Compare The Best of Greece by Cosmos vs Highlights of Ancient Greece by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
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4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,799 | $ 2,505 |
| Price Per Day | $ 180 | $ 278 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | Breakfast is included at all the hotels. Simple buffet-style Greek breakfasts consist of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs, honey, and coffee/tea. Other meals are not included, and we suggest you allow approximately €175-€250 to cover them, more if you include alcoholic or expensive fruit juices with each meal. Your group leader will assist in organising group meals at most stops, so you may benefit from better choices and good food. For lunch and dinner, we will go to different tavernas and restaurants, where we can sample typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and more. |
| Description | On this Best of Greece tour, discover the highlights of historic and mythical—as well as modern—Greece. As the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece has some of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites, and now is your chance to explore the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula. Your affordable tour of Greece starts and ends in Athens with overnights along the way in Nauplia, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi, and Kalambaka. Step back in time as you visit some of Greece's ancient sites where the Mycenaean civilization thrived between 1600 and 1200 BC. Enjoy the included guided sightseeing tour of the Mycenae archaeological site and learn about its history and legends. In Athens, visit the Acropolis, still standing after 2,500 years. Your Local Guide will give you many insights on this ancient masterpiece. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Acropolis sits high on a rocky hill and is a symbol of the wealth and power of Athens at its apex. In Epidaurus, climb the limestone steps of the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre and marvel at the perfect acoustics. You'll step back into the Middle Ages when you walk around the medieval Byzantine Citadel of Mystra, a castle founded in 1249. You’ll also love the mystic mountain landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries set in almost inaccessible sandstone peaks. On this affordable Greece tour, you’ll travel to Olympia, legendary home of the Olympic Games, and Delphi, where people visited in ancient Greece to seek the advice of the Oracle. But that’s not all…you’ll experience modern Greece as well, as you cross over one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridge, the spectacular Rion-Antirion Bridge, linking the Peloponnese peninsula to the Greek mainland. From ancient ruins to contemporary engineering —with beautiful landscapes in between—this affordable Greece tour is perfectly designed for value-minded travel lovers. You’ll agree that your Greece vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! |
Starting in the capital city of Athens, we’ll visit some of the most significant archeological sites in the world, including the Acropolis, Mycenae and Epidaurus. We’ll also visit the medieval castle town of Mystras; Olympia, where the first Olympic Games took place; Delphi, where heaven and Earth meet; and the stone forest of Meteora, home to one of the largest Orthodox communities in Greece. At the same time, we’ll cover a large part of the mainland, including the Peloponnese peninsula and central Greece, enjoying beautiful coastlines, forests and mountains along the way.Journey through thousands of years and major UNESCO World Heritage sites |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. Later, meet your Local Host.
Day 2: ATHENS
A day to relax and discover Athens at leisure. Our suggestion: join an optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (Breakfast)
Day 3: ATHENS–CORINTH–NAUPLIA
Join the included guided tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital with a visit to the Acropolis. Cross the Corinth canal, a project conceived in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893, and head for the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Nauplia.Today’s Distance: 90 mi/ 145 km (Breakfast)
Day 4: NAUPLIA–EPIDAURUS–MYCENAE–SPARTA
This morning, stop in Epidaurus, located in the hilly countryside dotted with pine trees and oleanders. In this magnificent setting, visit the ancient open-air theatre, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Later, enjoy the included guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, with the imposing ruins of the great city that dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. It played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture and is linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Travel into the Peloponnese to Sparta, where history hangs between reality and legend. Today’s Distance: 126 mi/ 202 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 5: SPARTA–MYSTRA–OLYMPIA
Enjoy the included visit of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” Before arriving in Olympia, visit an olive oil museum. Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 6: OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI
Explore Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed as a tribute to of the king of deities. Spend some free time in this pretty town, or learn more about the history of the Olympic Games on the optional archaeological site sightseeing tour. Later, drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Continue crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to legendary Delphi. Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215km (Breakfast)
Day 7: DELPHI–KALAMBAKA
Enjoy free time in town or join the optional morning sightseeing tour of the archaeological site in Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke. It was the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world'. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious hub and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. On to Kalambaka. Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 8: KALAMBAKA–METEORA–ATHENS
Discover Meteora, a cluster of spectacular Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. They were originally built by hermit monks living in caves carved into the rocks. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Continue south to Athens. Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (Breakfast)
Day 9: ATHENS
Spend a full day at leisure to explore the unseen parts of the city, do last-minute shopping, or to visit a museum. Tonight, enjoy the optional Greek dinner. (Breakfast)
Day 10: ATHENS
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Day 1 Start Athens
Our adventure begins in Athens, an enthralling capital city soaked in myth and legend. Depending on when you land, you may have time to explore a little or perhaps dive into a taverna to sink your teeth into the much-loved local cuisine. Either way, we’ll gather at the hotel for a welcoming briefing in the evening when we’ll meet as a group for the first time. Accommodation: Arion Hotel or Achilleas Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Morning walking tour of Athens, including the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and Plaka; afternoon free to explore Athens
This morning we embark on a walking tour of Athens, taking in the Acropolis ruins and artefact-filled Acropolis Museum. This walk is actually a journey through the history of the city; from the classical world ruled by the Olympian deities to the 21st century. The afternoon is free for you to explore Athens on your own. Your leader can suggest where to visit. Please note: During busy periods, the walking tour might take place in the afternoon when it is quieter and the morning will be free. Accommodation: Arion Hotel or Achilleas Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 To Nafplio, visiting Ancient Corinth and Mycenae en route
