Greece, Peloponnese

Meteora, Acropolis and Peloponnese Combo Tour 4*

You'll arrive in Athens.

Collect your hire car and set off for the Peloponnese.

This region is rich inunrivalled archaeological sites and played a major part in what is often referred to as the "Greek miracle". Beyond history, you will find another miracle here: vineyards, cypress trees, silvery olive groves, villages nestled in a labyrinth of mountains, long sandy or pebbly beaches and seascapes of breathtaking beauty. The sea is ever-present. The soul of Greece lies at your feet here.

On the way, stop at the impressive 6,243-metre-long, 23-metre-wide Corinth Canal, which has brought to life an idea dating back more than two and a half millennia, sparing ships travelling from Piraeus to the Adriatic a long detour.

Next, head to Tolo, a small seaside resort in the Nafplio region.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, set off to discover the exceptional amphitheatre of Epidaurus. This is where worshippers came to obtain healing from the god, most often granted through a dream. Although the site still preserves some religious buildings as well as a stadium, it is the theatre that is the real highlight. Considered the most beautiful in Greece, it is remarkable for its size (it could accommodate nearly 15,000 spectators), its state of preservation and its outstanding acoustics.

Then continue on to Nafplio, one of the most beautiful towns in the Peloponnese. Nestled at the end of the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio is undeniably an invitation to get away from it all. Be sure to wander through the narrow streets lined with handsome, flower-decked façades down to the pretty harbour, then visit the fortress – the view alone is worth the climb!

Return to Tolo for the night.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, we suggest a visit to the site of Mycenae, the ancient city of Agamemnon. Marked by destiny, Mycenae is the grim cradle of the House of Atreus, whose crimes have fuelled 2,000 years of tragedy.

It is one of the few sites in the world where even the least informed visitor will nevertheless feel a sense of familiarity when they discover the Lion Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the Treasury of Atreus or the Tomb of Agamemnon.

It was here that the famous “Mask of Agamemnon” was unearthed, along with the royal tombs, identified by the archaeologist Schliemann as the “Tomb of Agamemnon” or the “Treasury of Atreus”.

Drive to Olympia through the beautiful region of Arcadia.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, explore the legendary city of Olympia. It was here that Zeus instituted the first Games, pitting Gods against Heroes. Located at the foot of Mount Kronion in the middle of the sacred grove, the panhellenic sanctuary keeps alive the memory of the great athletic and religious events that took place here. Among its remains, you can see a large stadium, the gymnasium, the palaestra, Phidias’s workshop, as well as the Temple of Hera (the oldest) and the Temple of Zeus, beside which stood the sacred fire: the Olympic flame. It is still from this very spot that the flame is lit for the modern Olympic Games.

The archaeological site lies just a short walk from the modern village known as Ancient Olympia and includes ruins dating from the Bronze Age through to the Byzantine period.

An impressive collection of artefacts unearthed during excavations is on display in the nearby museum. Three highlights punctuate a visit to the archaeological museum: the sculpted decoration from the Temple of Zeus, Praxiteles’s Hermes and the statue of Zeus abducting Ganymede.

Then continue to Patras, where you will leave the Peloponnese and cross the Gulf of Corinth on the Rion–Antirion ferry to reach Central Greece.

Arrival in Delphi.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Set off across the Sea of Olives and the valley of the Pleistos, where you will discover the town of Delphi.

Clinging to a spur of Mount Parnassus and regarded in Antiquity as the centre of the world, the sanctuary of Delphi was the place where Apollo’s oracle was consulted, delivered by the famous Pythia for 1,200 years.

As you admire the sweeping views over the magnificent landscape, follow the Sacred Way (once lined with lavish treasuries) up to the stadium, passing the god’s temple and the theatre.

The archaeological museum, of exceptional richness, houses one of the most famous bronzes from the first half of the 5th century BC: the Charioteer of Delphi. However, this masterpiece should not overshadow other works that rank among the major achievements of Hellenic civilisation, such as the Sphinx of Naxos or the metopes from the Athenian Treasury.

Drive on to the Meteora via Lamia and Trikala.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, spend the day at the foot of the Meteora exploring the clifftop monasteries.

Words are not enough to describe the landscape and the feeling that comes over you as you stand beneath this magnificent panorama of monasteries seemingly suspended atop these rocky pillars… Of the 24 Orthodox buildings, 17 now lie in ruins and 5 are open to visitors. An unmissable stop on any journey through Greece!

Drive to Athens.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure to explore the city independently.

Athens, the country’s present-day capital, was also the heart of ancient Greece, a powerful and prosperous civilisation. Monuments built in the 5th century BC still dominate the city, such as the Acropolis citadel, which was erected on the top of a hill. It is crowned by other ancient structures, including the columned temple of the Parthenon. Visit the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which display sculptures, vases, jewellery and other artefacts from antiquity.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depending on the time of the return flight, free time.

Return of the hire car at Athens airport.

Return flight.

Rental vehicle

• Car hire in category B (Fiat Panda or similar – subject to availability) for the duration of the stay, with unlimited mileage, pick-up and drop-off at Athens airport
• Fuel and excess waiver are not included
• Basic insurance is included; comprehensive insurance can be taken out at an additional cost with the rental company
• The minimum driver age is 21 and the maximum is 70
• The driver must have held a driving licence for at least 1 year
• A credit card in the driver’s name is compulsory.

Activities

• The activities and excursions mentioned in the programme are not included