Mainland Greece Discovery

  • Days 8
  • Style Original
  • Travellers rating

    based on 10 reviews

  • greece

    86°F

    86°F

  • From HKD 1680 +

Start

11 Mar 2017

Finish

17 Mar 2017

OR
HKD 1680 +
Tour Code:738670

Dig beneath the surface of history with this in-depth tour of mainland Greece.

Get lost in colourful cities filled with natural and ancient treasures on this whirlwind tour of mainland Greece. See where democracy began and how life was lived when Zeus called all the shots. Explore ancient ruins and rituals of the past. Unwind in the evening after a big day with a sip of ouzo over a banquet of culinary treats. Yamas!

Schedule & Pricing Details

  • Date
  • Start

    11 Mar 2017

    Finish

    17 Mar 2017

    OR
  • Options

Attention

Hotel (7 nights)

  • Highlights

    Location

    City:greece

    Name:Dig beneath the surface of history with this in-depth tour of mainland Greece.

    Address:greece

    Tel: 00852-21210230

    Itinerary

    Day

    1

    Welcome
    adventure
    welcome

    Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today – confirm the time and place with reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. Named after the goddess of wisdom, the birthplace of Western civilisation, Athens has an amazing array of historic sites to explore; a weighty history that spills out over the modern city, represented most dramatically by the ancient Acropolis. There's much to be seen in the ancient capital of Greece, vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympi...

    Day

    2

    Corinth
    ancient
    stunning

    Take a day trip to Corinth and visit the Temple of Apollo. The ancient site was built in 540 BC in Doric style and serves as a stunning lookout over Corinth. Check out the famous Corinth canal, connecting the Mediterranean and the Aegean sea was built during 1881-1893 and is 6.4km long and made the Peloponnese an island. Nowadays it is of little commercial importance as it is too narrow to allow for bigger ships to pass. It was built at sea level and no locks are employed.Return to Athens in the afternoon for a guided walk, followed by a free afternoon to hunt down the perfect gyros.

    Day

    3

    (approximately
    Located
    cypress

    Travel by public bus to Delphi (approximately 3 hours). Located on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, by a valley of cypress and olives trees, this modern town and ancient ruins overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world (legend says that Zeus sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and they crossed paths over Delphi), and today it’s one of the country's most inspiring and memorable archaeological sites. On arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk of the cliffside town of Delphi. Then, make the most of your free afternoon by visiting the ancient site of Delphi. Here you’ll find the famous sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena, which contain numerous monuments, temples, a well-preserved theatre, and the impressive reconstructed Athenian Treasury. The site wa...

    Day

    4

    Kalambaka
    (approximately
    leaving

    Travel by public bus to Kalambaka (approximately 4.5 hours). After leaving your bags at the hotel you’ll take on a short orientation walk of town, where your leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. Then it's off to nearby Meteora, home to 24 14th century monasteries that sit at the top of karst pinnacles, though only six are still occupied. They were once only accessed by rope ladders, but thankfully there are now steps. The cliff faces also feature caves where hermits lived an even simpler life than those in the teetering monasteries. The monasteries, which used to be supplied by rope and pulley systems, house woodcarvings, frescoes, paintings, and one even features the skulls of the first founders. In the evening, maybe head to a taverna for dinner and stroll the main square for a taste of Thessalian ...

    Day

    5

    towards
    ancient
    monasteries

    Climb into the heavens, just like monks have done for centuries, towards ancient monasteries precariously placed atop 400-metre-high rock formations. You’ll enjoy some great views back over the town. The area makes for incredibly dramatic photos – multi-colour streaked rock, bright green forest, and the pale terracotta of the monastery roofs against the Grecian sky. The mists than can surrounded the pinnacles make the constructions seem like they’re floating in the air. Hawks drift on the valley thermals looking for prey, and black-frocked priests shuffle silently around. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the scenic area around Meteora, where the views are stunning whichever way you look. Having two days here allows you to explore at your own pace, discover the history and legends, witness the incredible v...

    Day

    6

    cosmopolitan
    you’ll
    explore

    Take a bus ride to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki, where you’ll have some time to explore the second largest city in Greece. Relax in the splendour of what is regarded as the cultural capital of the country, maybe with shopping, dinner and a show. Walk along the waterfront to the White Tower, take in the Byzantine churches (like the beautifully frescoed Church of Saint Nicholas the Orphan), Ottoman sites and Roman ruins, and appreciate the wonderful views over the gulf. On a clear day you might even catch a glimpse of the home of the gods, Mount Olympus. If you’d like someone to show you the way, perhaps join an Urban Adventure for a local view. The city is undoubtedly the gastronomic capital of the Greece and its flavours are unique. For 2,000 years it’s been a melting pot of cultures, with eastern spices, French, Balkan and Med...

    Day

    7

    arriving
    perfect
    souvenir

    Travel back to Athens today by train, arriving in the late afternoon. Shop for the perfect souvenir at the Monastiraki flea market or take a relaxing stroll through the Greek national gardens. If you haven’t already, check out the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard. While in the neighbourhood explore the excellent Museum of Athens, Syntagma square with the Parliament building, and the Panathinaiko Stadium which housed the first Olympic games in 1896.

    Day

    8

    finishes
    breakfast
    capital

    The trip finishes after breakfast and you are free to depart the hotel at any time. If you would like to stay in the Greek capital we are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your travel agent at the time of booking. Note: If you haven't had enough of Greece yet why not join our connecting Greek Islands trip, taking in the best of the Ionian sea.

    Inclusions

    Included activities
    • Meals

      7 breakfasts

    • Transport

      Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi

    • Accommodation

      Hotel (7 nights)

    • Insurance

      This day tour excludes fee of insurance.

    Important notes

    Q&A

    Supplier may change time and services due to a special circumstances,so all reply following are for reference only.Please note the relevant information on Web in case of change.

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