5 Days Classical Tour
Visit some of the most iconic sites in Greece on this 5 days tour, including Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.
History comes to life in this classical five day tour of the Greek mainland. After a quick stop at the Corinth Canal, you will find yourselves at the Theater of Epidaurus, where the works of Socrates, Aristophanes and Euripides came to life. The true spirit of Peloponnesus can be found in the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. Moving on, you will have the chance to visit the Tomb of Agamemnon in Mycenae before proceeding to Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, and home to Zeus' sanctuary. Your next destination will be Delphi, known around ancient Greece as 'the navel of the world'. A town with strong ties to antiquity due to the presence of the famous Oracle, whose ruins still stand proudly. Last but not least, you will 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.
Sightseeings: Corinth Canal, Nafplion, Theater of Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Thermopylae, Delphi, Meteora.
Starting point: 5, Georgiou Souri, Athens (G.O. Terminal) Starting time: 08:20Itinerary
- Day 1 - Athens to Nafplion via the Corinth Canal
We will pick you up from select spots in Athens (departure at approx 8:45) and take the south coastal road to Peloponnese. As we depart from the Athenian peninsula we'll cross the Corinth Canal, where we will make a short stop for pictures. Dubbed as the 'Greek Suez', this artificial channel which had been a dream since the 7th century BCE, was constructed in 1890. We'll continue through the plains of Peloponnese to reach the Theater of Epidaurus, a monument to the performance arts and a structure famous for its remarkable acoustics. Once we've visited the Theater and the Sanctuary of Asklepios we will proceed to the town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, where we will stop for the night.
Overnight: Nafplion
Meals: Dinner - Day 2 - Nafplion to Olympia via Mycenae
Take advantage of your free morning to explore Nafplion, stroll down its alleys and explore its many craft shops to pick up some mementos for your friends back home. Make sure you stop by Syntagma Square for some gelato and have a beverage in the town's waterfront which has a great view of the fortress of Bourtzi. Around noon, we will depart for Mycenae where we will visit the archaeological site and the nearby museum. In the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, you can find the remains of a once great civilization, with the Cyclopean Walls, Tomb of Agamemnon and Lions' Gate being among the most significant sites. Then it's off to Olympia, through the scenic routes of Central Peloponnese and through the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis.
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 3 - Olympia to Delphi
One simply cannot visit the area without going to see the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia! In the morning, we will pay a visit to the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. This is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, an event so significant that all conflicts in Ancient Greece ceased for the duration of the competition. Afterwards, we will take a drive through the plains of Ilia and Achaia and the magnificent bridge of Rio-Antirio which connects the two sides of the Corinthian Bay, to cross back over to Central Greece. We will pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos and Itea, to arrive in Delphi, our own sanctuary for the night.
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 4 - Delphi to Kalambaka
Delphi is of course known the world over for its Oracle, whose ambiguous prophecies guided Ancient Greek Kings in times of war and peace. In the morning, we will visit the archaeological site where the Oracle once stood and see the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Pythian Games Stadium and the Delphi Ancient Theater. Close to the site we will find the Archaeological Museum, home to numerous exhibits of the the Classical Period, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the bronze statue of the Charioteer. After our visit to the museum, we will head north and reach Kalambaka, a quaint town of Central Greece resting on the foot of Meteora.
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 5 - Visit Meteora and Return to Athens
In the morning we will visit Meteora, an awe-inspiring marriage between the wondrous powers of Nature and the perseverance of the human spirit. In the serene valley of Meteora, gigantic rock pillars rise up to create a unique spectacle. As if the imposing plateaus weren't enough to impress any visitor, on top of them stand ageless Byzantine Monasteries, whose construction during the Middle Ages can inspire a sense of humility to everyone. These monasteries bear immeasurable religious as well as historical importance, as they were used by monks as a refuge against invasions from the Ottomans. We will visit two of the monasteries, where we can get a glimpse of the ascetic life the residents live today. Afterwards we will make our way back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae -where a short stop to see Leonidas' Monument across the road is in order. Early in the evening (approx. 19:00) we will have returned to Athens from this fulfilling multi-day adventure!
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast
Important notes
Important Notes:
- This tour includes a complimentary pick-up / drop-off service from your hotel or other predefined spots in Athens and surrounding areas. Maximum duration of this service to gather tour participants is approximately 1 hour. Thus, pick-up time may vary for each guest and will be provided during the booking process.
- Clients staying at the coast will depart for their hotels, from the G.O. terminal around 19:30hrs.
- Appropriate clothing is required to visit the Monasteries. Long skirts below the knees for the ladies and long trousers for the gentlemen. The monasteries, also, provide long skirts before every entrance. The ladies can choose and wear a long skirt over their clothing, during the tour, and return it, prior to their departure.
- The tour is usually bilingual, implemented in English and one additional language (French or Italian). For more information prior to booking, please contact us. Our agents will also inform you on the languages of the tour after booking.
- First Class includes 4-star hotels, whereas Tourist Class includes 3-star hotels.