Overview
Classical Greece Plus Greek Island Adventure
Athens to Athens and everything in between makes this Greek adventure one for the history books. From the mysterious ruins dedicated to Greek deities, to the magnificent realms of the great philosophers, your imagination will overflow with the sights, tastes, and ancient tales of Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more mind-blowing experiences—all between the blue skies and seas. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.
Highlights of Classical Greece Plus Greek Island Adventure
Related Tours
RG|Classical GreeceRGK|With Iconic Aegean 3-Night CruiseRGH|With Iconic Aegean 4-Night CruiseRGL|With Idyllic Aegean 7-Night CruiseRGM|With Island Hopper
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $1,977*18 guests in a party: $460*
Related Option Title
With Island Hopper
Product Group
Classical Greece
UNESCO Sites
Acropolis Athens|Archeological Site of Delphi|Archeological site of Mycenae|Archeological Site of Olympia|Meteora|Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis• Visit to the ancient town of Corinth, plus a stop at the Corinth Canal• Guided visits to archaeological sites in Olympia, Mycenae and Epidaurus • Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi• Guided visit to the monasteries of Varlaam and St Stephen’s in Meteora• Visit to the site of the Battle of Thermopylae• Guided walking tour in Heraklion, Crete includes the main highlights plus complementary [LF] bougatsa tasting (traditional pastry)• Guided sightseeing in Naxos plus complementary [LF] citrus spoon dessert • Guided sightseeing in Paros includes a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the “Church of a Hundred Doors).• [LF] Tzatziki cooking demonstration • [LF] Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo• Flight from Athens to Crete• Ferry crossing between Crete and Naxos, plus Naxos and Athens
Notes
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Guests are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour.
Meals
Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily, 7 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2
ATHENS Marvels & Myths Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Day 3
ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA Greek History & Heroes Leave Athens and drive to Corinth, stop to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal, before joining a guided walking tour of the ancient city. Continue to Mycenae, according to legend the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy some free time for lunch before entering the excavations for a guided tour, including a visit to the museum. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
Day 4
NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
Day 5
OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI Digs & Dances Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast to reach Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Take a guided walking tour of the excavations and Archaeological Museum to discover more. This evening, step into the culture when you [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)149 mi / 239 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
Day 6
DELPHI–METEORA AREA Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive north past Lamia and Trikala to reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. (B,D) 155 mi / 249 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
Day 7
METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Grecian Battles & Beauty This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B) 236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
Day 8
ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE Marvels & Myths Start your Cretian discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.
Day 9
HERAKLION Saints & Sweets Start your Cretian discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island. (B)LOCAL FAVORITESIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multicultural influences. While walking along the narrow streets, take in Heraklion’s most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa—one of the most popular Greek sweet treats.
Day 10
HERAKLION–NAXOS Tempting Traditions This morning, board a high-speed ferry for a ride across the Aegean to the island of Naxos. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour to see the highlights of Naxos town with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. Then, a really sweet treat! [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè). Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore more of the island. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines as a gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware.
Day 11
NAXOS Mediterranean Magic Enjoy a full day at leisure on this idyllic island, why not admire the stunning scenery of the pristine waters while you relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to explore further afield. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Day 12
NAXOS–PAROS Sun, Sand & Sea Today, hop on a high-speed ferry to reach the island of Paros. Explore delightful Parikia, the capital of Paros, during a guided sightseeing tour which features a visit to Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” Enjoy some free time to browse. This evening, enjoy some authentic tastes with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, which was used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches and surrounded by pristine waters.
Day 13
PAROS–ATHENS Amazing Athens Today, take a ferry back to Athens. Enjoy free time later this afternoon and evening, perhaps visit a museum or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Day 14
ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Zafolia | Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport. | Athens | 87-89 Alexandras Avenue | First-Class |
| 2 | Stanley Hotel | Located in Athens city center and just few steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, this hotel offers 380 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony. The hotel features a roof garden with a nice pool area, an open-air lounge bar and a restaurant, from where guests can also enjoy lovely views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf. Among its amenities you can also find a well-equipped fitness center and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. | Athens | 1 Odysseos St, at Karaiskaki Square | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Amalia Nauplia | Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center. | Nauplia | National Road Argos | First-Class |
| 4 | Amalia Olympia | This 147 room hotel is set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape filled with olive trees. The spacious white marbled lobby affords endless views of the surrounding green scenery along with the open air terrace of the lounge café. Amenities include a restaurant, large outdoor seasonal swimming pool, spacious lounges and a lobby bar with fireplace. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Olympia | Pyrgou-Olympias Main Rd | First-Class |
| 5 | Europa | Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games. | Olympia | Archaia Olympia - Drouva | First-Class |
| 6 | Amalia Delphi | At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery. | Delphi | 1 Apollonos Street | First-Class |
| 7 | Amalia Kalambaka | Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings. | Kalambaka | National Road | First-Class |
| 8 | Galaxy Hotel Iraklio | This Hotel is centrally located in an upscale and convenient area of Heraklion. The 127 contemporary and elegant guest rooms are equipped with anatomic mattresses, espresso machines, USB sockets, flat screen TV and complimentary bathroom amenities. Two restaurants, a cafè and a lounge bar are at Guest's disposal. A gym, hammam and seasonal outdoor swimming pool are available free of charge, there are power banks in the public areas and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Heraklion | Leof. Dimokratias 75 | Deluxe |
| 9 | Naxos Palace | Naxos Palace Hotel is located in a peaceful and panoramic spot, just a few steps away from the beach and within easy reach of the main town, the port, and the airport. This modern hotel, built in an environmental friendly way, provides guests with everything they need: a restaurant, two bars, a gym, a swimming pool, and even a Jacuzzi. The 77 air-conditioned guestrooms offer free Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, and safe deposit box. | Naxos | "Stelida Aghios Prokopios Naxos, Naxos Island, Cyclades Islands, " | First-Class |
| 10 | Narges | Located just a 5-minute drive away from the airport and 8 miles from the main town and Paros port, this typical Cycladic-style hotel offers bright rooms with a balcony, satellite TV, mini fridge and safety box. Other amenities include a large seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a stylish poolside bar and a traditional restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout. | Paros | Aliki Beach, Aliki, Paros Island, Cyclades Islands | First-Class |
