Jewels of Greece Express
Discover the highlights of mainland Greece on this 5-day express tour which starts and ends in Athens. Take in the sights of the Greek capital including the legendary Acropolis and marvel at the sacred Delphi Sanctuary. See the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and the site of King Leonidas' last stand against the Persians at Thermopylae.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Athens
Day 1 Welcome to Athens
Welcome to Greece! On arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to head out and explore the city, an incredible contrast of the ancient and the modern.
Day 2 Athens City Tour
Day 2 Athens City Tour
Today we embark on a guided coach tour of Athens. We take in important highlights of the city including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Zappeion and the Panathenaic Stadium, which is the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble. We also see the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Later we head to Athens' most iconic attraction - the legendary Acropolis. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel built atop a rock overlooking the city. As well as the amazing view, we take in the highlights of the site, including the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylae and the most famous of all ancient Greek architecture, the Parthenon. We visit the Acropolis Museum and the afternoon is at leisure to wander the streets of the picturesque Plaka district.
Itinerary Alteration - please note:
All Tuesday departures November to March - This Athens city tour will operate on day 4 and the two day excursion to Delphi and Meteora will commence today.
All Wednesday and Sunday departures April to October - This Athens city tour will operate on day 4 and the two day excursion to Delphi and Meteora will commence today.
Day 3 The Delphi Sanctuary
Day 3 The Delphi Sanctuary
Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka. Leaving Athens, we head north towards Delphi, which was once one of the world's most sacred sites and an important pilgrimage destination. We admire the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Apollo and follow the footsteps of ancient Greeks on the Sacred Way. Admire the remains of the Temple of Apollo, home of the legendary Pythian Oracle. After our visit, we cross the mountains of Central Greece to Kalambaka.
Day 4 Amazing Meteora
Day 4 Amazing Meteora
Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens. Today we visit Meteora, where tiny sacred monasteries perch atop incredible towering rock formations. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of Greece and the view from the cliffs is breathtaking.
After our visit to Meteora, we begin to make our way back to Athens. We stop at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a famous last stand against the Persians in 480 BC. A statue now stands here in the Spartan king's honour. After a quick photo opportunity, we continue to Athens, and your final night in Greece is at leisure.
Day 5 Athens
Day 5 Athens
Today our Greek adventure comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, there's an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
In the heart of Athens, the Polis Grand is a contemporary hotel with excellent facilities. Guest rooms are well appointed with elegant furniture and all modern conveniences. Some rooms are equipped with a balcony with fantastic views over to the Acropolis. The hotel benefits from a number of eateries which serve up an array of Greek and international cuisine as well as tasty coffee and delicious pies. Definitely head for a cocktail in the evening at the roof garden bar for amazing views across the city.
The Golden Age Hotel of Athens is a 4 star hotel, located close to the Kolonaki District. A 5 minute walk from the Megaro Mousikis Metro Station, the urban chic property is 2 stops away from the centre of Athens. Each guest room is soundproofed, air conditioned and feature an ensuite bathroom and blackout drapes. Be sure to try the hotel's daily American buffet breakfast, that includes traditional Greek options. There are two restaurants onsite that serve gourmet Meditteranean cuisine.
Nestled in the historic centre of Athens, the Titiana offers beautiful accommodation all classically designed. The ensuite guest rooms are furnished to a high standard with neutral tones and wooden flooring. Breakfast is served in the impressive rooftop Olive Garden restaurant which affords amazing views across the city including the Acropolis. The hote offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a fitness centre.
Hotel Amalia is embedded on 14 acres of beautiful greenery. Built from traditional materials to match its surrounds, the hotel features extensive gardens, a large swimming pool and distant views of the Meteora Rocks. Guestrooms are spacious and fully equipped with the latest facilities. In the dining area, a rich American buffet breakfast is served with both local and international cuisine available for lunch and dinner. Relax by the fireplace in the hotel’s cosy lounge bar and listen to piano music as you sip a cocktail.
Offering the chance to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality within a contemporary setting is the Hotel Divani Meteora. Surrounded by natural beauty, the hotel is set in front of the World Heritage-listed Meteora sandstone monasteries. The fully renovated hotel has a welcoming decor, with warm shades and a luxury wooden floor. A tranquil restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine and there is an outdoor and indoor pool. You can also unwind after a day of exploring in the sauna steam bath or bubbling Jacuzzi.
Tour Reviews
Jewels of Greece Express - 5 DaysDiscover the highlights of mainland Greece on this 5-day express tour which starts and ends in Athens. Take in the sights of the Greek capital including the legendary Acropolis and marvel at the sacred Delphi Sanctuary. See the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and the site of King Leonidas' last stand against the Persians at Thermopylae. Handpicked51448Our guides were really good except for the nighttime isranbul guide- the tour was a total waste- we sat on the bus due to traffic and then got to our destination late and couldn’t see the Blue Mosque as it had closed- a waste Christina was FABULOUS
Jewels of Greece Express - 5 DaysDiscover the highlights of mainland Greece on this 5-day express tour which starts and ends in Athens. Take in the sights of the Greek capital including the legendary Acropolis and marvel at the sacred Delphi Sanctuary. See the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and the site of King Leonidas' last stand against the Persians at Thermopylae. Handpicked51448Our guides were really good except for the nighttime istanbul guide- the tour was a total waste- we sat on the bus due to traffic and then got to our destination late and couldn’t see the Blue Mooisque as it had closed- a waste Christina was FABULOUS
Jewels of Greece Express - 5 DaysDiscover the highlights of mainland Greece on this 5-day express tour which starts and ends in Athens. Take in the sights of the Greek capital including the legendary Acropolis and marvel at the sacred Delphi Sanctuary. See the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and the site of King Leonidas' last stand against the Persians at Thermopylae. Handpicked51448Overall we very much enjoyed the tour. However, things we would note are that in booking we expected our free day to be the first full day after we arrived, but when the organiser contacted us we found out that the athens tour was that first day. Wasn’t a problem but could have been if we had arranged something else. Also we expected to go to meteora first then delphi but it was the other way round, again not really a problem but different to the itinerary we were sent. We also think that the details should state that alot of walking is involved with many steps etc… again wasn't a problem for us but some on the tour struggled with it and it really should be made clear to anyone booking. But overall we loved it and would do other tours with you if they suit our plans
Jewels of Greece Express - 5 DaysDiscover the highlights of mainland Greece on this 5-day express tour which starts and ends in Athens. Take in the sights of the Greek capital including the legendary Acropolis and marvel at the sacred Delphi Sanctuary. See the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and the site of King Leonidas' last stand against the Persians at Thermopylae. Handpicked51448The tour guide for an Acropolis was very knowledgeable, but she did not keep track of the group and walked too fast. The tour guide for Delphi was hard to understand her English, but she did keep track of the group and took frequent breaks so we could all catch up. The dinner buffet was just OK. Most of the food was only lukewarm. would’ve preferred a nice sit down dinner with a menu option.
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