Experience the best of mainland Greece on this 5-day journey through history and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Athens, where the Acropolis and lively neighborhoods set the scene, then continue to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Travel north to Kalambaka to admire the world-famous Meteora monasteries, dramatically perched on towering rocks. Along the way, enjoy a balance of history, culture, and spectacular scenery for an unforgettable journey.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Acropolis Museum: Learn about the impressive past of the city while visiting the remarkable Acropolis Museum.
Delphi: Once considered the centre of the world by the Greeks, Delphi is still an important place that promises to impress you.
Meteora Monasteries: Enjoy a breathtaking spiritual journey while visiting a stone forest decorated with historical monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS
Arrival at Athens Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never sleeping city. Take the opportunity to visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe. Enjoy shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area or Ermou, and have a nice, quiet walk in the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district), where you can also find a big number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artefacts.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS CITY TOUR
Breakfast at your hotel. Today participate in the Athens city tour, which gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Discover the secrets of Athens, including its famous Acropolis. The half-day tour of Athens begins with a photo stop at the Panathinaiko Stadium, where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built of white marble. We will continue, passing through the Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass through the Athens Trilogy, which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Passing next, through the National Garden, Hadrian's Arch, St. Paul's Church, the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Schliemann House (Numismatic Museum), the Catholic Cathedral, the old Parliament, Constitution Square, the Russian Orthodox Church, and finally the Acropolis, visiting Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, Erechtheum with its maiden porch. Your knowledgeable guide will continue your Athens sightseeing tour and museum tour with a leisurely stroll past the Theaters of Herod and Dionysus to visit the Acropolis museum. You will be impressed by the main attractions like votives, artefacts from everyday life, statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, pediments and frieze. After the tour, return to the hotel.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (420km - 5.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. You will arrive in Delphi around noon. Famous for its theater, the Temple of Apollo, and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the universe and the earth, and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon depart to central Greece with a short stop in Lamía and Tríkala, crossing the Thessaly plain, to Kalambaka, a small city built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowned by the monasteries of Meteora.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 4: KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ATHENS (350km – 4hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart to Meteora for a tour of the clifftop monasteries and visit two different monasteries built on top of rock towers, offering fantastic views of the plain. Meteora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monasteries are perched atop sandstone towers, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for monks. Meteora is considered one of the best areas of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the most unique attractions in the country. On your return, you can optionally visit a factory of Byzantine-style icons. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas of Sparta in Thermopyles (short stop for photos).
Overnight in Athens.
Day 5: ATHENS DEPARTURE
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before getting on your transfer to the airport.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay
