Athens & Meteora Monasteries Tour

Day 01 -

Arrival to Athens meets and greet by our representative. Transfer and accommodation to the hotel.

Day 02 -

Breakfast. In the morning Athens Sightseeing excursion. Depart for Panathinaiko Stadium cradle of the first Olympic Games took place in 1896 (short stop). Pass by the Prime’s Ministers residence, Ex Royal Palace, (guarded by colourful Evzones) Zappion (Conference and Exhibition Hall), National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Pauls Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schliemans House (Nomismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, National Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church. Continue passing by Temple of Olympion Zeus, and finally Acropolis, visit Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon and Erechtheion.

Day 03 -

Breakfast. Morning at leisure, time to walk around ancient Athens and do some shopping. Optional visit to Acropolis Museum.

In the afternoon excursion to Cape Sounion. Driving along the coastal road past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and countless coves, one has a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. A crowning feature of the tour is Cape Sounion and the spectacular temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean sea.

On the way back to Athens optional dinner in seaside fish tavern.

Day 04 -

Two days tour to Meteora. Depart through Thebes, Levadia (short stop) and Arachova for Delphi, arrive in Delphi at around noon. Famous for its theatre, 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. Pass by Castalia Spring, visit the archaeological site the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle and the museum of Delphi (optional), with it’s spectacular finds, including the unique bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx and the Statue of Antinoos. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi.

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.
Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 05 -

Leave in the morning for nearby Meteora for a tour of the cliff-top monasteries to visit two different Byzantine Monasteries built on top of rock towers and providing fantastic views over the plain. Meteora is included on the Unesco world heritage monument. 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 area of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the country's most unique attractions.

Return to Athens, pass by the heroic monument of Leonidas king of Sparta in Thermoplylae (short stop). Return to Athens late afternoon. Accommodation to a hotel. Overnight in Athens.

Day 06 -

Breakfast. One day cruise to three islands: Aegina, Poros, Hydra with lunch. Departure at 8:15 am from port Piraeus, the passengers are welcome by professional multilingual tour leader. At 9:30 am arrival to Aegina. It is possible to make an excursion to 5th century BC Classical Greek Temple of Afaea, rising above the sea. Other excursion options include a guided tour of the island and visit to the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nektarios. Next port of call the little island of Poros. Walk along winding streets, among rich pine forest and lemon trees to the top of a panoramic tower clock view of the Peloponnese. Finally, arrival to Hydra island.

Enjoy one of the most cosmopolitan of Greek islands. The favourite of the international jet-set and an artist retreat, it is ideal for shopping, swimming and photographs. On the way back to the port of Piraeus, passengers are invited to the main lounge to enjoy live orchestra and local Greek folk dances.

Return approximately at 07:30 pm. Overnight in Athens.

Day 07 -

Transfer to the airport and departure.