A short Greece group tour for those on a budget taking in Athens, Delphi and Meteora
Highlights
Athens tour including the Panathenaic Stadium, Acropolis & Parthenon, Thebes, Levadia, picturesque village of Arachova, Temple of Apollo at Delphi, spectacular mountain scenery & monasteries at Meteora
Itinerary
Day 1: Your Greek adventure begins in Athens. Airport to hotel transfers included
On your arrival in Athens airport (ATH) our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and have a first look around. Extra nights in the Athens hotel are available on request.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens hotel
| EXTRAS: Extra day in Athens - pre-tour; Single room supplement (required for solo travellers if no same-sex room share available)
Day 2: Journeying through Athens
Today we'll embark on a city tour of Athens, starting with a visit to the location of the first of the first modern Olympics in 1896 - the fully-marbled Panathenaic Stadium before we travel to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Our Athens city tour also includes a visit to the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square.
Last but not least, we'll travel to the famous Acropolis - an ancient citadel which towers above the city. We'll explore its famous architectural masterpieces such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the iconic Parthenon - a former temple built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Day 3: Travel to Delphi
We'll say goodbye to Athens today, as we travel to the town of Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the mountainous village of Arachova - which is perched at the base of Mount Parnassus.
Upon arrival in Delphi, we'll explore its famous archaeological site, famed for being the home of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also make our way to the Treasury of the Athenians, which was used to store offerings given to the Kings who once ruled the area.
This afternoon, we'll leave Delphi towards the village of Kalambaka, which is often regarded as the gateway to the impressive Meteora rock formations and monasteries.
| OVERNIGHT: Kalambaka hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Marvelling at the ancient Meteora cliffs and monasteries
After spending the night in Kalambaka, today is all about exploring the unique rock formations at Meteora - a current UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meteora was originally home to over twenty cliff-side and mountaintop monasteries, several of which are still being used today. The monasteries were originally built and used by Monks in the 14th century, who were in need of a safe haven. The only way to access the monasteries was to climb up the rock faces or to be hoisted up in a basket.
Note: The monasteries at Meteora have a strict dress code. Women need to wear a long skirt, dress or sarong (trousers or shorts covering the knees are not enough). Men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Please ensure you have appropriate clothing ready for this day.
After taking in the beauty of Meteora, we'll travel back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae, stopping along the way to see the statue of Leonidas, which was erected to commemorate the Battle of Thermopylae.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Day 5: Your Greek tour ends. Hotel to airport transfers included
We really hope you enjoyed your Greece tour! If your flight is scheduled later in the day, you can head out to do some shopping or explore in Athens a little more, before we transfer you to the airport to board your flight back home. Extensions to some of the Aegean Sea’s Greek islands are available if you’d like to add some more time seeing a different side to Greece.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra day in Athens - post-tour (EXGR2E), Greek island extensions
included with
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in approx. 4-star level hotels
- All transport and transfers in AC non-smoking vehicles
- 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service
- Entrance fees to sites visited
- Services of a professional local tour guide for all sightseeing tours
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (4 breakfasts, 1 dinner)
- Tips except driver and guide
excluded by
- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees (if applied)
- Single room supplements (compulsory for solo travellers)
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Hotel residence tax (see tour notes)
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for guide and driver
- Optional tours
- Any other items not mentioned above
Detailed Description
Day 1: Your Greek adventure begins in Athens. Airport to hotel transfers included
On your arrival in Athens airport (ATH) our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and have a first look around. Extra nights in the Athens hotel are available on request.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens hotel
| EXTRAS: Extra day in Athens - pre-tour; Single room supplement (required for solo travellers if no same-sex room share available)
Day 2: Journeying through Athens
Today we'll embark on a city tour of Athens, starting with a visit to the location of the first of the first modern Olympics in 1896 - the fully-marbled Panathenaic Stadium before we travel to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Our Athens city tour also includes a visit to the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square.
Last but not least, we'll travel to the famous Acropolis - an ancient citadel which towers above the city. We'll explore its famous architectural masterpieces such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the iconic Parthenon - a former temple built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Day 3: Travel to Delphi
We'll say goodbye to Athens today, as we travel to the town of Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the mountainous village of Arachova - which is perched at the base of Mount Parnassus.
Upon arrival in Delphi, we'll explore its famous archaeological site, famed for being the home of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also make our way to the Treasury of the Athenians, which was used to store offerings given to the Kings who once ruled the area.
This afternoon, we'll leave Delphi towards the village of Kalambaka, which is often regarded as the gateway to the impressive Meteora rock formations and monasteries.
| OVERNIGHT: Kalambaka hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Marvelling at the ancient Meteora cliffs and monasteries
After spending the night in Kalambaka, today is all about exploring the unique rock formations at Meteora - a current UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meteora was originally home to over twenty cliff-side and mountaintop monasteries, several of which are still being used today. The monasteries were originally built and used by Monks in the 14th century, who were in need of a safe haven. The only way to access the monasteries was to climb up the rock faces or to be hoisted up in a basket.
Note: The monasteries at Meteora have a strict dress code. Women need to wear a long skirt, dress or sarong (trousers or shorts covering the knees are not enough). Men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Please ensure you have appropriate clothing ready for this day.
After taking in the beauty of Meteora, we'll travel back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae, stopping along the way to see the statue of Leonidas, which was erected to commemorate the Battle of Thermopylae.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Day 5: Your Greek tour ends. Hotel to airport transfers included
We really hope you enjoyed your Greece tour! If your flight is scheduled later in the day, you can head out to do some shopping or explore in Athens a little more, before we transfer you to the airport to board your flight back home. Extensions to some of the Aegean Sea’s Greek islands are available if you’d like to add some more time seeing a different side to Greece.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra day in Athens - post-tour (EXGR2E), Greek island extensions
