Athens

Explore the most famous sights of ancient Greece on this day trip to magical Delphi. Spend an entire day learning about the oracle and discovering ancient ruins including the amphitheater and the Temple of Apoll. Your tour departs from Athens, from where you will travel to Delphi, located on the spur of Mount Parnassus, making a short rest stop outside the town of Levadia. Arrive in Delphi, and visit the famous theater, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and get an insight into the world of the Ancient Greeks. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the center of Ancient Greece, and best-known for its famous oracle. Tour the Museum of Delphi, home to a unique bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, and the Statue of Antinoos, providing an amazing insight into Ancient Greek culture and history. After a lunch break, visit Athena Pronaia Sanctuary, the most photographed spot in Delphi. Then, head back to Athens via the beautiful mountain village of Arachova, situated on the hills of the Parnassus Mountains, where the tour will stop for a short photo opportunity.

Meet your guide at the Halandri Metro Station and journey to Delphi via bus. As you drive towards Delphi, you’ll see the sacred site emerge from two terraced rocks known as Fedriades.  Discover what the ancient Greeks called “the navel of the earth.” Visit the Oracle of Delphi, the holiest site in ancient Greece. For centuries, great figures of ancient history such as Alexander the Great and Cicero sought out the high priestess of Delphi’s divine prophecy. The Oracle would sit upon a tripod above a massive chasm. As she burned barley meal and laurel she would enter a divine trance and then serve as a medium to the god Apollo. Drink water from the sacred Castalia spring. Explore the archaeological museum of Delphi, and see artifacts from the Archaic through the Roman era, including the Sphinx of the Naxians, the Iniohos, and the statue of Antinoos. Afterward, enjoy a delicious homemade lunch at a nearby restaurant. Before returning to Athens, see the picturesque village of Arachova nestled in the foothills of Mt. Parnassus.

Redeem your e-ticket for the 7:20 AM departure from Athens and travel to Kalambaka on your own. Sit back and admire the beautiful landscapes along the way. The train ride takes about 4 hours and it is recommended that you bring your own food and drinks. Upon arrival in Kalambaka at approximately 11:30 AM, meet your guide at the train station and start your 5-hour, customized, panoramic Meteora tour. See all 6 monasteries of the stunning rock formation over 5 hours. Look inside 3 of the UNESCO World Heritage monuments for a glimpse behind their imposing walls. Stop to take photos from locations that only the locals know about. Get dropped off at Kalambaka Train Station, to make the 5:15 PM departure for Athens, scheduled to arrive at 9:30 PM.

After a morning transfer by bus from Athens to the port, you’ll be welcomed on board a luxurious cruise ship and invited to one of its spacious open decks. From the deck you’ll have a great vantage point for enjoying views of the Greek coast. The first stop is the island of Poros, the smallest of the 3 islands you’ll visit on the tour. It’s separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait. Have ample time to explore the island and once you’re on board again you’ll be served a delicious lunch as the ship sail towards Hydra. Take in the stunning views as you enter the port of Hydra and see the cove that at one time served as a shelter for pirates. From the open decks, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of this island. There will be time for you to explore the narrow, stone-paved streets of the island on foot, or by saddled donkey, which is the traditional mode of transportation. If you choose to go by foot, you can walk along the old seaside promenade and perhaps stop at some of the small shops. When you return to the ship, the captain heads for Aegina which is the largest of the 3 islands on the tour. Apart from its beautiful harbor, there are numerous interesting sites that you’ll have a chance to discover on your own. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the Temple of Aphaia at an additional cost. Return to your cruise-boat and enjoy your one-hour sail back to the port. Disembark and finish your trip (if option selected) in Athens.

Leave by the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Drive to Mycenae, the Homeric city of Atreides, the city "rich in gold" of the ancient poets. Visit the Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the royal tombs, and so forth.  Depart for Nafplio through the fertile plain of Argolis, the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. Find numerous interesting spots of attractions all over Argolis.  Leave for Epidauros, to visit the 4th-century BC theatre famous for its astonishing acoustics. Return to Athens by the National Road connecting Epidauros with Corinth. Enjoy lunch in Mycenae.

Take a day out of your sightseeing in Athens to visit the spectacular clifftop Meteora monasteries on this 14-hour excursion by train. Catch the train for Kalambaka at 7:20 AM from Athens railway station. Admire the beauty of the countryside along the way. At 11:30 AM, arrive in Kalambaka, a small town built at the foot of rocky grey cliffs crowned by the monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spot your English-speaking driver upon arrival in Kalambaka, holding a signboard with your name on it. Be shown to the vehicle that’ll take you to the monasteries, where you have around 4 hours to visit 3 of them, as well as the hermit caves of Badovas. At the end of the day, be transferred back to Kalambaka. Enjoy some time to explore the town and enjoy a light lunch (not included in the tour price). At 5:15 PM the train departs Kalambaka, arriving in Athens at 9:25 PM.

