Small 9 Days Discovery Tour Of Central Greece From Athens.

Itinerary

Day 1: Livadeia / Hosios Loukas (UNESCO)

Stop At: Livadia 321 00, Greece
e will drive on to the lovely Livadeia, built amphitheatrically at the feet of mount Elikon. Homer refers to Livadeia with its former name, Mideia. Livadeia is an interesting city since participated in the War of Troy and became famous due to the Oracle of Trofonios Zeus. We will have a nice stroll around the small medieval castle (14th century) and along the Erkynas River.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Distomo 32005 Greece
We are going to visit the beautiful walled Monastery of Hosios Loukas, located at the foot of Mountain Parnassos in a picturesque valley teemed with olive trees. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art, and has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, along with the monasteries of Nea Moni (Chios) and Daphni (Athens). Hosios Loukas is considered extremely important based on its historical value. According to historians, it represents the second golden age of Byzantine art.

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 2: Archaeological Site of Delphi (UNESCO) / Arachova

Stop At: Argos, Argos, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
Next, we will leave for the impressive Archaeological Site of Delphi, an major UNESCO World Heritage Site, set at the foot of Mount Parnassos. The Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi is home to the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Considered the center of the world in ancient times, Delphi was the cultural and religious hub of the Hellenic civilization. Admissions not included.

Later, we will drive to the modern Delphi, one of the most picturesque Greek towns and located very close to the ancient site of Delphi. After the check-in for one night's accommodation, you are free to explore by yourself this popular tourist destination. There are plenty of restaurants, taverns, bars and shops. You will enjoy the vibe of this lovely place!
Admissions not included.
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Arachova, Arachova, Boeotia Region, Central Greece
While Greece is known as a beach holiday destination, few know that it's also perfect for a green holiday. The lovely Arachova is a great destination! You will quickly see why Greece is much more than just a summer destination.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 3: Thermopylae / Sesklo / Volos

Stop At: Thermopylae, Thermopylae, Phthiotis Region, Central Greece
Today, we will visit Thermopylae (Hot Gate) a place where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity and where the heroic and worldwide known warrior King Leonidas I and his brave 300 Spartans, resisted against the 250, 000 Persian soldiers of King Xerxes I. The famous Battle of Thermopylae, which occurred in 480 B.C., was really monumental and one of the most epic battles in the Greek-Persian War.⁣ This battle, the most astonishing and unequal, is a landmark in the World's history.⁣ Walk on the sacred site of one of the most memorable battles in history and a timeless symbol of heroism is quite an experience!⁣ Admissions not included.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Archaeological Site of Sesklo, Sesklo 38500 Greece
The settlement at Sesklo gives its name to the earliest known Neolithic culture of Europe, which inhabited Thessaly and parts of Macedonia. The Neolithic settlement was discovered in the 1800s.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Volos, Volos, Magnesia Region, Thessaly
Situated between Athens and Thessaloniki, combining divine sea and daring mountains as a gateway to Mount Pelion (home to many traditional villages) and serving as the first step to the Sporades islands, Volos is a wonderful destination, full of life at every time of the day and night.

This bicycle-friendly city, sprawling around the coastline of the Pagasetic Gulf, has an ancient history as the mythic home of Jason and the Argonauts, a long coastline to walk along, several hidden gems, a dynamic nightlife, lots of events and things to do.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 4: Larissa / Trikala / Kalampaka

Stop At: Larissa, Larissa, Larissa Region, Thessaly
Legend has it that Achilles was born here. Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine", died here. Larissa is mentioned in Book II of Iliad by Homer and it was used by Socrates as an example for teaching philosophy statements.

The First Ancient Theater of Larissa, now on the UNESCO Tentative List, built in the early 3rd century BC, was in use for six centuries. It is in present-day the hallmark of the city and the most important tourist monument in the area, is under a program of excavation and the incessantly maintenance work, taking place by local authorities.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Trikala, Trikala, Trikala Region, Thessaly
The Byzantine Castle, built by Justinian onto the acropolis of ancient Trikke in the 6th century AD. Later it was rebuilt by the Ottomans, who in the 17th century placed a huge clock tower, which was accompanied by a bell weighing 650 kg. In 1936, another clock tower was placed and today remains the trademark of the city, while offers a panoramic view to the city.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kalambaka, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessaly
After we will drive to Kalampaka, a lovely and vibrant town that illuminate the cliffs of Meteora at night, for a one night's accommodation.
As usual, after the check-in you will have time to explore this cheerful place, enjoy the atmosphere, taste the gastronomy, go shopping and more by yourself.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 5: Meteora

Stop At: Meteora, Meteora, Trikala Region, Thessaly
Right after breakfast, we will visit the imposing and extraordinary Meteora, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these gigantic rocks from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremitic ideal in the 15th century.
Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting. Six stunning Orthodox monasteries remain in place, still home to a small number of monks and nuns. Built by monks looking for absolute solitude, these monasteries offer mesmerizing views over the plains.
The impressive and ancient monasteries of Meteora, perched atop massive boulders, are a must see! Admissions not included.

Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 6: Nafpaktos / Rio / Patras

Stop At: The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos, Montain, Naupactus 30300 Greece
Today, we will explore Nafpaktos, one of Greece's most beautiful beach towns, located on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. It will charm you with its traditional character, peaceful atmosphere and lush green landscape.
The city is blessed with a rich and an interesting history: the Battle of Lepanto took place here. The greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the most famous Spanish writers, Miguel de Cervantes fought in the Battle of Lepanto and you will see a statue in his honor. His novel Don Quixote is the most-translated book in the world, after the Bible. It is considered the best work of fiction ever written.
The picturesque port, the lovely castle built on the top of the hill offering great panoramic views of the majestic Ionian Sea and the blue flag beaches provide the main attraction. Lots of things to see and do! Admission not included.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Patras, Patras, Achaea Region, West Greece
Today also we will see the impressive Cathedral of Saint Andrew (a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world since the relics of the Apostle Saint Andrew and the cross on which he was martyred are kept in a special shrine here), among other sights.

Definitely, Patras is a place where entertainment, history and culture mingle together to create a popular destination.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rio Castle, Rio 26504 Greece
Next, we will continue our itinerary in Rio, home of а well-kept medieval seafront fortress. This lively town stretches along the southeastern coast of the Gulf of Patras. Besides, you will enjoy splendid views of the famous Rio-Antirrio Bridge from the seafront. Admission not included.

Later, we will take road toward to the beautiful beach town of Nafpaktos where we will have one night's accommodation. After the check-in procedure, you will have time to take a rest or have a stroll independently to see the buzzing atmosphere of the city.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 7: Patras

Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Patras, 38-40 Athinon, Patras 264 42 Greece
Patras museum it is the second-largest museum of Greece.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Castle of Patras, Panachaidos Panachaidos & Frouriou, Patras 26225 Greece
Right after breakfast, we will do our sightseeing in and around the city. We will visit the beautiful medieval Castle of Patras (where you will have breathtaking views of the city and the Ionian Sea) and the impressive Cathedral of Saint Andrew (a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world since the relics of the Apostle Saint Andrew and the cross on which he was martyred are kept in a special shrine here), among other sights. Definitely, Patras is a place where entertainment, history and culture mingle together to create a popular destination. Admission not included.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 8: Corinth Canal / Ancient Corinth / Loutraki

Stop At: Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos), Ancient Korinthos village, Corinth Greece
After, we will drive toward Ancient Corinth, home to one of the most beautiful ancient temples in Greece! We will visit the impressive Archaeological site, one of the best testimonies of ancient Greek architecture, and its fascinating museum. Admission not included.

The imposing Temple of Apollo, a Doric-style temple dedicated to Apollo, is actually a great example of a peripteral temple (one with a portico made of columns) and was supported by 38 columns, though today, only seven are still in place.⁣⁣
After visit this beautiful site with its temples, fountains and other fascinating buildings and structures dating from the 10th century BC, we will have lunch in a local tavern.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia, Corinth 201 00 Greece
We continue our journey by see the Corinth Canal to enjoy splendid views over the Saronic Gulf.

The Corinth canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The canal was dug through the Isthmus at sea level and has no locks. It is 6.4 kilometers in length and only 21.4 meters wide at its base.

The Corinth canal consists of a single channel 8 meters deep, excavated at sea level, thus requiring no locks. The rock walls, which rise 90 meters above sea level, are at a near-vertical 80° angle.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Loutraki, Loutraki, Corinthia Region, Peloponnese
Loutraki is a seaside resort on the Gulf of Corinth, in Corinthia, Greece. We will enjoy walk along the sealine and take a fresh air of the sea.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels/Pensions, in double/single rooms, with breakfast included.

Day 9: Mycenae

Stop At: Mycenae, Mycenae, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
After breakfast, we will leave to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae which dates from between the 14th and 13th century BC when the Mycenaean civilization was at its peak of power, influence and artistic expression.
Here is located the famous Lion Gate, the sole surviving monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture, as well as the largest sculpture in the prehistoric Aegean. Besides, It is the only monument of Bronze Age Greece to bear an iconographic motif that survived without being buried underground, and the only relief image which was described in the literature of classical antiquity, such that it was well known prior to modern archaeology.
Also, the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae is the place that was mentioned by Homer as Mykene. Admission not included.
Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.