Our Private tour Journeys to some of the most impressive remains of Ancient, Classical & Byzantine Greece including 8 world heritage sites, spanning over 5000 years in the development of one of the world's great civilizations.
From the first healing centre at Epidaurus to the tombs of Mycenae, to breathtaking Olympia, and the centre of the ancient world at Delphi, as well as the impressive Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Medieval Nafplio and Meteroa. No less impressive is the natural beauty of the accompanying locations as you sit back & relax along the way in full leather comfort in one of our new Mercedes E-Class Sedans or Luxury Class Minivans with WiFi and chilled bottled water.
In addition to our basic High Standard (Gold Package), choose the hassle-free option to add a 3-course Traditional Greek Lunch in one of the best local restaurants (Platinum Package), or further tailor your tour to include an Expert Archaeological Guide at one or more of the sites (on request).
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Minimum 4-Star or Boutique style Hotels with breakfast
✔ DISCOUNT PACKAGE: Superior Class Sedan, Mercedes Minivan or Sprinter. Depending on group size
✔ Professional English speaking experienced Tour driver throughout the day
✔ GOLD PACKAGE: Luxury EClass Mercedes Sedan, Minivan or Sprinter depending on group size
✔ PLATINUM PACKAGE: EClass Mercedes Sedan, Minivan or Sprinter depending on group size; 3-Course Lunch
✖ Entrance Fees
✖ Expert Licensed Archaeological Guides. Available on request at one or more sites
✖ Pickup from Airport & areas outside Athens on request. May require a supplement.
Pickup Locations
1. Foivos Hotel Athens
2. Alter Athens Hotel
3. Zenith Hotel
4. Athens City Plaza
5. Wyndham Athens Residence
6. Apollo Hotel
7. Titania Hotel
8. Athens Zafolia Hotel
9. Philippos Hotel
10. The Editor Athens Hotel
11. Anixis
12. Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre, an IHG hotel
13. Novotel Athenes
14. Hotel Tier Collection
15. Hotel Byron
16. Bob W. Eolou Athens
17. Ambrosia Suites
18. Exarchion Hotel
19. Hotel Carolina
20. Brazil Hotel
Additional Info: o Pick up time flexible on request
o Airport pickup and/ or Return is free if the arrival/departure dates coincide with your tour
o For Airbnb's please provide the exact address
o If you have luggage please provide details of quantity so we may provide the appropriate vehicle. A supplement may apply for a larger vehicle.
Itinerary
ATHENS ACROPOLIS & HIGHLIGHTS & THE TEMPLE OF POSEIDON
1
Acropolis
Visit the Acropolis & its associated temples including the Parthenon, Temple of Nike and Temple of Erechtheion. Stop at Herodes Atticus Theatre.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Acropolis Museum
Explore the New Acropolis Museum situated adjacent to the Acropolis which houses the many masterpieces from the site.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Syntagma
Main square of Athens housing the Parliament building & focus of much of Athenian life & Politics. At the tomb of the unknown soldier you will see the impressive changing of the guard’s ceremony, with the iconic 'Evzone' guards in their traditional uniform.
Duration: 20 minutes
4
The Academy of Athens
Stop at Panepistimiou str, for the Athenian Trilogy – the three elegant buildings: The University, The Academy and The Library.
Duration: 20 minutes
5
Panathenaic Stadium
Also called 'Kallimarmaro' stadium is one of the highlights of Athens where the classic Marathon ends & the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble
Duration: 20 minutes
6
Tempio Di Zeus Olimpio
Colossal temple at the center of Athens dedicated to the God Zeus and once home to one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World
Duration: 20 minutes
7
Arco Di Adriano
Classic Triumphal Arch built by the Ancient Athenians for the Roman Emperor Hadrian & seen together with the Temple of Zeus in the same location
Duration: 20 minutes
8
Temple of Poseidon
Located 70 meters on a clifftop at the tip of the Athens Peninsula this amazing temple was dedicated to the God Poseidon. It was the last thing Ancient sailors saw on leaving port & the first site on return with many legends to tell. It is especially beautiful at sunset & a perfect final location for your tour
Duration: 2 hours
ANCIENT CORINTH - MYCENAE - NAFPLION
1
Corinth Canal
A brief stop to learn about the history of this impressive work of engineering
Duration: 20 minutes
2
Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)
After leaving Athens our first main stop in the Peloponnese explores the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city states of Antiquity. Stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans & St. Paul before you. Refreshments & rest stops are also on hand at the local Cafes at its entrance if needed.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Archaeological Site Mycenae
Next we come to the imposing remains of Ancient Mycenae, one of the most important sites in the development of Ancient Greece. Home to the citadel of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. The ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC, references this ancient city, indicating its importance in Greek civilization. Pass through the 20-foot-wide city walls, enter the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s throne room, and explore the very buildings of his palace. You will also have a short sopt nearby for the awe inspiring treasury of Atreus and ample time to visit the modern on-site museum housing the many precious artefacts uncovered from the site.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Nafplio
After the many sites of the morning we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval & historical port city of Nafplio by the sea with views to the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay. This city has a definite artistic feel so take time for a stroll and explore the many local craft shops & boutiques of the charming old city and dont miss out on dining at the sea front in the evening.
