Spectacular Greece – A Journey Through Ancient Wonders

Arrival at Athens International Airport, assistance and transfer to the Hotel.

The Athens half-day tour, depart for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis (visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Continue with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, to visit the Acropolis Museum. Main attractions such as votives, artifacts of everyday life, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.

The first day you will arrive at Delphi around noon. Famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the earth and the universe and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit at the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon after lunch depart through Central Greece and the cities of Lamia (short stop), Trikala crossing the Thessalian plain, to Kalambaka (a small town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks and crowded by the Meteora Monasteries (short stop for souvenirs). Overnight stay in Kalambaka.

The second day leave in the morning for nearby Meteora for a tour of the cliff-top monasteries to visit two different Byzantine Monasteries built on top of rock towers and providing fantastic views over the plain. Meteora is included on the UNESCO world heritage monument list. The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful area of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the country’s most unique attractions. By your return you may visit optional a factory of Byzantine style icons. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas king of Sparta in Thermopylae (short stop for photos). The tour returns to Athens in the late afternoon.

Breakfast and transfer to Athens International Airport at arranged time.