Classical Greece

Classical Greece

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11 Days From

$2369

$2256

Classical Greece

11 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Nafplio

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

15322

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

From: $2369 $2256 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$113

NB: Prices correct on 08-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Greece with the "Classical Greece" tour. Begin your adventure in Athens, exploring its ancient wonders with a local expert, including the iconic Acropolis. Travel through history as you visit the monumental sites of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the mystical monasteries of Metéora. Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Delphi and savor the flavors of Greece with a Mediterranean cooking class and tastings at a local farm. Experience the charm of Nafplio, a picturesque seaside town, and witness the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, providing an unforgettable Greek experience.

Highlights

  • Join a local expert to explore Athens and its famed sites.

  • Explore the grandeur of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.

  • View the Corinth Canal, one of the greatest engineering marvels of the 19th century.

  • Visit two breathtaking Byzantine monasteries in Metéora, built over 600 years ago.

  • Experience the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts.

  • Taste olive oil and homemade jams at a local farm in the Peloponnese countryside.

  • Partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch.

  • Visit a family-owned distillery producing ouzo since 1869.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Overnight Flight

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza City Center

Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2 : Athens, Greece

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in Athens, cradle of Democracy and capital city of Greece. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your Greek experience with a delightful welcome dinner.

Day 3 : Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Grand Meteora Hotel

Enjoy a panoramic tour of the highlights in Athens showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Next, ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis. Greek for “highest city,” the Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens.

Day 4 : Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort

Meals Included: Dinner

Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending Greece against the Persians. End your day at a family-owned taverna and savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations.

Day 5 : Kalambaka - Metéora - Arachova

Location: Meteora

Accommodation Name: Europa Hotel

This morning, visit Metéora and enjoy guided tours of two remote monasteries situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Day 6 : Arachova - Delphi - Olympia

Location: Delphi

Accommodation Name: Hotel

This morning tour the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of mankind. Then travel along the Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and meet with the owners to learn about everyday life. Following the tour, enjoy a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades, and sweets.

Day 7 : Olympia

Location: Olympia

Accommodation Name: Amphitryon Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

This morning, enjoy a guided visit to ancient Olympia, including a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances at a delightful Greek dance class.

Day 8 : Olympia - Nafplio

Location: Nafplio

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the picturesque seaside resort of Nafplio.*** En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece’s signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869.

Day 9 : Nafplio - Mycenae - Nafplio

Location: Nafplio

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza City Center

Start your day with a journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by mythological King Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. Explore the excavations during a guided visit featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. This afternoon, return to Nafplio for a free afternoon and evening. Your Tour Manager will introduce you to Greece’s first capital city. Nafplio’s mix of Venetian and neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece’s most elegant city.

Day 10 : Nafplio - Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

This morning, stop for a view of the Corinth Canal en route to Athens. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Greece’s capital. Perhaps you’ll browse the myriad shops of the Plaka, Athens’ historic district nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Or, visit one of the city’s world-class museums such as the National Archeological Museum with its majestic bronze statue of Poseidon or the Benaki Museum, which houses Greek works of art from prehistorical to modern times. Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece by gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11 : Athens - Tour Ends

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Your tour ends today.

What's Included

  • Guided Tours

    Join a local expert to explore Athens and its famed sites, including a panoramic tour of the city's ancient monuments.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek music with a delightful Greek dance class.

  • Culinary Experiences

    Partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch.

  • Local Tastings

    Taste olive oil and homemade jams at a local farm in the Peloponnese countryside.

  • Distillery Visit

    Visit a family-owned distillery producing ouzo since 1869.

  • Museum Visits

    Experience the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts.

  • Monastery Tours

    Come to know two breathtaking Byzantine monasteries in Metéora, built over 600 years ago.

  • Welcome and Farewell Dinners

    Celebrate the beginning and end of your Greek experience with delightful dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Tours

    Optional local food tour of Athens is not included in the base package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

Experiences

Come to know two breathtaking Byzantine monasteries in Metéora, built over 600 years ago.Experience the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts.Broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek music with a delightful Greek dance class.

Options

Athens: Athens Local Food Tour Experience Athens as a local! Join a local guide for a walking tour highlighting the cuisine of Athens. You'll make your way through three neighborhoods in the city, full of hidden gems that few travelers ever get to see. Be welcomed into several local restaurants, bakeries and markets to sample some of the area’s best culinary specialties and wine. Your guide will explain the significance each dish serves to the culture and region. You'll learn about common grocery items found in the markets and the importance of spices used in Greek cooking. Along the way, view the traditional architecture and see historic artifacts from ancient Athens that were recently discovered. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

This option does not operate on national and religious holidays when most venues are closed.
As this is a walking tour, a comfortable pair of shoes is recommended.

Culinaries

Taste olive oil and homemade jams at a local farm in the Peloponnese countryside.Partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch.Visit a family-owned distillery producing ouzo since 1869.

