This tour is advertised without flights so you can combine
it with your own independent flight arrangements and stay in the Europe.
If you have not purchased flights through Cosmos Tourama,
then meet at the hotel. If you have purchased flights through Cosmos Tourama,
transfers between overseas airports and hotels are included. Ask for a quote
from the UK which includes flights. Flights usually from major UK airports with
various airlines, some direct and some with one stop.
DAY 1: UK - Athens.
Fly to Athens where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.
DAY 2: Athens - Kalambaka.
Dominated by its stunning Acropolis, Athens ranks alongside Rome as one of Europe's most historic cities. This morning's included sightseeing tour features the highlights of Athens and provides a good introduction to Greece's fascinating capital. In the afternoon, drive to Kalambaka in the Meteora region for one night. (B, D)
DAY 3: Kalambaka - Meteora - Delphi.
Today's included trip is sure to be a highlight of your tour. Head to the heart of Meteora, where a cluster of monastic buildings sits perched atop natural pillar-like rock formations, hundreds of metres above the valley floor. Their spectacular and seemingly inaccessible position provided an ideal retreat for the hermit monks who lived here and today, the unusual rock spires topped by well-preserved monasteries provide an unforgettable sight. This afternoon, drive to Delphi for one night. (B)
DAY 4: Delphi - Olympia.
Start your day in Delphi with a fascinating archaeological site visit. Situated just a few minutes from the village, the ancient site, backed by imposing Mount Parnassus, is in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country. Your visit with a local guide takes you along the Sacred Way to see the Temple of Apollo, some of the Treasuries and the Theatre. This afternoon follow the Gulf of Corinth through Nafpaktos to Antirion. Journey over the spectacular bridge to Rion and on to Patras before reaching Olympia for one night. (B, D)
DAY 5: Olympia - Epidaurus - Nauplia.
Olympia is the original home of the Olympic Games, which were first held in 776BC, and was considered to be a sacred precinct to the God Zeus, whose temple once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This morning's visit with a local guide includes the ancient stadium where the Games were held and the temples of Zeus and his wife Hera. Later, head to Epidaurus to visit the world famous theatre (entrance fee included) before continuing to Nauplia for one night. (B)
DAY 6: Nauplia - Mycenae - Corinth - Athens.
This morning, enjoy a guided visit to the imposing ruins of Mycenae, an ancient city once dubbed the 'city rich in gold' by Homer. It was here that the Golden Mask of Agamemnon was unearthed as well as many other treasures, which exactly matched Homer's descriptions in the Iliad. Enter the city through the magnificent Lion's Gate and admire Agamemnon's Royal Palace. This afternoon, stop at the impressive Corinth Canal before continuing to Athens. Tonight, enjoy an optional evening excursion. (B)
DAY 7: Athens. At leisure.
Today you are free to enjoy Athens at leisure or alternatively, join the optional cruise on the Saronic Gulf to view the three beautiful local islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Rich in natural beauty, Poros is a lush pine-forested island with pretty beaches and a maze of winding cobbled streets, Aegina is a bustling hub laden with ouzaries and pistachio farms, while legendary Hydra is home to a picturesque amphitheatre-shaped village with a magnificent café-lined waterfront. (B)
DAY 8: Athens - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)