Athens & Beyond: 4-day Delphi, Meteora & Poros, Hydra, Aegina

Day 1

1. 1

   Delphi Archaeological Museum

   Your day begins with a hotel pick-up by our comfortable bus as we head to Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be “the navel of the Earth.” Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and its famous Oracle, the Ancient Theatre (seating over 5,000 spectators), and the Stadium, where the sacred Pythian Games were held—considered as important as the Olympic Games in Olympia. Finally, visit the Delphi Museum to admire masterpieces like the Charioteer of Delphi, one of the finest bronze statues from antiquity. Delphi offers a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heart of ancient Greece.

   120 minAdmission not included
2. 2

   Kalambaka

   After departing Delphi, we will reach Kalambaka, a small traditional town that is built at the foot of the majestic rocky formation called Meteora (“suspended rocks), with the 6 Meteora Monasteries nested at the top of these rocks. Dinner and overnight in Meteora.

   180 min

Day 2

1. 3

   Meteora

   Today we visit the Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This awe-inspiring rock formation in central Greece is home to one of the largest and most dramatically perched complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. Of the original twenty-four monasteries, six remain, built atop massive natural pillars and rounded boulders that dominate the landscape. You’ll enjoy an inside visit to two of these remarkable monasteries, experiencing their centuries-old frescoes, sacred relics, and breathtaking views, before returning to Athens.

   240 minAdmission not included
2. 4

   Thermopylae

   On the way back to Athens, we will make a short stop at Thermopylae, the historic battlefield where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their legendary stand against the Persian army. Take photos with the iconic statue of Leonidas and reflect on this remarkable moment in history that symbolizes courage and sacrifice.

   20 min

Day 3

1. 5

   Herakleidon Museum

   In the morning, we will begin our Athens City Tour with a scenic bus ride around the city, taking in iconic landmarks including the Parliament, the University, the National Library, and the Presidential Residence (formerly the King's residence), where you’ll see the traditional Presidential Guards, the Evzones. We’ll pass by the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and the magnificent Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples of the ancient world.

   30 min
2. 6

   Acropolis

   From there, we’ll proceed on foot to the Acropolis, where we’ll explore its renowned monuments, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, each offering stunning insights into the art and architecture of ancient Greece.

   120 minAdmission included
3. 7

   Acropolis Museum

   Following the Acropolis, we’ll visit the New Acropolis Museum, a world-class museum housing a vast collection of artifacts from the Acropolis site. Here, you’ll encounter masterpieces from classical Greece, all carefully curated to provide a deeper understanding of this extraordinary ancient civilization.

   60 minAdmission included

Day 4

1. 8

   Hydra

   Early in the morning our bus driver will meet you at your hotel to transfer you to Piraeus port to get on the cruise boat. The cruise starts at around 08:15 hrs so get ready to sail the Saronic Gulf. The first stop will be at the island of Hydra, famous for its cosmopolitan visitors, its pedestrian narrow streets (the only car available is the police car) and the donkeys used for transportation of goods

   120 min
2. 9

   Poros

   The next stop will be the island of Poros, right off the coast of Eastern Peloponnese and only a 15-20 minute ferry sail from it. The island is famous for its lemon trees and its good food.

   120 min
3. 10

   Aegina Town

   The last stop will be in the island of Aegina (famous for its production of pistachio nut and for the monastery of Agios Nektarios (the patron saint of the island). Lunch will be served onboard. The cruise ends at approximately 19:00 hrs and our bus driver will be at the port to take you back to your hotel.

   120 min