Must See

Join a local expert to explore Athens and its famed sites.Explore the grandeur of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.View the Corinth Canal, one of the greatest engineering marvels of the 19th century.

Choice Highlights

Athens A place where democracy was born and the birthplace of the Olympics; happens to be the largest city located in one of the most historic countries and is also the capital of Greece. Located in Athens is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, Acropolis of Athens, the Holy Rock which dates back to 5 BC. Athens is recognized as a global city for its strategic location and its modernistic views in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, culture, education, and tourism.

The Acropolis and Parthenon

Metéora Meteora, located in Thessaly and Kalampaka, is a city under the rock of towers. The most famous attraction is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. Today, the Orthodoxy has been continually practiced uninterrupted for over 600 years by the monasteries on top of the Meteora rocks: Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoro, the Varlaam Monastery, the Saint Stephen Monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Saint Nicolas Anapafsas Monastery, and the Roussano Monastery.

Delphi The place where heaven meets earth. It is said that the Pythia, the priestess serving as the oracle in the pre-classical Greek world, resided in Delphi. Delphi is the setting for many Greek myths and serves as a major site for the worship of Apollo because of his accomplishment of slaying Phython, a dragon protecting the navel of Earth. Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece. Delphi’s deep history is a large attraction for tourists.

Olympia The birthplace of the Olympics, which was held in honor of Zeus. Olympia is a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula, also nicknamed the “Vallyey of Gods.” Overtime the site was buried under sedimentary deposits, from what is thought to have been a flood. It wasn’t until 1766 when it was re-discovered. The first excavation took place in 1829. Today the Olympic flame of the modern Olympic Games is lit by the reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror in front of the Temple of Hera. Visitors can walk through the ruins of the area where athletes trained in the ancient stadium as well as visit the museum that houses sculptures of decoration of the temple of Zeus, which happens to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can also take part in activities, such as walking along the promenade, and outdoor sports like biking, rafting, kayaking, and kite surfing.

Greek Farm Visit Farming has been a core part of Greek culture since the ancient times. This was one of the main sources of income for the Ancient Greek economy. Now, farming still flourishes in Greece thanks to its most famous crop – olives. Although olives are the most popular crop, Greece also produces many other crops such as grapes, tomatoes, and cotton. You’ll be able to visit an authentic Greek farm and meet with the owners to learn about daily life in the countryside.

Cooking Class In Olympia, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you roll up your sleeves and partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience, followed by a flavorful and traditional Greek lunch.

Greek Dance Class The Greek dance class is an interactive, one hour Greek dance and music presentation on a variety of Greek dances and musical instruments. Guests will be able to participate in various traditional dances.

Nafplio Stay in the seaside resort town of Nafplio. The ancient origins of this place are evident, with numerous castles and fortifications found alongside golden beaches and winding cobblestone alleys.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Greece with ease, starting with an overnight flight to Athens. Enjoy scenic drives through central Greece, visiting historic sites and charming towns, with transportation included for all guided tours and excursions.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Crowne Plaza City Center, Grand Meteora Hotel, Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort, Europa Hotel, and Amphitryon Hotel, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional Greek hospitality throughout your journey in Greece.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experience can I expect at Metéora?

    At Metéora, you will visit two remote Byzantine monasteries that are perched atop limestone rock towers, offering a unique and breathtaking landscape. These monasteries were built over 600 years ago by monks who sought isolation and spiritual peace.

  • What can I learn during the visit to the Delphi Museum?

    During the visit to the Delphi Museum, you will explore a priceless collection of ancient artifacts and learn about the historical significance of Delphi as one of Greece's most important religious centers during Classical times.

  • What culinary experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a Mediterranean cooking experience in Olympia where you will learn to cook regional dishes, followed by a traditional Greek lunch. Additionally, you will visit a local farm in the Peloponnese countryside to taste olive oil and homemade jams, and a family-owned distillery to learn about ouzo production.

  • What is special about the visit to Olympia?

    In Olympia, you will have a guided visit to the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. You will also visit the museum and partake in a cooking class to learn about the region's culinary traditions.

  • What can I expect from the Greek dance class?

    The Greek dance class is an interactive session where you will broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek music and participate in various traditional dances, learning about the cultural significance of these art forms.

  • What historical sites will I visit in Athens?

    In Athens, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city's ancient monuments, including the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. You will also ascend the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, a pinnacle of classical Greek architecture.

  • What is the significance of the Corinth Canal stop?

    The stop at the Corinth Canal offers a view of one of the greatest engineering marvels of the 19th century, which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

  • Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?

    Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.

  • Can my children travel on tour?

    Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.

  • What is the difference between a twin room and double room?

    In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.

  • Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?

    Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.

  • Do I need a passport?

    Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.

  • Is there a lot of walking on tour?

    We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Wednesday

Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025
$2369 $2256 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$113 (USD)

Sunday - Wednesday

Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025
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Travel Club discount: -$122 (USD)

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025
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Travel Club discount: -$126 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$126 (USD)

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Jan 25, 2026 - Feb 04, 2026
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Sunday - Wednesday

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    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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