Day 1: Athens, Full Day Sightseeing
Welcome to your first day in Athens.
You will be picked up from the hotel and onwards to the Panathinaiko Stadium, where the first Olympic Games took place, built out of white marble. Next, we will visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Building of the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown soldier with the impressive Guards, the University & Academy of Athens, National Library, the Presidential Residence, and then at the famous Acropolis. We will stroll to the nearby Herodion Theatre and Dionysos Theater, and optionally visit the new Acropolis museum and the area of Plaka, famous for its charming shopping alleys and taverns.
In the evening there is the possibility to visit the breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea at Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon. Cape Sounio is located 70 km southeastern of Athens. After sunset, we can head over to one of the coastal suburbs of Athens for dinner. Return at your hotel. Overnight in Athens
DAY 2: Day Cruise to 3 Islands
(Poros ā Hydra ā Aegina)
Early morning coach transfer to the Port to board the vessel at 07.30 a.m.
Discover the rich history, nature, traditions, local cuisine and cosmopolitan lifestyle of these sparkling gems of the Saronic Gulf. With choice of tours, knowledgeable guides, authentic Greek cuisine (Buffet – Greek/International/Vegetarian options), Tax free shopping and entertainment.
Each glorious island destination opens your appetite for a taste of local cuisine and delicacies. A live orchestra sets the stage for celebration with mood and dance music highlighted by a Greek Folk Dance Show as the sun sets over the sea and your cruise ship enters the harbour.
First stop, the cosmopolitan Hydra Island, with its cobblestone alleys, its unspoilt āover the centuries- unique architectural beauty, will make you fall in love at first sight. You will have time to visit the forts, art galleries, impressive mansions and stone houses, and a walk along the picturesque alleys fringed with colorful bougainvilleas in pink, deep purple, white and orange, capture the mood of this car-free island.
Next stop, is the port of Poros. A leafy island, with an insuperable natural beauty and thousands of pine trees, expanding from the steep beaches to the sandy beaches, making Poros the island of romance and calmness. We stay at Poros for 50 minutes.
Last stop, is the historical Aegina. The biggest island of the Saronic gulf, which took its name by the beautiful nymph that was kidnapped by Zeus. Aegina is well known across the world for the delicious pistachios, the beautiful beaches and the Temple of Afaia.
Transfer back to hotel and overnight in Athens
DAY 3: Athens – Delphi – Meteora
This morning, drive to Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnasus, via Thebes, Levadia and the village of Arachova. In a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty Delphi, once believed as the centre, āNavalā of the Earth, is the home of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. You will visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the temple of Apollo and the Delphi Museum, which hosts valuable pieces of Ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. After lunch depart via picturesque villages and towns of central Greece to Kalambaka. Check in to your hotel, enjoy your dinner and overnight in Kalambaka -Meteora.
DAY 4: Meteora – Athens
After breakfast, we visit two of the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Perched on huge granite rocks, the monasteries seem to suspend between earth and sky, providing a magnificent view. Each monastery contains priceless historical and religious treasures. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant. Return trip to Athens bypassing Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae with a stop to visit the memorial of Leonidas and the brave 300 Spartians.
Return to Athens for overnight stay or departure.
Vivaellada 