Athina Trip Overview
The so-called ‘Classical Greece’ period is defined by a perfection of Temples and Cities at the peak of Ancient Greek civilization from 450 to 330 BC. Our fully guided classical Greece tour puts this into a wider and deeper perspective visiting a span of sites from the pre-classical period of the Myceneans from 1600 BC to the Roman, Christian and Byzantine Empire that followed. Luxury Class travel, hotels and lunch restaurants are included as are some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Greece.
Additional Info
Duration: 7 days
Starts: Athina, Greece
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Athina Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Athina, Greece, Greece
The so-called ‘Classical Greece’ period is defined by a perfection of Temples and Cities at the peak of Ancient Greek civilization from 450 to 330 BC. Our fully guided classical Greece tour puts this into a wider and deeper perspective visiting a span of sites from the pre-classical period of the Myceneans from 1600 BC to the Roman, Christian and Byzantine Empire that followed. Luxury Class travel, hotels and lunch restaurants are included as are some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Greece.
Itinerary
Day 1: ATHENS HIGHLIGHTS
Stop At: Athens, Athens, Attica
Your personal driver, assistant, and Licenced Archaeological Guide will be at your central meeting point to start your tour. Today’s tour focuses on the classical sites of Athens and you will visit the sites of the Acropolis, New Acropolis Museum Arch of Hadrian, and Temple of Olympian Zeus, learning all about their History. Further stops include the Panathenaic Stadium, Parliament, and the main square of Athens, Syntagma Square where you will witness the changing of the Traditional Evzone Guards.
Group lunch at GH Attikos Restaurant with Acropolis view where you can get to know your travel companions.
15:30 Return to Hotel. Free time in Athens.
Overnight in Athens
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: A 3-course lunch is provided in one of the top local traditional restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight – Athens. 4-star or Boutique-Style centrally located Hotel
Day 2: ARGOLIS
Stop At: Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos), Argous 105 Ancient Korinthos village, Corinth 200 07 Greece
After leaving Athens we travel to the Peloponnese for our first main stop to explore the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city-states of Antiquity. You will have time to stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans and St. Paul before you. Our expert Licenced Archaeological Guide will be on hand inside to take you through all the sites of the day. Refreshments and rest stops are available as required.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mycenae, Mycenae, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
After a short onward drive 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. We will also have a short stop nearby for the awe-inspiring treasury of Atreus and ample time to visit the modern on-site museum housing the many precious artifacts uncovered from the site.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Ethniki Odos Isthmou Archaias Epidavrou, Epidavros 210 52 Greece
Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asklepios.
Our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, the first healing center of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Great 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 in the center circle!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Nafplio, Nafplio, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
After the sites of the morning, we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval and historical port city of Nafplio by the sea with views of the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch: A 3-course lunch is provided in one of the top local traditional restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight – Nafplion or Tolo. 4-star or Boutique-Style centrally located Hotel
Day 3: SPARTA
Stop At: Mystras 231 00, Greece
After a leisurely breakfast, we wind our way down towards Mystras. Lying in the southeast Peloponnese we visit the 800-year-old ruins of the Medieval city and UNESCO site. Once the seat of Byzantine power in the region the city was abandoned rather than being destroyed and consequently its palaces, residences, mansions, churches, monasteries, water and drainage works, commercial workshops, extensive streets and fortifications all remain to explore.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, 129 Othonos Amalias Street, Sparta, Sparta Municipality 231 00 Greece
From fossilized olive leaves to oil presses from Santorini, if you want to deepen your knowledge of this important aspect of Greek and Mediterranean Culture the Museum of the Olive is the place for an immersive experience.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ancient Messini, Messini 240 02 Greece
Ancient Messene was founded in 371 BC after the Theban general Epaminondas defeated Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra. The Messenians were freed from 350 years of Spartan rule and built a new capital and stronghold enclosed by a 9km wall. An extensive city, the Archaeological site is still under excavation but contains a well-preserved theatre, marketplace, Sanctuary of Asclepius, and large stadium.
Group lunch in Kapari
Ancient Messene was founded in 371 BC after the Theban general Epaminondas defeated Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra. The Messenians were freed from 350 years of Spartan rule and built a new capital and stronghold enclosed by a 9km wall. An extensive city, the Archaeological site is still under excavation but contains a well-preserved theatre, marketplace, Sanctuary of Asclepius, and large stadium.
