Discover the famous historical monuments of mainland Greece! With this four day sightseeing tour in Greece from Athens including Meteora and Delphi, you will visit some of the most interesting sites in Greece. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi with Apollo temple and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-tower monasteries of Meteora.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delphi: At the foot of Mount Parnassos, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which was the most famous Oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi is the second-most important archaeological site in Greece (after the Acropolis in Athens) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meteora: In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremitic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting. Meteora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Day 1: ATHENS – CANAL OF CORINTH – EPIDAURUS –NAUPLION - MYCENAE – OLYMPIA (385km – 9hrs)
Early pick up from your hotel in Athens. Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.
Overnight in Olympia.
Day 2: OLYMPIA – OLYMPIA ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE & MUSEUM – ANCIENT STADIUM – DELPHI (330km – 9hrs)
Have breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then proceed to Patras driving through the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and arrive in Delphi for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 3: DELPHI – DELPHI ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE & MUSEUM – KALAMBAKA (310km – 8hrs)
Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Castalia Spring, the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Museum. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town stated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 4: KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ATHENS DEPARTURE (355km – 9hrs)
Recharge your batteries with breakfast in the hotel. Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonidas Monument). Arrive in Athens early in the evening.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