Duration: 1.5 hours
EPIDAURUS - MYSTRAS - SPARTA
1
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, first healing centre of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. The temple and theatre date from the 4th century and feature masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join the other visitors who test its world famous acoustics with a poem or a song !
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Archaeological Site of Mystra
Lying in the southeast Peloponnese we visit the 800 year old ruins of the Medieval city & UNESCO site of Mystras, once seat of Byzantine power in the region & replete with palaces, residences, mansions, churches and monasteries, water & drainage works, commercial workshops, extensive streets & fortifications.
Duration: 1.5 hours
3
Sparta
We spend time for lunch and to explore this historic town with its ancient ruins, museum & olive oil museum before continuing to Olympia for the evening
Duration: 1.5 hours
ANCIENT OLYMPIA - NAFPAKTOS - GALAXITHI
1
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, and one of the most magical locations in Greece. Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity you will see the places where the original athletes trained, learned and go through the tunnel to emerge in the stadium in which they competed. The site is still home to the Temple of Zeus and Hera where the Olympic Flame is lit, workshop of Phidias, and extensive Museum containing significant masterpieces from the site.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Rion-Antirion Bridge
After Olympia we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world & a great fete of engineering as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi
Duration: 20 minutes
3
Nafpaktos Old Port
Stunningly beautiful picture postcard Venetian port & perfect lunch stop. Nafpaktos is a little known village you will never forget.
Duration: 1.5 hours
4
Galaxidi
Lying by the sea near the ancient port of Delphi, this beautiful village is an ideal location to spend your evening wondering through the pretty streets, cafes & restaurants with sea views away from the more mass touristic feel of Delphi. A warm welcome awaits you as well as amazing local and authentic cuisine.
Duration: 2 hours
DELPHI - HOSIOS LOUKAS - ARACHOVA
1
Delphi
Inset on wide terraces along the hillside we are fortunate that the landslides of previous centuries preserved much of the ancient remains for us to witness including the 4th century BC temple of Apollo from where the Oracle spoke her prophesies along with the Castilian spring of Mythology, theatre, treasury buildings, temples of Athena and Gymnasium where athletes gathered before the Pythian games to bath in the sacred waters. During your visit to Delphi, see the physical structures associated with this incredibly long history, and learn about their rich mythology.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Monastery of Hosios Loukas
We next visit one of the most important and well preserved Byzantine Monasteries & which is UNESCO listed. Explore its 1100 year old Architecture along with its unique & impressive fresco's. An optional visit you can choose to omit this site if you wish.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Arachova
Lunch Stop. Spend time enjoying the local craft shops and wonderful views over the olive filled Pleistos river valley over lunch before continuing to Kalambaka in the shadow of Meteora
Duration: 1.5 hours
4
Delphi Archaeological Museum
A beautiful addition to the site is the modern museum dedicated to the finds which stretch back in time to at least 1500 BC, as well as those notably which adorned the temples & streets of the ancient city at its peak around the 4th century BC with outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphynx, the twin Kouroi and famous Bronze Charioteer among others.
Duration: 60 minutes
METEORA - KALAMBAKA
1
Meteora
After breakfast we ascend towards the monasteries above. Built on a natural formation of sandstone rock pillars up to 1,312 feet high, the six remaining monasteries date from the 14th century and form a remarkable and awe-inspiring combination of nature and spiritual significance. We visit at least two of the most outstanding monasteries, normally the Grand Meteora Monastery, Varlaam or Agiou Stefanou, and learn about their long history and the hermits and monks that lived there alongside the majestic landscape views.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Kalambaka
Pause for a traditional lunch in one of the towns main squares to refresh yourself before continuing.
Duration: 1.5 hours
VIRGINA - THERMOPHYLAE - ATHENS
1
Veroia
We visit Virgina in the morning before turning back southward towards the site of Thermopylae
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Thermopylae
Stop to see the monument and enter the newly built Visitor’s Center which recreates the ancient battle where King Leonidas led the 300 Spartans in 480 BC.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Kamena Vourla
For lunch or a break along the sea we can stop at one of the many local villages before finally returning to Athens.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• LUNCH OPTION: You may add this later on request or choose one of the booking options including lunch. Includes your choice of traditional menu in one of the best local restaurants. Vegetarian dishes available.
• GUIDING/LICENSED GUIDES: Please note your knowledgeable tour driver can inform you en-route but can not enter Archaeological sites. You may add a guide for one or more sites on request, or choose one of the booking options that includes a guide.
• LUNCH OPTION: If your booking option has lunch included, please inform us of any allergies or related conditions
