Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Glories of Greece (Winter, Classic)
Premier
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
- Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honour of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
- Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
- Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
- Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
- Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
- Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
- Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Expert.
- Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece's prettiest spots.
- Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.
- Olympia: Chef Farije shares with you her passion for local ingredients and high quality products. Learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration.
- Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Discover ancestral pottery methods at an artist's studio that preserves important skills and ancient traditions.
- Athens: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Olympia: Taste unique flavours and savour Greek regional specialities over a colourful Highlight Dinner.
- Athens: Toast the culmination of your vacation with a lively Celebration Dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
Short Description
Explore the ancient Acropolis in Athens and indulge in an authentic cooking demonstration in Olympia, as a local chef prepares a feast from locally farmed produce. Replete with lashings of olive oil and Greek cheeses you’ll master moussaka and tzatziki, before experiencing Greece in all its glory. From the Temple of Athena and the Arch of Hadrian in Athens, the gargantuan pinnacles of Meteora near Kalambaka beckon. Guided by your Travel Director, you'll ascend the ancient rock formations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit one of the historic monasteries at the top. Explore where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C at the Temple of Zeus and in the city of Mycenae, take in the giant Cyclopean stones before discovering traditional Greek pottery methods at the Mycenae Pottery Studio.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Athens
An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Athens, City of Gods
Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece. Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian. Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. Continue to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Then on to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner from a fresh, seasonal menu.
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: The Pinnacles of Meteora Relaxed Start
With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum.
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Breakfast
Day 4: The Sacred Way and onto Olympia
Travel south, stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your travels continue to Olympia, where dinner is served in your hotel.
Amalia Hotel Olympia., Olympion Asty
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Ancient Olympia
It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honour the ruler of the gods. Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line. In the evening, join local Chef Farije as she shares with you her passion for local ingredients and high quality products with an entertaining and immersive cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek regional flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your Highlight Dinner.
Amalia Hotel Olympia., Olympion Asty
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Mycenae and Nafplio
Today you leave the town of Olympia and begin your journey back to the Greek capital.Stop for a visit at the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones, used to build the city walls.Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the artisans at a family-run pottery studio and view beautiful works of art. Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and vibrant cafes. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, before arriving in Athens. In the evening enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner in true Greek style, paired with fine wine and good company.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Depart Athens Relaxed Start
This morning after breakfast, your Grecian odyssey comes to an end. Take a complimentary transfer to Athens Airport for your onward journey.
Breakfast
Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Insight Vacations.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click
"Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for
the final trip price.
5,414 Insight Vacations Travel Reviews & Ratings
Glories of Greece (Winter, Classic)
Company Reviews
Our tour director David was simply Amazing! Very organized, well informed.
Glorious Switzerland Tour
I will definitely be recommending Emmo and Insight Vacation to our friends and family.
Anonymous
Anonymous
our tour director ( Derek Allen )was very friendly and helpful and our driver ( Salah ) did a great job!
Worth the trip
Country Roads of Portugal with Helder Almeida
Details
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Maximum Number of People in Group: 40
Accommodations
- Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
- Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
- Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
- Amalia Hotel Olympia., Olympion Asty
Trip ID#:
insightvacations-W951MZN18
Meals Included
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By clicking «Send my questions» you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. An account will be created for you to track your submission and a temporary password will be emailed to you.
×
Now, Unlock Member Savings
Our Travelstride Select trips allow you and your travel companions to save up to $700. You wouldn’t want to miss that, right?
With your FREE membership you get to:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
You could save $ 300 per person on this trip!
