Get a comprehensive overview of classical Greece on this 9-day tour, starting from Athens. Discover mainland Greece and explore the wonders of the ancients and the secrets of the most recognized monuments in the world, including Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Athens
Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. During the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner with live folkloric show at one of the traditional taverns of Plaka.
Day 2: Athens sightseeing & Nafplio
Enjoy a tour around the most famous landmarks of Athens, such as the Parliament, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Panathenaic Stadium before making our way to the famous Acropolis with its awesome Parthenon. Then we take the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where we will make a short stop, before arriving to Nafplio , the first capital of modern Greece. During the evening enjoy a walking tour at the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress
Day 3: Exploring Argolis
After breakfast we depart to the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus with its spectacular amphitheater, a monument to the arts and a structure famous for its remarkable acoustics. Next stop is Mycenae, center of Greek civilization from 1600BC to 1100BC, where a visit to the archaeological site and Tomb of Agamemnon is in order. A culture-filled day will conclude once we reach Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, via Central Peloponnesus and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis.
Day 4: Ancient Olympia
In the morning we will have the chance to visit the archaeological site containing the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and archaeological museum and of course the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games. Afterwards, we will drive on through the plains of Iliad and Achaia, through the magnificent modern bridge of Rio-Antirio which connects the two sides of the Corinthian Bay. We will pass through the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea before reaching Delphi, our final destination for the day.
Day 5: Delphi
The day starts with a visit at Delphi, a place that was once characterized as the center of the ancient world, including the well preserved remains of Temple Apollo, the Castalian Spring and the Oracle of Delphi. Afterwards, we will proceed to the small picturesque city of Kalambaka, passing through beautiful villages and cities of Central Greece, all built according to the traditional local architecture.
Day 6: Meteora
After breakfast we visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance. Then we depart from Kalambaka and continue your journey through the striking plains of Thessaly and the valley of Tempi, while admiring the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece.
Day 7: Explore Macedonia
Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town’s famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naousa and visit Aristotle’s School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. Next stop is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul’s Bema. Finally return to Thessaloniki for overnight stay
Day 8:Pella – Dion- Athens
Today we drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great, visiting the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). Finally we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas’ Monument) and Thebes, arriving in Athens late in the afternoon.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast and according to the departure flight you are transferred to the airport.
Highlights
Step back in time on a history tour
Explore Meteora, the high rocks standing between earth, wind and sky
Taste the real Mediterranean food, that only the Greeks know
Visit the trademark of the city of Athens, the Acropolis of Athens with its Parthenon
Delphi, the most celebrated place in the ancient world
The famous Archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games
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