Greece Highlights & Zakynthos Escape - 9 Days

On arrival at Athens Airport, we are met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after the journey or enjoy a first glimpse of the Greek capital.

This morning we enjoy a panoramic city tour, introducing us to Athens’ most important landmarks. We pass the Panathinaikon Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games, as well as the Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also see Schliemann’s House, the Academy, University and National Library, and the Old Parliament. We then visit the Acropolis, exploring the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon and Erechtheion, followed by the Acropolis Museum, home to remarkable finds including the Caryatides. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Plaka and the historic centre at your own pace.

Athens - Corinth - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. We depart Athens and travel into the Peloponnese, stopping at the impressive Corinth Canal. We continue to Epidaurus, an important healing centre in antiquity, renowned today for its exceptionally well-preserved theatre and remarkable acoustics. Passing through Nafplio, we proceed to Mycenae, described by Homer as ‘rich in gold’. Here we see the Cyclopean walls, the Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon. We arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight.

Olympia - Zakynthos. Set beside the River Alfios, Olympia is a tranquil and verdant site of immense historical significance. We tour the Ancient Olympia complex, birthplace of the Olympic Games, visiting the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra and Phidias’ Workshop. We also visit the museum, home to the celebrated statue of Hermes by Praxiteles. 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. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Early this morning, we join a boat excursion, subject to weather conditions, along the island’s northern coastline. We visit the famous Navagio Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, before continuing to the Blue Caves, known for their striking shades of blue. There is time to swim in the caves, and with luck, we may spot dolphins or sea turtles during the cruise. We return to the hotel, with the afternoon at leisure.

Zakynthos - Delphi. After breakfast, we transfer to the port for the return ferry to Kyllini, then continue by road to Olympia to re-join the main tour. In the afternoon, our journey continues through central Greece, crossing the impressive Rio-Antirio Bridge, before arriving in Delphi for dinner and overnight.

Delphi - Kalambaka. Delphi lies on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, overlooking vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf. Once considered the centre of the ancient world, it was a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries. We explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk along the Sacred Way and see the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle Pythia delivered her prophecies. We also visit the local museum, featuring the famous bronze Charioteer. We then continue to Kalambaka for overnight.

Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens. This morning we visit Meteora, one of Greece’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Towering sandstone formations rise dramatically from the plain, crowned by monasteries that have served as spiritual retreats for centuries. We visit selected monasteries and admire the sweeping views across the landscape. In the afternoon, we return to Athens, stopping at Thermopylae to see the statue of King Leonidas, commemorating the historic battle against the Persians.

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