Athens, Olympia, Meteora, Delphi Argolis, Santorini 10 days

Upon your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional and friendly English-speaking assistant will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Later in the afternoon, at an agreed time, our representative will meet you at the hotel to provide all the essential details of your trip. He will also offer a captivating presentation of the city, sharing insights into its everyday way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and have any doubts dispelled, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the rest of your trip.

You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and explore Athens at your own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Greca Tip: Extend your stay by adding more nights during the first step of your booking!

Today, you will enjoy a delightful breakfast and prepare for a wonderful day as you discover the city of Athens and its fascinating blend of history and modernity.

During the panoramic tour, you will admire the Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University, and Academy of Athens), the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the Zappeion, the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, which for centuries was one of the largest temples in Greece, and Hadrian’s Arch, built in honor of the Roman emperor.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Acropolis, symbol of the classical world and home to the Parthenon, a masterpiece of Greek architecture; the Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatids; and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. You will admire the history and legends surrounding these monuments while enjoying panoramic views of Athens from the hill.

The tour concludes at a central point in the city, ideal for continuing to explore Athens at your own pace. Later, you will head at your own rhythm to Monastiraki to join the “Athens by Night” tour, enjoying a walking tour through Plaka and Anafiotika, admiring the illuminated Acropolis, and passing by iconic sites such as Athens Cathedral and Ermou Street, while discovering how the city comes alive under the moonlight.

Greca Tip: At the Acropolis, mythology, architecture, and unique Athens panoramas come together. See how the Parthenon has inspired architects for over two thousand years and discover the stories of the ancient gods and heroes who dwell in these monuments.

Today, we'll head to the Corinth Canal, where you'll make a brief stop to take photos and admire this famous waterway that connects the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Corinth. This impressive engineering marvel eliminates the need for ships to travel over 400 kilometers around the Peloponnese peninsula to reach the Ionian Sea.

Continuing on our journey, we'll reach the Theater of Epidaurus, renowned worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and still used today for various performances, particularly during the summer. We'll also have time to explore the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, which pays homage to the origins of modern medicine.

Next, we'll travel to the city of Mycenae, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Acropolis, the iconic Lions Gate, and the tomb of Agamemnon.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way across the central Peloponnese region.

By early evening, we'll arrive in Olympia, where you'll check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the chance to wander through the charming Old Town of Nafplio. Its narrow cobblestone streets are adorned with Bougainvillea trees, creating a picturesque setting. Consider picking up komboloyia, a circular chain with amber beads, as a lovely gift for yourself or your friends.

In the morning, you will visit the site of the ancient Olympic stadium, where the first games were held around 776 BC.

The importance of these games was widely accepted, given the extensive participation of the Greek cities, which suspended hostilities throughout the celebrations. The Olympiad was recognized as the only chronological event in Greece and represented four years between two consecutive events.

Olympia was also the most important sanctuary of Ancient Greece, a place to worship Zeus, the first among the gods. The gigantic gold and ivory sculpture crafted by Phidias was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

After we visit the Museum of Olympia, you will continue your journey across the suspension of the Rion-Antirion Bridge, a modern engineering wonder, until you reach your destination.

Upon your arrival at Delphi, you will have dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Greca Tip: In the evening you can go in search of the traditional character of nearby Arachova and enjoy a drink in a stylish café or a local kafeneio (coffee shop).

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a visit to Delphi, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of the ancient world.

Here, the famous Oracle of Delphi advised kings and pilgrims. Don't miss the chance to explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to the remarkable "Bronze Charioteer," a masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

Conclude your enriching Delphi tour by descending Mount Parnassus and making your way to the Thessaly plains, where the captivating city of Kalambaka awaits.

Upon reaching Kalambaka, indulge in a satisfying dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Greca Tip: Use your free time to visit the Temple of Athena Pronaia at Delphi.

Early in the morning, you will visit Meteora, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

In this mysterious landscape, the natural beauty is combined with the compelling presence of the eternal monasteries suspended or "Meteora" on top of the huge rocks. Currently, there are only six in use, five for the male and one for the female monastic community.

Dress code to the Monasteries: Sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are not allowed. Skirts, shawls, and trousers are available at the entrance of the Monasteries in case visitors do not have such clothing to cover themselves with.

On the way back to Athens, you will briefly stop at Thermopylae, where you can see the statue of the Spartan King Leonidas, famous for leading the battle against the Persians in 480 BC. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Athens, where we will drop you off at your hotel.

Greca Tip: Take a stroll in Kalambaka's old town and look for handmade wood-carved objects and religious icons as well as home-made sausages, honey, fruit sweets and jams, and the regional pudding “spatoula” or “halva” for a sweet aftertaste.

Today, you have the opportunity to enjoy a free day in Athens, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for an enchanting experience, you can opt for a captivating one-day cruise to three stunning islands nestled in the picturesque Saronic Gulf.

On the one hand, if you choose to embark on the full-day cruise, you will be conveniently transferred to the port, where your adventure begins. The itinerary includes visits to three remarkable islands: Aegina, renowned for its delightful assortment of pistachios; Poros, celebrated for its scenic beauty; and Hydra, the greenest among these islands, boasting elegant stone mansions, a tranquil atmosphere, and car-free streets.

On board the ship, you can indulge in a delectable lunch accompanied by traditional Greek music and dance. At the end of the day, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel, ensuring a seamless experience.

On the other hand, if you decide to spend the day in Athens, you will have the freedom to explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks at your own leisurely pace.

Greca Tip: You can add the cruise during step 1/3 while booking. If you do, make sure to try the different varieties of pistachio nuts grown on the famous island of Aegina!

Early in the morning, one of our private vehicles will be waiting for you to transfer you to the port of Piraeus where you will board the ferry to the island which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration: Santorini.

Approaching the island by ferry you will be amazed by the imposing sight of the town of Fira, with its white houses overhanging the cliff and overlooking the volcano.

Upon your arrival to the island, one of our English-speaking representatives will be waiting for you at the port to welcome you, transfer you to your hotel, and offer a first-hand account of some of the notable characteristics of this picturesque island.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy it as you please: walk in the scenic alleys during the daytime, while at night immerse yourself in the island's big party scene.

Greca Tip: Find a nice spot and watch one of the most ravishing sunsets in the world.

Enjoy a free day to explore the enchanting island of Santorini at your leisure. Often referred to as the lost continent of Atlantis, this mystical destination offers a unique experience.

Santorini’s name was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi due to the presence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. The Barozzi family occupied the island until 1576 when it became part of the Duchy of Naxos. Eventually, the Turkish conquest led by Piyale Pasha took place.

Greca Tip: To enhance your exploration, we highly recommend renting a car in Santorini. It allows you to delve deeper into the island's wonders.

As the time arrives, we will transfer you to Santorini Airport for your return flight to Athens. Rest assured that your arrival at the airport will align conveniently with your international flight, ideally scheduled for departure after 12:30 PM.

It has been a pleasure hosting you during these wonderful days with Greca, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming you back in the future to create more extraordinary moments that will forever hold a special place in your heart.

Wishing you a pleasant journey! Or, as the Greeks say: "Kalo taksidi!"

If you wish to extend your stay in Santorini, feel free to add more nights during the reservation process.

Greca Tip: Consider purchasing the classic Assyrtiko wine or the sweet Vinsanto from Santorini. You can find them at local shops or take advantage of the duty-free selection at Athens Airport, which offers a delightful array of Greek wines and spirits.