Wonders Of Greece And Zakynthos 9 Days
9 Days: Athens, Olympia, Zakynthos, Delphi, Kalambaka
Tour overview:
Start your tour in Athens, the heart of the Greek civilization and world renowned for its ancient monuments such as the Acropolis and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Visit the remains of the ancient Olympic Complex, home of the original Olympic Games. Depart for the famous Navgio beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the world and explore Zakynthos, famous for the Blue Caves. Discover Delphi, a pilgrimage centre for many centuries and home to the Apollo Sanctuary. Visit Meteora, known for its sandstone rock formation and admire the statue of King Leonidas of Sparta while returning to Athens.
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 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 - Zakynthos
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. After the visits, you will separate from the rest of the group, for a private transfer to the port of Kyllini, where you will embark on the ferry to Zakynthos. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, and rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 5 - “Navagio” (shipwreck) beach and the Blue Caves / Zakynthos
Early this morning, you will join a day excursion (subject to weather conditions), where you will travel by boat around the north shores of the island, to the famous “Navagio” beach, among the most photographed beaches in the world. Your boat tour will also stop at the famous “Blue Caves”, to see the unique blue colors and why not, take a dip in the caves. Be alert and you may spot dolphins or sea-turtles as you cruise back to the port. Return to the hotel and rest of the afternoon at leisure.(B)
Day 6 - Zakynthos – Delphi - Delphi
After breakfast, you transfer to the port to take the return ferry to Kyllini, and further transfer to Olympia to re-join the tour to the rest of the classical Greece sites. In the afternoon, tyour journey will continue to central Greece, driving over the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, to Delphi for overnight. (B,D)
Day 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - Depart Athens
At the indicated time, transfer to the local airport for your departure flight (B)