8-Day Escorted Tour of Classical Greece!
Incl. Air from Montreal, hotels and some meals
Trip Highlights
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights Montreal-Athens, Athens-Montreal
- Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 6 nights First Class accommodations
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers
- 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager (Days 4-7)
- Services of local guide in Athens
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Visit the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece
- Tour the archaeological sites of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo
- Visit Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games
- Ascend to Meteora with its mystical monasteries
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1, Tuesday – Depart for Greece
Depart for Greece
DAY 2, Wednesday – Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy
Overnight: Athens
DAY 3, Thursday – Athens City Tour
The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday – Sightseeing en route to Olympia
Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue via Nauplion to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus, built around 1250 B.C. From here, drive through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday – Tour the Olympia Archaeological Site
Morning visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. At the Archaeological Museum view astonishing Greek works of art such as the Nike of Paionios and terracotta statues dating back to the 5th century B.C. Then, drive north through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion. Pass the town of Nafpactos en route to Delphi, home of the ruins of the Tholos Temple
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday – Archaeological Tour of Delphi, Travel to Kalambaka
Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological Museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most important places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards the small town of Kalambaka, situated amidst smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday – Meteora Sightseeing, Return to Athens
Visit Meteora, meaning “suspended in the air”, with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries incredibly nestled perilously close to the edge of bizarre rock formations. Admire the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art and the panoramic vistas over the Peneios Valley. Afterward, a scenic drive takes you along the coast, past Thermopylae and arriving to Athens in the early evening
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday – Depart Greece
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Featured Hotels
Athenian Callirhoe Hotel, Athens
This first class hotel is centrally located, only a short walk to the Acropolis and many major attractions.
Guest Rooms: Rooms feature modern minimalist style with neutral tones and many contemporary amenities. All rooms are non-smoking. Enjoy the hotel’s own fitness center, sauna, and massage services.
Location: Ideal location close to city center and a short walk to many attractions: Acropolis and Plaka are only .4 mile and 8 minute walk, Constitution Square is a 15 minute walk. Nearest Metro, Syngrou/Fix, is only 80 yards from the hotel. Larissis Railway Station is 4 miles to the west.
Restaurants: The Degli Artisti restaurant serves a la carte cuisine in an elegant setting. The Callirhoe VIP Roof Garden Restaurant offers delicious fare with lovely views of the Acropolis and Lycabetus Hill. Enjoy drinks, snacks and coffee in a relaxed cafe atmosphere in the Petit Café Degli Artisti.
Royal Olympic Hotel, Athens
This superior first class hotel is located next to the Plaka and adjacent to the Temple of Zeus.
Guest Rooms: The elegant guest rooms are well furnished in traditional decor and feature a host of amenities. All executive rooms have pool views. Deluxe rooms either have a view of the pool or Kallirhoe Street. Enjoy the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, massage services, and health club.
Location: The hotel is located in the center of Historical Athens, next to the metro station “Acropolis”. Guests can easily walk to Plaka (Old Town), the Parthenon, the new Acropolis Museum, the National Garden and the Marble Stadium.
Restaurants: The Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar is well known for the magnificent view of the Temple of Zeus and the warm atmosphere. The restaurant serves breakfast as well as excellent Greek cuisine for lunch and dinner and an impressive selection of best world’s wines and spirits. Guests can also enjoy a refreshment at the elegant Lounge Bar or the Pool Bar.
Europa Hotel, Olympia
This first class hotel is situated on a hill above the village of Ancient Olympia.
Guest Rooms: Rooms are decorated with with elegance and style, and offer the ideal setting to unwind, relax, enjoy a memorable stay. All rooms are fitted with contemporary amenities and are located in wings leading off from the main building.
Location: The hotel is located on top of a hill above the village of Ancient Olympia, providing a superb view of all the area around the Arcardian mountains and to the south, a panorama towards the sea.
Restaurants: The main restaurant serves a breakfast buffet with Greek fare. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. The seasonally open Garden Tavern boasts an enchanting backdrop of the majestic Arcadian mountains and the valley of the Alpheus river. The tavern serves traditional Greek cuisine based on fresh and natural ingredients. The hotel has 2 bars and a pool bar.
Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia
This first class hotel is located atop a hill overlooking Olympia.
Guest Rooms: The spacious rooms are decorated with colorful decor accents and modern furnishings. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a telephone, and a flat screen television.
Location: Nearby local attractions include the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games, the archaeological ruins of Olympia, and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
Restaurants: The hotel has one restaurant. Guests can relax and enjoy a beverage from either the hotel’s bar or the poolside bar.
Amalia Hotel, Delphi
This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the town and main tourist attractions.
Guest Rooms: Rooms contain standard amenities for a comfortable stay. Outdoor facilities include a pool.
Location: Hotel is situated on mountain slope with splendid views of Itea port and Corinthian Gulf. The hotel is within walking distance of the Archaeological Museum and Temple of Apollo with Ancient Delphi at 0.7 mile from the hotel. Delphi town and bus station are 0.5 mile from the hotel.
Restaurants: The restaurant offers pleasurable dining with local and international dishes.
Amalia Hotel, Kalambaka
This first class hotel sits in Kalambaka near Meteora, a site famous for its monasteries built around 1100 AD.
Guest Rooms: Comfortable rooms feature terraces or balconies with inspirational views of the Meteora rocks or the hotel gardens. All rooms are air-conditioned and stocked with modern amenities. Disabled facilities are available upon request.
Location: Just 4 miles from the town of Kalambaka, the hotel is set on 14 lush acres of greenery facing the enormous rocks and monasteries of Meteora that cant help but take your breath away.
Restaurants: Both Theopetra and Polythea Restaurants are on the ground level of the hotel. An American breakfast buffet is served daily as well as Greek and Mediterranean cuisine for dinner. The hotel also offers an on-site bar and cafe.
*Includes airfare and airport taxes, accommodations, guided tours and certain meals as per itinerary. OPC Indemnity Fund fee of $1 per $1,000 of travel products sold is additional. Limited space, other conditions and restrictions may apply. Not all travel dates available. Offer is Subject to change or cancellation at any time.