay, passing the picturesque seaside villages of Nafpactos and Itea, to Delphi. By common consent the most spectacularly beautiful ancient site in Greece, Delphi is built on a steep Cliffside. The breathtaking view and awe-inspiring natural beauty create a mystic atmosphere that is sure to intrigue you! Enjoy a three part visit of the Sanctuary of Apollo with the Stadion, the Castalian spring and the Sanctuary of Athena at Marmaria, before continuing to the Museum.
Day 6 – Meteora - The Monasteries in the Sky
Outline: Early breakfast – Depart for Kalambaka in the morning – Tour of Meteora Monasteries - Afternoon at leisure in Kalambaka
Overnight in Kalambaka
Highlights: Enjoy the lush Greek countryside on your journey northbound to Kalambaka, a small Town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Pause at the monasteries of Meteora, breathtaking structures sitting atop gray-rock pinnacles jutting over 2km into the Sky. Meteora means "hanging between Heaven and Earth". Visit two of the monasteries still in use and view the ancient manuscripts, ornate icons and Byzantine artefacts.
Day 7 – Back to Athens and the way home
Return to Athens at the Venizelos International Airport to board your flight back home.