Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Athens, cradle of Democracy and capital city of Greece. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your Greek experience with a delightful welcome dinner. (D) Stay: Crowne Plaza City Center (2 Nights)
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the highlights in Athens showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Next, ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis. Greek for “highest city,” the Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture.
This evening, perhaps you'll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens. (B)
Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending Greece against the Persians. End your day at a family-owned taverna and savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations. (B/D) Stay: Grand Meteora Hotel
This morning, visit Metéora and enjoy guided tours of two remote monasteries situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks.
Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. (B/D) Stay: Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
This morning tour the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece's most important religious centers during Classical times. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of mankind.
Then travel along the Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and meet with the owners to learn about everyday life. Following the tour, enjoy a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades, and sweets. (B/D) Stay: Europa Hotel (2 Nights)
This morning, enjoy a guided visit to ancient Olympia, including a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, learn how to cook some of the region's best dishes as you partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch.
This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances at a delightful Greek dance class. (B/L/D)
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the picturesque seaside resort of Nafplio. En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece's signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869. (B) Stay: Amphitryon Hotel (2 Nights)
Today, it's your choice! Journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by mythological King Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. Explore the excavations during a guided visit featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate -OR- linger in Nafplio and join a walking tour of Greece's first capital city. Nafplio's mix of Venetian and Neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece's most elegant city. (B)
This morning, stop for a view of the Corinth Canal en route to Athens. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Greece's capital. Perhaps you'll browse the myriad shops of the Plaka, Athens' historic district nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Or, visit one of the city's world-class museums such as the National Archeological Museum with its majestic bronze statue of Poseidon or the Benaki Museum, which houses Greek works of art from prehistorical to modern times.
Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece by gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Crowne Plaza City Center
Your tour ends today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Come to know two breathtaking Byzantine monasteries in Metéora, built over 600 years ago.
- Experience the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts.
- Broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek music with a delightful Greek dance class.
- Join a local expert to explore Athens and its famed sites.
- Explore the grandeur of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.
- View the Corinth Canal, one of the greatest engineering marvels of the 19th century.
- Taste olive oil and homemade jams at a local farm in the Peloponnese countryside.
- Partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch.
- Visit a family-owned distillery producing ouzo since 1869.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Athens. Cost: $194.
- Experience Athens as a local! Join a local guide for a walking tour highlighting the cuisine of Athens. You'll make your way through three neighborhoods in the city, full of hidden gems that few travelers ever get to see. Be welcomed into several local restaurants, bakeries, and markets to sample some of the area’s best culinary specialties and wine. Your guide will explain the significance each dish serves to the culture and region. You'll learn about common grocery items found in the markets and the importance of spices used in Greek cooking. Along the way, view the traditional architecture and see historic artifacts from ancient Athens that were recently discovered. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option does not operate on national and religious holidays when most venues are closed. As this is a walking tour, a comfortable pair of shoes is recommended.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $233.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Classical Greece' Reviews
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
