Indulge to the beauty of Greece with the 4 days Classical Greece private tour

Day 1: Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion

1. Corinth Canal
   20m
   The Corinth Canal one of the most important projects of modern Greece, which played a catalytic role for the Mediterranean trade, has constituted an inspiration for centuries and was completed 25 centuries after the conception of its idea. It is a man-made canal in Greece, that connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea 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.
   
   Back to the late 7th century B.C., and specifically in 602 B.C. At that time, the tyrant of Corinth Periander decided to connect the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. His purpose was to try and open a canal in the isthmus of Corinth which would allow the avoidance of a dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese and shorten the route. The plans of Periander, one of the seven sages of antiquity, as ancient writers testify, remained unaccomplished.
2. Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Ancient Corinth was first inhabited in the Neolithic period (6500-3250 B.C.). It is located at the northern base of the hill of Acrocorinth at the site of today’s agglomeration. Its fertile soil but mainly its strategic location at the intersection of land routes from the Balkan peninsula of Aimos and mainland Greece on towards the Peloponnese and waterways that connect the western Mediterranean to its Eastern counterpart, to Asia Minor and to Syro-Palestine, offered the region from very early on enormous potential for communication, growth and prosperity.
   
   The city, known since the Mycenaean period. The tremendous output of agricultural products, already in earlier historical periods, favored intense expansion in trade activities mainly towards the Western Mediterranean, while in the 8th century BC Corinthian colonies were founded, like Corfu in the Ionian Sea, Syracuse in Sicily, with an important role and contribution in the history of the ancient Mediterranean world.
3. Archaeological Site Mycenae
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Mycenae 'Rich in Gold', the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics, is the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization, while the myths related to its history have inspired poets and writers over many centuries, from the Homeric epics and the great tragedies of the Classical period to contemporary literary and artistic creation. Perseus, son of Zeus and Danai, daughter of Akrisios, king of Argos, and descendant of Danaos, is traditionally considered its mythical founder. Pausanias reports that Perseus named the new city Mycenae after the pommel (mykes) of his sword, which fell there, or after the Perseia spring, discovered there under the root of a mushroom (mykes). Perseus's descendants reigned at Mycenae for three generations. The Mycenaeans chose Atreus, son of Pelops, father of Agamemnon and Menelaos, as their king.
4. Nafplio
   2h
   One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.
   
   According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty.
5. Peloponnese
   Pass by
   Where myth meets history. Escape to the Peloponnese, where Myth meets history. Monuments from every period of the eventful history, great archeological sites; ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tiryns, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Byzantine churches and Monasteries.
   
   Enjoy sightseeing and sports; explore unique villages and alluring castles amidst stunning natural beauty, mountains and forests, rivers and caves. Not to mention that the Peloponnese is surrounded by the Greek sea, with lovely beaches, sandy and smooth coasts on the western part – rocky and lacy on its easternmost side. It is no coincidence that the tour of the Peloponnese is very popular among travelers. Arrive at ancient Olympia. Overnight

Day 2: Ancient Olympia, Delphi

1. Olympia
   1h
   In the western Peloponnese peninsula, in the so-called "valley of the gods", Ancient Olympia grew to be the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most important sports events in all antiquity, founded in the 8th century B.C. (776), all Greeks across the world would be united every four years and all hostilities would be suspended so that everyone could take part in these games in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
   
   Travel to Olympia’s archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tour the impressive remains of buildings that the ancient Greeks used as worship areas, sports and symposia centers, etc.
   
   Its ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The Archaeological Museum exhibits finds, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles. Olympia is now, as it used to be in the past, a famed destination, a powerful landmark known the world over.
2. Archaeological Site of Olympia
   1m · Admission ticket not included
   In the western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia exhibits finds from the site, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles.
   
   Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it lies on the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush green landscape. Olympia became the most important religious and athletic center in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one worldwide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus
3. Archaeological Museum of Olympia
   1m · Admission ticket not included
   Within a minute's walk from the archaeological site lie the three museums of Olympia that unfold the history of the sanctuary of Zeus and its celebrated games: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games and the Museum of the History of the Excavations at Olympia.
   
