Compare Best of Greece Tour by Direct Traveller vs Glories of Greece - Reverse, Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 517 | $ 2,750 |
| Price Per Day | $ 103 | $ 344 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
4 breakfasts |
N/A |
| Description |
Athens city tour starts from the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue and pass by 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. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida's Monument). Arrival in Athens early in the evening. Overnight Athens 4-star Titania Hotel, with breakfast included. |
Explore the ancient Acropolis in Athens and indulge in an authentic cooking demonstration in Olympia, as a local chef prepares a feast from locally farmed produce. Replete with lashings of olive oil and Greek cheeses you’ll master moussaka and tzatziki, before experiencing Greece in all its glory. From the Temple of Athena and the Arch of Hadrian in Athens, the gargantuan pinnacles of Meteora near Kalambaka beckon. Guided by your Travel Director, you'll ascend the ancient rock formations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit one of the historic monasteries at the top. Explore where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C at the Temple of Zeus and in the city of Mycenae, take in the giant Cyclopean stones before discovering traditional Greek pottery methods at the Mycenae Pottery Studio. |
Day 1: Athens
Arrival in Athens. Our transfer will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Overnight Athens 4-star Titania Hotel
Day 2: Athens
Athens city tour starts from the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue and pass by 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. Overnight Athens 4-star Titania Hotel, with breakfast included.
Day 3: Delphi
Depart early in the morning for Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, and arrive in Delphi, to visit the Archaeological Site. You will have the chance to visit the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, and learn the story of this brave God’s triumph over the dragon that guarded the "Omphalos". Visit the marble Treasury of the Athenians, built to store the rich offerings of grateful kings. Afterwards, you will proceed to the small picturesque city of Kalambaka, passing through beautiful villages and cities of Central Greece, all built according to the traditional local arquitecture. Overnight Kalabaka 4-star Amalia Hotel Kalambaka / Divani Meteora Hotel, with breakfast included.
Day 4: Meteora
After breakfast we will visit Meteora. Meteora are unique rock formations, raising high with Christian monasteries built at the top. It is truly fascinating to visit the interior part of them, but also enjoy the amazing views. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida's Monument). Arrival in Athens early in the evening. Overnight Athens 4-star Titania Hotel, with breakfast included.
Day 5: Athens
Transfer to the airport and our tour concludes
Day 1: Welcome to Athens
An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax. At 19:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of dinner and wine.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Parthenon, Mycenae and on to Olympia
Your exploration reveals this ancient city as your Local Expert takes you to the Parthenon, built atop the Acropolis. See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Arrive at the ruined city of Mycenae, featured in the epics of Homer. With your Local Expert, walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Meet the artisans and view beautiful works of art when you visit a family-run pottery studio. Travel on to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for it's beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes. You then continue to Olympia where dinner is served at your hotel.
Amalia Hotel Olympia., Olympion Asty
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Ancient Olympia
It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honour the ruler of the gods. Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line. In the evening, join a local chef for an entertaining cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your Highlight Dinner.
Amalia Hotel Olympia., Olympion Asty
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Delphi, Centre of the Ancient World
Travel north to Patras and cross the soaring Rio-Antirrio Bridge to the mainland. Follow the coastal road before stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your journey continues to Kalambaka where dinner is served at your hotel.
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: The Pinnacles of Meteora Relaxed Start
With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum.
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Breakfast
Day 6: Thermopylae and to Athens
Journey south to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Travel on to Athens, City of Gods, to see the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium, used for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. In the evening, enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Depart Athens Relaxed Start
This morning after breakfast, your Grecian odyssey comes to an end. Take a complimentary transfer to Athens Airport for your onward journey.
Breakfast
