11-Day Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Mykonos and Santorini

Day 1: ATHENS – CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION

Arriving in Athens, we’ll smoothly transfer you to your hotel in our comfortable vehicles. Our English-speaking assistant will be with you, ensuring your comfort and care throughout the journey.

In the afternoon, at the hotel, our representative will provide you with all the essential trip details. Get ready for an engaging presentation about the city, where you’ll gain insights into its vibrant daily life. Feel free to ask questions and clear any doubts, setting the stage for a pleasant and hassle-free experience throughout your trip.

With the rest of the day at your leisure, embrace Athens at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the captivating sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Day 2: FROM ATHENS TO OLYMPIA – CRADLE OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Today, we’ll head to the Corinth Canal, where you’ll make a brief stop to take photos and admire this famous waterway that connects the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Corinth. This impressive engineering marvel eliminates the need for ships to travel over 400 kilometers around the Peloponnese peninsula to reach the Ionian Sea.

Continuing on our journey, we’ll reach the Theater of Epidaurus, renowned worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and still used today for various performances, particularly during the summer. We’ll also have time to explore the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, which pays homage to the origins of modern medicine.

Next, we’ll travel to the city of Mycenae, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Acropolis, the iconic Lions Gate, and the tomb of Agamemnon.

In the afternoon, we’ll make our way across the central Peloponnese region.

By early evening, we’ll arrive in Olympia, where you’ll check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Day 3: FROM OLYMPIA TO THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD – DELPHI

In the morning, you will visit the site of the ancient Olympic stadium, where the first games were held at around 776 BC.

The importance of these games was widely accepted, given the extensive participation of the Greek cities, which suspended hostilities throughout the celebrations. The Olympiad was recognized as the only chronological event in Greece and represented four years between two consecutive events.

Olympia was also the most important sanctuary of Ancient Greece, a place to worship Zeus, the first among the gods. The gigantic gold and ivory sculpture crafted by Phidias was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

After we visit the Museum of Olympia, you will continue your journey across the suspension of the Rion-Antirion Bridge, a modern engineering wonder, until you reach your destination.

Upon your arrival at Delphi, you will have dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 4: FROM ATHENS TO THE ORACLE OF DELPHI AND METEORA, KALAMBAKA

In the morning, and after a solid breakfast, you will visit Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the center or ‘navel’ of the ancient world. It was here where the renowned Delphi Oracle, a counselor of kings and pilgrims, could be found.

You cannot miss out on a visit to the Museum, which houses the “Bronze Charioteer”, a masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

At the end of your Delphi tour, you will descend the slopes of Mount Parnassus, and head towards the plains of Thessaly, where the city of Kalambaka is located.

Upon your arrival in Kalambaka, you will check in at your hotel, and have dinner and a rejuvenating sleep.

Day 5: FROM KALAMBAKA TO ATTICA – ATHENS

Early in the morning you will visit Meteora, also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1988.  In this mysterious landscape, the natural beauty is combined with the compelling presence of the eternal Monasteries suspended or “meteora” on top of the huge rocks.

There are only six in use, five for the male and one for the female monastic community.

On the way back to Athens, you will stop briefly at Thermopylae, where you can see the statue of the Spartan King Leonidas I, famous for leading the battle against the Persians in 480 BC.

You will arrive in Athens in the late afternoon and we will drop you off at your hotel or the nearest one, whichever is more convenient.

Dresscode to the Monasteries: Sleeveless shirts and shorts above the knee are not allowed. Trousers, skirts and shawls are available at the entrance of the Monasteries in case the visitors do not have such clothing to cover themselves with.

Day 6: ATHENS SIGHTSEEING WITH ACROPOLIS, TEMPLE OF ZEUS, TRILOGY & NIGHT TOUR

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a panoramic tour of Athens’ Neoclassical Center. Our licensed English-speaking tour guide will share captivating stories about their history and significance.

Athens’ Neoclassical Center is home to significant landmarks like the Parliament building, which houses the Hellenic Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other notable structures include the University of Athens, the National Library of Greece, and the National Academy of Athens. The district also features attractions such as the Ilion Palace, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, and the iconic Panathenaic Stadium.

Next, prepare to be amazed by the legendary Acropolis and the captivating Acropolis Museum. The entrance fee to both sites is included, allowing you to immerse yourself in their grandeur.

Afterward, you can either return to your hotel or venture into the charming streets of Plaka for leisurely exploration.

As the sun sets, join us for an evening Athens walking tour through the enchanting residential districts of Anafiotika, Thissio, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

Marvel at their beauty and soak up the ambiance of these picturesque neighborhoods.

Day 7: FROM ATHENS TO MYKONOS – NAVIGATING THE AEGEAN LIKE ODYSSEUS

Early in the morning, your assistant will pick you up in one of our private vehicles and transfer you to the port of Piraeus, where you will board the ferry to the famous island of Mykonos. The crossing is scheduled at the ideal time of the day so that you can enjoy the sun on deck and marvel at the deep blue of the Aegean sea. The name of this cosmopolitan island denotes “heap of stones” or the “rocky place”, but a later version links it to the hero Mykonos, son of the king of Delos, Anius.

Upon your arrival on the island, one of our English speaking representatives will be waiting to welcome you, transfer you to your hotel and introduce you to this famous island.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and immerse yourself in the ‘slow’ way of life of the islanders.

Day 8: MYKONOS: RELAX, SUN, BEACH AND HISTORY

Free day to enjoy this magnificent island. Mykonos is the meeting point of the international “jet set.” The island is famous for its wonderful beaches, dazzling shops, and vibrant nightlife.

Mykonos’s cuisine is Mediterranean. Vegetables and olive oil are an integral part of the daily menu. Together with certain spices (oregano, basil) as well as fish and seafood dishes.

A few minutes away by ferry, there is the historic island of Delos. According to Greek mythology, it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This small island has been inhabited since 3000 BC. In the past, it was one of the most important cultural centers of antiquity.

Day 9: FROM MYKONOS TO THE MAGICAL SANTORINI

After a tasty breakfast, appreciating life like a Greek, our representative will pick you up at the agreed time, in one of our private vehicles, to drive you to the port, where you will continue to your next destination, the island which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, Santorini. Approaching the island, you will have the opportunity to admire the capital city of Fira, with its white houses perched on the cliffside and facing the volcano.

Upon your arrival, one of our English-speaking representatives will be waiting for you at the port to welcome you, escort you to your hotel and comment a little more on the attractions of this picturesque island. The rest of the day is free to wander through the narrow streets and become part of this amazing world.

Day 10: DISCOVERING SANTORINI

Free day for you and your companion to explore this magical island, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis, at your own pace. The name of the island was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi due to the presence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. His descendants remained until 1576, when it became part of the Duchy of Naxos and until the Turkish conquest by Piyale Pasha.

Optionally, you can go on a dazzling sailboat tour that includes visits to the small islands inside the caldera, Nea and Palea Kameni, with the hot springs of green and yellow waters.

Day 11: FROM SANTORINI TO ATHENS – THE RETURN

At the agreed time, you will be transferred to the airport of Santorini, where you will board your flight back to Athens.

Your arrival at the airport will conveniently coincide with your international flight, which should preferably depart after 12:30 pm.