Classic Greece tour

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~~$1320~~

$1261

Classic Greece tour

7 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Archaeological site of Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Kalabaka, Meteora, Thermopylae

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

247

Recommended For:

Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 50

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

Over 9s

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$1320

$1261 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$59

NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

This short 7-day Greece tour provides a great introduction to Athens and some of the surrounding highlights from ancient Greek history as well as getting a taste for the country's spectacular coastal and mountain scenery. We start with a tour of Athens itself, taking in the ancient sites of the Acropolis and some of modern Athens below as well. Next we head west towards Mycenea with several stops and some scenic coastal scenery along the way. Our guide will provide explanations about Greek history and mythology, relating them to the places you're visiting. Its an amazing feeling seeing the actual places where heroes and heroines from mythology played out their stories. Our next stop is Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and more ancient sites, before we head back towards Athens with a stop to tour the temples and ruins at Delphi on the way. This is a small-group tour that runs weekly all year round, staying in comfortable hotels at around the 4-star level. We can also arrange the tour privately if you would prefer not to join a group.

Highlights

Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens
Mycenae
Mediterranean coast at Nafplion
Palamidi fortress
Ancient theatre of Epidaurus
Birth place of the Olympics at Olympia
Temple of Apollo at Delphi
Clifftop monasteries at Meteora

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Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Athens, Transfer To Hotel

Location: Athens

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Athens hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Upon arrival into Athens airport (ATH) you'll be met by one of our representatives who will then transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is then free for you to settle in, relax after your flight, and have a look around the area independently before meeting the group and starting the first sightseeing tours tomorrow morning.

Day 2 : Athens, City Tour

Location: Athens

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Athens hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour of Athens starts this morning at the Panathenaikon (Kallimarmaro) Stadium where we'll learn about the first Olympic Games of the modern era which were held here in 1896. Continuing on we make several other stops to see more of ancient and modern Athens, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament building, memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma).
In the afternoon we head to one of the most important and famous ancient sites in the world, the Acropolis, which sits on top of a rocky hill overlooking the city, providing great views. You'll see the temple of Erechtheion, the Propylae, the Temple of Athena Nike, and of course the most famous of Greek relics, the Partheno where you'll see the original home of the marble sculptures removed by Lord Elgin that are now held in the British Museum in London.

We'll then return to our hotel and have a free evening to find one of the city's famous local tavernas or restaurants, perhaps sampling the bustling atmosphere and winding streets of the Plaka.

Day 3 : Mycenae, Palamidi Fortress & Nafplion

Location: Archaeological site of Mycenae, Nafplion

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Nafplion hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Athens early this morning and cross the Corinth Canal en-route to the UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site of Mycenae. Here we'll see the home of mythical Agamemnon, the Lions gate, royal tombs and the Cyclopean walls. After touring these sites with our guide we head on to Nafplion which was the first capital of Greece in the region of Argolis. The picturesque town here nestles at the foot of a cliff with the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress towering above. We'll spend the night here and you can head into town in the evening to eat and explore the twisting streets, sophisticated atmosphere, see the numerous Venetian and Turkish buildings, and enjoy the views.

Day 4 : Olympia, Drive To Delphi

Location: Olympia, Delphi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Delphi hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Nafplion early this morning and head to Olympia. This is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, which are thought to have begun here in 776 BC as part of a religious festival in honour of the king of the gods, Zeus. We'll visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia and learn more about the games' history, taking in the Temple of Zeus and Hera, the Stadium, the altar of the Olympic flame, and the museum which hosts an impressive statue of Hermes of Praxiteles.
Later in the afternoon we leave Olympia and head north over the Rio-Antirio Bridge to Delphi.

Day 5 : Tour Of Delphi, Then Through Central Greece To Kalambaka

Location: Kalabaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kalambaka hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Delphi was once considered the centre of the ancient world and we'll tour a range of sites here including the remains of the Temple of Apollo which are remarkably well preserved. We also take in the Temple of Athena, the Oracle of Delphi and the Castalian Spring before you can explore the Archaeological Museum of Delphi which hosts some of ancient Greece's best remaining masterpieces such as Eniochos the bronze Charioteer.

Later we head further inland through some beautiful villages and towns of Central Greece, seeing some of the traditional local architecture, before arriving at the small picturesque city of Kalambaka which nestles at the foot of the mountains of Meteora.

Day 6 : Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora. Return To Athens

Location: Meteora, Thermopylae, Athens

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Athens hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning's tour is truly spectacular, as we explore the unique landscape and rock formations of Meteora. There are towering cliffs here with ancient Christian monasteries built perched on the tops. We will visit some of the monasteries and also enjoy the amazing views to them across the valleys and marvel at how they must have been built.

We'll then return to Athens, passing Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae, taking a short stop on the way to see Leonida's Monument. Finally we back to Athens in the early evening for your final night in the city.

Day 7 : Athens, Transfer To Airport

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: N/A

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends after breakfast this morning and your time is free for some final exploring of Athens, or souvenir shopping at your leisure before we transfer you back to the airport for your departure. Extra nights in the Athens hotel are available on request.

What's Included

Accommodation
4*
All transport and transfers in AC non-smoking vehicles
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a professional local tour guide for all sightseeing tours
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (6 breakfasts, 2 dinners)
Tipping kitty (except driver & guide)

What's Not Included

International flights (available on request)
Visa fees (if applied)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. EUR 79 (Apr-Oct) or EUR 45 (Nov-Mar)
Hotel residence tax (allow EUR 12 p/p for shared rooms, EUR 24 for single rooms
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guide & driver
Any other items not mentioned above
Optional tours

Mode of Transport

A/C car/minibus

Accommodation

4-star hotels

Check out our Q&As

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Our tours in Greece include your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers. Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary, plus on any additional days if you book your hotel room with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days.
What should I know before I travel?

