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

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| Athens, Greece

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4 days (approx.)

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Overview

The four days private tour to Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora is a great value for money tour which is considered one of the most popular tours in Greece. If you wish to escape everyday life and see the best of Greece, you should not miss the chance for our Classical Greece Tour, which is a 4 days private tour in Greece. The essential sites of this private sightseeing tour in Greece include, among others, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

Highlights of the 4 days tour in Greece

• You will be driving along picturesque and beautiful countryside in Greece
• You will get to visit the important sites of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Delphi, as well as Olympia, the original birthplace of the Olympic Games
• You will see the largest bridge in Europe, in Rio – Antirio
• Travelers can customize the tour within the itinerary!

What's Included

Breakfast
Private transportation
A professional English speaking tour driver
Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
Gratuities
Food and drinks
English-speaking licensed tour guide (We can arrange for a tour guide for you with an extra cost)

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

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

What To Expect

Day 1

Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion

5 Stops

Corinth Canal

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Archaeological Site Mycenae

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Nafplio

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Peloponnese

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

Admission Ticket Free

Day 2

Ancient Olympia, Delphi

4 Stops

Olympia

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Archaeological Site of Olympia

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

1 minute • Admission Ticket Free

Archaeological Museum of Olympia

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.

1 minute • Admission Ticket Free

REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE - REGIONAL UNIT OF VIOTIA

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

Admission Ticket Free

Day 3

Delphi, Kalambaka

6 Stops

Delphi

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Temple of Apollo

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Temple of Apollo

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tholos of Athena Pronaia

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

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE - REGIONAL UNIT OF VIOTIA

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!

Admission Ticket Free

Thessaly

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!

Admission Ticket Free

Day 4

Kalambaka, Kastraki, Meteora - Thermopylae

11 Stops

Meteora

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 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Kalambaka

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.

Admission Ticket Free

Meteora

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.

Admission Ticket Free

Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron -Transfiguration of the Saviour

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas at Meteora

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.