Travel through the stunning landscape of mainland Greece, learning about the wonderful past of a civilization immortalized in myth. Look out over Athens from the Acropolis and marvel at amazing Meteora. Visit the Oracle at Delphi and explore the home of the Olympic games at Olympia.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Athens City Tour
Today we embark on a coach tour of Greece's vibrant capital city, named after the goddess Athena and thought to be over 3000 years old. Sights include the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which lies at the heart of modern Athens. The highlight of our day is the Acropolis, considered by some to be the most important ancient site in the western world. Here we find masterpieces of classical Greek architecture, including the iconic Parthenon. We also enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Plaka, a historical and picturesque part of the city. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets or relax with a drink at one of the many tavernas in the area. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street.
Itinerary Alteration - please note:
Monday and Friday departures from April to October - this Athens city tour will operate on day 6 after the four-day excursion to Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, which will commence today.
For the departure 27 April 2025 the order of visits during the four-day excursion to Olympia, Delphi and Meteora will be reversed.
Overnight: Athens | Breakfast
The Peloponnese and Mycenae
Athens - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. Today we depart Athens and head for the Peloponnese, a region which was the setting of many great myths and legends. Our first stop is the narrow Corinth Canal, a man-made waterway completed in 1893 after centuries of attempts. We then continue to the beautifully preserved theatre at Epidaurus, a sanctuary famed for medicine & healing in antiquity. Next we visit the World Heritage site of Mycenae, the early civilization excavated by Heinrich Schliemann. We'll see the Cyclopean walls, Tomb of Agamemnon, and Lion Gate. We continue across the Peloponnese mountains to Olympia for the evening.
Overnight: Olympia | Breakfast, Dinner
Olympia
Olympia - Delphi. Today we explore the home of the ancient Olympic Games. Situated along the longest river in the Peloponnese, the Alfios, Olympia is a fascinating step back in time to the birth of one of today's biggest sporting events. We visit the Temple of Zeus, the Palestra and Phidia's workshop.
Heading north this afternoon, we cross the impressive Rio-Antiro Bridge before heading for our final stop of Delphi.
Overnight: Delphi | Breakfast, Dinner
Delphi
Delphi - Kalambaka. The sanctuary at Delphi was revered in antiquity as a center of pilgrimage, home to the Pythian Oracle in the Temple of Apollo. We'll walk up the Sacred Way, the path followed by ancient visitors through the sanctuary, to see the temple ruins, and visit the local museum, where we'll find the bronze Charioteer statue and mythical omphalos stone. Afterwards, we cross the mountains of central Greece back to the mainland, arriving in Kalambaka for the evening.
Overnight: Kalambaka | Breakfast, Dinner
Meteora
Kalambaka - Athens. This morning we visit Meteora, a stunning World Heritage site where a series of towering rock formations shelter several sacred Eastern Orthodox monasteries. We return to Athens for the night, briefly stopping at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a famous last stand against the Persians in 480 BC.
Overnight: Athens | Breakfast
Athens
Our tour of the wonders of Greece ends today after breakfast, with an included transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
In Greece a variety of hotels are used in various locations. The ones listed are examples of some commonly used hotels. We reserve the right to substitute these for ones of a similar standard when necessary.
Polis Grand, Athens
In the heart of Athens, the Polis Grand is a contemporary hotel with excellent facilities. Guest rooms are well appointed with elegant furniture and all modern conveniences. Some rooms are equipped with a balcony with fantastic views over to the Acropolis. The hotel benefits from a number of eateries which serve up an array of Greek and international cuisine as well as tasty coffee and delicious pies. Definitely head for a cocktail in the evening at the roof garden bar for amazing views across the city.
The Golden Age Hotel of Athens, Athens
The Golden Age Hotel of Athens is a 4 star hotel, located close to the Kolonaki District. A 5 minute walk from the Megaro Mousikis Metro Station, the urban chic property is 2 stops away from the centre of Athens. Each guest room is soundproofed, air conditioned and feature an ensuite bathroom and blackout drapes. Be sure to try the hotel's daily American buffet breakfast, that includes traditional Greek options. There are two restaurants onsite that serve gourmet Meditteranean cuisine.
Titania Hotel, Athens
Nestled in the historic centre of Athens, the Titiana offers beautiful accommodation all classically designed. The ensuite guest rooms are furnished to a high standard with neutral tones and wooden flooring. Breakfast is served in the impressive rooftop Olive Garden restaurant which affords amazing views across the city including the Acropolis. The hote offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a fitness centre.
Hotel Europa , Olympia
Set at the top of Drouvas Hill, Hotel Europa offers views of the Arcadian Mountains and Alfios Valley from your own private balcony. The spacious guestrooms also feature marble floors and modern amenities, with free WiFi and breakfast included. Relax on the comfortable sunbeds by the outdoor pool that is surrounded by luscious greenery. Within the garden there is a Greek tavern where you can enjoy a delicious feast of Mediterranean cuisine prepared with natural and organic ingredients.
Hotel Arty Grand , Olympia
Located on top of a hill overlooking Olympia, the Arty Grand Hotel is all about the guest experience. From the welcoming reception hall, up to the spacious rooms and beautiful verandas, the Arty Grand provides world-class treatment. Arranged over three floors, there is an outdoor swimming pool and spa centre, where you can relax with a rejuvenating massage after a day of exploring. The hotel serves a daily breakfast buffet and you can order from the lunch and dinner menu. Then take your pick between the hotel or poolside bar to enjoy an evening drink.