It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters. General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not. You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds. Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

On our Greek tours we provide a professional local English speaking tour guide to accompany for all the historic sightseeing in and around Athens, Olympia and Delphi.
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation. UK travellers visiting other European Union countries including Greece should also carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it entitles travellers to reduced cost, sometimes free, medical treatment in most European countries. Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. No additional courses or boosters are normally recommended for Greece though you could conside Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis. More information is available here: Greece Malaria map - there is low to no risk of malaria in Greece, none in tourist areas. Yellow fever certificates are not required.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. Some foreign nationals require a visa to enter Greece, though many do not (including UK, EUR, US, CA, AU, NZ, SA). More information is available at visas for foreigners.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Escorted tours and tailor-made trips generally always include site entry fees in the price - please check the Inclusions/Exclusions section for details. However, our Greece Small group and Shoestring tour prices do not include entrance fees to the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. You will need to cover the cost of these as you go along. Current prices are shown below, though these are subject to change by the local authorities at any time. A 50% discount is currently available on some fees during the winter months of November to March. Not all of the entrance fees below apply to all tours - please check your itinerary and the inclusions/exclusions section for a budget for your trip. Athens - Acropolis - Summer EUR 20, Winter EUR 10 Athens - Acropolis Museum - Summer EUR 5, Winter EUR 5 Athens - Hadrian's Arch - Free Athens - Panathenaic Stadium - Free Athens - Parthenon - Free Athens - Propylaea - Free Athens - Temple of Athena Nike - Free Athens - Temple of Olympian Zeus - Free Corinth Canal - Free Delphi Ancient Site & Museum - Summer EUR 12, Winter EUR 6 Delphi - Temple of Apollo - Free Delphi - Treasury of Athens - Free Epidaurus Theatre - Summer EUR 12, Winter EUR 6 Mycenae - Tomb of Agamemnon - Summer EUR 12, Winter EUR 6 Nafplio - Palamidi Fortress - EUR 4 Olympia Ancient Site & Museum - Summer EUR 12, Winter EUR 6 Olympia - Temple of Zeus - Free Meteora - 2 monasteries - Summer EUR 6, Winter EUR 6
Is travel insurance compulsory?

Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
When is my balance payment due?

60 days prior to departure
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Coachman16

Best of Italy and Greece review

October 2019

We just returned from our Oct 6 - Oct 20 Encounter Tours Best of Italy and Greece. What a FANTASTIC experience! Every aspect of the trip was exceptional. The hotels were all as advertised, 4 Star and centrally located. The transportation was always on time, in a nice vehicle and with a pleasant driver. The food at each breakfast was plentiful, full of choices and very tasty. All tours were “Skip the Line” so we never had to wait. The groups were very small and the tour guides were very polite, knowledgeable and spoke excellent English (our language). We were allowed to make trip modifications at very nominal cost. For example, our trips to Florence and Venice were on a fast train instead of a bus. We flew to Greece from Venice rather than take the ferry. Chevy was always available. I had a few questions and he responded within a few hours and answered our questions perfectly. We will definitely consider working with Encounter Tours and Chevy again. We expected a glitch or two over the 2 weeks, but experienced a 100% perfect experience. Thanks for everything and memories we will never forget.

Trico Plumb

Google Review

January 2021

Awesome trip. Our guide was amazing and the trip exceeded our expectations.

Captain_Philly

8 day/7 night Taste of the Balkans Tour

May 2018

Overall I would recommend this tour. I first saw an ad for Encounters on the internet about a year ago and liked the variety of tours they offered as well as their reasonable prices. The idea of hitting 4 Balkan countries in one trip was appealing (along with the very reasonable price), so I booked it. The pros: I got to see A LOT... starting from Athens and moving up through Meteora, Tirana, Kotor, Budva, Dubrovnik, and finally Split. We did city tours, ancient ruins, the Parthenon, monasteries, forts, museums, excellent food and wine all along the way! The price was very good. Some hotels were better than others (Splendido in Kotor was awesome), but overall for the price I paid, it was more than worth it just for the hotels and transport for 7 days, let alone the guides. Speaking of the guides, Gorgi and Besmir were fantastic!! They were such great company, kept things running, offered great advice, and became my friends. Once the other 8 people or so went home, I enjoyed hanging out with them on the beach in Split on my last day just like old friends. The cons: Encounters is a large agency and subcontracts the guides/drivers in different countries, so you never know what you're gonna get - at least I can say that Gorgi and Besmir were awesome! Also, the group format can be rough because it's hard to get 10-15 people to agree on anything. Some folks in our group were definitely disappointed that due to a bad route plan we had to skip a fishing village or something. Also, some miscommunication on departure times caused some stress. The border crossings can be tricky because some Balkan cultures do not like or recognize others...so if that's the case you may have to wait and hour or two and be hassled (apparently Greece and Albania do not particular recognize Macedonian passports because they think it's not a real country). Lastly, while it was great seeing so much, it was very rushed... early departures in the morning followed by hours and hours in the van, border crossings, quick tours, hotel checkins, and a little free time each night. The title "Taste of the Balkans" is exactly that, a taste. Now that I know that I absolutely LOVE Montenegro and Croatia, I will return to those two places for a week each instead of spending one day here one day there. Again, overall it was a good experience and good for first timers to the region so you can see what you like the best and return there.

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1 Dates & Availability

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May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024

Saturday - Friday

May 25, 2024 - May 31, 2024

~~$1320~~ $1261