Discover the famous historical monuments of mainland Greece! With this five-day sightseeing tour, you will learn the history of the birthplace of Western civilization. Beginning in Athens, you will visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian`s Arch, and the Parliament, and you will get an insight into the Greek democracy. A stop off at Delphi will unveil you the antic center of the world, where two eagles released by the God Apollo met, and will predict your upcoming future destination, Meteora, where you will search for the sacred tranquility of the Greek monks.
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon your arrival at Athens international airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package has the cream of the crop, and we know you will thoroughly enjoy your one night stay in Athens. Rest of the day free of leisure. Visit on your own the famous flea market in Plaka (old town of Athens).
Overnight in Athens.Start point: Pick up at Athens Airport, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος, Αττική Οδός, Spata-Loutsa, Attica 190 04, Greece . Time: undefined
After a delicious breakfast, hop on board your luxury bus and enjoy a unique journey northwest to Delphi, arriving around noon. Famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the earth and the universe and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon after lunch depart through Central Greece and the cities of Lamia (short stop), Trikala crossing the Thessalian plain, to Kalambaka (a small town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowded by the Meteora Monasteries (short stop for souvenirs). Overnight in Kalambaka.
Savor breakfast in your hotel and then travel to nearby UNESCO-listed Meteora for a tour of the cliff-top monasteries. Visit two different impressive Byzantine Monasteries built on top of rock towers and providing breathtaking views over the plain. The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful and inspiring areas of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the country`s most unique attractions. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas king of Sparta in Thermopylae (short stop for photos). Arrive in Athens in the early evening. Overnight in Athens.
Today, after the luscious breakfast at the hotel, you have the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour you`ll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens. Begin the tour with a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis (visit Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Stroll up to the UNESCO-listed site that served as the ancient citadel, and tour the buildings as you hear how they reflected Athens’ prosperity in the 5th century BC. Continue the expert-guided Athens tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the Acropolis Museum. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions such as votives, artefacts of everyday life, statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you. Overnight in Athens.
Wake up to your tasty breakfast in the hotel and enjoy your last day in this long-standing metropolis. At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport in Athens and you could take your flight to your following destination or you will be transferred to the port of Piraeus for your next island visit.End point: Drop off at Athens Airport, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος, Αττική Οδός, Spata-Loutsa, Attica 190 04, Greece . Time: undefined
There were some inconveniences like not being picked up from the airport, Also Having two hotels on the post nights. The Hotels were very nice.
Too many different groups of people were joined together, the guide had to repeat the same contents twice in English and then in French, and it was a waste of time having to sit through. The tour also makes you gather WAY too early at 7:30 am every day, making the entire journey very tiring and unpleasant.
