Ancient Greece Cities
7 Days
from
$4,299 pp*
Highlights:
Greece
(Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka)
Trip Start/End:
Athens
/
Athens
As you look out upon the strange rock formations that rise from the verdant valley like prehistoric skyscrapers from your skyward vantage point in an ageless cliff-side monastery, time will stand still and millennia fade to insignificance.
This is the astonishing, other-worldly landscape of Meteora where the soaring monolithic rocks cast their imposing shadows over the small archeological village of Kalambaka where you’ll encounter exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.. Your journey through the centuries continues at Mycenae where you’ll visit the tomb of Agamemnon; explore the ancient origins of the Olympic Games at the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus; listen to ancient mythological stories at the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon at the southern most point of Cape Sounion; and bare witness to the centuries-old Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens.
Sit back and enjoy the ride as your expert English-speaking guides and private drivers lead you on a fascinating journey through thousands of years of Greek history, cultural traditions and breath-taking archeological sites that defy belief. At the same time, you’ll experience the finest in 21st-century comfort at a collection of hotels that are all located within a short distance of centuries-old monuments and breath-taking natural sites.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Athens
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Afternoon at leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Grande Bretagne (5*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Athens
| - Private - City Tour with Acropolis and Cape Sounion (8hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Continuation of day tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Grande Bretagne (5*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Athens - Olympia
| - 4 Day Driver & Guide Service
- via Theatre of Epidaurus, Nauplion, Visit of Archaeological Site & Tomb of Mycenae (full day)
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Europa (4*)
Junior Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Olympia - Delphi
| - with tour of Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Stadium & Archaeological Museum & Picturesque towns & villages (full day)
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Delphi Palace (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Delphi - Kalambaka
| - with Tour of Delphi Archaeological Site and the Museum
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (included)
| Divani Meteora (4*)
Standard (B,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Kalambaka - Athens
| - via Meteora Monasteries & Traditional Villages
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Grande Bretagne (5*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Athens
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Athens
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
Day 1: Athens
Enjoy your private airport transfer today.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you relax at your hotel or enjoy the city sites.
Accommodation: Grande Bretagne (5*) Grande Bretagne Hotel (5*) located in a prime location, opposite Constitution Square and the House of Parliament, Hotel boasts luxurious rooms and stunning city views from its magnificent rooftop terrace.The lavish rooms are appointed with the finest furnishings. The marble bathrooms feature a vanity counter, separate bathtub, and shower. Some rooms have balconies facing the Acropolis, and the daily changing of the guard at the parliament building. The historic GB Corner is recognized as one the capital’s famous hotspots. From Grande Bretagne’s rooftop you can see the original Olympic Stadium as you dive into the pool; the Acropolis from your barstool; the Parthenon as you sample the finest Mediterranean cuisine.
Cape Sounion
Day 2: Athens
Enjoy a private full day tour day tour of Athens with car and expert guide. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides take you to see the centre of the city, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. At the Acropolis we visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and, finally, the monument that 'puts order in the mind', the Parthenon. In the afternoon drive along the coastal road, past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada,Vouliagmenis and Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand.On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore.After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion. The tour takes around eight hours and includes the entrance fees to Acropolis and Poseidon temple.
Accommodation: Grande Bretagne (5*) 
Olympia
Best Western Europa Hotel
Day 3: Athens - Olympia
You will have a dedicated private driver and English speaking Guide with you for the next four days.
Leave Athens in the company of your private driver and English speaking Guide by the Coastal Road to the Corinth Canal where you can enjoy a short stop. Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidaurus famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the Town of Nauplion where you can enjoy a short stop, before continuing on to Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Duly impressed, depart for Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games.
Accommodation: Europa (4*) The Europa Hotel (4*) is located in ancient Olympia and is one of the first Greek hotels to have joined and complied with the high quality services of the well known hotel chain "Best Western International". Set among the enchanting landscape of ancient Olympia with a view of the Arcadian Mountains and the Alpheios Valley you can enjoy the unique natural beauty of the area and visit important sights, go on walks in the countryside or take one day trips to the Temple of Apollo Epicourios, the ski center at Helmos, or the Medieval Castle at Chlemoutsi.
Delphi
Delphi Palace
Day 4: Olympia - Delphi
This morning you will get to visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Eliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge which crosses the Corintian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, before arriving in Delphi at days end.
Accommodation: Delphi Palace (4*) The Delphi Palace (4*) is a historic hotel of famous architecture in Delphi, Fokida in Central Greece, with a magnificent view to the Delphic valley of olive trees and the Corinthian gulf, surrounded by a 12 acres secluded garden. The Delphi Palace Hotel facilities are suites with Jacuzzi, bar, gourmet restaurant, indoor - outdoor heated swimming-pool, health and beauty club, conference hall - banqueting facilities, open amphitheatre, and wi-fi service. All rooms of Delphi Palace Hotel have en suite bathrooms, verandas, air-conditioning and heating, room service and are equiped with TV, direct dial phone, hairdryer, safe, mini bar and wireless intenet connection.
