Classic Greece & Meteora - 8 Days

On arrival at Athens Airport, we are met with a warm welcome and assisted with our transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after the journey.

This morning, we enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, introducing us to the city’s most important monuments and landmarks. We pass the Panathinaikon Stadium, Zappeion Hall, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as Schliemann’s House, the Academy, University, 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 tour continues at the Acropolis Museum, where masterpieces such as the Caryatides are displayed. The afternoon is free for you to explore Plaka and the historic centre at your own pace.

Itinerary alterations - please note: April to October: For Monday and Friday departures, the 4-day classical Greece & Meteora tour will commence on Day 02, and the city tour of Athens will be on Day 06.

November to March: For Friday departures, the One Day Cruise will commence on Day 02, the city tour of Athens on Day 03, and the 4-day classical Greece & Meteora tour will commence on Day 04 of the program. For Sunday departures, the 4-day classical Greece & Meteora tour will commence on Day 02, and the city tour of Athens will be on Day 06 of the program.

Athens - Corinth - Epidaurus - Olympia. Today, we depart on a three-day journey through 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, renowned for its remarkably preserved theatre and exceptional acoustics. Passing through the picturesque town of Nafplio, we continue to 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 ends with our arrival in Olympia for dinner and overnight stay.

Olympia - Delphi. Set beside the River Alfios, Olympia is a tranquil and green setting steeped in history. We explore the ancient site where the original Olympic Games were held, including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra and Phidias’s Workshop. We also visit the archaeological museum, home to the renowned statue of Hermes by Praxiteles. In the afternoon, we continue through central Greece, crossing the impressive Rio-Antirio Bridge before arriving in Delphi for our overnight stay.

Delphi - Kalambaka. Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos and overlooking vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf, Delphi was considered the centre of the ancient world.We explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk along the Sacred Way and see the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle Pythia once delivered her prophecies. At the local museum, we admire the famous bronze Charioteer of Delphi. We then continue our journey to Kalambaka for overnight.

Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens. This morning, we visit Meteora, one of Greece’s most striking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Towering sandstone rock formations rise dramatically from the plain, crowned by monasteries that have served as places of spiritual retreat for centuries. We visit selected monasteries and take in the breathtaking views across the landscape. In the afternoon, we return to Athens, stopping en route at Thermopylae to see the statue of King Leonidas, commemorating the famous battle of the 300 Spartans against the Persians.

Athens - Aegina - Poros - Hydra - Athens. Today, we enjoy a full-day cruise to the islands of the Saronic Gulf. On Hydra, you can explore this charming, vehicle-free island, including its historic Mitropolis, with the option of a donkey ride. In Poros, you may hike up to the clock tower for panoramic views over the yacht harbour and the Peloponnese. On Aegina, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, sample the island’s famous pistachios, or join an optional excursion to the Temple of Aphaia. A buffet lunch is served on board, and on the return journey to Athens, we enjoy Greek music and dancing.

Please Note: The operation of the one-day cruise is subject to weather conditions and minimum participation, particularly during the winter months. In the event of cancellation, alternative excursions will be offered

At the appropriate time, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight.