Discover the famous historical monuments of mainland Greece! With this five-day sightseeing tour, you will learn the history of the birthplace of Western civilization. In Athens, you will visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, and the Parliament, and you will get an insight into Greek democracy. A stop off at Delphi will unveil you to the antic center of the world, where two eagles released by the God Apollo met, and will predict your upcoming future destination, Meteora, where you will search for the sacred tranquility of the Greek monks.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delphi: At the foot of Mount Parnassos, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which was the most famous Oracle of ancient Greece, now is the second-most important archaeological site in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meteora: The region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties. Today Meteora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
Athens: Explore the Capital of Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization and get a deep insight into the ancient mythology and Classical civilization’s intellectual and artistic ideas
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS
Upon your arrival at Athens international airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package has the cream of the crop, and we know you will thoroughly enjoy your one night stay in Athens. Rest of the day free of leisure. Visit on your own the famous flea market in Plaka (old town of Athens).
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (420 km – 9 hrs)
After a delicious breakfast, leave for Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site. After the visit depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 3: KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ATHENS (355 km – 9 hrs)
After breakfast in your hotel visit Meteora and enjoy the unique and most impressive scenery with ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop huge rocks. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae (a short stop to see Leonida's Monument across the road). Arrive in Athens early in the evening.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 4: ATHENS
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, our expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex-Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 5: DEPARTURE ATHENS
Wake up to your tasty breakfast in the hotel and enjoy your last day in this long-standing metropolis. At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport in Athens and you could take your flight to your following destination or you will be transferred to the port of Piraeus for your next island visit.
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.
