Classical Greece (plus Meteora)

Argolis - Olympia - Delphi - Meteora

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Summary

Stories of Ancient Greece unfold before your eyes on this four day tour.

START / FINISH - Athens

Activity code: Ath14

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

This four day tour gives you an insight into Classical Greece - it covers the main sites of Delphi, Olympia, the fascinating Argolis region and the unforgettable monasteries, perched high on towering rocks.

On the way to the Argolis region you'll pass over the Corinth Canal onto the Peloponnese. The Argolis region has much of interest: Epidavrus, the world-renowned amphitheatre dating from the 4th century BC, Mycenae and its links with Homer's epics & the pretty town of Nafplion beside the sea.

Olympia is one of the most beautifully situated archaeological sites in the country, in a valley of olive groves close to two rivers. Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games and the link is retained to his day - at every Summer Olympics since 1936 the flame has been lit at Olympia before travelling on the Olympic Torch Relay and eventually ending up in the host country for the opening ceremony.

Delphi has an equally dramatic location on the side of a mountain with stunning views down to the coast. Many ancient people travelled here to consult the oracle if life-changing decisions needed to be made.

Meteora is one of those iconic places that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. Monasteries were built on top of towering granite rocks to escape attack but also to be closer to God.

Dates of Operation 2024

Mondays from 1st April - 28th October; Tuesdays 16th April - 22nd October; Saturdays 6th April - 26th October. The tour also departs on selected Thursdays from April - October.
Departure on Day 1 - 08:45
Return on Day 4 - 19:00

Not included: Overnight Stay Tax per room per night, which is payable locally - the amount varies according to the category of the accommodation (i.e. 5* hotel: 4,00€ per overnight per room, 4* hotel: 3,00 € per overnight per room, 3* hotel: 1,50 € per overnight per room)

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What's included on your Classical Tour ?

4* accommodation on half board basis for 3 nights
Comfortable air-conditioned coach throughout
Pick up / drop off in Athens
English-speaking tour guide / escort
All entry fees as per itinerary.

Highlights

Mycenae, Epidavros & Nafplion

Homer wrote in the Iliad & Odyssey of a 'city rich in gold', the capital of Agamemnon. Heinrich Schliemann successfully located Mycenae and unearthed one of the richest treasures in the classical world. Epidavrus is a stunning 14,000 seat theatre, which dates from the 4th century BC; it blended so perfectly with its surroundings that it wasn't rediscovered until the 19th century. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece; its mediaeval town with cobbled alleyways is overlooked by the Palamidi Fortress which has stunning views over the bay & the Mycenae Plain.

Ancient Olympia & Delphi

Olympia enjoys a beautiful location in a valley with wild olive and plane trees and is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. You'll see where the athletes trained, the Stadium, the wrestling school, the altars and the various temples. Delphi enjoys the most fabulous location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. In ancient times it was believed to be the centre of the earth but it became famous for its oracle. People would journey there to consult the oracle on matters of love, business or war. A sacrifice would be made and the priestess would chant the prophesies.

Meteora Monasteries

Kalambaka will be your base from which to explore Meteora. It is one of the holiest places on earth, huge monasteries built on top of granite boulders, 400m above the ground. The site was chosen as an escape from raiders but also as a place of solitude to be near to God. Logistically it was a difficult place, any provisions had to be winched up in baskets from ground level!

Mycenae, Epidavros & Nafplion

Homer wrote in the Iliad & Odyssey of a 'city rich in gold', the capital of Agamemnon. Heinrich Schliemann successfully located Mycenae and unearthed one of the richest treasures in the classical world. Epidavrus is a stunning 14,000 seat theatre, which dates from the 4th century BC; it blended so perfectly with its surroundings that it wasn't rediscovered until the 19th century. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece; its mediaeval town with cobbled alleyways is overlooked by the Palamidi Fortress which has stunning views over the bay & the Mycenae Plain.

Ancient Olympia & Delphi

Olympia enjoys a beautiful location in a valley with wild olive and plane trees and is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. You'll see where the athletes trained, the Stadium, the wrestling school, the altars and the various temples. Delphi enjoys the most fabulous location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. In ancient times it was believed to be the centre of the earth but it became famous for its oracle. People would journey there to consult the oracle on matters of love, business or war. A sacrifice would be made and the priestess would chant the prophesies.

Meteora Monasteries

Kalambaka will be your base from which to explore Meteora. It is one of the holiest places on earth, huge monasteries built on top of granite boulders, 400m above the ground. The site was chosen as an escape from raiders but also as a place of solitude to be near to God. Logistically it was a difficult place, any provisions had to be winched up in baskets from ground level!

Itinerary

An early start this morning for your trip to the Argolis region via the Corinth Canal.

Your first stop on the Peloponnese will be at the ancient theatre of Epidavrus with its world-renowned acoustics, followed by Nafplion, one of the most romantic towns in Greece. Then to Mycenae famed for its associations with Agamemnon.

The final leg of your journey today takes you to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Dinner and overnight in Olympia.

After breakfast you'll visit the archaeological site of Olympia before driving up to Rion where you cross the Corinthian Bay on the magnificent bridge.

Travel along the coastal road to Itea before heading up to Delphi, once regarded as the centre of the universe. Delphi was renowned for its oracle and pilgrims used to journey from far and wide to consult on life-changing matters.

Dinner and overnight in Delphi.

After your visit to the archaeological site of Delphi and its museum, you'll travel to Kalambaka, a small town built at the foot of majestic rocks, crowned by the world famous Meteora Monasteries.

Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

A chance to visit several of Meteora's monasteries.

Return to Athens via the monument to heroic Leonidas at Thermopylae.

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