Unforgettable Ancient Greece, French-speaking guide

Experience the highlights of Ancient Greece on this 8‑day tour. From the Acropolis of Athens to the sacred sites of Olympia and Delphi, and the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, this journey combines classical antiquity, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and authentic Greek landscapes in one comprehensive roundtrip. This classic cultural group tour offers a deep insight into the most important historical and archaeological landmarks of Ancient Greece. Starting and ending in Athens, travellers follow the traces of ancient civilizations through the Peloponnese and Central Greece, visiting world‑famous sites such as Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Epidaurus: Discover one of the best-preserved ancient theatres, renowned for its flawless acoustics. 

Mycenae: Explore the legendary city of King Agamemnon and its impressive remnants of a powerful ancient civilization. 

Mystras (Mistra): Explore a UNESCO-listed Byzantine ghost city with frescoed churches and medieval palaces set on a mountainside

Olympia: Walk through the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where athletic history began. 

Delphi: Visit the sacred Sanctuary of Apollo, once considered the mystical “Navel of the Earth.” 

Meteora Monasteries: Marvel at breathtaking Byzantine monasteries perched high atop dramatic rock pillars.

Athens: Athens, the historic capital of Greece, introduces you to the cradle of Western civilization with the legendary Acropolis, classical monuments and vibrant city life. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS

Arrival and welcome in Athens. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 2: ATHENS – SPARTI (324km – 4.5hrs)

Departure towards Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary of the healing god Asclepios. Visit the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved theatres of antiquity, renowned for its perfect acoustics. Continue to Mycenae, the legendary city of the Atrids and an important centre of the Mycenaean civilization around 1400 BC. Visit the Lion Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the Royal Tombs and the Palace of the Atrids, bringing to life the epic world described by Homer. Lunch break in the Mycenae area before continuing the journey towards Sparti.

Overnight in Sparti.

Day 3: SPARTI – MISTRA – OLYMPIA (194km – 2.5hrs)

Departure for the visit of Mystras, an exceptionally well-preserved Byzantine site with monasteries and churches dating back to the medieval period. Continue with a visit to Estate Theodorakakos, a family-run organic vineyard and winery with roots in the early 20th century. Proceed towards Olympia, one of the most sacred places of ancient Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, celebrated regularly since 776 BC in honour of Zeus. Lunch break in the Sparti area.

Overnight in Olympia.

Day 4: OLYMPIA – ARACHOVA/DELPHI (264km – 4hrs)

Morning visit to the archaeological site of Olympia and its museum. Explore the sanctuary of Zeus and learn about the ideals of ancient Greek humanism embodied in the Olympic Games, symbolising peaceful competition and unity among city-states. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, home to masterpieces such as the Hermes of Praxiteles, the pediments of the Temple of Zeus, the Victory of Paionios and important collections of ancient bronzes. Afterwards, drive towards Patras and cross the impressive Rion–Antirrion Bridge before continuing to Arachova or Delphi. Lunch break in the Olympia area.

Overnight in Delphi.

Day 5: ARACHOVA/DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (229km – 3hrs)

Visit the archaeological site of Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks as the “navel of the earth”. Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, the site is renowned for both its historical significance and stunning natural setting. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Delphi Museum. After lunch in the Delphi area, depart for Kalambaka via Lamia, Karditsa and Trikala.

Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 6: METEORA – ATHENS (352km – 4hrs)

Discover Meteora, one of Greece’s most extraordinary landscapes, featuring towering rock formations crowned by monasteries that preserve Byzantine tradition and Orthodox spirituality. Founded in the mid-14th century, these monasteries were once accessible only by ropes and ladders. Visit two monasteries and a workshop where you can observe the art of icon painting. Lunch break in the Kalambaka area before continuing the journey back to Athens.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 7: ATHENS

In the morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Athens. Discover the highlights of the ancient city, including a panoramic drive through the city centre passing Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. On the way to the Acropolis, see Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Visit the Acropolis and admire the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. Lunch break in Athens, followed by free time in the afternoon.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 8: ATHENS DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Athens International Airport for your departure.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.