The Greek Gems

Enjoy this memorable 8-day tour and get closer to Greece's beautiful history and mythology, while admiring stunning landscapes, and indulging in mouthwatering Greek food.  See the best of Athens, the picturesque town of Kalambaka, and the crescent–shaped Santorini Island,  the most precious gem of Cyclades islands.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Parthenon: The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron of the city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power

Acropolis museum: The Acropolis museum is the perfect sanctuary for the ancient artefacts that were found in the Parthenon and its surrounding temples. It covers a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters and nearly 4,000 objects exhibiting

Omphalos of Delphi, the center of the world: The oracle which consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The Greeks considered Delphi the naval (or centre) of the world, as represented by the stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi

Meteora monasteries: Meteora phenomenon, a spiritual, mystical, magical, breathtaking and extraordinary experience. Visit a stone forest decorated with historical monasteries, included in the World Heritage List of Unesco. Only 6 of them have made it through the centuries, from an initial estimated number of 24

Santorini Gems: Akrotiri site -the Pompei of Greece, Lava islets -an active volcano, Canava - from vineyards to distillery, Santorinian fava - a gastronomic treasure, Oia sunset - an incredible beauty

Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS

On your arrival at Athens airport, you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never-sleeping city. 

Overnight in Athens.

Day 2: ATHENS – DELPHI - KALAMBAKA (586 km - 7 hrs)

After a delicious breakfast, hop on board your luxury bus and enjoy a unique journey northwest to Delphi, arriving around noon. Famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the earth and the universe and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon after lunch depart through Central Greece and the cities of Lamia (short stop), Trikala crossing the Thessalian plain, to Kalambaka (a small town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowded by the Meteora Monasteries (short stop for souvenirs).

Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 3: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS (437 km - 4 hrs)

Savor breakfast in your hotel and then travel to nearby UNESCO-listed Meteora for a tour of the cliff-top monasteries. Visit two different impressive Byzantine Monasteries built on top of rock towers and providing breathtaking views over the plain. The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful and inspiring areas of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the country's most unique attractions. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas king of Sparta in Thermopylae (short stop for photos). Arrive in Athens in the early evening.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 4: ATHENS CITY TOUR

Breakfast at your hotel. From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour you'll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens. Begin the tour with a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral,  Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis (visit Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Stroll up to the UNESCO-listed site that served as the ancient citadel, and tour the buildings as you hear how they reflected Athens’ prosperity in the 5th century BC. Continue the expert-guided Athens tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the  Acropolis Museum. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions such as votives, artefacts of everyday life, statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you. Return to your hotel in Athens overnight.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 5: ATHENS – SANTORINI (9 hrs, by ferry)

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the port of Piraeus to catch the high-speed ferry boat to Santorini. Arrive on the beautiful island of romance, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at the hotel, sunbathing, or exploring the paths of charming Santorini. You can end today´s adventure with an unforgettable optional boat sunset tour that will undoubtedly impress you.

Overnight in Santorini.

Day 6: SANTORINI

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today is for you to explore and discover the island of Santorini, on your own. Stroll the delightful alleys, and admire the white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops. Perhaps, get in touch with history while visiting the Akrotiri site, known also as the Pompeii of Greece. Maybe visit Canava, admiring its vineyards and distillery. Then, indulge in the incredible local food. The number of great restaurants is impressive, and the traditional dishes promise to amaze your taste buds. Late in the afternoon, you can visit the fascinating, little village of Oia to watch a hypnotizing sunset.

Overnight in Santorini.

Day 7: SANTORINI – ATHENS (5 hrs, by ferry)

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port of Santorini to take your high-speed ferry to Athens Piraeus port. Your boat trip lasts around 5hrs. Upon arrival at Piraeus port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 8: DEPARTURE ATHENS

After breakfast and check out, enjoy free time in Athens before your transfer to the airport. 

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 temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.