Classical Greece: Athens, Argolis and Delphi, 8 days

Arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Enjoy a welcome dinner and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.

The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city centre. View the Panathenaic Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colourfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighbourhood of charming restaurants, shops, and sidewalk cafes and then a panoramic tour of Athens By Night. Overnight in Athens.

Enjoy your day by strolling to the plate and narrow streets, which are full of traditional restaurants where you can taste typical dishes of Greek cuisine, and the famous drink “ouzo” and enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant neighbourhood. One-day Cruise (optional) Early Departure from the hotel in the morning with an English-speaking assistant towards the port of Piraeus. The ship sails at 08:00 am for the islands of the Saronic Gulf Hydra, Poros and Aegina. You will have an unforgettable day with an excellent atmosphere on board with music and Lunch Buffet. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, you can enjoy the beauties of Athens.

Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue via Nauplion to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus, built around 1250 B.C. From here, drive through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. Continue to Olympia, the birthplace of the first Olympic Games. After dinner, overnight in Olympia.

Morning visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. Visit a local store, where you will have a chance to taste local olive oil and spices. Continue to Olympia’s Archaeological Museum containing significant exhibitions of the ancient world and artwork dating back thousands of years. Then, drive north through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion. Pass the town of Nafpaktos en route to Delphi, home of the ruins of the Tholos Temple. Arrive at the hotel, overnight in Delphi.

Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological Museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most significant places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, the site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Then travel over the Pournaraki Pass towards the small town of Kalambaka, situated amidst smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora. Overnight in Kalambaka.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board your departure flight.