Kalambaka
Divani Meteora Hotel
Day 5: Delphi - Kalambaka
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum in Delphi. You'll then be transfered to Kalambaka, a small-Town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigatic rocks.
Accommodation: Divani Meteora (4*) Surrounded by the majestic, towering rocks known as Meteora, in the charming village of Kalambaka, lies the Divani Meteora Hotel (4*). With a design that is modern, yet harmoniously blending with the adjacent natural splendour, the completely renovated hotel offers a remarkable window to the stark beauty of Meteora. As one of the Divani Collection, the Divani Meteora Hotel affords guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality, in a contemporary setting. The hotel has 165 air-conditioned and well equipped rooms.
Meteora
Day 6: Kalambaka - Athens
Today you will get to visit Meteora. Among striking scenery, and perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine Art. Return to Athens via picturesque towns such as Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (where you'll get to visit the Leonida's monument). Trikala is crowned by its Byzantine castle which dates back to Byzantine times, at the top of a wooded hill, and sits on the site of the ancient Acropolis. The town is divided into two by an old aqueduct. From the hill of Profitis Elias one has a marvellous view of the valley below studded with villages big and small, the river cutting patterns among them. The churches of Agios Demetrios and Agii Anargyri complete the Byzantine flavour of the town. Lamia also has a castle (dating back to the middle ages) and it houses an archeaological museum. Thermopylae is the site of Leonida's monument which you will get to visit before continuing onwards to Athens where you will arrive in the early evening.
Accommodation: Grande Bretagne (5*) Day 7: Athens
Enjoy your private airport transfer today.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
Grande Bretagne (5*) - Athens
Grande Bretagne Hotel (5*) located in a prime location, opposite Constitution Square and the House of Parliament, Hotel boasts luxurious rooms and stunning city views from its magnificent rooftop terrace.The lavish rooms are appointed with the finest furnishings. The marble bathrooms feature a vanity counter, separate bathtub, and shower. Some rooms have balconies facing the Acropolis, and the daily changing of the guard at the parliament building. The historic GB Corner is recognized as one the capital’s famous hotspots. From Grande Bretagne’s rooftop you can see the original Olympic Stadium as you dive into the pool; the Acropolis from your barstool; the Parthenon as you sample the finest Mediterranean cuisine.
- Best Western Europa Hotel
Europa (4*) - Olympia
The Europa Hotel (4*) is located in ancient Olympia and is one of the first Greek hotels to have joined and complied with the high quality services of the well known hotel chain "Best Western International". Set among the enchanting landscape of ancient Olympia with a view of the Arcadian Mountains and the Alpheios Valley you can enjoy the unique natural beauty of the area and visit important sights, go on walks in the countryside or take one day trips to the Temple of Apollo Epicourios, the ski center at Helmos, or the Medieval Castle at Chlemoutsi.
- Delphi Palace
Delphi Palace (4*) - Delphi
The Delphi Palace (4*) is a historic hotel of famous architecture in Delphi, Fokida in Central Greece, with a magnificent view to the Delphic valley of olive trees and the Corinthian gulf, surrounded by a 12 acres secluded garden. The Delphi Palace Hotel facilities are suites with Jacuzzi, bar, gourmet restaurant, indoor - outdoor heated swimming-pool, health and beauty club, conference hall - banqueting facilities, open amphitheatre, and wi-fi service. All rooms of Delphi Palace Hotel have en suite bathrooms, verandas, air-conditioning and heating, room service and are equiped with TV, direct dial phone, hairdryer, safe, mini bar and wireless intenet connection.
- Divani Meteora Hotel
Divani Meteora (4*) - Kalambaka
Surrounded by the majestic, towering rocks known as Meteora, in the charming village of Kalambaka, lies the Divani Meteora Hotel (4*). With a design that is modern, yet harmoniously blending with the adjacent natural splendour, the completely renovated hotel offers a remarkable window to the stark beauty of Meteora. As one of the Divani Collection, the Divani Meteora Hotel affords guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality, in a contemporary setting. The hotel has 165 air-conditioned and well equipped rooms.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Greece
VISA/PASSPORT
Greece is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Greece for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/greece.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Athens.
Government: Republic.
Language: Greek (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism and those of a younger generation will speak some English, French, German or Italian.
Religion: 98% Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Telephone: Country code +30, (plus 210 for Athens, 2310 for Thessaloniki and 2810 for Heraklion)
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Internet: Cafes are available in the main cities, including Athens, Thessaloniki and the islands of Crete, Kos, Mykonos and Rhodes.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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