Classical Greece Semi-Private Tour 2024

Welcome to Greece! Your driver will be waiting for you to greet you at the Athens Airport upon your arrival. You will be driven to the hotel in Athens, the capital of Greece. Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”), the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history, the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments, a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the Modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm. Rest of the day at leisure to check in and relax. Overnight at hotel in Athens.

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel in Athens. Today, pick up for the organised Athens sightseeing. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. An expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colourful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era, the new Acropolis museum. In the afternoon, pick up for your tour to Sounion. Depart for a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, exploring Attica beyond Athens. Cape Sounion is only 70km from Athens, making it the perfect lazy afternoon destination. The Cape’s Temple of Poseidon is perched on a rocky hilltop overlooking the sea. The view across the Aegean is magnificent with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world, extending all the way to Kea and the Peloponnese on a clear day. After the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Athens. (B)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Athens. Depart for the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive to Epidaurus and visit the ancient theatre. Proceed to Nafplio (short stop) and through the plain of Argos arrive to Mycenae. Visit the archaeological site and the tomb of Agamemnon. In the afternoon depart for Olympia for overnight. (B, D)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Olympia. Visit the archaeological site of Olympia with the Temple of Zeus, the altar of the Olympic flame, the Stadium and the Museum. Drive via Patras to Rion and cross the channel on the “state of the art” new suspended bridge (short stop). In the afternoon visit the picturesque mountain village of Arachova. Overnight in Delphi. (B, D)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Delphi. Visit the archaeological site and the museum of Delphi. Depart for Kalambaka via central Greece for overnight. (B, D)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Kalambaka. Leave in the morning for nearby Meteora to visit the monasteries built on top of rock towers and providing fantastic views over the plain. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece, and one of the country’s most unique attractions. Upon your return, you may go on an optional visit to a factory of Byzantine style icons. Return to Athens with stopping at the heroic monument of Leonidas, King of Sparta in Thermopylae. Overnight in Athens. (B)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Athens. Transfer to Athens Airport. (B)