4-Day Classic Greece Private Tour Epidaurus Mycenae Olympia Delphi Meteora

4-Day Classic Greece Private Tour Epidaurus Mycenae Olympia Delphi Meteora

This private tour exclusive to your group journeys to 5 UNESCO world heritage sites visiting some of the most impressive remains of Ancient, Classical & Byzantine Greece spanning over 5000 years in the development of one of the worlds great civilizations.

From the Sanctuary of Asclepius & first healing center, to the first widespread regional culture at Mycenae, to breathtaking Olympia, and the center of the ancient world at Delphi. No less impressive is the natural beauty of the accompanying locations as you sit back & relax along the way in full leather comfort in one of our new Black Mercedes E-Class, AudiA6 or Mercedes Minivans with WiFi. With minimum 4 star and boutique style hotels & designed with over 15 years experience in Greece, this tour offers a comprehensive, flexible & 'go at your own pace' style which is perfect for couples, families & small groups looking for a real highlight to their visit of Greece

Itinerary

Day 1: Peloponnese Adventure

Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia, Corinth 201 00 Greece
Our first stop is at the impressive Corinth canal as your driver describes its many interesting ill-fated and varied History’s from Ancient times to the present.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Ancient Corinth, Argous 105, Archea Korinthos 200 07, Greece
After a short drive further into the Peloponnese we stop to explore the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city states of Antiquity. Stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans & St. Paul before you. Refreshments & rest stops are also on hand at the local Cafes at its entrance if needed.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Archaeological Site Mycenae, Mycenae 21200 Greece
Next we come to the imposing remains of Ancient Mycenae, one of the most important sites in the development of Ancient Greece. Home to the citadel of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. The ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC, references this ancient city, indicating its importance in Greek civilization. Pass through the 20-foot-wide (6-meter) city walls, enter the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s throne room, and explore the very buildings of his palace and enter into the awe inspiring treasury of Atreus, You will also have the time to visit the modern on-site museum housing the many precious artefacts uncovered from the site.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Ethniki Odos Isthmou Archaias Epidavrou, Epidavros 210 52 Greece
After a short drive through olive fields & small countryside roads our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, first healing centre of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. The temple and theatre date from the 4th century and feature masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join the other visitors who test its world famous acoustics with a poem or a song
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Nafplio, Nafplio, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
After the many sites of the morning we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval & historical port city of Nafplio by the sea with views to the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay. This city has a definite artistic feel so take time for a stroll and explore the many local craft shops & boutiques of the charming old city before your evenings onward travel to your hotel in Olympia and the comfort of your specially selected Boutique or 4-Star Hotel
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4-Star or Boutique Hotel with breakfast included. Normally Arty Grand Hotel or Europa Hotel depending on availability.

Day 2: Discover Ancient Olympia

Stop At: Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archea Olympia, Olympia 27065 Greece
Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, and one of the most magical locations in Greece. Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity you will see the places where the original athletes trained, learned and go through the tunnel to emerge in the stadium in which they competed. The site is still home to the Temple of Zeus and Hera where the Olympic Flame is lit, workshop of Phidias, and extensive Museum containing significant masterpieces from the site.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Rio-Antirrio Bridge (Charilaos Trikoupis), Gefira Charilaos Trikoupis, Antirrio Greece
After Olympia we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world & a great fete of engineering as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Nafpaktos Old Port, Naupactus 30300 Greece
Stunningly beautiful picture postcard Venetian port & perfect lunch stop. Nafpaktos it a little known village you will never forget.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Galaxidi, Greece
Lying by the sea near the ancient port of Delphi, this beautiful village is an ideal location to spend your evening wondering through the pretty streets, cafes & restaurants with sea views away from the more mass touristic feel of Delphi. A warm welcome awaits you as well as amazing local and authentic cuisine.
Duration: 10 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Either small boutique hotel in Galaxithi (eg. Ganimede Hotel) or Hotel in Delphi (example: Amalia Hotel)

Day 3: Delphi. Center of the Ancient World

Stop At: Delphi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
Inset on wide terraces along the hillside we are fortunate that the landslides of previous centuries preserved much of the ancient remains for us to witness including the 4th century BC temple of Apollo from where the Oracle spoke her prophesies along with the Castilian spring of Mythology, theatre, treasury buildings, temples of Athena and Gymnasium where athletes gathered before the Pythian games to bath in the sacred waters. During your visit to Delphi, see the physical structures associated with this incredibly long history, and learn about their rich mythology. A beautiful addition to the site is the modern museum dedicated to the finds which stretch back in time to at least 1500 BC, as well as those notably which adorned the temples & streets of the ancient city at its peak around the 4th century BC with outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphynx, the twin Kouroi and famous Bronze Charioteer among others.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Distomo 32005 Greece
Set in beautiful countryside on the slopes of Mt Parnassos we next visit one of the most important and well preserved Byzantine Monasteries & which is UNESCO listed. Explore its 1100 year old Architecture along with its unique & impressive fresco's. An optional visit you can choose to omit this site if you wish.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Arachova, Arachova, Boeotia Region, Central Greece
Lunch Stop. Spend time enjoying the local craft shops and wonderful views over the olive filled Pleistos river valley over lunch before continuing to Kalambaka in the shadow of Meteora
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4-Star or boutique hotel in Kalambaka (eg. Iridanos or Amalia Hotel)

Day 4: Meteora. The rock forest & its Monasteries

Stop At: Meteora, Meteora, Trikala Region, Thessaly
After breakfast we ascend towards the monasteries above. Built on a natural formation of sandstone rock pillars up to 1,312 feet high, the six remaining monasteries date from the 14th century and form a remarkable and awe-inspiring combination of nature and spiritual significance. We visit at least two of the most outstanding monasteries, normally the Grand Meteora Monastery, Varlaam or Agiou Stefanou, and learn about their long history and the hermits and monks that lived there alongside the majestic landscape views.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Kalambaka, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessaly
Pause for a traditional lunch in one of the towns main squares to refresh yourself before continuing.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Thermopylae 350 09, Greece
After our visit to the Monastaries we return south towards Athens for approximately 90 minutes to the site of Thermopylae, stopping to see the monument and enter the newly built Visitor’s Center which recreates the ancient battle where King Leonidas led the 300 Spartans in 480 BC. After pausing for lunch or a break by the sea in one of the many local villages we finally continue to your onward destination with the memories and images from these wonderful experiences.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.