ATHENS - SOUNIO CAPE

Acropolis - The Parthenon, perched atop Acropolis Hill, is Athens’ most iconic landmark and a source of pride for its residents. This ancient temple, dedicated to Athena, the goddess after whom Athens is named, is visible from much of central Athens and is surrounded by the city’s charming and picturesque historical center.

Arch Of Hadrian - Known as Hadrian’s Arch, this distinctive Roman monument is dedicated to Theseus and Hadrian, the founders of Athens.

Temple of Olympian Zeus - Next, we visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, where only a few of its original 104 columns remain standing.

Syntagma - Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament. These guards, known as Evzones, are an elite force of the Greek Army, renowned for their bravery and honor until World War II. Their uniforms, introduced by King Otto of Greece, are inspired by the traditional attire of the mountain warriors and bandits who resisted the Ottoman Empire.

Panathenaic Stadium - We will also visit the stadium that hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Temple of Poseidon - Traveling along the coast, we head to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula. This getaway, close to Athens, is famous for its beaches, seafood restaurants, and the striking ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. Perched high on a cliff above the Aegean Sea, the temple is part of a trio of ancient sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Aphaea on the Greek island of Aegina. Equidistant from each other as the crow flies, on a clear day, you may see all the monuments from one another. Sounio is also where Aegeus tragically fell from the cliffs upon seeing the black sails his son forgot to change, believing he had died. The Aegean Sea is named after him. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, with the white marble columns framed by the sky and the lovely blue sea!

Ancient Corinth, Corinth Canal, Epidavros, Nafplio, Mycenae.

Corinth Canal - Our journey begins at the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow land bridge connecting mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. Here, we see the manmade canal that links the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. Completed in 1893, its history dates back to 602 BC. The canal stretches over 6km, with sides reaching 78m at their highest point. Bridges span the canal for cars and pedestrians, submerging up to 12m underwater to allow boats to pass. Discover the history of the Corinth Canal.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - The ancient city-state of Corinth was situated on the narrow strip of land connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece, known as the Isthmus of Corinth. This site boasts a rich history, first inhabited during the Neolithic Period. In ancient times, the city prospered due to its strategic location and control over the transportation of ships between the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. It became a major trade power in ancient Greece, rivaling Athens and Thebes, with an extensive network of colonies. By 400 BC, it had a population of 90,000. The city was also the setting for numerous ancient myths, such as the myth of Sisyphus. Destroyed by the Romans, a new city was built in its place. With a professional guide, we explore the extensive ruins of the Temple of Apollo, a testament to Corinth’s prosperity. It is also one of the places Saint Paul visited and wrote letters to.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Epidaurus, the renowned theater, was built in the 4th century BC and is famous for its acoustics. Words spoken on stage can be heard perfectly from anywhere in the audience.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - The kingdom of Mycenae was one of the first great centers of Greek culture, with settlement on this site dating back to the second millennium BC. According to Homer, Mycenae was the seat of Agamemnon, who led the Greeks against the Trojans to reclaim Helen, the wife of his brother Menelaus. The ruins of the ancient city are renowned for the “Cyclopean walls,” so named because later Greeks believed only a Cyclops could move such massive rocks into place. You will see the Lion Gate, which served as the entrance to the royal court and palace. Nearby are the tombs of legendary figures such as Aegisthus and Clytemnestra.

Palamidi Castle - Moving forward in history, we visit Palamidi Castle in Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece. Built by the Venetians, it is famous for supposedly having 999 steps. According to legend, there were once 1000 steps leading to the castle, but one was crushed by Theodoros Kolokotronis, a leader of the Greek War of Independence, during celebrations for a victory against the Ottomans.

Ancient Olympia, Arachova, Delphi.

Archaeological Site of Olympia - We journey to the valley of the river Alfios, where a professional guide accompanies us to explore the ruins of ancient Olympia, the historic site of the Olympic Games. This was the greatest of the Panhellenic Games, where every four years, Greeks from various city-states would set aside their disputes to compete.

The significance of Olympia is still evident from its ruins, including the Temple of Zeus, which once housed a 13-meter statue of the god made of gold and ivory, the Temple of Hera, the stadium, and the Shrine of Pelops. Even today, the Olympic Flame is lit in Olympia and then carried on a relay across the world to the city hosting the Olympic Games.