Hotel Amalia, Delphi
Located at the foot of Mount Parnassus, Hotel Amalia overlooks a picturesque green valley and the Ionian Sea. Guestrooms are spread over four levels, offering plenty of natural light and all the essential amenities. Relax in the main lounge where you can enjoy the magnificent vistas by a rustic fireplace. Next to the beautiful gardens you will find the main restaurant, serving up a rich American breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch and dinner featuring Greek cuisine. You can also enjoy coffee, fresh juice and cocktails as you unwind at the poolside bar.
Hotel Apollonia , Delphi
Situated in an ideal location within the modern town, Hotel Apollonia provides the perfect base for exploring ancient Delphi. Offering a majestic view of the Corinthian Gulf, the hotel combines wood and stone in a traditional-style build. The spacious guestrooms and modern facilities offer a very comfortable stay, with a delicious breakfast and dinner served in the hotel restaurant. You can also relax by a cosy fire with a drink or two from the bar.
Hotel Divani Meteora , Kalambaka
Offering the chance to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality within a contemporary setting is the Hotel Divani Meteora. Surrounded by natural beauty, the hotel is set in front of the World Heritage-listed Meteora sandstone monasteries. The fully renovated hotel has a welcoming decor, with warm shades and a luxury wooden floor. A tranquil restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine and there is an outdoor and indoor pool. You can also unwind after a day of exploring in the sauna steam bath or bubbling Jacuzzi.
Hotel Amalia , Kalambaka
Hotel Amalia is embedded on 14 acres of beautiful greenery. Built from traditional materials to match its surrounds, the hotel features extensive gardens, a large swimming pool and distant views of the Meteora Rocks. Guestrooms are spacious and fully equipped with the latest facilities. In the dining area, a rich American buffet breakfast is served with both local and international cuisine available for lunch and dinner. Relax by the fireplace in the hotel’s cosy lounge bar and listen to piano music as you sip a cocktail.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.88 out of 5 based on 8 recent reviews
We really enjoyed our tour of Greece. Our guide Militza was incredible. She was organised, knowledgeable and funny. We all loved the way she told us about the social and historical context of each place we visited. She went well beyond what we expected. Our hotels were wonderful and the meals were great. There was a lot of walking but that was to be expected, when you look at the places we were visiting. Oh and Socrates our driver was suburb. His skill and calm attitude when dealing with frighteningly difficult roads and bends, left us quite reassured.”
She was excellent.”
I recently embarked on the ancient wonders throughout mainland Greece tour, and it was nothing short of excellent. Exploring the ancient wonders scattered across the landscape was truly amazing, leaving me in awe at every turn. The organization of the tour was impeccable. From start to finish, it was evident that careful planning went into every aspect. The itinerary was packed with fascinating destinations, and despite the tight schedule, we managed to experience an impressive array of historical sites. Our guide was a standout feature of the tour. Their depth of knowledge and passion for Greek history brought each location to life, transforming the experience into something truly unforgettable. Their informative commentary enriched our journey, making it all the more enriching. However, there were a few drawbacks worth mentioning. The hotels provided were comfortable but located outside the main town areas. This meant that we missed out on the charm of exploring the small towns during our downtime. Additionally, while the tight schedule ensured we saw a lot, it left little room for leisurely exploration at certain sites. This is something to consider for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Overall, despite these minor drawbacks, I highly recommend the Wonders of Ancient Greece. Their efficient organization, knowledgeable guides, and captivating itinerary make for an unforgettable journey. ”
Excellent itinerary including Parthenon and adjacent Acropolis; remains of ancient Mycenae, Epidauros theatre, Olympic stadium and Delphi, all from classic times. Also excellent Acropolis Museum. Last visit was a surprise - Meteora Greek Orthodox religious communities on inaccessible cliffs - amazing window into medieval Greek Orthodox Byzantine civilization.
Our guide Anthony was amazing: tremendous historical knowledge and able to speak several languages incl. our Eng & French. Provided real insight into historical eras + endless patience. Driver George somehow drove us safely through difficult country filled with cliffs and hairpin turns.
Very nice-quality hotels and good food, often typically Greek dishes which we preferred. Other asset = a very congenial group of visitors from a variety of backgrounds & places. Thank you very much! ”
Our tour guide was absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable and interesting.
Found the stopping at shops a bit tiresome but I guess that goes with the territory of these group tours.
The coach was uncomfortable for tall people- just too tightly packed with poor leg room for journeys of up 4-6 hours.
Tended to get to the accommodation so late that could not take advantage of the quality of accommodation and facilities. It would have been better accommodation more centrally in the towns.
A real pain picking and dropping everyone off at different hotels. This seemed to waste up to an hour in the mornings and the same in the evenings in Athens and maybe half that elsewhere. ”
The tour guide was fantastic. The itinerary and sites visited were incredible”
The tour and tour guide were excellent. The tour guide spoke clearly and mentioned a lot of interesting things. I loved the scenery and the way we could see it. The tour actually made me want to stay longer on vacation in Greece and I would if I could.
I also have to say this, our driver was absolutely excellent.”
George made this trip to Greece for us! He was absolutely fab. He was so entertaining and made the long walks around the sites entertaining and informative. ”
At a Glance
We really enjoyed our tour of Greece. Our guide Militza was incredible. She was organised, knowledgeable and funny. We all loved the way she told us about the social and historical context of each place we visited. She went well beyond what we expected. Our hotels were wonderful and the meals were great. There was a lot of walking but that was to be expected, when you look at the places we were visiting. Oh and Socrates our driver was suburb. His skill and calm attitude when dealing with frighteningly difficult roads and bends, left us quite reassured.”
