Essence of Greece: 8 Days of Wonders

Athens - Olympia - Delphi - Kalambaka - Meteora

From $400 per person

Available 2025/26

Embark on a captivating journey through Greece's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Athens, exploring its iconic landmarks before delving into the ancient archaeological treasures of Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Olympia. Uncover the mysteries of the Oracle of Delphi, then travel to Kalambaka to admire the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations. Conclude your adventure with a return to Athens, enriched by Greece's timeless heritage and breathtaking scenery

Trip highlights

• Athens
• Delphi
• Epidaurus
• Meteora
• Mycenae
• Olympia

Itinerary

Discover the Essence of Greece: A Captivating Journey

Embark on an unforgettable exploration of Greece’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Start in Athens, immersing yourself in its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture. Continue to the ancient wonders of Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Olympia, uncovering the treasures of Greece’s archaeological heritage.

Delve into the mysteries of the Oracle of Delphi, a site steeped in myth and spirituality, before traveling to Kalambaka to marvel at the majestic Meteora Monasteries, perched dramatically atop towering rock pillars. End your journey with a return to Athens, carrying with you the timeless charm and unforgettable memories of Greece.

Day 1: Departure from US (Night on board)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ancient Greece, visiting iconic landmarks across the country. Start by heading to your departure airport in the U.S. to board your flight* to Athens, with an overnight journey ahead.

*For flights departing before 4:00 a.m., please arrive at the airport the evening before your scheduled departure.

Day 2: Athens

Arrive at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Athens at your own pace. Wander through Plaka, the charming old district beneath the Acropolis, or enjoy shopping along the vibrant streets of Ermou, Kolonaki, and Voukourestiou. Overnight stay in Athens to rest and rejuvenate.

Day 3: Enroute to Olympia Visit Epidaurus & Mycenae

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on your guided archaeological tour, starting with a scenic drive to the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue to Epidaurus to visit its renowned amphitheater, one of the largest and most acoustically perfect in Ancient Greece. Next, pass through the charming city of Nauplia before arriving at Mycenae, where you’ll explore the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, a masterpiece of Mycenaean funerary architecture dating back to around 1250 BC.

In the afternoon, continue your journey through the Central Peloponnese, passing the historic cities of Tripolis and Megalopolis, before reaching Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Overnight stay in this iconic city, rich in ancient history.

Day 4: Olympia & Delphi

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided tour of Olympia’s archaeological sites, including the Temple of Zeus, or Olimpeion, a magnificent temple constructed between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC, where you can still admire the 15 towering Corinthian columns. Continue to the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum.

In the afternoon, travel across the plains of Elia and Achaia, passing over the iconic suspension bridge from Rion to Antirion. Then, explore the charming towns of Naupactus (also known as Lepanto), which once boasted the best harbor on the northern coast of the Gulf of Corinth in ancient times, and Itea. Arrive in Delphi, overnight stay in Delphi

Day 5: Delphi & Meteora

After breakfast at the hotel, today you'll explore the city of Delphi, once considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks due to its famous oracle. In ancient times, visitors traveled here to seek guidance or predictions from the priestesses, who were believed to possess divine powers from the god Apollo.

Next, visit the archaeological site, where you'll be treated to stunning views of Mount Parnassus and explore the Temple of Apollo, the ancient stadium, and the Archaeological Museum. Be sure to see the renowned bronze sculpture of the Auriga of Delphi, which commemorates a significant victory in the Pythian Games of 478 BC.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Kalambaka, a charming town located at the base of the breathtaking rock formations of Meteora, one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring and mystical destinations. Enjoy an overnight stay in Kalambaka

Day 6: Meteora & Athens

After breakfast at the hotel, today you'll visit the remarkable Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop towering rocky peaks. Witness one of Greece’s most breathtaking sights: Orthodox monasteries seemingly suspended in the air, set amid rock formations rising over 600 meters high. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize this location as the setting for the iconic Eagle's Nest prison, where Tyrion Lannister was imprisoned.

Later, make your way back to Athens via Thermopylae, a historic site linked to the famous battle of 480 BC, where the Greeks, though vastly outnumbered, managed to slow the Persian advance. Take a moment to view the statue of Leonidas, the legendary Spartan king, depicted holding his spear and shield in his battle-ready stance, as the Spartans did in the battle. Arrive in Athens by the afternoon and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay

Day 7: Full Day Athens City

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your first full day in Greece at your leisure! You can relax, explore the city, or take part in one of our optional activities. Choose from a guided tour of Athens and the Acropolis* or a scenic cruise to the Saronic Islands** in the Aegean Sea. Return to the hotel in the evening for an overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: Due to time constraints, you can only participate in one of the optional activities below, so please choose the one you’d prefer.

*Optional Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour: Set off on a sightseeing tour of Athens, including the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Your expert guide will lead you through highlights such as Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. You’ll also pass by Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Modern Olympic Games in 1896. At the Acropolis, explore the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the iconic Parthenon. The tour concludes at the New Acropolis Museum.

**Optional Cruise to the Saronic Islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra: Set sail on a relaxing cruise and spend the day discovering the charm of Poros, exploring the ancient ruins of Aegina, and admiring the scenic landscapes of Hydra, a historic haven for Saronic pirates. Lunch will be served on board.

Day 8: Ready to Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel*. As your unforgettable journey along Greece's historic and scenic coast draws to a close, you'll be transferred to the airport at the scheduled time for your return flight to the US**.

*Please note that depending on your flight schedule and the hotel's breakfast service hours, you may not have the opportunity to enjoy the included breakfast on your final day.

**Depending on your flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day.

What the price includes

• Departures are available from JFK (Other major US airports may cost extra)
• 7 Nights of accommodation with Breakfast
• Lunch & Dinner (if mentioned in the itinerary)
• All transfers are provided in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles as outlined in the itinerary (Private transfer cost extra)
• All air taxes and fuel surcharge
• English Speaking Guide & Tour Leader
• All Entrance Tickets mentioned above in the itinerary

Included activities

• Corinthian Canal and explore Epidaurus and Mycenae.
• Ancient Olympia Tour
• Delphi Archaeological Site Tour
• Meteora Monasteries Tour

Accommodation

• Acropole Delphi
• Meteoritis Hotel
• President Hotel Athens

Not included

Additional Costs and Taxes

Please note that the following are not included in the tour package:

Beverages

Entrance fees*

City taxes

Gratuities

Any services not specifically listed under "What's Included"

*Entrance fees may vary by site and are payable locally.

Additionally, in compliance with Greek regulations, a Climate Resilience Tax is payable directly by guests upon check-in at each accommodation. Rates depend on hotel category and travel season:

April to October:

€15 per room, per night – 5-star hotels

€10 per room, per night – 4-star hotels

€5 per room, per night – 3-star hotels

November to March:

€4 per room, per night – 5-star hotels

€3 per room, per night – 4-star hotels

€1.50 per room, per night – 3-star hotels

We recommend factoring these amounts into your travel budget in advance.