Depart Athens with your friendly guide (archaeologist) by bus from the Halandri Metro station and reach the ancient city of Mycenae. Let the Cyclopean walls take your breath, and learn about the mysterious origins of this fantastic structure. Mycenae is considered the greatest and richest kingdom of the later Bronze Age around 1350 B.C. Walk around the archaeological park, pass through the great Lionesses Gate, explore the Ancient Treasure of Atreus also known as King’s Agamemnon Tomb as well as the Tomb of Clytemnestra. Admire the Palace and the Gold Mask of Agamemnon. After Mycenae enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in the beautiful seaside city of Nafplio. Naflpio used to be the capital of Greece before Athens and its architecture has Venetian, Byzantine, Ottoman and, Modern Greek influences. Admire the main attractions like the Castle of Bourtzi, the Acronauplia and the Castle of Palamidi built on the top of the hill as well as the various picturesque squares in the city center. Finish your day with a visit to the ancient theater of Epidaurus. This site is well known as the theater with the greatest acoustics and still hosts the Festival of Epidaurus every summer.

The excursion begins at Marina Zeas where guests are expected to come on board at 8:45 AM. The first stop of the cruise is the island of Agistri, surrounded by vibrant blue waters and clothed in pine trees. Here you can connect with the lush nature and feel the presence of ancients Greeks and deities while swimming and relaxing on the hot fine sand of the long flax-golden beach between Megalochori and Skala. Adventure lovers can join the optional bike tour between Melalochori and Chalikiada Beach. From there, move onto the island of Moni or Metopi ( depending on weather ). While here, you will be served a delicious traditional Greek lunch, accompanied by traditional wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee. Once you've finished your feast, have the chance to jump off the boat, snorkel, swim around the boat, or swim to the island. This gorgeous and unique island has no inhabitants but is populated with law-protected deer, wild goats, rabbits and peacocks. Make a final journey around 3:00 PM towards the beautiful island of Aegina. Aegina is famous for its white stone houses, flowery backyards, pistachios, the red volcanic landscape, sensational food, the temple of Apollo, and the temple of Aphaia; in fewer words an earthly paradise for those who want to escape modern life. Here, enjoy the crystal-clear water and sandy beaches of the island, while exploring the breath-taking waterfront and traditional Greek cuisine. An excellent selection of jewelry, clothes, and textiles is available from the locals. At approximately 4:45 PM you will sail back to the port of Marina Zeas while enjoying the ambiance of select and chill music, delicious Mediterranean fruits, coffee, and drinks. On the islands, have the fantastic opportunity to explore the main attractions, buy souvenirs, engage with the locals and experience the Greek life, or just simply swim, relax and enjoy. On the boat, you are promised an amazing atmosphere, fruit basket, sweets, snacks and drinks, chill music, stops for swimming and sunbathing. ITINERARY DEPARTURE Marina Zeas 9:00 AM Agistri 12:45 PM Moni 2:30 PM Aegina 4:45 PM Please note, arrival and departure times may deviate from the schedule.  

Depart Athens and drive through the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the town of Thebes, world-renowned for its tragic story of King Oedipus. Continue through the picturesque towns of Livadeia and Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival at Delphi, explore the "Omphalos" ("Navel of the Earth"). Marvel at the ruins of an ancient sanctuary that grew rich as the seat of the oracle. Learn how its influence extended beyond the confines of the Hellenic world, and take in the views of a landscape of unparalleled beauty. See the remains of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, and visit the Treasury of the Athenians. Look at the remaining columns of the Temple of Apollo, and go to the Delphi Archaeological Museum where masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture can be found. Look at the legendary Charioteer of Delphi, regarded as one of the finest bronze sculptures of the ancient world. See the statue of the athlete Aghias and other artifacts from antiquity. Enjoy lunch in the modern village of Delphi, before the return trip to Athens by the same route (if selected). A short stop in Arachova will be provided for your comfort.  Clients staying on the coast will depart for their hotels from the local supplier's terminal at around 7:30 PM.

Depart Athens with a friendly escort (archaeologist) by bus from the Halandri Metro station and reach Nafplio where there are various alternative options to discover the hidden gems of the city. There is plenty of time to climb the 999 steps of the Castle of Palamidi (or let the bus drive you to it) and admire the wide view of the region along with the endless beauty of the Argolic Gulf from the top of the hill. Naflpio used to be the capital of Greece before Athens and its architecture has venetian, byzantine, ottoman and modern greek influences. Admire the main attractions like Bourtzi Castle and Acronauplia as well as the various picturesque squares in the city center. Observe the colorful venetian houses that attract your eyes with the bougainvilleas hanging flashily from the balconies. You have the chance to enrich your trip by visiting the Komboloi Museum and the distillery of Tsipouro, Ouzo or Mastiha known as “ouzo experience” in the most traditional district of the city. Enjoy a greek lunch break in a cozy tavern and be one with the locals. Later on, travel into history by visiting the ancient theater of Epidaurus. In the antiquity, Epidaurus was a sanatorium, connected intensively with the Asclepeion healing temples. Asclepeion was the 5* hotel of the ancient times and is considered as the origin of the medical science. Nowadays, Epidaurus is most known as the theater with the greatest acoustic of all times and still hosts the Festival of Epidaurus every summer. Feel the aura of the ancient tragedians who through their interpretations led the audience to “catharsis”, the purification and purgation of emotions.