Seven Cities of Ancient Greece

Itinerary

• Greece

  Greece is located in southeastern Europe, situated on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The Aegean Sea lies to the east and south of mainland Greece, while the Ionian Sea lies to the west. Both parts of the Eastern Mediterranean basin feature a vast number of islands. Athens is the capital; Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, Larissa, Volos, Ioannina, Kavala, Rhodes and Serres are some of the country's other major cities. Greece lies at the juncture of Europe, Asia and Africa. It is heir to the heritages of ancient Greece, the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and nearly four centuries of Ottoman rule. Greece is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles, and Western drama.

• Arachova

  Arachova is a town, and a municipality of which this town is the seat, located in the western part of the prefecture of Viotia. It is one of the highest towns. Arachova is a touristic attraction because of the proximity to popular Delphi but was developed in the late 20th century with a ski resort. The main products are olives. The traditions and popular activities are maintained and are celebrated by the inhabitants. Traditional dances, the reviving of the fight of Arachova against the Turks as well as meals. Traditional cheese include Formaella (which is sold only in Arachova) and Tsipouro (a grappa like liquor). The skiing resorts of Parnassus are situated in the northwest on the Parnassus. It is the most modern and largest skiing resorts in Greece.

• Athens

  Athens, the capital of Greece is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who, according to legend, won the city after defeating Poseidon in a duel. The goddess' victory was celebrated by the construction of a temple on the Acropolis, the site of the city's earliest settlement in Attica. As a city state, the coastal capital of Athens reached its heyday in the fifth century BC as a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Athens is also the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, Sophocles and its many other prominent philosophers, writers and politicians of the ancient world. Nowadays, the city retains a vast variety of Roman and Byzantine monuments, as well as a smaller number of remaining Ottoman monuments projecting the city's long history across the centuries.

• Kalamata

  Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief; of succulent dark olives, honey-eyed figs and the honey-covered sesame sweet called pasteli. The city can be reached from other Greek cities by bus and train. Furthermore, the city has an international airport and an important harbour. Ferries are available to places such as the Greek islands of Kythira, and Crete .

• Kalambaka

  Kalambaka is a small town in northeastern Greece near the famous Meteora cliffs. The nearest town to the large rock formations atop which monasteries have been built offers spectacular views of the surroundings. Kalambaka attracts a fair number of tourists and the main street in town is filled with smalls shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

• Olympia

  Olympia is a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis, is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. The Olympic Games is dating back possibly further than 776 BC. The Olympic flame of the modern-day Olympic Games is lit by reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror at the restored Olympia stadium and then transported by a torch to the place where the games are held. The sanctuary, known as the Altis, consists of an unordered arrangement of various buildings such as the Temple of Hera (or Heraion/Heraeum) ,Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion and the area of the altar, where the sacrifices were made, the hippodrome and later the stadium. Olympia is also known for the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Antipater of Sidon. The area is hilly and mountainous; most of the area within Olympia is forested.

• • Athens
  • Royal Olympic Palace

  Day 1: Athens

  Enjoy your private airport transfer today.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you relax at your hotel or enjoy the city sites.

  Accommodation: Royal Olympic Palace (5*)

  The Royal Olympic Palace (5*) in Athens features an impressive architecture and design, and is situated right in front of the Temple of Zeus, just a few steps from the Acropolis, the Plaka (Old Town) and the shopping district. The wonderful mirrored facade beautifully reflects the ancient ruins, while the elegant entrance, with its statues and paintings, offers guests a warm and hearty welcome. The hotel features functional banqueting rooms, as well as two bars and two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and hairdresser. The Royal Olympic Hotel also provides complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connection throughout the property, a jewelery and souvenir shop.

• • Cape Sounion

  Day 2: Athens

  Enjoy a private full day tour day tour of Athens with car and expert guide. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides take you to see the centre of the city, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. At the Acropolis we visit  the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and, finally, the monument that 'puts order in the mind', the Parthenon. In the afternoon drive along the coastal road, past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada,Vouliagmenis and Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand.On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore.After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion. The tour takes around eight hours and includes the entrance fees to Acropolis and Poseidon temple.

