5-day Classic Greece Private Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

Itinerary

Day 1: Peloponnese Adventure

Stop At: Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos), Ancient Korinthos village, Corinth Greece
After leaving Athens our first stop in the Peloponnese explores the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city states of Antiquity. Stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans & St. Paul before you. Refreshments & rest stops are also on hand at the local Cafes at its entrance if needed.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Archaeological Site Mycenae, Mycenae 21200 Greece
Next we come to the imposing remains of Ancient Mycenae, one of the most important sites in the development of Ancient Greece. Home to the citadel of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. The ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC, references this ancient city, indicating its importance in Greek civilization. Pass through the 20-foot-wide city walls, enter the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s throne room, and explore the very buildings of his palace. You will also have a short sopt nearby for the awe inspiring treasury of Atreus and ample time to visit the modern on-site museum housing the many precious artefacts uncovered from the site.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Ethniki Odos Isthmou Archaias Epidavrou, Epidavros 210 52 Greece
After a short drive through olive fields & small countryside roads our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, first healing centre of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. The temple and theatre date from the 4th century and feature masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join the other visitors who test its world famous acoustics with a poem or a song !
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nafplion, Greece
After the many sites of the morning we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval & historical port city of Nafplio by the sea with views to the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay. This city has a definite artistic feel so take time for a stroll and explore the many local craft shops & boutiques of the charming old city before your evenings onward travel to your hotel in Monemvasia and the comfort of your specially selected Boutique Hotel
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Monemvasia, Monemvasia, Monemvasia Municipality, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
Step back in time as you enter the long narrow causeway from the mainland and across the sea to the medieval island fortress of Monemvasia with only a single entrance where cars can not pass. Once through the castle gate you will find yourself in a world of winding cobbled streets unchanged from the times of the knights who once rode out to fight & trade from this impregnable rock city in the sea. The city’s many old Captains houses & stone mansions have been renovated to beautiful small Hotels, cafes & eateries to enjoy along with the wonderful views. This is a perfect place to get lost, regenerate & unwind.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: There are no large hotels in Monemvasia so we prefer the best of one of the renovated stone guest houses of small hotels

Day 2: The Gibraltar of the East

Stop At: Monemvasia, Monemvasia, Monemvasia Municipality, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
Spend the morning enjoying beeakfast & this unique location before departure.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Archaeological Site of Mystras, Mystras, Sparta Municipality Greece
Lying in the southeast Peloponnese & on your way from Monemvasia we visit the 800 year old ruins of the Medieval city & UNESCO site of Mystras, once seat of Byzantine power in the region & replete with palaces, residences, mansions, churches and monasteries, water & drainage works, commercial workshops, extensive streets & fortifications. You can stop for a local lunch or lunch by the sea on the way to your final destination for the evening at Olympia.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4-Star or Boutique Hotel with breakfast included (eg. Artty Grand Hotel or Europa Hotel) depending on availability.

Day 3: Discover Ancient Olympia

Stop At: Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archea Olympia, Olympia 27065 Greece
Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, and one of the most magical locations in Greece. Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity you will see the places where the original athletes trained, learned and go through the tunnel to emerge in the stadium in which they competed. The site is still home to the Temple of Zeus and Hera where the Olympic Flame is lit, workshop of Phidias, and extensive Museum containing significant masterpieces from the site.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Rio-Antirrio Bridge (Charilaos Trikoupis), Gefira Charilaos Trikoupis, Antirrio Greece
After Olympia we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world & a great fete of engineering as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Nafpaktos Old Port, Naupactus 30300 Greece
Stunningly beautiful picture postcard Venetian port & perfect lunch stop. Nafpaktos it a little known village you will never forget.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Galaxidi, Greece
Lying by the sea near the ancient port of Delphi, this beautiful village is an ideal location to spend your evening wondering through the pretty streets, cafes & restaurants with sea views away from the more mass touristic feel of Delphi. A warm welcome awaits you as well as amazing local and authentic cuisine.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Either small boutique hotel in Galaxithi (eg. Ganimede Hotel) or Hotel in Delphi (eg. Amalia Hotel)

Day 4: Delphi. Center of the Ancient World

Stop At: Delphi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
Inset on wide terraces along the hillside we are fortunate that the landslides of previous centuries preserved much of the ancient remains for us to witness including the 4th century BC temple of Apollo from where the Oracle spoke her prophesies along with the Castilian spring of Mythology, theatre, treasury buildings, temples of Athena and Gymnasium where athletes gathered before the Pythian games to bath in the sacred waters. During your visit to Delphi, see the physical structures associated with this incredibly long history, and learn about their rich mythology. A beautiful addition to the site is the modern museum dedicated to the finds which stretch back in time to at least 1500 BC, as well as those notably which adorned the temples & streets of the ancient city at its peak around the 4th century BC with outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphynx, the twin Kouroi and famous Bronze Charioteer among others.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Distomo 32005 Greece
Set in beautiful countryside on the slopes of Mt Parnassos we next visit one of the most important and well preserved Byzantine Monasteries & which is UNESCO listed. Explore its 1100 year old Architecture along with its unique & impressive fresco's. An optional visit you can choose to omit this site if you wish.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Arachova, Arachova, Boeotia Region, Central Greece
Lunch Stop. Spend time enjoying the local craft shops and wonderful views over the olive filled Pleistos river valley over lunch before continuing to Kalambaka in the shadow of Meteora
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4-Star or Boutique style hotel in Kalambaka (eg. Iridanos or Amalia Hotel)

Day 5: Meteora. The rock forest & its Monasteries

Stop At: Meteora, Meteora, Trikala Region, Thessaly
After breakfast we ascend towards the monasteries above. Built on a natural formation of sandstone rock pillars up to 1,312 feet high, the six remaining monasteries date from the 14th century and form a remarkable and awe-inspiring combination of nature and spiritual significance. We visit at least two of the most outstanding monasteries, normally the Grand Meteora Monastery, Varlaam or Agiou Stefanou, and learn about their long history and the hermits and monks that lived there alongside the majestic landscape views.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Kalambaka, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessaly
Pause for a traditional lunch in one of the towns main squares to refresh yourself before continuing.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Thermopylae 350 09, Greece
After our visit to the Monastaries we return south towards Athens for approximately 90 minutes to the site of Thermopylae, stopping to see the monument and enter the newly built Visitor’s Center which recreates the ancient battle where King Leonidas led the 300 Spartans in 480 BC. After pausing for lunch or a break by the sea in one of the many local villages we finally continue to your onward destination with the memories and images from these wonderful experiences.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

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