Greece Shoestring Explorer

On arrival at Athens International Airport, we transfer you to your hotel in the city to begin your journey in Greece’s historic capital. Settle in before sightseeing begins, then the rest of the day is yours – you may choose to unwind after the flight or take a gentle stroll to explore the neighbourhood at your own pace.

We begin at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, then continue to the Temple of Olympian Zeus – among the largest ancient temples in the Greek world – and pause at Hadrian’s Arch, which once marked the boundary between the Greek and Roman city. We visit Syntagma Square and the Parliament, including the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, before exploring the Acropolis, taking in the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike.

We leave Athens and travel north through central Greece’s varied landscapes – plains, mountains and traditional villages – en route to Delphi, one of the ancient world’s most important sanctuaries. On arrival we explore the archaeological site, including the Temple of Apollo, the famed Oracle and the Castalian Spring, then visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to admire masterpieces such as the celebrated bronze Charioteer of Delphi. Later we continue inland towards Kalambaka, passing village landscapes as the scenery shifts on our approach.

We visit the Meteora monasteries near Kalambaka, perched on dramatic rock pillars that soar above the valley. After our visit we return by road to Athens via Trikala, Lamia and historic Thermopylae, where we pause at the Leonidas Monument – a tribute to the Spartans’ stand against the Persian army.

Today is free in Athens – you can relax at leisure or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. When it is time to depart, we transfer you from your hotel to Athens International Airport for your onward flight home.