Email Email Us  |   0.800.520.0308   |   Client Login  |   USA Flag - Show USD currency  British Flag - Show GBP Currency
Kensington Tours - Private Guided Travel Worldwide (Logo)
Search  

 Cruises

 North America

 South America

 Central America

 Europe

 Africa

 Egypt to India

 Asia

 Antarctica & Arctic

 Australia & Pacific

Family Tour Packages
Summer Games 2012
Private Villa Escapes
Photo Expeditions
Championship Series
European Small Group Tours

13 Day Seven Cities of Ancient Greece
Highlights: Athens, Kalamata, Olympia, Arachova, Kalambaka
Trip start: Athens
Trip end: Athens
Price Range from £1,732 to £2,727 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Explore Greece through the centuries. From pre historical to classical periods and Roman domination, discover the Byzantine Empire and the crusades as seen from a modern perspective. Start your tour with Athens and Acropolis. Visit Poseidon Temple with private guide and driver. Visit some of the Classical sites of Greece; Nauplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, as you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own private driver and English speaking Guide. Gain an appreciation for the ancient sites and beauty of Greece with its colorful landscapes and traditional villages. Throughout your adventure some of the highlights may include the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics, Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon, Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games, Delphi - one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece which was believed to be the center of the world, and the awe inspiring Eastern Orthodox monasteries of Meteora, carved "in thin air" on towering cliffs.

Take advantage of the flexibility of having your own private expert guide, and driver to unlock the mysteries of history and relax knowing that you have constant support of our local office and 24/7 support should you need it.
Visit some of the Classical sites of Greece; Nauplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, as you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own private driver and English speaking Guide. Gain an appreciation for the ancient sites and beauty of Greece with its colorful landscapes and traditional villages. Throughout your adventure some of the highlights may include theTheatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics, Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon, Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games, Delphi - one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece which was believed to be the center of the world, and Meteora with its ancient monasteries. Visit some of the Classical sites of Greece; Nauplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, as you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own private driver and English speaking Guide. Gain an appreciation for the ancient sites and beauty of Greece with its colorful landscapes and traditional villages. Throughout your adventure some of the highlights may include theTheatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics, Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon, Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games, Delphi - one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece which was believed to be the center of the world, and Meteora with its ancient monasteries. Visit some of the Classical sites of Greece; Nauplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, as you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own private driver and English speaking Guide. Gain an appreciation for the ancient sites and beauty of Greece with its colorful landscapes and traditional villages. Throughout your adventure some of the highlights may include theTheatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics, Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon, Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games, Delphi - one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece which was believed to be the center of the world, and Meteora with its ancient monasteries. Visit some of the Classical sites of Greece; Nauplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, as you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own private driver and English speaking Guide. Gain an appreciation for the ancient sites and beauty of Greece with its colorful landscapes and traditional villages. Throughout your adventure some of the highlights may include theTheatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics, Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon, Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games, Delphi - one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece which was believed to be the center of the world, and Meteora with its ancient monasteries.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Athens
  • Athens: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Welcome Package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Self-Guided - Afternoon at leisure
  • Dinner (not included)
Royal Olympic Palace (5*) (B)
Day 2
Athens
  • Private - City Tour with Acropolis and Cape Sounion (8hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Royal Olympic Palace (5*) (B)
Day 3
Sparta
  • 5 Day Driver & Guide Service
  • Transfer - Private - via Theatre of Epidaurus, Nauplion, Visit of Archaeological Site & Tomb of Mycenae (full day)
  
Day 4
Sparta - Olympia
  • Transfer - Tour of Archaeological Site of Mystra & Olympia's Ancient Stadium & Archaeological Museum
  
Day 5
Olympia - Delphi
  • Transfer - Private - via Picturesque towns & villages (full day)
  
Day 6
Delphi - Kalambaka
  • Transfer - Private - with Tour of Delphi Archaeological Site and the Museum
  
Day 7
Kalambaka - Athens
  • Transfer - Private - via Meteora Monasteries & Traditional Villages
  
Day 8
Kalamata
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Filoxenia Classical Hotel (5*) (B)
Day 9
Olympia
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Best Western Europa Hotel (4*) (B)
Day 10
Arachova
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Santa Marina Hotel (4*) (B)
Day 11
Kalambaka
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Divani Meteora (4*) (B,D)
Day 12
Athens
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Royal Olympic Palace (5*) (B)
Day 13
Athens
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 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.

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.

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.

Overnight at Royal Olympic Palace (5*).


Athens
Athens
Royal Olympic Palace
Royal Olympic Palace
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.

Overnight at Royal Olympic Palace (5*).


Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion
Day 3 Sparta

You will have a dedicated private driver and English speaking Guide with you for the next five days.

Leave Athens in the company of your private driver and English speaking Guide by the Coastal Road to the Corinth Canal where you can enjoy a short stop. Drive on and visit the
Theatre of Epidaurus famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the Town of
Nauplion where you can enjoy a short stop, before continuing on to Mycenae where you will visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of
Agamemnon. Duly impressed, depart for Sparta.


Corinth Canal
Corinth Canal
Nauplion Town
Nauplion Town
Day 4 Sparta - Olympia

Enjoy a tour this morning of the Archaeological Site of Mystra before departing for Olympia through central Peloponesse with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Visit the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum in Olympia this afternoon.


Archaeological Site of Mystra
Archaeological Site of Mystra
Day 5 Olympia - Delphi

This morning you'll be driven through the plains of Eliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge which crosses the Corintian Bay from
Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, before arriving in Delphi at days end.


Nafpaktos Town
Nafpaktos Town
Day 6 Delphi - Kalambaka

In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum in Delphi. You'll then be transfered to Kalambaka, a small-Town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigatic rocks.


Delphi Archaeological Site
Delphi Archaeological Site
Day 7 Kalambaka - Athens

Today you will get to visit Meteora. Among striking scenery, and 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. Return to Athens via picturesque towns such as Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (where you'll get to visit the Leonida's monument). Trikala is crowned by its Byzantine castle which dates back to Byzantine times, at the top of a wooded hill, and sits on the site of the ancient Acropolis. The town is divided into two by an old aqueduct. From the hill of Profitis Elias one has a marvellous view of the valley below studded with villages big and small, the river cutting patterns among them. The churches of Agios Demetrios and Agii Anargyri complete the Byzantine flavour of the town. Lamia also has a castle (dating back to the middle ages) and it houses an archeaological museum. Thermopylae is the site of Leonida's monument which you will get to visit before continuing onwards to Athens where you will arrive in the early evening .


Meteora
Meteora
Day 8 Kalamata

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.

Overnight at Filoxenia Classical Hotel (5*).


Kalamata
Kalamata
Filoxenia Classical Hotel
Filoxenia Classical Hotel
Day 9 Olympia

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.

Overnight at Best Western Europa Hotel (4*).


Olympia
Olympia
Best Western Europa Hotel
Best Western Europa Hotel
Day 10 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.

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.

Overnight at Santa Marina Hotel (4*).


Arachova
Arachova
Santa Marina Hotel
Santa Marina Hotel
Day 11 Kalambaka

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.

Overnight at Divani Meteora (4*).


Kalambaka
Kalambaka
Divani Meteora Hotel
Divani Meteora Hotel
Day 12 Athens

Overnight at Royal Olympic Palace (5*).


Day 13 Athens

Enjoy your private airport transfer today.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
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 - Entrance fees to Mycenea, Epidavros, Mystras, Delphi and Meteora.

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

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.