Greece Through The Centuries

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the Athens city tour. We will take you to see the Parliament, a beautiful building in the heart of the City with the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Presidential guardsmen in their beautiful traditional costumes, worn during the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821, guard the monument day and night.

After that, you will be taken in front of the Presidential residence and you will visit the Panathenian Stadium, or “Kallimarmaron (good marble)”. It is a beautiful stadium, built of pure white.

Athenian marble taken from the Μount Penteli, where the first contemporary Olympic Games were held in 1896. The temple of Apollo and the Gate of Andrianos are your next sight, on the way to the sacred hill of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Erechthion and all the other wonderful buildings of classical Greece. After you have finished your visits, famous Plaka awaits! Traditional Athens, delicious traditional food, drinks, shops etc., all for you to enjoy before returning to your hotel.

Your day ends early in the afternoon, full of color, memories and beauty! After the end of the tour, return to the hotel. The afternoon is yours at leisure.

Overnight: Overnight: Titania Hotel – or similar 

Basis: Bed & breakfast

Today we will drive along the coastal road of the Saronic gulf to Mycenae. We will visit the remains of the ancient city, including the Lion Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon and the latest Palaces remaining on the top of the Mycenaean Acropolis. According to Greek myth, the walls surrounding it, like those of Tiryns, were built by the Cyclops, hence their name Cyclopean.

Then via the city of Argos, we go on to Nafplion, the first capital of Greece. There you can visit the Palamidi Castle, walk along the picturesque streets of the old town, an excellent monument of Neoclassical Architecture and have lunch. Afterwards, we will visit the Epidaurus Amphitheater, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Return to Athens via Epidaurus after a coffee stop by the famous Corinth Canal.

Overnight: Titania Hotel – or similar 

Basis: Bed & breakfast

Today we depart for a one- day trip from Athens to Delphi to explore one of the most famous archaeological sites of Greece. We will see the plain of Viotia, an agricultural area, and we will also go past the city of Theva, the birthplace of King Oedipus.

We will continue towards Mt. Parnassos, making a short rest stop outside the town of Levadia. We will then drive on to Delphi, known as the navel of the world in ancient times. Pass by Castalia Spring, visit the archaeological site and view the monument of the Argive Kings, the marvelous treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, the monument of Platea and the Temple of Apollo, famous for its Oracle.

Go on to visit the gorgeous museum, with its spectacular exhibits including the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos, the alternating triglyphs and metopes of the Athenian treasury, the famous bronze Charioteer, originally created to commemorate a victory during the 476 B.C. We will also see Pythian Games, and many other artifacts. After our lunch break, we will visit the Athena Pronaia Sanctuary, the most photographed spot in Delphi. Depart for a late evening arrival in Kalambaka/Meteora.

Check in and recuperate from the long day!

Overnight: Grand Meteora Hotel – or similar 

Basis: Bed & breakfast

On the second day, we will leave in the morning for a tour of the nearby Meteora cliff-top monasteries to visit two different BYZANTINE MONASTERIES* built on top of rock towers and providing fantastic views over the plain.  Meteora is included in the UNESCO world heritage monument list. The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful area of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the country's most unique attractions. On your return you can optionally visit a factory of Byzantine-style icons. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas king of Sparta in THERMOPYLAE (short stop for photos).

The tour returns to Athens in the late afternoon. Check in at the hotel in Athens & overnight.

Overnight: Titania Hotel – or similar 

Basis: Bed & breakfast

After breakfast, we depart for the last tour of our trip in Greece. Discover Athens Riviera with a breathtaking drive along the scenic coastal road and admire the scenic temple of Poseidon. During this relaxing ride you’ll enjoy splendid views of the Saronic Gulf, while passing through some of Athens’ most beautiful suburbs, including Hellinikon Olympic Complex, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.

You will arrive at Cape Sounion, a historic and beautiful area of Greece. The steep cliffs offer breathtaking, panoramic views. On a clear day you can see at least 7 of the Greek islands. In addition to the views, visit the famous 5th-Century BC Temple of Poseidon, dedicated to the God of the Sea. The beauty of the surviving Doric columns has inspired many poets, including Lord Byron who carved his name on one of the columns. Walk back in time and feel the beat of Ancient Greece as you stare across magical views of crystal clear waters.

After checking out, your coach will be ready to take you to Athens international airport for your outbound flight via Athens.

Basis: Bed & Breakfast

End of Tour