After breakfast, we head to Nafplio. On the way, we stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. We then visit the archaeological site of Corinth, one of the major cities in antiquity and an important centre of trade. Extended excavations here have revealed a Roman forum, temples, fountains and various other monuments. We then continue to the archaeological site of Mycenae, the kingdom of legendary Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Mycenae comprises a fortified acropolis and surrounding funerary and habitation sites. We then head to the picturesque town of Nafplio, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Rex Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Morning visit to the fortress of Palamidi; afternoon to explore ancient Epidaurus
Today we visit the impressive Venetian fortress of Palamidi, overlooking the town. It was initially fortified by the Venetians during the second Venetian occupation of the area (1686-1715). In 1715, it was captured by the Turks and remained under their control until 1822, when it was liberated by the Greeks. The most important monuments we’ll visit are the castle, and the prison of Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek Revolution. Next, we will explore Epidaurus (approximately a 45-minute drive from Nafplio), where the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the most famous healing centre of the classical world, is found. We’ll also visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the finest examples of its kind. In the afternoon, we head to Mystras, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Byzantion (or similar)
Day 5 Morning to explore Mystras; afternoon to Pylos, visiting Ancient Messene en route
This morning we visit Mystras, a Unesco World Heritage site known as the Wonder of the Morea. The site occupies a steep foothill on the northern slopes of Mount Taygetos and has a Frankish castle that came under Byzantine control in 1262, before becoming a seat of the Despotate of Morea in the mid-14th century. In 1460, it was captured by the Turks, but was liberated again in 1821. We explore the site on foot, visiting beautiful Byzantine churches, mostly built between the 12th and 15th centuries; the palaces of the Mystras Despots; and some urban buildings. Please note: Unfortunately, the castle and the palaces are closed for reconstruction so we are unable to enter any buildings. We will have a look at them from the outside. In the afternoon, we head towards ancient Messene, one of the finest and best-restored archaeological sites in Greece, yet still relatively unknown. Lying in a fertile valley, below Mount Ithomi in central Messenia, the site was first inhabited during the Late Neolithic or the Early Bronze ages. Among the site monuments, we will visit the ancient theatre, agora, and Asclepeion. The stadium and gymnasium are among the most impressive and well-preserved building complexes in ancient Messene. We then drive to the seaside town of Pylos, where we will spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Karalis (or similar)
Day 6 Morning to explore the Castle of Pylos; to Olympia or Katakolo
After breakfast, we will visit the Castle of Pylos, which also hosts a fine exhibition and museum of underwater antiquities. Here you will find out more about underwater archeology in Greece, how research, excavations and preservation of the antiquities take place. You will also see artefacts from shipwrecks found in the sea near the Peloponnese and Ionian islands. After lunch, we’ll drive along the west coast of the Peloponnese towards Olympia where we spend the night (approximately a two-hour drive). Accommodation: Hotel Pelops (or similar)
Day 7 Explore Ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games
After breakfast, we visit ancient Olympia, the site that hosted the first Olympic Games. At the confluence of two rivers, in a lush landscape, near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia is the most important religious and athletic centre in Ancient Greece. We will explore this major archeological site, including the Sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings put up around it, such as an athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings, and other lay buildings and monuments (the Temple of Hera, the Council House, the Ancient Stadium and Gymnasium and the Altar of Zeus). After lunch, we will drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to Delphi where we will spend the night. En route, we will cross from the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece and will have the chance to admire the cable-stayed Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a masterpiece of architecture. Accommodation: Nidimos Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Morning to explore Delphi; afternoon visit to Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus; to Meteora
In the morning, we will head to the Unesco World Heritage site of Delphi. We will explore this magnificent archaeological zone on foot, the place that in ancient times was considered the centre of the world, the place where heaven and Earth met. According to mythology, it is here that two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Once at the archaeological site, we’ll visit the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and of the Siphnians, the ancient theatre and the Castalian Spring that was considered the sacred source of Delphi. After lunch, we head northeast to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora (approximately a four-hour drive). Meteora is one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Situated over the town of Kalampaka, on the northwest edge of the Plain of Thessaly (in central Greece), Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in Greece. Steep sandstone rocks, rising more than 1,312ft (400m) above the ground, were formed about 60m years ago through fluvial erosion, earthquakes and geological changes. What makes Meteora even more astonishing are the monasteries perched on top of rocky pinnacles. We aim to arrive in Meteora late afternoon, going to several viewpoints where we can enjoy panoramic views over the Kalampaka plain and stone forest of Meteora. Accommodation: Hotel Meteoritis (or similar)
Day 9 Explore the Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora; afternoon to Athens airport and end
After breakfast, we will visit one of the cliff–top monasteries of Meteora and learn more about their history and monastic life. The area of Meteora was initially inhabited by monks who lived in caves within the rocks during the 11th century. Please note: Clothing must cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to enter the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. In the late 12th century, a small church called the Panaghia Doupiani was built at the foot of one of the rocks, but during the Turkish occupation it became less secure so the monks climbed higher and higher up the rocks to protect themselves from different conquerors. Numerous monasteries were systematically built on top of the rocks so by the end of the 15th century there were 24 constructed in total; today only 6 of them are still active. The monks had to climb up ladders or use baskets and ropes to transfer the material for the construction of these monasteries and until 1920 this was the only means for getting supplies. After lunch, we’ll return to Athens airport (approximately a 4hr 30min drive) where our adventure will end. Please note, we offer post-tour accommodation if you prefer to fly back the next day.