   Today, the museum's permanent collections cross 12 halls and over 3,500 years of history, from around the 3rd millennium BC when humans first settled in Olympia to the twilight of Zeus' sanctuary in the 7th century AD. Renowned for its sculptures and for its collection of ancient Greek bronzes, which is the richest in the world, it goes without saying that the Archaeological Museum of Olympia ranks among the most important museums in Greece.
4. Pass by
   Starting from Athens we will be travelling through Sterea Ellada; The Region of Central Greece till we reach Delphi. The Region of Central Greece colloquially known as Ρούμελη (Roúmeli)) is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. The region occupies the eastern half of the traditional region of Central Greece, including the island of Euboea. To the south it borders the regions of Attica and the Peloponnese, to the west the region of West Greece and to the north the regions of Thessaly and Epirus. Its capital city is Lamia. It is divided geographically into the East and West, with the natural border between them the southern part of the Pindos mountain range. We will pass by Theves, Livadia, and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi and visit the archaeological site! Arrive in Delphi. Overnight

Day 3: Delphi, Kalambaka

1. Delphi
   1h
   At the foot of Mount Parnassos, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi was for many centuries the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. The history of Delphi begins in prehistory. In the beginning, the site was sacred to Mother Earth and was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, killed by Apollo. Apollo's sanctuary was built here by Cretans who arrived at Kirrha, the port of Delphi, accompanied by the god in the form of a dolphin. This myth survived in plays presented during the various Delphic festivals, such as the Septerion, the Delphinia, the Thargelia, the Theophania, and of course, the famous Pythia, which celebrated the death of Python and comprised musical and athletic competitions.
2. 30m · Admission ticket not included
   Central among the number of imposing ruins that are interspersed on the Southern slopes of Parnassos mountain is the temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary.
   It is an imposing temple of the Doric order whose existence was woven through the turbulent history of the site, and endured numerous incarnations before it settled to the ruinous state we find it today, and which dates back to the 4th c. B.C. The temple of Apollo was first built around the 7th c. B.C. by the two legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes. It was rebuilt after a fire in the 6th c. B.C.. in tribute to the noble Athenian family that oversaw its construction with funds from all over Greece and foreign emperors.
   
   This temple was destroyed in 373 B.C. by an earthquake and was rebuilt for the third time in 330 B.C. Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon, architects from Corinth.
3. 15m · Admission ticket not included
   The omphalos (navel-stone) was the symbol of Delphi. According to an ancient myth, Zeus sent out two eagles in opposite directions from Mount Olympus, and these two instruments of augury met over Delphi, which was regarded thereafter as the Earth's navel.
   
   This marble representation of an omphalos is a Hellenistic or Roman copy of the Archaic omphalos, which was kept in the temple's adyton (inner sanctum). It was surmounted by two gilded eagles. The relief decoration imitates the weave of the agrenon, the thick woolen cloth that covered the original sacred omphalos inside the adyton.
   
   Many more copies of the omphalos, in various materials, existed in Delphi. This example may have been the one witnessed by the travel writer Pausanias in the 2th century AD.
4. 20m
   The tholos of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, clearly visible from above, is perhaps the most characteristic monument at Delphi and the most important building of this small sanctuary. Located between the later temple of Athena and the Treasury of Massalia, this circular building of unknown purpose is a masterpiece of Classical architecture. It is thought to have been connected with chthonic cults, although Pausanians, who saw its ruins in the second century AD, do not refer to it as a temple.
   
   According to Vitruvius, this impressive building was raised in 380 BC on plans by the architect Theodoros of Phocea or Phocis, who even wrote a book about the way it was built. The tholos is a synthesis of most styles of Classical architecture. It rests on a three-stepped podium and the twenty Doric columns of the outer peristyle supported a Doric frieze of triglyphs and metopes with relief decoration. Inside the cella were ten engaged Corinthian columns
5. Pass by
   The Region of Central Greece till we reach Delphi. The Region of Central Greece colloquially known as Ρούμελη (Roúmeli)) is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. The region occupies the eastern half of the traditional region of Central Greece, including the island of Euboea. To the south it borders the regions of Attica and the Peloponnese, to the west the region of West Greece and to the north the regions of Thessaly and Epirus. Its capital city is Lamia. It is divided geographically into the East and West, with the natural border between them the southern part of the Pindos mountain range. We will pass by Theves, Livadia, and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi and visit the archaeological site! Arrive in Kalambaka. Overnight!
6. Thessaly
   Pass by
   Travel Thessaly, a region of sheer beauty with mountains, rivers, beaches, the popular Plastira Lake, Tempi valley, and last but not least the unique Meteora, the most photogenic spiritual site in Greece. Archeological areas, Byzantine monasteries and churches, traditional settlements and ski resorts complete the fascinating natural beauty of Thessaly and make it a popular holiday destination. Soaring like a sleepless guardian above the city of Volos, Mt Pelion is gorgeous throughout the year. Set against an idyllic backdrop of olive groves that shimmer in the sunlight, dense forests and lush fruit orchards, these 24 stone-built villages are the true gems of Pelion. Arrive in Kalambaka. Overnight!

