Itinerary
Day 1:Athens - Corinth - Epidaurus - Nafplion - Mycenae - Olympia(463 km)
Hotel:
Standard:
Olympia or nearby 3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
Depart from Athens and head to the impressive Corinth Canal for a short stop to admire this engineering marvel. Then visit the world-famous ancient theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Continue to the charming harbor town of Nafplion for a brief stop, then cross the fertile plain of Argos to reach Mycenae. Explore the fascinating archaeological site, including the legendary Tomb of Agamemnon, and immerse yourself in the glory of ancient Greek culture. In the afternoon, proceed to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and overnight in Olympia or its surrounding area.
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Corinth, Greece
An ancient city which is located in south-central Greece.
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Corinth Canal
Although proposed on numerous occasions throughout history (the earliest known being 700 BC), the Corinth Canal wasn't actually built until the late 19th century. Unfortunately, it is too narrow for modern boat traffic and is mostly a tourist attraction today.
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Epidaurus, Greece
A small city in ancient Greece, known for its sanctuary situated about five miles (8 km) from the town, as well as its theater, which is once again in use today.
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Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a masterpiece of Greek acoustics and architecture, offering visitors a chance to experience classical drama in its original setting.
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Nafplio, Greece
Nafplio, a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece, is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and a vibrant cultural center. Visitors often visit Acronauplia (the oldest part of the city), Plateia Syntagmatos (Constitution Square) and town fortifications like Palamidi and Bourtzi.
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Mycenae, Greece
Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece that was named "Mycenaean" after this very citadel. It is perhaps best known in mythology as the city of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. King Agamemnon led the expedition against Troy during the Trojan War, which Homer accounted in his epic poem the Iliad.
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Tomb of Agamemnon
The Tomb of Agamemnon, also known as the Treasury of Atreus, is a monumental tholos tomb in Mycenae, Greece. It showcases the engineering prowess of the Mycenaean civilization and is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Day 2:Olympia - Arachova - Delphi(253 km)
Hotel:
Standard:
Delphi or nearby 3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
After breakfast, explore with your guide the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Marvel at the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the altar of the Olympic flame, the ancient stadium, and the fascinating archaeological museum. Afterwards, travel via Patras, cross the famous Rio-Antirrio Bridge, and pass through Nafpaktos, then follow the coastal road to Delphi, once known as the 'navel of the world'. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, famous for its stunning scenery and traditional charm. Overnight in Delphi or its surrounding area.
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Olympia, Greece
A small town in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, famous for the nearby archaeological site of the same name, which was a major Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held.
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Olympia Archaeological Site
The Olympia Archaeological Site is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, featuring ancient temples, stadiums, and training grounds. It offers a profound glimpse into ancient Greek athletics and religious practices.
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Arachova, Greece
A mountain town in the western part of Boeotia, Greece. It is a tourist destination due to its location in the mountains, its traditions and its proximity to the town of Delphi.It has a panoramic view, uphill small houses and the cobbled streets show a picturesque architecture.
Day 3:Delphi - Kalambaka(155 km)
Hotel:
Standard:
Kalambaka or nearby 3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
In the morning, visit the remarkable Delphi Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important treasures of the ancient world. Explore the sacred ruins and immerse yourself in the rich history of this famous sanctuary. Then, visit the Delphi Museum, which houses breathtaking artifacts and relics dating back to the 15th century BC. In the afternoon, travel through central Greece to reach Kalambaka, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Meteora rock formations. Overnight in Kalambaka or its surrounding area.
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Delphi, Greece
It occupies an impressive site on the south-western slope of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the coastal plain to the south and the valley of Phocis. It is now an extensive archaeological site with a small modern town of the same name nearby. It is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a phenomenal influence in the ancient world.
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Delphi Archaeological Site
Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the Delphi Archaeological Site was ancient Greece's most revered religious sanctuary, home to the Temple of Apollo and the famous Oracle. Visitors can explore the well-preserved theater, stadium, and treasuries amid stunning mountain scenery.
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Delphi Archaeological Museum
Founded in 1903, it has been rearranged several times and houses the discoveries made at the panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which date from the Late Helladic (Mycenean) period to the early Byzantine era.
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Kalambaka, Greece
Kalambaka is a town and a municipality in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The town is situated at the foot of the Meteora peaks.
Day 4:Kalambaka - Meteora - Thermopylae - Athens(9808 km)
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
Depart in the morning for nearby Meteora to visit the breathtaking Byzantine monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore over 20 monasteries perched atop immense rock pillars, experiencing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this unique region. We will visit the Great Meteoron Monastery and St. Stephanos Monastery (on Tuesdays, Varlaam Monastery replaces Great Meteoron; the monasteries visited may vary according to opening hours). In the afternoon, start the return journey to Athens, stopping at Thermopylae to see the heroic monument of Leonidas, commemorating one of history's most legendary battles.
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Meteora, Greece
A rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Monastery of St. Stephen
A small church built in the 16th century and decorated in 1545. This monastery rests on the plain rather than on a cliff. It was shelled by the Nazis during World War II who believed it was harboring insurgents and was abandoned.The monastery was given over to nuns in 1961 and they have reconstructed it into a flourishing nunnery, with 28 nuns in residence in 2015.
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Monastery of Great Meteoron
The Great Meteoron Monastery is the largest and highest (about 613m) of the Meteora monasteries. Founded in the mid-14th century atop a massive rock, it appears to float in the air and is one of the most important sites of Greek Orthodoxy.
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Monastery of Varlaam
The second largest monastery in the Meteora complex built in 1541 and embellished in 1548. A church, dedicated to All Saints, is in the Athonite type (cross-in-square with dome and choirs), with spacious exonarthex (lite) is surrounded by a dome.
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Thermopylae, Greece
A place in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas'300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes'huge Persian army.
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Leonidas Monument
A modern monument at Thermopylae honoring King Leonidas I and the Spartan warriors who fell in the Battle of Thermopylae.