Ancient Greece City Explorer: An 8-Day Journey through Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Meteora, Kalambaka, Delphi, and Santorini

Arrival at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. Our transfer will be waiting for you at the airport. After boarding our luxurious vehicle, sit back and relax as the driver transports you to the Hotel for check-in. Overnight in Athens.

Explore with your professional guide the remains of the ancient city of Mycenae, a major center of Greek civilization from 1600BC to 1100BC and the archaeological treasure of Epidaurus. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks on this fascinating full-day excursion. Depart from our terminal via the coastal National highway for the strategically important Corinth Canal (short stop). After the Corinth Canal, you enter the region of Argolis, the land of Homer’s Golden Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating back to the second century B.C., Mycenae was one of the major centers of Greek civilization and a military stronghold which dominated much of southern Greece. Avoid and skip the lines of the archaeological site, home to the kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon. You will see the Cyclopean Walls, the Lion’s Gate, the Royal Tombs, including Agamemnon Clytemnestra's, and the Treasury of Atreus, a magnificent 14th-century B.C. structure. Time will then be taken for a traditional Greek optional lunch at a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, stop in the beautiful seaport of Nauplia the first capital of modern Greece with its Venetian fortress of PALAMIDI and the fortified islet of BOURTZI (short stop). Continue to Epidaurus and visit the ancient theatre. The UNESCO’S world heritage listed monument is reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asklepios, the healer and was the most celebrated healing center of the classical world. Epidaurus is probably most famous for its theatre, one of the best preserved classical Greek buildings and still used today due to its amazing acoustics. Your day trip ends back to Athens late in the afternoon.

Leave for Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site. After the visit depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Dinner and overnight.

Visit Meteora and enjoy the unique and most impressive scenery with ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop huge rocks. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae (a short stop to see across the road Leonida's Monument), and arrive in Athens early in the evening.

N.B. Visit the Museum in Delphi is not included.

After Breakfast get ready for the most amazing city tour. From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis Museum tour, you'll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens on this comprehensive morning tour. Hear insightful commentary from your guide and pass top Athens attractions including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Greek Parliament building and the Presidential Palace. Offering a perfect overview of the modern city, this guided half-day tour will help you get your bearings if this is your first visit to Athens. We depart for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by the National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church, and finally ACROPOLIS (visit Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Stroll up to the UNESCO-listed site that served as the ancient citadel and tour the buildings as you hear how they reflected Athens’ prosperity in the 5th century BC. Then we will visit the New Acropolis Museum which is only 300m. away from the sacred rock of Acropolis and where at last 4000 priceless statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era. Return to the hotel and time for freshen up. Overnight in Athens.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Piraeus port to take the ferry to Santorini. Arrival in Santorini and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Santorini.

Get a taste of Santorini’s must-sees with this unique excursion, taking you to the most famous but also the off-beaten-path destinations of Santorini together: traditional villages, panoramic-view locations and the Red and Black Beach. You start your excursion with spectacular, panoramic views of the only habitable Caldera in the world and its surroundings and a picture stop at Prophet Elias: the highest point of Santorini. Pyrgos, the oldest village on the island built on a hill with panoramic views of Santorini, comes next! Postcard-inspiring neighbourhoods, with whitewashed houses and colourful flowers, carry you away in past decades, while you enjoy views of the entire island. The unique village with 72 churches and chapels. A beach like no other, the Red Beach: a scenery reminding Mars on Earth, right by the sea. We are exploring it together! After this, you take a refreshing break in your day with a swim by the longest black beach of Santorini and enjoy the delicious specialities of the island in the local neighbouring taverns. The best end to the excursion you could wish for: is breathtaking views of Fira and Firostefani from the iconic Blue Dome. You explore the area on foot, enjoying the Caldera and the picturesque alleys of Santorini’s capital. Overnight in Santorini

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to Santorini airport, where you'll board your flight back to Athens, concluding your unforgettable journey.