Classical Greece and Meteora, 8 days

Arrival at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, the main airport in Greece, named after the famous statesman who contributed to the birth of modern Greece. Private transfer to the hotel in the capital. Considered the cradle of democracy and Western philosophy, Athens fascinates with its extraordinary historical and cultural heritage, evidenced by iconic monuments such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. A city of timeless charm, it offers a perfect blend of ancient archaeological remains, vibrant traditional neighborhoods, modern shopping areas, and a renowned culinary tradition. Check-in at the hotel and a welcome meeting with our local assistant for a brief orientation. Afterwards, free time for an initial personal exploration of the city. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day will be dedicated to discovering the main treasures of the Greek capital. We will start with a panoramic city tour starting from Syntagma Square, the political and social heart of Athens, home to the Hellenic Parliament, where you can watch the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony of the Evzones at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We will continue along Panepistimiou Avenue to admire the famous Neoclassical Trilogy—comprising the National Library, the University of Athens, and the Academy—before passing by the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), the only stadium in the world made entirely of white marble and venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus

We will then reach the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Greek civilization. During the guided tour, you can admire extraordinary monuments such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea, absolute masterpieces of classical architecture. The next stop will be the modern Acropolis Museum, one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, housing artifacts exclusively from the Acropolis and offering an extraordinary overview of the history of ancient Athens.

After free time for lunch, in the afternoon we will head towards Cape Sounion along the scenic southern coast of Athens for a guided visit to the majestic Temple of Poseidon, an imposing complex overlooking the sea. Free time for photos before returning to the hotel in central Athens. Evening at leisure with dinner on your own, or the option to join a typical Greek dinner with live music, traditional dances, and classic plate smashing for a truly authentic experience. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day for independent exploration, or the opportunity to take part in an optional excursion (payable on-site): “Saronic Gulf Islands Cruise: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina”. Departing from the lively port of Piraeus, the cruise will allow you to discover the charm of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina—three islands characterized by striking landscapes, authentic traditions, and rich history. Buffet lunch on board and return to Athens in the afternoon. Dinner on your own and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure from Athens to the Corinth Canal for a short photo stop. Depart towards the Peloponnese, a peninsula rich in history and relics of ancient Greece. During the drive, you can admire scenic landscapes alternating between urban areas and views of the Greek countryside.

Arrival in Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its magnificent 4th-century BC theater, considered one of the best-preserved in the world and renowned for its extraordinary acoustics. The site also housed the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine and an important healing center of antiquity. Continue to Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, an elegant town characterized by Venetian and Ottoman influences, where we will make a short stop for photos.

Afterwards, lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the archaeological site of Mycenae, one of the most important strongholds of the Bronze Age and the ancient capital of Agamennone’s kingdom, now a UNESCO site. The guided tour begins at the majestic Tomb of Agamemnon (or Treasury of Atreus), an extraordinary example of 13th-century BC dome architecture, before entering the acropolis through the famous Lion Gate and visiting the remains of the Royal Palace that dominated the Argolis plain.

Depending on available time, an optional stop at a local pottery workshop will take place before or after Mycenae to watch a live demonstration by master artisans illustrating wheel-throwing and geometric decoration techniques dating back to the Bronze Age. This experience concludes with time to relax or purchase certified replicas and handmade souvenirs. Next, depart for Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. Hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for the archaeological site of Olympia, a sacred Peloponnesian site and birthplace of the Olympic Games. During the professional guided tour, you will see the ancient stadium, the remains of the majestic Temple of Zeus, and the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is still lit today. This is followed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we head toward mainland Greece, crossing the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge (Patras Bridge), a modern engineering masterpiece built over the sea. From here, the journey continues along a scenic road ascending between the Gulf of Corinth coast and the mountain landscapes of Mount Parnassus. Along the route, a stop is planned in the picturesque seaside village of Nafpaktos, famous for its Venetian harbor and medieval fortress, before reaching the mountain town of Arachova for another brief photo stop. Continue to nearby Delphi. Hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Delphi to visit the famous archaeological site and its museum. Considered one of the most important religious centers of ancient Greece, pilgrims traveled here for centuries to consult the famous Oracle. You will see the Sanctuary of Apollo (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and, walking along the Sacred Way, admire the remains of votive treasuries and monuments. The visit continues to the ancient theater and the stadium, home of the Pythian Games dedicated to Apollo.

After a lunch stop at a local restaurant, we proceed toward Thermopylae for a brief photo stop at the famous monument dedicated to King Leonidas I, the heroic Spartan leader who led his 300 warriors in 480 BC against Xerxes’ Persian army. The journey resumes toward Kalambaka, a quaint village situated at the foot of the imposing Meteora rocks. Hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Before ascending to Meteora, we will stop at a renowned Byzantine icon workshop. Here, a master artist will demonstrate the ancient technique of “icon writing,” passed down through centuries by monks of Mount Athos and the Cretan School, followed by free time to explore the showroom.

Next, we resume our journey to the spectacular rock formations of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, massive gray sandstone pillars rise vertically from the Thessalian plain, hosting historic Byzantine monasteries perched on their summits. Guided visit to 2 of the most striking active monasteries to admire precious frescoes, ancient architecture, and breathtaking views.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for Athens. Hotel check-in, dinner on your own, and overnight stay.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Access to the monasteries is only permitted with modest and respectful clothing: men must wear long trousers and sleeved shirts; women must wear long skirts. Covered shoulders are required for everyone.

Breakfast at the hotel (or packed breakfast depending on flight schedule). At the designated time, transfer to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” in time for departure.

(Option to extend your stay at the beach or in the Greek islands.)