Day 4: Kalambaka, Kastraki, Meteora - Thermopylae

1. Meteora
   2h
   The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area.
   
   Meteora monasteries; the miracle of Greece. A few kilometers northwest of the town of Kalabaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora are rising from the plains of Thessaly one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks with the breathtaking landscape reaching heights of more than 600 meters, it was formed one of the most important monastic communities of Greece.
   
   In 1988, the Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network hosting some rare species of birds and flowers.
2. Kalambaka
   Pass by
   Kalabaka is a town and seat of the municipality of Meteora in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The city of Kalampaka is built on the feet of the Meteora and it is on the left side of the river Pinios. It is the starting place for those visitors who wish to be familiar with the monuments and the magnificent sites of Aspropotamos of Hasia, Koziakas, and the Meteora. Kalampaka has known all over the world for the famous monasteries that exist on the top of the rocks of the Meteora. Every year, millions of visitors come from all over the world in order to admire and honor them. Kalampaka is a city of rich history and important monuments. One of the greatest importance is the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary which is in the north-eastern part of the city under the very high rock of Aea. The ancient name of the city was Aeginion, this is how it is mentioned in the Hellenistic and Roman years because of the great importance of its position.
3. Meteora
   Pass by
   Kastraki is located in the western part of Meteora, amphitheatrically built, among the towering cliffs, and is a municipal district of Kalabaka. Its history is lost in the course of time.
   In the eastern part, there is the old picturesque district of the village and above the spindle, small but impressive because of the form and the support position. It is mainly the base of climbers coming from different parts of the world, to admire the wonderful landscape formed by the towering rocks. Kastraki has an important local tradition, customs, and folk songs, which all have a uniqueness. The impressive landscape with canyons, plateaus, and the ghostly figures of “sacred rock” pops up through the lush landscape and strives, as if to touch the heavens. Today the village has been declared with the entire region of Meteora Monument and World Heritage by UNESCO, while it has grown into a wonderful place for recreation with camping, taverns, and guest houses, offering pleasant relaxation.
4. 1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   The Great Meteoro (Grand Meteor), also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and is the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora.
   
   The foundation of the Monastery of Great Meteoron is the starting point of the organized life at Meteora. On the most imposing rock, it occupies a commanding position among the monastic complex of Meteora.
   
   It’s the largest and most formal of the extant Meteora Monasteries as its name implies. Founded shortly before the middle of the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, who was also its first founder and the first to organize a systematic monastic community.
5. 40m · Admission ticket not included
   Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery. The beginning of the monastic life on the rock of Anapafsas is placed in the 14th century and the name of the monastery is probably due to its old founder. The monastery was renovated in the first decade of the 16th century.
   The construction and installation of the monastery (tall rectangular building with successive levels) adapted to the capabilities of the very small area of the plateau of the rock in which it was built. Going up you see the small chapel of St. Anthony and the crypt, where previously stored codes and heirlooms. On the walls of the chapel remains frescoes of the 14th century. On the next floor is built the church of the monastery, a small single room, almost square space preceded by a large enough in relation to the church narthex (lite). Upstairs are the old bank of the monastery, which was restored and today serves as the official residence (hostel), the ossuary, and the renovated, since 1971, the church of St. John the Baptist.
6. 40m · Admission ticket not included
   St. Stephen was inhabited by monks in the late 12th century. The assembly of the building of the monastery which was founded in the 14th century completed in the 15th and 16th century. First founder of the monastery is the monk, later abbot of it Antonios Kantakouzenos. Antonios in the opinion of some researchers was the son of the Serbian Despot of Epirus Nikephoros II (1359) and a descendant of the great Byzantine family. Secondly, the founder is Monk Philotheos “ex Sklatainas”, which is referred to as the renovator of St. Stephen.
   
   Theophilos erected a new the old, now Catholic, built the cells and other facilities of the monastery. During his days(1545) the monastery became stavropegic and retained this privilege of 1743. In 1798 a new church was built dedicated to Saint Charalambos, who in the 17th century was referred to as the second patron of the monastery. In the 18th and 19th century for the first time several buildings and the abbey was built and took the form it has today.
7. Varlaam Monastery
   40m · Admission ticket not included
   The monastery Varlaam owes its name to the hermit-anchorite Varlaam, who first inhabited the rock in the 14th century. The history of the monastery begins substantially from the early 16th century when the rock settled and organized their priory by the Ioannina brothers Theophanes and Nektarios Apsaras, descendants of the old continent Byzantine family.
   
   The Apsaras in 1518 renovated fundamentally the chapel of the Three Hierarchs, which was built on the site of the original Catholic monastery that was built by Varlaam, in 1536 built the winch tower, and in 1541 built the present church dedicated to All Saints.
   
