Best of Athens & Classical Greece

On arrival at Athens Airport, we are met with welcome assistance and transferred to our hotel in Athens. The rest of the day is free to relax after the journey or take an initial stroll in the city.

This morning, we enjoy a panoramic city tour showcasing Athens’ most important monuments and landmarks. Highlights include the Panathinaikon Stadium, Zappeion Hall, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as Schliemann’s House, the Academy, University, National Library and the Old Parliament.

We then visit the Acropolis, exploring its iconic monuments – the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. The visit continues at the Acropolis Museum, where remarkable discoveries from the site, including the original Caryatides, are displayed.

The afternoon is at leisure – you may wish to explore the charming streets of Plaka and the historic city centre at your own pace.

Itinerary alterations: please noteNovember to March: For Sunday departures, the 3-day classical tour will commence on Day 02, and the city tour of Athens will be on Day 05 of the program.

April to October: For Monday and Friday departures, the 3-day classical tour will commence on Day 02, and the city tour of Athens will be on Day 05 of the program.

Athens - Corinth - Epidaurus - Nafplio - Olympia. Today we depart on a three-day tour into the Peloponnese. Our first stop is the impressive Corinth Canal, a narrow passage connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. We continue to Epidaurus, one of the most important healing centres of antiquity, renowned for its exceptionally preserved ancient theatre and remarkable acoustics.

Passing through the elegant town of Nafplio, we then visit Mycenae, described by Homer as ‘rich in gold’. Here we explore the mighty Cyclopean Walls, the Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon. The day concludes with our arrival in Olympia, where we stay overnight.

Olympia - Delphi. Set beside the River Alfios, Olympia is a peaceful and green archaeological site of great historical importance. We tour the remains of the Ancient Olympia complex, birthplace of the original Olympic Games, including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra and Phidias’ Workshop. We also visit the local museum, home to the celebrated statue of Hermes by Praxiteles.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey through central Greece, crossing the impressive Rio–Antirio Bridge before arriving in Delphi for our overnight stay.

Delphi - Athens. Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos and overlooking vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf, Delphi was once considered the centre of the ancient world. We explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk along the Sacred Way and see the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle Pythia delivered her prophecies.

Our visit also includes the Delphi Museum, featuring the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer.Afterwards, we drive back to Athens for our final overnight stay.

Athens - Aegina - Poros - Hydra - Athens. Today we enjoy a full-day cruise to the islands of the Saronic Gulf. On Hydra, famous for its vehicle-free harbour, you may choose a traditional donkey ride to explore the island and visit its historic Mitropolis. In Poros, you can walk up to the clock tower for lovely views over the yacht marina and the Peloponnese coastline.

On Aegina, you may take a horse-drawn carriage ride, sample the island’s renowned pistachios, or join an optional excursion to the Temple of Aphaia. A buffet lunch is served on board, and on the return journey we enjoy Greek music and dancing as we cruise back to Athens.

Please Note: The operation of the one-day-cruise is subject to weather conditions and to minimum participation during winter months. In case of cancellation, alternative excursions will be offered or the cost of the day-cruise will be refunded.

At the scheduled time, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight.