Visit one of the most impressive countries in Europe and get in touch with the magnificent culture and fascinating history written by the Greeks. While you learn about mythology, philosophy, history or democracy, indulge in the mouthwatering local cuisine, famous for its extraordinary freshness and simplicity. Explore Athens, the heart of civilization and let the Acropolis amaze your eyes. Then, wander around the place where mythology and history meet, the imposing Delphi, surrounded by a mysterious aura and completed by stunning landscapes. Let the traditional Kalambaka impress you with its narrow cobble-stoned streets and traditional houses and embrace all the other cultural surprises of this memorable five-days tour.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Parthenon: Dedicated to the famous goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron of the city, the Parthenon is the most magnificent creation of the Athenian democracy.
Acropolis Museum: The Acropolis museum is the perfect sanctuary for the ancient artefacts found in the Parthenon and its surrounding temples.
Delphi: Considered the centre of the world in the Greek culture, Delphi is best represented by the famous stone monument, known as the Omphalos of Delphi.
Meteora: Visiting the historical Meteora monasteries is a spiritual, mystical, and breathtaking experience.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS
Arrive at Athens Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never sleeping city. You may optionally visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe. Enjoy shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area or Ermou, and have a nice, quiet walk in the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a large number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artifacts.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (417 km - 5.5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. You will arrive in Delphi around noon. Famous for its theater, the Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the universe and the earth and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon departure to central Greece and to the cities of Lamía (short stop), Tríkala crossing the Thessaly plain, to Kalambaka, a small city built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowned by the monasteries of Meteora.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 3: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS (355 km - 4hrs)
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning departure to Meteora for a tour of the clifftop monasteries and visit two different monasteries built on top of rock towers, offering fantastic views of the plain. Meteora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monasteries are perched atop sandstone towers, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for monks. Meteora is considered one of the best areas of mainland Greece and its monasteries are one of the most unique attractions in the country. On your return you can optionally visit a factory of Byzantine-style icons. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas of Sparta in Thermopyles (short stop for photos).
Overnight in Athens.
Day 4: ATHENS – CAPE SOUNION – ATHENS
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a free morning. In the afternoon drive along the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 5: DEPARTURE ATHENS
Breakfast at your hotel. Today participate at the Athens city tour which gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Discover the secrets of Athens, including its famous Acropolis on your sightseeing tour. The half-day tour of Athens begins with a photo stop at the Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built of white marble. We will continue, passing through the Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass through the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Passing next, through the National Garden, Hadrian's Arch, St. Paul's Church, the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Schliemann House (Numismatic Museum), the 4 Catholic Cathedral, the old Parliament, Constitution Square, the Russian Orthodox Church, and finally the ACROPOLIS (visit Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, Erechtheum with its maiden porch). Your knowledgeable guide will continue your Athens sightseeing tour and museum tour with a leisurely stroll past the Theaters of Herod and Dionysus to visit the ACROPOLIS museum. You will be impressed by the main attractions like votives, artifacts from everyday life, statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, pediments and frieze. After the tour, return at the hotel to pick up luggage and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Approx. arrival time at the airport 16:00 pm. Book your travel arrangements accordingly, or book an additional night in Athens (not included)
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, sun glasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
