Classical Greece

Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza City Center

Arrive in Athens, cradle of Democracy and capital city of Greece. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your Greek experience with a delightful welcome dinner.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Athens
A place where democracy was born and the birthplace of the Olympics; happens to be the largest city located in one of the most historic countries and is also the capital of Greece. Located in Athens is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, Acropolis of Athens, the Holy Rock which dates back to 5 BC. Athens is recognized as a global city for its strategic location and its modernistic views in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, culture, education, and tourism.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of the highlights in Athens showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Next, ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis. Greek for “highest city,” the Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Grand Meteora Hotel

Visit Area: The Acropolis and Parthenon

Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending Greece against the Persians. End your day at a family-owned taverna and savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort

Visit Area: Metéora
Meteora, located in Thessaly and Kalampaka, is a city under the rock of towers. The most famous attraction is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. Today, the Orthodoxy has been continually practiced uninterrupted for over 600 years by the monasteries on top of the Meteora rocks: Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoro, the Varlaam Monastery, the Saint Stephen Monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Saint Nicolas Anapafsas Monastery, and the Roussano Monastery.

This morning, visit Metéora and enjoy guided tours of two remote monasteries situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Europa Hotel

Visit Area: Delphi
The place where heaven meets earth. It is said that the Pythia, the priestess serving as the oracle in the pre-classical Greek world, resided in Delphi. Delphi is the setting for many Greek myths and serves as a major site for the worship of Apollo because of his accomplishment of slaying Phython, a dragon protecting the navel of Earth. Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece. Delphi’s deep history is a large attraction for tourists.

This morning tour the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of mankind. Then travel along the Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and meet with the owners to learn about everyday life. Following the tour, enjoy a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades, and sweets.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympics, which was held in honor of Zeus. Olympia is a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula, also nicknamed the “Vallyey of Gods.” Overtime the site was buried under sedimentary deposits, from what is thought to have been a flood. It wasn’t until 1766 when it was re-discovered. The first excavation took place in 1829. Today the Olympic flame of the modern Olympic Games is lit by the reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror in front of the Temple of Hera. Visitors can walk through the ruins of the area where athletes trained in the ancient stadium as well as visit the museum that houses sculptures of decoration of the temple of Zeus, which happens to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can also take part in activities, such as walking along the promenade, and outdoor sports like biking, rafting, kayaking, and kite surfing.

This morning, enjoy a guided visit to ancient Olympia, including a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances at a delightful Greek dance class.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Amphitryon Hotel

Admittance: Greek Farm Visit
Farming has been a core part of Greek culture since the ancient times. This was one of the main sources of income for the Ancient Greek economy. Now, farming still flourishes in Greece thanks to its most famous crop – olives. Although olives are the most popular crop, Greece also produces many other crops such as grapes, tomatoes, and cotton. You’ll be able to visit an authentic Greek farm and meet with the owners to learn about daily life in the countryside.

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the picturesque seaside resort of Nafplio.*** En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece’s signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Cooking Class
In Olympia, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you roll up your sleeves and partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience, followed by a flavorful and traditional Greek lunch.

Start your day with a journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by mythological King Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. Explore the excavations during a guided visit featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. This afternoon, return to Nafplio for a free afternoon and evening. Your Tour Manager will introduce you to Greece’s first capital city. Nafplio’s mix of Venetian and neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece’s most elegant city.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza City Center

Admittance: Greek Dance Class
The Greek dance class is an interactive, one hour Greek dance and music presentation on a variety of Greek dances and musical instruments. Guests will be able to participate in various traditional dances.

This morning, stop for a view of the Corinth Canal en route to Athens. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Greece’s capital. Perhaps you’ll browse the myriad shops of the Plaka, Athens’ historic district nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Or, visit one of the city’s world-class museums such as the National Archeological Museum with its majestic bronze statue of Poseidon or the Benaki Museum, which houses Greek works of art from prehistorical to modern times. Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece by gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Nafplio
Stay in the seaside resort town of Nafplio. The ancient origins of this place are evident, with numerous castles and fortifications found alongside golden beaches and winding cobblestone alleys.

Your tour ends today.

Breakfast Included