   In 1627 the chapel of the Three Hierarchs was rebuilt in place of the Old Catholic who had built the Apsaras and in 1637 was decorated by the artistic crew of John priest and children, who came from Kalabaka.
   
   The monastery is distinguished in spiritual prosperity and its participation in national struggles in recent years.
8. Holy Trinity Monastery
   40m · Admission ticket not included
   The monastery of the Holy Trinity was made in 1488 by a monk named Dometios. But sources reveal its existence since 1362. The oldest building phase of the monastery is represented by the current church, which was built as we learn from the inscription in the year 1475/6 and is dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
   
   The frescos of the church were made by the painter and priest named Antonios and his brother Nicholas, in 1741. The Catholic exonarthex was built in 1689 and decorated in 1692. In 1682, with the expenses and trouble of Hieromonk Damaskinou, Jonah and Partheniou, the chapel of St. John the Baptist were built and decorated.
   
   Visitors to reach the monastery must cross a pedestrian path downhill until the foot of the cliff and then climb 145 carved steps. Northwest of the building complex of the monastery, behind the church, the visitor arrives at the highest point of the rock, from the balcony you can enjoy a rare view of the other monasteries and the Meteora rocks.
9. 40m · Admission ticket not included
   The rock referred to as Rousanou was inhabited from the early 16th century, while the monastery was founded in the 14th century. But the monastery took its present form in the 16th century when the brothers Ioasaf and Maximus from Epirus and the abbot of the monastery of Great Meteoron, the ruined church that was dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ.
   
   The Catholicon that was built by the two brothers from Giannena in 1545, and decorated with frescoes, is dedicated to this day to the Transfiguration but also honored in the memory of Santa Barbara. The monastery became a refuge for persecuted individuals and families during the various historical vicissitudes of the nation. During the 19th century, the monastery declined and slowly fell into a hermitage for the monks of the monastery Varlaam. Today, after its restoration, in 1980, by the Archaeological Service, it operates as a nunnery.
10. Thermopylae
    20m
    Thermopylae is a place in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity. It derives its name from its hot sulfur springs. In Greek mythology, the Hot Gates is one of the entrances to Hades. The Battle of Thermopylae was conducted in 480BC among the Greeks and the Persians at the same time the Naval Battle of Artemision took place. The Persian Army led my Xerxis to reache the passageways of Thermopylae. The Greeks have chosen this strategic spot to face the Persian attack. Xerxis has commanded Leonides, the leader of the Greek Army to surrender his armory but he replied 'Come and Get them'. For two days, the Greeks fought heroically. On the third day, Efialtes betrays the Greeks, showing the Persians the passageway so as to get to the backside of the Greeks. So, the Persian Army surrounds the Greeks. Leonides remains at the site of the battle along with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespieis, and 400 Thivaious, loyal to his homeland laws. He falls dead from Persian arrows.
11. Leonidas Monument
    10m
    Why did the battle of Thermopylae become one of the most world-famous battles? Thermopylae battle is a perfect example of selflessness, sacrifice, and obedience to the laws of the country. The resistance in the passage is a result of hard military training, better gear, and strategic use of the land in order to multiply the defense abilities.
    
    Where is the Thermopylae Memorial? The passage of Thermopylae (that literally means "Hot Gates") doesn't exist anymore since the mud deposition made by the Spercheios river moved the beach and the sea a few kilometers away. Near Thermopylae, next to the national road connecting Athens to Thessaloniki there is a memorial statue of King Leonidas and his soldiers with an inscription saying:
    
    "Ὦ ξεῖν’, ἀγγέλλειν Λακεδαιμονίοις ὅτι τῇδε κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων ῥήμασι πειθόμενοι", which means: "Stranger, tell Spartans that we lay here, staying faithful to Sparta’s laws." , and drive back to Athens!

Pickup details

Departure Point : HOTEL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: We will meet you at the main entrance of your hotel. Please inform the porter that you are expecting your tour driver to call for you. If you are staying in a small hotel, please inform the receptionist instead.

CRUISE PORT MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: Please disembark and walk outside the terminal exit door, where our driver/guide will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it.

Return point: Return at the same spot

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable shoes are recommended
• Sunscreen and hats are recommended for visits during the summer months
• Duration time is approximate and may vary based on local traffic and conditions
• While the local operator does its best to ensure sites are open before travel, they are not responsible for short-term closures
• Athens Airport transfers: arranged on request!
• Important note: You will have a professional English-speaking driver with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums according to the program. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have one, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
• We suggest that you have your admission tickets pre-purchased as there is a chance not to find availability, please note that we can buy the tickets for you in advance -under a small service fee.