Best of Classical Greece

U.S. DEPARTURE TO ATHENS

• Our tour starts today as we depart on our way to Greece. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

• Meals:  On Board
• Accommodation:  On Board

WELCOME TO GREECE

Upon your arrival at Athens Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the city. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore Athens on your own. Overnight stay in Athens

• Meals: On Board
• Accommodation: Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel *
• Arrival Transfer – Complimentary Airport transfer
•  

• Begin our half-day guided tour of Athens. We’ll visit the iconic Acropolis, home to the famous Parthenon and Erechtheion.
• Enjoy views of Mars Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) from the Acropolis, where the Apostle Paul delivered his powerful sermon.
• Next, we’ll embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of central Athens – Highlights include Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, the Panathenaic Stadium, as well as the Academy, University, and National Library. We’ll also visit the new Acropolis Museum.
• In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.  Overnight in Athens.

• Meals:  Breakfast
• Accommodation: Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel *

CORINTH CANAL / EPIDAUROS / NAUPLION / MYCENAE / OLYMPIA

• Start today’s journey with a scenic drive along the coastal route, stopping to admire the renowned Corinth Canal.
• From here we visit the Theatre of Epidauros, celebrated for its remarkable acoustics.
• Next, visit the picturesque town of Nauplion before heading to the ancient city of Mycenae.  Discover the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon, exploring the rich history of this ancient site.
• From Mycenae, journey through the heart of the Peloponnese, passing through the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis, before reaching Olympia—the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Overnight stay in Olympia

• Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation:   Olympia, Amalia Hotel*

• Embark on a tour to visit Olympia’s Archaeological Site, where you can explore the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, and the Archaeological Museum, which beautifully showcases the heritage of the Olympic Games.
• Next, travel through the lush, fertile plains of Eliad and Achaia, with a stop to take in the impressive bridge that spans the Corinthian Bay, connecting the towns of Rion and Antirion. As you continue, drive through the scenic towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, each offering its own charm, before reaching the enchanting town of Delphi.  Overnight in Delphi

DELPHI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE / KALAMBAKA

• Start the morning exploring the renowned Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi, where the ancient Oracle once resided.
• Afterward, continue your journey to the town of Kalambaka, located at the base of the striking Meteora rock formations. Kalambaka serves as a picturesque gateway to this remarkable natural landscape, home to centuries-old monasteries perched atop towering rocks.  Overnight stay in Kalambaka. 

METEORA MONASTERIES / THERMOPYLAE  MONUMENT OF LEONIDAS

• Begin the day with a visit the Meteora Monasteries, dramatically situated atop colossal rock formations. These ancient monasteries are home to exceptional specimens of Byzantine art and show stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• After your visit, make your way back to Athens, traveling through the towns of Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae. Make a brief stop at the historic monument of Leonidas in Thermopylae, a site of profound historical significance. Continue to Athens, where you will arrive in the early evening.  Overnight Athens

ENJOY A FREE DAY IN ATHENS

• Take the day to explore at your own pace, visiting vibrant neighborhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki to shop for souvenirs and local crafts, or take a funicular ride up to Mount Lycabettus for a bird’s-eye views of the city.  Overnight in Athens

• Meals:  Breakfast
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel *             

• After breakfast and check out you will be transferred to Athens International Airport for your return flight home. Today you will arrive back home to reflect on your amazing Greece adventure!