Overnight in Olympia
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch: A 3-course lunch is provided in one of the top local traditional restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight – Olympia. 4-star or Boutique-Style centrally located Hotel
Day 4: ANCIENT OLYMPIA
Stop At: Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archea Olympia, Olympia 27065 Greece
Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, and one of the most magical locations in Greece. After transfer to the site, you will meet our expert Licenced Guide who will take you through all the history as high points along with the stories and mythology of the pieces in the museum. Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity you will see the places where the original athletes trained, taught, 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, and the workshop of Phidias.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Archaia Olympia, Olympia 27 065 Greece
Not to be missed is the local museum housing many of the masterpieces uncovered from the Archaeological site from the very drinking cup of Phidaus to the sculptures that adorned the Pediment of the Temple of Zeus.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rio-Antirrio Bridge (Charilaos Trikoupis), Gefira Charilaos Trikoupis, Antirrio Greece
After Olympia, we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and a great feat of engineering as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Nafpaktos Old Port, Naupactus 30300 Greece
Stunningly beautiful picture-postcard Venetian port and a perfect stop to enjoy a short break. Nafpaktos is a village you will never forget. A small amphitheatric port with cafes and restaurants at the waterfront, there is an old lighthouse and Fehiye Tzmi Mosque of 1499. The spot of a famous sea battle in 1571, next to the cannons targeting the sea, there are statues of the legendary captain Giorgos Anemogiannis and Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. Enjoy a coffee or wander through some of the beautiful narrow streets with their historic Neoclassical mansions.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch: A 3-course lunch is provided in one of the top local traditional restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight – Galaxithi. 4-star or Boutique-Style centrally located Hotel
Day 5: DELPHI
Stop At: Delphi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
Delphi sits above the deep Olive filled Plestos valley and Aegean sea from where Ancient visitors came to pay tribute to the Greek God Apollo. This UNESCO site is one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. Delphi was designated the center of the world in Greek Mythology and Unlike Ancient Olympia which was known for its Games, the importance and influence of Delphi extended much further as home to the Oracle, the Pythian athletic games, and many ‘treasuries‘ which stored the rich offerings to the Gods.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Delphi Archaeological Museum, Ethniki Odos Amfissas – Livadias, Delphi 330 54 Greece
A real highlight of the Archaeological site is the modern museum displaying the finds which adorned the temples and streets of the ancient city. It has outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphynx, the twin Kouroi, and the famous Bronze Charioteer.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Thermopylae, Thermopylae, Phthiotis Region, Central Greece
After our visit to Delphi we travel eastward to the site of Thermopylae, stopping 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: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch: A 3-course lunch is provided in one of the top local traditional restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight – Kalambaka. 4-star or Boutique-Style centrally located Hotel
Day 6: METEORA
Stop At: Meteora, Meteora, Trikala Region, Thessaly
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
Stop At: Vergina, Vergina, Imathia Region, Central Macedonia
At Ancient Aigai, the first capital of Macedonia, Philip the second was assassinated in the city’s theatre, and his son Alexander the Great proclaimed King. Philips Tomb was uncovered unlooted in 1977 and the ancient city designated a UNESCO site. Its museum is dedicated to the finds at the site and is one of the most important in Greece.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: A 3-course lunch is provided in one of the top local traditional restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight. Thessaloniki. – 4-star or Boutique-Style centrally located Hotel
Day 7: THESSALONIKI CITY TOUR
Stop At: White Tower of Thessaloniki, Leoforos Nikis Leoforos Nikis, 54640, Thessaloniki 546 40 Greece
We tour the main highlights of the city. The White Tower, originally a Byzantine fortification, has been adopted as the symbol of this city. After the fall of the city to the Ottomans in 1430, it became a notorious prison and was the scene of mass executions. Renovated after its recovery by the Greeks it is now a museum and landmark.
Statue of Alexander the Great. Born in 356BC and the son of King Philip of Macedonia. Alexander remains an Icon of Northern Greece. Educated by the Greek Philosopher Aristotle, after inheriting the throne he went on to expand his kingdom to the reaches of Egypt and into India as one of the largest empires in the world.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rotunda, Pl. Agiou Georgiou Rotonta 5, Thessaloniki 546 35 Greece
The Rotunda is a Roman Temple built in 306AD. The Byzantine emperor Constantine I then converted it into a church, and later in Ottoman times, it became a Mosque with the addition of its still-standing minaret.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Manoli Andronikou 6 Manoli Andronikou 6, 54013, Thessaloniki 54013 Greece
The museum may remind you of the one in Ancient Olympia in terms of Architecture and is laid out in a well organized and spacious way on two levels. Much of the famed Macedonian Gold is on display as well as many unique pieces of armor and artifacts highlighting the Macedonian period in Greece from 7000 BC.
RETURN ATHENS
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch: A 3-course lunch is provided in one of the top local traditional restaurants.
No accommodation included on this day.