  Accommodation: Royal Olympic Palace (5*)
• • Kalamata
  • Filoxenia Classical Hotel

  Day 3: Athens - Kalamata

  Enjoy a private tour with an expert English Speaking guide to Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus and the famous Sparta. Start your tour with a trip towards the Corinth Canal in the Peloponese region where you have the first stop. Visit the Epidavrus Theatre, famous for its perfect acoustics, where great classical works are still performed here to this day. After lunch ( not included) we go towards Mycenae, to visit the prehistoric Acropolis with its Lions Gate and the Agamemnon's Tomb. Visit the Mycenae's Museum before returning to Athens. Drive to Mystras (Sparta), the 'wonder of the Morea', which was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. Entrance fees to the sights are included in the tour cost.

  Accommodation: Filoxenia Classical Hotel (5*)

  Kalamata Luxury hotel (5*) is located on the outskirts of the town of Kalamata , under the magnificent mountain taygetos, on the messinian gulf with its crystal clear azure-blue waters and 300 meters of smooth pebble beach. Amongst the lavish gardens and the blue waters of the gulf, the 188 luxury guestrooms with outstanding panoramic view, bespeak a quiet, timeless elegance.

• • Olympia
  • Best Western Europa Hotel

  Day 4: Sparta - Olympia

  Drive from Sparta to Olympia and enjoy the scenery driving through the central Peloponissos which gained its fame as a sanctuary of Zeus and Hera. According to traditionThe Olympic Games date back possibly further than 776 BC. It is from here that the Olympic torch is still lit and carried to whatever corner of the world the modern Olympiads are held in. The village of Olympia contains a wealth collection of tourist shops, cafes, restaurants and a Historical Museum of the Olympic Games. Your personal guide will provide interpretation for the sights. Entrance fees are included in the tour cost.

  Accommodation: Best Western Europa Hotel (4*)

  The Best Western Europa Hotel (4*) is located in ancient Olympia and is one of the first Greek hotels to have joined and complied with the high quality services of the well known hotel chain "Best Western International". Set among the enchanting landscape of ancient Olympia with a view of the Arcadian Mountains and the Alpheios Valley you can enjoy the unique natural beauty of the area and visit important sights, go on walks in the countryside or take one day trips to the Temple of Apollo Epicourios, the ski center at Helmos, the beach at Kaiafa or the Medieval Castle at Chlemoutsi. The 78 rooms and two suites offer the luxurious facilities to those visiting Olympia for a short stay, and the family atmosphere in the hotel enables their guests to enjoy the authentic Greek hospitality for long and unforgettable holidays.

• • Arachova
  • Santa Marina Hotel

  Day 5: Olympia - Arachova

  Continue your tour with Delphi, known for the oracle at the sanctuary that became dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. Visit to the Museum of Delphi with its Spectacular finds including the World famous Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos, the Ancient Sanctuary of the Greek God Apollo. We leave Olympia and will also leave the Peloponnese by crossing over the newly built bridge near Patra. We will now be back on mainland Greece and journey to the quaint village of Arachova where you will have dinner, have the time to wander through the streets and rest for the night.

  Accommodation: Santa Marina Hotel (4*)

  The hotel's beautiful interiors, with plenty of wood, hand-made carpets, soft materials and warm playful colors, an extraordinary setting that ensures breathtaking mountain views stretching to the sea and friendly yet meticulous service, all conspire to create well appointed accommodations, an appealing restaurant, vivacious bars and a cozy lounge that promise the guests a time to relax and rejuvenate. Santa Marina Arachova is located on a traditional Greek village on the sides of the mountain Parnassos, near to the most popular skiing resort, just 2 hours from Athens and 10 minutes from the ancient marbles of Delphi. There are 41 hotel rooms (16 Classic & 25 Deluxe) with cimfort and private valconies. "Vrachos Restaurant" at the hotel offers traditional Greek cuisine, and there's "Vrachos Bar". The hotel offers gymnasium and sauna, beauty treatments & massage, childrens playground.

• • Kalambaka
  • Divani Meteora Hotel

  Day 6: Delphi - Kalambaka

  The morning will be spent by seeing Delphi, once considered to be the center of the universe. Delphi is known for the oracle at the sanctuary that became dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. You will visit the archaeological site dedicated to the god Apollo and will also see the impressive museum there. We make our way to Kalambaka with a stop at Gravia. This is where Odysseus Androutsos, with about 100 men, stopped 8 thousand Turks. Over 400 of the Turks died, while Androutsos lost only 2 of his men. Now, it’s on to Kalambaka, driving through Lamia. We make a stop in Domokos (optional) for coffee and we end the day at your hotel in Kalambaka.

