Greece on a Shoestring

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5 Days From

~~$770~~

$733

Greece on a Shoestring

5 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Meteora

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

299

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Please advise request

Tour operated in:

English

From: $770 $733 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$37

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This 5-day Greece tour is ideal for travellers looking to get a taste for the history and beauty of Greece in a short time and in comfort but on a reasonable budget.

Starting in the Greece's historical capital of Athens, we'll make our way to some of its top attractions, such as the Panathenaic Stadium - the world's only fully-marbled stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament, Constitution Square, the National Library and the Acropolis - which is home to a selection of Greece's most significant architectural monuments.

After spending some time in Athens, we'll travel to Delphi, exploring its archaeological site which is home to the last remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also travel to the small town of Kalambaka - which is often known as the gateway to Meteora. We spend time exploring the spectacular mountain scenery of Meteora, visiting some of the monasteries which are perched on mountaintops and on the sides of cliffs, some seeming completely inaccessible.

This is a 'seat on coach' departure, shared with other operators. Extensions to the tour are available if you’d like to head into the Aegean Sea to visit a Greek island or two. Please contact us for details.

Highlights

Athens tour including the Panathenaic Stadium, Acropolis & Parthenon
Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
Explore the picturesque village of Arachova
Discover the Temple of Apollo at Delphi
Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and monasteries at Meteora
Visit the statue of Leonidas at Thermopylae

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Your Greek Adventure Begins In Athens. Airport To Hotel Transfers Included

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Athens hotel

On your arrival in Athens airport (ATH) our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and have a first look around. Extra nights in the Athens hotel are available on request.

Day 2 : Journeying Through Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Athens hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll embark on a city tour of Athens, starting with a visit to the location of the first of the first modern Olympics in 1896 - the fully-marbled Panathenaic Stadium before we travel to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Our Athens city tour also includes a visit to the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square. Last but not least, we'll travel to the famous Acropolis - an ancient citadel which towers above the city. We'll explore its famous architectural masterpieces such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the iconic Parthenon - a former temple built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos.

Day 3 : Travel To Delphi

Location: Delphi

Accommodation Name: Kalambaka hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We'll say goodbye to Athens today, as we travel to the town of Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the mountainous village of Arachova - which is perched at the base of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival in Delphi, we'll explore its famous archaeological site, famed for being the home of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also make our way to the Treasury of the Athenians, which was used to store offerings given to the Kings who once ruled the area. This afternoon, we'll leave Delphi towards the village of Kalambaka, which is often regarded as the gateway to the impressive Meteora rock formations and monasteries.

Day 4 : Marvelling At The Ancient Meteora Cliffs And Monasteries

Location: Meteora

Accommodation Name: Athens hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After spending the night in Kalambaka, today is all about exploring the unique rock formations at Meteora - a current UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meteora was originally home to over twenty cliff-side and mountaintop monasteries, several of which are still being used today. The monasteries were originally built and used by Monks in the 14th century, who were in need of a safe haven. The only way to access the monasteries was to climb up the rock faces or to be hoisted up in a basket. Note: The monasteries at Meteora have a strict dress code. Women need to wear a long skirt, dress or sarong (trousers or shorts covering the knees are not enough). Men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Please ensure you have appropriate clothing ready for this day. After taking in the beauty of Meteora, we'll travel back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae, stopping along the way to see the statue of Leonidas, which was erected to commemorate the Battle of Thermopylae.

Day 5 : Your Greek Tour Ends. Hotel To Airport Transfers Included

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

We really hope you enjoyed your Greece tour! If your flight is scheduled later in the day, you can head out to do some shopping or explore in Athens a little more, before we transfer you to the airport to board your flight back home. Extensions to some of the Aegean Sea’s Greek islands are available if you’d like to add some more time seeing a different side to Greece.

What's Included

Meals
4 breakfasts, 1 dinner15
Accommodation

All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in approximately 4-star level hotels.
Transport and Transfers

All transport and transfers in air-conditioned non-smoking vehicles.
Airport Transfers

24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.
Entrance Fees

Entrance fees to sites visited are included.
Tour Guide

Services of a professional local tour guide for all sightseeing tours.
Tips

Tips are included except for the driver and guide.

What's Not Included

International Flights

International flights are not included but are available on request.
Visa Fees

Visa fees are not included if applicable.
Single Room Supplements

Single room supplements are compulsory for solo travellers.
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory and available on request.
Hotel Residence Tax

Hotel residence tax is not included.
Personal Expenses

Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
Tips for Guide and Driver

Tips for the guide and driver are not included.
Optional Tours

Optional tours are not included.
Other Items

Any other items not mentioned above are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with air-conditioned minibus or coach transfers, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey throughout your Greek adventure.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable 4-star hotels throughout your journey, including accommodations in Athens and Kalambaka, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Check out our Q&As

What type of transportation is used during the tour?

The tour uses air-conditioned minibus or coach for all transport and transfers.
What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

Accommodation is provided in approximately 4-star level hotels, including stays in Athens and Kalambaka.
Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

Yes, 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer services are included in the tour package.
What meals are included in the tour?

The tour includes 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner as indicated in the itinerary.
Is there a dress code for visiting the monasteries at Meteora?

Yes, there is a strict dress code for visiting the monasteries at Meteora. Women need to wear a long skirt, dress, or sarong, and men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

Are entrance fees to the sites visited included in the tour?

Yes, entrance fees to the sites visited are included in the tour package.
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

No, travel insurance is not included and is compulsory. It is available on request.
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

Lia Aiello

Local Guide

January 2020

Very professional and customer service oriented company. All of the staff I encountered were thoughtful, and accommodating. When there was a bit of a concern I had, I was not brushed off and treated rudely as I've experienced with other companies; my concern was addressed immediately in a fair manner. I highly recommend this tour company; they treat people with respect and honestly seem to want your trip to be the best it can be

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.

Lakisha M

Fantastic Best of Jordan Trip!

July 2015

My husband and I previously used Encounters Travel for a vacation to Egypt and Greece and therefore jumped at the opportunity to use them for our journey to Jordan. The expectations bar was high given our previous trips being absolutely amazing and something we wanted to replicate in many areas. Our trip to Jordan delivered on those expectations! From the encyclopedic knowledge of our guide, Omar, who explained the historical significance of various sites encompassing the folklore of the civilizations responsible for such wonders as the temples, amphitheaters around Amman, As-Salt, Jerash, all the way to the remoteness of Wadi Rum. Plus, who could forget the marvels of Petra with its Hellenistic design. The highlights were many. One of which was floating on the waters of the Dead Sea being magical. Omar also kept the entire group updated via What's App. One improvement or thing to note is the preservation of water in Jordan might mean if you're taking a shower at a particular hour expect it to be freezing cold. During the trip, we were provided bottled water; however, the water was never cold. It would have been nice if the refrigerated unit used to hold the water on the coach bus worked and would keep the water cold. The expectations for the culinary choices were something my husband and I were particularly thrilled with offerings such as Makloubeh. Nothing could beat the desert item called Kanafeh which was scrumptious and if you're into Baklava, there is no shortage of places to purchase. Encounters Travel gets both thumbs up for the trips and locations they put together and we will definitely use them for future travel adventures.

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Monday - Friday

Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025

~~$770~~ $733 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$37 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025

~~$770~~ $733 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$37 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025

~~$770~~ $733 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$37 (USD)

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Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025

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Travel Club discount: -$37 (USD)

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Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025

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Travel Club discount: -$37 (USD)

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Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025

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