Marvels of Greece 6 Days
6 Days: Athens, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Aegina, Poros, Hydra
Tour overview:
Experience Greece on this magical tour! Step back in time to explore one of the oldest cities in the world, filled with ancient sites and architectural masterpieces. Your tour starts with visits to historical landmarks including the Parthenon, Hadrian’s Arch, Acropolis, and the temples of the Olympian Zeus and Nike, just to name a few. You will then travel towards Delphi, which used to be the most sacred place in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. Next, you will visit Meteora to soak up the wonderful views. The tour continues with a cruise of the islands of the Saronic gulf, visit Hydra, a picturesque little “vehicle free” island and the island of Poros with its clock tower facing the Peloponnese.
Day 1 - Arrive Athens
Arrive at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to your hotel in Athens.
Day 2 - Athens City tour
A morning panoramic tour will take you around to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including: Panathinaikon stadium, Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, Parliament, tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, Academy, University, National Library, and old Parliament. You will then visit the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion; and the Acropolis Museum where findings from the area, like the Caryatides, have found their home. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, and the historical center at your own pace. (B)
Day 3 - Delphi / Kalambaka
Today, you will depart for a 2-Day tour, heading to Delphi. Built on the slopes of mount Parnassos overlooking the vast olive groves and the Corinthian gulf, Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, see the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle), before continuing your drive to Kalambaka for overnight. (BD)
Day 4 - Meteora / Athens
This morning, you will be visiting Meteora, one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and part of UNESCO’s list of world heritage monuments. Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora and the view over the plain is breathtaking. Return drive to Athens in the afternoon, stopping on the way at Thermopylae, to see the statue of Leonidas, commemorating the battle of the 300, against the Persians. (B)
Day 5 - Day Cruise Aegina-Poros-Hydra / Athens
You will spend a whole day cruising to the islands of the Saronic gulf today. Take a donkey ride to explore the “vehicle free” Hydra, with its unique Mitropolis. Hike to the clock tower of Poros to see the views to yacht port and the Peloponnese. Join a horse-drawn carriage ride in Aegina and buy some pistachios, or join an excursion to the temple of Afea. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board and practice your Greek dancing skills on the way back to Athens. (BL)
Day 6 - Depart Athens
After Breakfast, you would be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. (B)