8 days, 8 cities
Walk in the very place western civilisation was born as your travels reveal all the best of Greece highlights. From the other-worldly clifftop Meteora monasteries to walking the Sacred Way as the ancients once did in Delphi, this journey back in time will bring centuries of history to life.
Day 1
Welcome to Athens
Put the ‘oh’ in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.
Accommodation – Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre/Divani Caravel/Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens
Day 2
Explore Amazing Athens
- Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the ‘Cradle of Western Civilisation’.
- Along our journey into antiquity, we’ll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena,the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus.
- Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian’s Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896.
- The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city’s tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.
Accommodation – Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre/Divani Caravel/Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens
Day 3
Journey to Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplion
- We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula.
- Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries.
- We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we’ll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist.
- Later, we travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day.
- Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we’ll dine in our hotel this evening.
Accommodation – Amalia Hotel Nafplio
Day 4
Continue to Ancient Olympia
- We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC.
- This evening, we Connect with Locals joining the Karabelas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Accommodation – Amalia Hotel Olympia
Day 5
Onwards to Patras and Delphi
- We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We’ll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera.
- Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.
Accommodation – Amalia Hotel Delphi
Day 6
Off to Thermopylae and Kalambaka
- Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world.
- Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts.
- Continue on to a family-run honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste the rich thyme honey freshly collected from the hive and come up close to the unique biodiversity of the area.
- A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians.
- We cross the lush Thessaly region, travelling north through the ‘breadbasket of Greece’ towards Kalambaka.
Accommodation – Amalia Hotel Kalambaka
Day 7
Admire Meteora and Return to Athens
- The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town.
- A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we’ll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.
Accommodation – Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre/Divani Caravel/Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens
Day 8
Farewell Athens
We say a fond farewell to our newfound friends and the treasures of Greece after an unforgettable journey.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- Enjoy your stay at cherry picked hotels and lodges, all tried and trusted.
- Travel comfortably in air-conditioned coaches.
- Our Travel Directors play a crucial role in curating unforgettable experiences for the guests. These seasoned explorers, and culture enthusiasts share local insights from the start, offering a personalized, insider’s perspective of each destination.
- Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply.
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included.
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences.
COST: $1,913Onwards
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