Wonders of Ancient Greece
A wonderful tour taking in the best of Greece, from stunning Delphi to ancient Sparta and the glories of Athens.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Athens.
Fly to Athens where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 2: Athens.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Athens today. Alternatively, why not join the optional three-island cruise on the Saronic Gulf to view Aegina, Poros and Hydra? This evening, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the old Plaka District at leisure and stroll its narrow streets, awash with the sounds of bouzouki music and the lively bustle of local tavernas. (B)
DAY 3: Athens - Corinth Canal - Epidaurus - Nauplia.
Explore the highlights of this ancient capital on an included Athens sightseeing tour before heading to the Corinth Canal to marvel at this incredible feat of engineering. Later, continue to Argolis, a hilly countryside region dotted with pine trees and oleanders, for a visit to the spectacular amphitheatre of Epidaurus. Admire the open-air theatre, a magnificent setting that can still seat 14,000 spectators before journeying along the coast to Nauplia for one night. (B)
DAY 4: Nauplia - Mycenae - Sparta.
This morning, enjoy an included excursion to the ruins of Mycenae, an impressive ancient city once dubbed the 'city rich in gold' by Homer. During excavation, the Golden Mask of Agamemnon was unearthed here as well as other priceless treasures that exactly match Homer's descriptions in the Iliad. This afternoon, drive through the beautiful Peloponnese region to Sparta for one night. (B, D)
DAY 5: Sparta - Mystra - Olympia.
This morning's highlight is a visit to the ruined Byzantine citadel of Mystra, once known as the 'Wonder of Morea'. Nestled on a forested hillside in the lush Peloponnese region, Mystra's crescent shaped city was famed as a centre of culture and art and still contains distinctive churches and monasteries with elaborate frescoes as well as a palace and hilltop fortress. Later, continue to Olympia for one night. (B, D)
DAY 6: Olympia - Delphi.
Visit Olympia to learn more about the history of the Olympic games on an optional sightseeing tour. This afternoon, cross the spectacular modern cable-stayed bridge between Rion and Antirion and stop to admire this wonder of contemporary architecture, widely considered to be an engineering masterpiece. Later, journey through picturesque villages to magnificent Delphi, for one night. (B)
DAY 7: Delphi - Kalambaka.
Spend the morning at leisure in Delphi or join the optional sightseeing tour of Delphi archaeological site. Once called 'The Navel of the Earth', Delphi was considered the greatest Oracle of the ancient world and people journeyed from all over the globe to seek advice here. Today it is still one of the grandest sights in Greece, with its theatre and Temple of Apollo still standing in their lovely natural surrounds. This afternoon, drive via Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka for one night. (B, D)
DAY 8: Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens.
Today's included trip is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Head to the heart of Meteora, where a cluster of monastic buildings sit perched atop natural pillar-like rock formations, hundreds of metres above the valley floor. Their spectacular and seemingly inaccessible position provided an ideal retreat for the hermit monks who lived here and today, the unusual monastery-topped rock spires provide an unforgettable sight. Later drive to Athens for an overnight stay. This evening, why not join our optional dinner at a typical Greek restaurant? (B)
DAY 9: Athens.
A full day at leisure to make the most of this fascinating ancient city. (B)
DAY 10: Athens - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK or extend your holiday with a Greek Islands & Turkey cruise. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Athens: Coral (A category); Nauplia: Rex (B category); Sparta: Maniatis (B category); Olympia: Olympion Asty (A category); Delphi: Acropole or Parnassos (B category); Kalambaka: Antoniadis (A category); Athens: Golden Age (A category).
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
AEGEAN CRUISE
Visit three Greek islands and enjoy lunch on board your modern cruise ship. Visit the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. On Hydra there are no cars, the only means of transportation is by donkey.
€88 (Euro)
A TASTE OF ATHENS
First by coach into the centre of Athens where you will continue on foot a walking tour around the old part of Athens known as "Plaka". A good way to get a first impression of the layout, shops and points of interest. Arrive at a local taverna for a Greek feast with unlimited local wine, bouzouki music and Greek dancers. On the way back to the hotel view the illuminated Acropolis.
€45 (Euro)
BY NIGHT
Late afternoon take a small caique to the little island of Bourtzi with free time to explore. Then sail back to Nauplion to enjoy a dinner in a typical small Greek restaurant in the old part of town.
€30 (Euro)
OLYMPIA ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
This ancient site is the most famous of Greek sanctuaries, where Zeus was worshipped and where his ivory and gold statue was counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Olympic Games were held here between 776 BD and 393 AD. Your local guide will bring Olympia back to life with her commentary.
€23 (Euro)
DELPHI ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Ancient Delphi is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the sacred valley and Itea Harbour, and home to the oracle of the sun god Apollo. Visit the oracle site, the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian treasury, stadium and theatre.
€23 (Euro)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
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Tholos Temple in Sanctuary of Athena, Delphi
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The Acropolis, Athens
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Parthenon, Athens
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The Porch of Maidens, Acropolis, Athens
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Corinth Canal
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The ancient amphitheatre at Epidaurus, which can still seat up to 14,000 spectators
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Lion's Gate, Mycenae
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Ruins of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, Mycenae
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Mystra
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Byzantine citadel, Mystra
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Olympia
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Olympia
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The impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge
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Monastery on a rock pillar, Meteora
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Monastic buildings, Meteora
Wonders of Ancient Greece 9 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Wonders of Ancient Greece
Price from £925
Just the tour £710
Prices are per person
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Athens - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 9 breakfasts (B) and 3 dinners (D)
- Services of a tour director on tour
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Individual Audio System (on tour only). You will be given headphones and a receiver so you can clearly hear the tour director/local guide during your visits.
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option
(available on holiday codes 1670 & 1675) no supplement to pay
Holiday Highlights
- Athens City sightseeing
- Corinth Canal
- Epidaurus Visit amphitheatre
- Mycenae Archaeological site with local guide and museum visit
- Peloponnese Scenic drive
- Mystra Archaeological site visit
- Meteora Monasteries visit
Departures from
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Aberdeen
- London Gatwick
Departures on:
- Saturdays - 2013
Departures between
08 Jun 2013 to 12 Oct 2013