Arachova - We will stop at the picturesque mountain resort of Arachova, one of the most popular places near Athens for skiing in the winter. Here, we can relax, enjoy the stunning views, or have a coffee at one of the many cafés.

DELPHI, THERMOPOLIS, METEORA (Kalambaka).

Delphi Archaeological Museum - With a professional guide, we visit Delphi, considered the religious center of the ancient Greek world and the seat of Pythia, the greatest oracle. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo overlook the timeless beauty of the ancient landscape. People from all over Greece would travel to seek advice from Pythia, the oracle of Apollo. Her words had a significant impact on historical events, and Delphi is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Temple of Apollo is the centerpiece of an extensive archaeological site that includes the Treasuries of the Siphnians and the Athenians, a theater, and a stadium. We also visit the museum, which houses the famous Delphic Charioteer and the statue of Antinous, the lover of Hadrian.

Thermopylae Museum - We then visit the site and museum of Leonidas’ 300 Spartans’ stand against the mighty army of Xerxes of Persia at Thermopylae, or the “Hot Gates.” The Spartans and their allies lured the Persian army to this narrow pass between the cliffs and the sea. Although they were defeated, their bravery allowed the other Greek city-states to mobilize and ultimately defeat the Persians at the Battle of Salamis.

Kalambaka - Finally, we reach the village of Meteora (Kalambaka), where we stay. We will have dinner and enjoy the view of the monasteries (which we will visit the next day) from the village.

METEORA, return to Athens.

Meteora - In the stunning, fairy-tale landscape of Meteora, we visit at least three monasteries (or more, time permitting), two of which are guided by a professional guide, before having a meal and returning to Athens late in the afternoon.

Great Meteoron Monastery - You will have the opportunity to see at least two monasteries (and possibly more if time allows), with two of them guided by a professional guide.

Varlaam Monastery - You will have the opportunity to see at least two monasteries (and possibly more if time allows), with two of them guided by a professional guide.

Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) - You will have the opportunity to see at least two monasteries (and possibly more if time allows), with two of them guided by a professional guide.

Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara - You will have the opportunity to see at least two monasteries (and possibly more if time allows), with two of them guided by a professional guide.

• Private tour exclusive to your group with dedicated vehicle featuring air conditioning and Wi-Fi
• Professional English-speaking driver providing insights and tips, exclusive to your group
• Inclusive of accommodation with daily breakfast and one main meal (lunch or dinner)
• Expert guided tours at Corinth, Olympia, Delphi, and 2 monasteries in Meteora
• All transportation provided from central Athens, Piraeus, ports, and Athens International Airport
• Admission fees to all sites included in the tour package

• Admission fees for Archeological sites, Museums, Coffee, drinks, drinks, snacks and meals
• Extra Professional guide in the other sites (if wanted, with a small extra charge)
• Gratuity is not included and is left to individual discretion

Start your journey in Athens by exploring the renowned Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, the 1896 Olympic Stadium, and witness the Changing of the Guard at the Parliament. Drive along the picturesque Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounio, where you can visit the magnificent Temple of Poseidon and take in stunning sea views.

Travel to the Corinth Canal, an engineering wonder, and then explore Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul once preached. Continue to Nafplio, Greece’s first capital, celebrated for its Venetian allure and charming harbor. Enjoy some leisure time here.

Visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and see the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the archaeological museum. Journey through beautiful landscapes to Delphi, once regarded as the center of the ancient world, and visit the Temple of Apollo.

Stop at Thermopylae, where Leonidas and the 300 Spartans made their legendary stand, before continuing to Meteora. Visit two monasteries, then enjoy a scenic drive back to Athens, concluding an unforgettable journey through Greece’s most historic and scenic sites.

• All prices are for 1 private vehicle, for 1 to 3 passengers with a sedan, 4-6 passengers (on request 8 passengers) with a minivan, usually Mercedes Benz
• Children/Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Youth (12+) charged at Adult rate
• You must be able to walk on unpaved or uneven terrain, otherwise the driver will do their best for you to see most of the sites
• Departure time is usually between 6:00am-9:00am, based on your preference!
• Duration: 5 days, 4 night
• We reserve the right to cancel a booking for a full refund in the case of bad weather, health issues or site closures
• Our drivers are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Their priority is your satisfaction and safety. All our drivers speak English and are ready to help and to provide tips!
• Our cars are well-maintained, clean, and have free Wi-Fi. Baby chairs, wheelchairs and most phone chargers are available on request, at no additional charge

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.