Greece Highlights & Zakynthos Escape
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Discover the best of Greece on this nine-day journey starting and ending in Athens, blending ancient history with island scenery. Begin with a guided tour of Athens and the Acropolis before heading into the Peloponnese to see the Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. From there, slow the pace on Zakynthos with time at the famous Navagio shipwreck beach and the Blue Caves. Return to the mainland to explore mystical Delphi and the dramatic monasteries of Meteora, with a final stop at Thermopylae. A well-rounded trip mixing culture, coastlines and classic Greek highlights.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
AthensEnds
AthensMinimum Age
5 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Greece that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
Yes - one transfer per bookingDeparture Transfer
Yes - one transfer per bookingTour Guide
Services of local guides for included sightseeingCountry
GreeceMeals Included
Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 3Passengers
$6,783.00
$3,391.50
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Semi-Independent
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour blends guided and self-guided travel. You will experience some guided sightseeing with expert guides and will enjoy lots of leisure time in destinations, without a tour guide. Accommodation and transportation is included as per the Inclusions, but you will travel on trains, ferries, planes or other transport by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of local guides for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 1 / Max Semi-IndependentRange
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour blends guided and self-guided travel. You will experience some guided sightseeing with expert guides and will enjoy lots of leisure time in destinations, without a tour guide. Accommodation and transportation is included as per the Inclusions, but you will travel on trains, ferries, planes or other transport by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Athens
On arrival at Athens Airport, we are met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after the journey or enjoy a first glimpse of the Greek capital.
Day 2 - Ancient Athens and the Acropolis
This morning we enjoy a panoramic city tour, introducing us to Athens’ most important landmarks. We pass the Panathinaikon Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games, as well as the Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also see Schliemann’s House, the Academy, University and National Library, and the Old Parliament.
We then visit the Acropolis, exploring the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon and Erechtheion, followed by the Acropolis Museum, home to remarkable finds including the Caryatides. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Plaka and the historic centre at your own pace.
Day 3 - Into the Peloponnese
Athens - Corinth - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. We depart Athens and travel into the Peloponnese, stopping at the impressive Corinth Canal. We continue to Epidaurus, an important healing centre in antiquity, renowned today for its exceptionally well-preserved theatre and remarkable acoustics.
Passing through Nafplio, we proceed to Mycenae, described by Homer as ‘rich in gold’. Here we see the Cyclopean walls, the Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon. We arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 - Olympia, Birthplace of the Olympic Games
Olympia - Zakynthos. Set beside the River Alfios, Olympia is a tranquil and verdant site of immense historical significance. We tour the Ancient Olympia complex, birthplace of the Olympic Games, visiting the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra and Phidias’ Workshop.
We also visit the museum, home to the celebrated statue of Hermes by Praxiteles.After the visit, we separate from the group and transfer privately to the port of Kyllini to board the ferry to Zakynthos. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5 - Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves
Early this morning, we join a boat excursion, subject to weather conditions, along the island’s northern coastline. We visit the famous Navagio Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, before continuing to the Blue Caves, known for their striking shades of blue.
There is time to swim in the caves, and with luck, we may spot dolphins or sea turtles during the cruise. We return to the hotel, with the afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 - Ionian Sea to Sacred Delphi
Zakynthos - Delphi. After breakfast, we transfer to the port for the return ferry to Kyllini, then continue by road to Olympia to re-join the main tour.
In the afternoon, our journey continues through central Greece, crossing the impressive Rio-Antirio Bridge, before arriving in Delphi for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 - Centre of the Ancient World
Delphi - Kalambaka. Delphi lies on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, overlooking vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf. Once considered the centre of the ancient world, it was a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries.
We explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk along the Sacred Way and see the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle Pythia delivered her prophecies. We also visit the local museum, featuring the famous bronze Charioteer. We then continue to Kalambaka for overnight.
Day 8 - The Monasteries of Meteora and Return to Athens
Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens. This morning we visit Meteora, one of Greece’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Towering sandstone formations rise dramatically from the plain, crowned by monasteries that have served as spiritual retreats for centuries.
We visit selected monasteries and admire the sweeping views across the landscape.In the afternoon, we return to Athens, stopping at Thermopylae to see the statue of King Leonidas, commemorating the historic battle against the Persians.
Day 9 - Farewell Greece
At the scheduled time, we transfer to the airport for our departure flight.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Athens
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Athens
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Athens Airport Departure Transfer (per car, max 4-6 passengers)
Athens Airport Departure Transfer (per car, max 3 passengers)
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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