8 Days: Athens, Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Aegina, Poros, Hydra

Tour overview:

Arrive in Athens and discover some of the most fascinating monuments in the world, none more renowned than the Acropolis. Take a city tour of this ancient Greek capital and appreciate its picturesque old town. Visit Olympia, built on the banks of River Alfios and home of the original Olympic Games. Explore the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi, once one of the most sacred places in the world. Take a day cruise to Aegina, Poros & Hydra and enjoy the picturesque views with lunch on board.

Day 1 - Arrival / Athens

Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to your hotel in Athens.

Day 2 - City tour / Athens

A morning panoramic tour will take you around to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including: Panathinaikon stadium, Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, Parliament, tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, Academy, University, National Library, and old Parliament. You will then visit the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion; and the Acropolis Museum where findings from the area, like the Caryatides, have found their home. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, and the historical center at your own pace.(B)

Day 3 - Corinth canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae / Olympia

Today you will depart on a 3-Day tour, heading first towards the Peloponnese. You will admire the impressive Corinth canal, and visit Epidaurus, the most important healing center in antiquity and today famous for the best-preserved ancient theater with the unique acoustics. You will then pass by Nafplio, and continue with visiting Mycenae, «rich in gold» as Homer mentions, with the Cyclopean walls, and the tomb of Agamemnon with the famous Lion’s Gate. The day will conclude in Olympia for overnight. (B,D)

Day 4 - Olympia / Delphi

Built on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is beautiful, green, and placid. We will enjoy a tour through the remains of the Ancient Olympia Complex (home of the original Olympic Games), including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias’s Workshop; and visit the local museum, with the impressive statue of Hermes of Praxitelis. In the afternoon, you continue your journey, to central Greece, driving over the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, to Delphi for overnight. (B,D)

Day 5 - Delphi / Kalambaka

Built on the slopes of mount Parnassos overlooking the vast olive groves and the Corinthian gulf, Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, see the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle), and visit the local museum with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer, before continuing your drive to Kalambaka for overnight. (B,D)

Day 6 - Meteora / Athens

This morning, you will be visiting Meteora, one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and part of UNESCO’s list of world heritage monuments. Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora and the view over the plain is breathtaking. Return drive to Athens in the afternoon, stopping on the way at Thermopylae, to see the statue of Leonidas, commemorating the battle of the 300, against the Persians. (B)

Day 7 - Day cruise to Aegina, Poros & Hydra / Athens

You will spend a whole day cruising to the islands of the Saronic gulf today. Take a donkey ride to explore the “vehicle free” Hydra, with its unique Mitropolis. Hike to the clock tower of Poros to see the views to yacht port and the Peloponnese. Join a horse-drawn carriage ride in Aegina and buy some pistachios, or join an excursion to the temple of Afea. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board and practice your Greek dancing skills on the way back to Athens. (B,L)

Day 8 - Depart Athens

At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)