  Accommodation: Divani Meteora (4*)

  Surrounded by the majestic, towering rocks known as Meteora, in the charming village of Kalambaka, lies the Divani Meteora Hotel (4*). With a design that is modern, yet harmoniously blending with the adjacent natural splendour, the completely renovated hotel offers a remarkable window to the stark beauty of Meteora. As one of the Divani Collection, the Divani Meteora Hotel affords guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality, in a contemporary setting. The hotel has 165 air-conditioned and well equipped rooms.

• • Mereora

  Day 7: Kalambaka - Athens

  Enjoy a tour to Meteora; a unique and impressive place with ageless monasteries that are perched on top of huge, monolithic granite rocks.Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.The view from the monasteries is something that you will never forget. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida’s Monument made popular recently with the movie “300”. ). For 3 days the Persians battled against the vastly outnumbered Greeks. Although it was clear that the Persians were going to win, Leonidas stayed and fought the final battle with only 300 men from Sparta. Return to Athens, early in the evening.

  Accommodation: Royal Olympic Palace (5*)

• Day 8: Athens

  Enjoy your private airport transfer today.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Royal Olympic Palace

  Royal Olympic Palace (5*)

  The Royal Olympic Palace (5*) in Athens features an impressive architecture and design, and is situated right in front of the Temple of Zeus, just a few steps from the Acropolis, the Plaka (Old Town) and the shopping district. The wonderful mirrored facade beautifully reflects the ancient ruins, while the elegant entrance, with its statues and paintings, offers guests a warm and hearty welcome. The hotel features functional banqueting rooms, as well as two bars and two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and hairdresser. The Royal Olympic Hotel also provides complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connection throughout the property, a jewelery and souvenir shop.

  • More information
• • Filoxenia Classical Hotel

  Filoxenia Classical Hotel (5*)

  Kalamata Luxury hotel (5*) is located on the outskirts of the town of Kalamata , under the magnificent mountain taygetos, on the messinian gulf with its crystal clear azure-blue waters and 300 meters of smooth pebble beach. Amongst the lavish gardens and the blue waters of the gulf, the 188 luxury guestrooms with outstanding panoramic view, bespeak a quiet, timeless elegance.

  • More information
• • Best Western Europa Hotel
  • Best Western Europa Hotel Lobby

  Best Western Europa Hotel (4*)

  The Best Western Europa Hotel (4*) is located in ancient Olympia and is one of the first Greek hotels to have joined and complied with the high quality services of the well known hotel chain "Best Western International". Set among the enchanting landscape of ancient Olympia with a view of the Arcadian Mountains and the Alpheios Valley you can enjoy the unique natural beauty of the area and visit important sights, go on walks in the countryside or take one day trips to the Temple of Apollo Epicourios, the ski center at Helmos, the beach at Kaiafa or the Medieval Castle at Chlemoutsi. The 78 rooms and two suites offer the luxurious facilities to those visiting Olympia for a short stay, and the family atmosphere in the hotel enables their guests to enjoy the authentic Greek hospitality for long and unforgettable holidays.

  • More information
• • Santa Marina Hotel
  • Santa Marina

  Santa Marina Hotel (4*)

  The hotel's beautiful interiors, with plenty of wood, hand-made carpets, soft materials and warm playful colors, an extraordinary setting that ensures breathtaking mountain views stretching to the sea and friendly yet meticulous service, all conspire to create well appointed accommodations, an appealing restaurant, vivacious bars and a cozy lounge that promise the guests a time to relax and rejuvenate. Santa Marina Arachova is located on a traditional Greek village on the sides of the mountain Parnassos, near to the most popular skiing resort, just 2 hours from Athens and 10 minutes from the ancient marbles of Delphi. There are 41 hotel rooms (16 Classic & 25 Deluxe) with cimfort and private valconies. "Vrachos Restaurant" at the hotel offers traditional Greek cuisine, and there's "Vrachos Bar". The hotel offers gymnasium and sauna, beauty treatments & massage, childrens playground.

  • More information
• • Divani Meteora Hotel

  Divani Meteora (4*)

  Surrounded by the majestic, towering rocks known as Meteora, in the charming village of Kalambaka, lies the Divani Meteora Hotel (4*). With a design that is modern, yet harmoniously blending with the adjacent natural splendour, the completely renovated hotel offers a remarkable window to the stark beauty of Meteora. As one of the Divani Collection, the Divani Meteora Hotel affords guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality, in a contemporary setting. The hotel has 165 air-conditioned and well equipped rooms.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

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