Ancient Greece & Zakynthos - 8 Days

Arrival at Athens Airport, where we are met with welcome assistance before transferring to our hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is free to relax after the journey.

This morning, we enjoy a panoramic city tour taking in Athens’ most significant landmarks, including the Panathenaic Stadium, the Zappeion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also pass Schliemann’s House, the Academy, the University, the National Library and the Old Parliament. We then visit the Acropolis, exploring the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Our visit continues at the Acropolis Museum, home to remarkable finds from the site, including the original Caryatides. The afternoon is at leisure, allowing you to explore Plaka and the historic centre at your own pace.

Athens - Corinth - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. Today we depart Athens and travel towards the Peloponnese. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering feat linking the Aegean and Ionian Seas. We then visit Epidaurus, the most important healing centre of antiquity and renowned for its exceptionally preserved ancient theatre and remarkable acoustics. Continuing our journey, we pass through the coastal town of Nafplio before visiting Mycenae, described by Homer as ‘rich in gold’. Here we see the Cyclopean walls, the Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon. The day concludes with arrival in Olympia for dinner and overnight stay.

Olympia - Zakynthos. Set beside the River Alfios, Olympia is a peaceful and green setting of great historical importance. We tour the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the original Olympic Games, including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra and the Workshop of Phidias. We also visit the local museum, where the renowned statue of Hermes by Praxiteles is displayed. After the visit, we separate from the group and transfer privately to the port of Kyllini to board the ferry to Zakynthos. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Early this morning, you join a boat excursion, subject to weather conditions, cruising along the island’s northern coastline. We visit the iconic Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, one of the most photographed locations in Greece. The boat also stops at the Blue Caves, famous for their striking blue reflections, where you may wish to take a refreshing swim. Keep watch during the cruise as dolphins or sea turtles are occasionally spotted. Return to the hotel, with the afternoon free at leisure.

Zakynthos - Delphi. After breakfast, we transfer to the port for the ferry back to Kyllini, followed by a transfer to Olympia to rejoin the main tour. In the afternoon, our journey continues into central Greece, crossing the impressive Rio-Antirio Bridge, before arriving in Delphi for dinner and overnight stay.

Delphi - Athens. Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos and overlooking vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf, Delphi was considered the most sacred place in the ancient world. We explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk along the Sacred Way and see the Temple of Apollo, once home to the Oracle Pythia. Our visit includes the local museum, where the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer is displayed. We then return to Athens for our final overnight stay.

At the scheduled time, we transfer to Athens Airport for our departure flight.