Grand tour of greece - 13 Days

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Greece The Grand Tour Package provides an exciting experience through prominent Greek landmarks and historical places. Starting with a panoramic tour of Athens' attractions, including the Panathinaikon Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Discover the Acropolis, including the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, then visit the Acropolis Museum. Explore the Corinth Canal, the Epidaurus Theatre, and the ancient ruins of Mycenae in the Peloponnese. Discover the Zeus Temple in Ancient Olympia, as well as Praxiteles' Hermes figure. Visit the Apollo Sanctuary and the famed Charioteer statue, then explore Meteora's monasteries. Before returning to Athens, see the Byzantine churches in Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. 

• Athens City Tour with a visit to the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum.
• Exploration of Peloponnese highlights including Corinth Canal, Epidaurus theater, and Mycenae
• Tour of Ancient Olympia Complex and its museum with Hermes of Praxiteles statue
• Visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo and famous Temple of Apollo at Delphi
• Exploration of Meteora's monasteries nestled in sandstone towers
• Discovering Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches and Museum of Byzantine Culture

Depart for Greece
Board your flight to Greece. 

Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy.
Optional Tour: A Night Out in Athens with Dinner

Athens City tour
The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens, and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops, and sidewalk cafes. (B)

Peloponnese to Olympia Tour
After breakfast, we head for the Peloponnese. The majestic Corinth Canal will be our first visit, then to Epidaurus and its famous acoustics-rich theater. Our day will keep going as we arrive in Nafplion for a brief stop. Our next stop will be Mycenae, which Homer describes as "rich in gold," with its Cyclopean walls and Agamemnon's tomb, which includes the famed Lion's Gate. In the afternoon, we'll cross the Peloponnese mountains to Olympia for dinner and an overnight stay. (B,D)

Olympia to Delphi Tour
Olympia, located on the banks of the River Alfios, is picturesque, green, and serene. We will take a tour of the Ancient Olympia Complex (the site of the ancient Olympic Games), which includes the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias' Workshop. We go to the municipal museum, one of Greece's richest, which houses an outstanding statue of Hermes of Praxitelis. In the afternoon, we'll continue north, via Patras, over the spectacular Rio-Antirio bridge, through Nafpaktos and Itea, and on to Delphi for dinner and sleep. (B,D)

Delphi to Kalambaka Tour
After breakfast, we proceed north to Delphi, which was once the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage destination for millennia in antiquity. You will view the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred Way, and witnessed Apollo's temple, which is home to Pythia (the oracle). In the afternoon, following a brief lunch break (not included), we will cross the central Greek mountains to Kalambaka for supper and sleep. (B,D)

Meteora to Thessaloniki Tour
In the morning, we will go to Meteora. Amazing rock formations, such as sandstone towers, are ageless and have long served as a religious refuge for monks. Several monasteries are concealed on top of Meteora. The vista across the plain is spectacular. Meteora is regarded as one of mainland Greece's most beautiful locations, and it is included as a Unesco World Heritage Site. We begin our day by driving north across the stunning plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi. The route takes you under the majestic Mount Olympus, home of the 12 Gods of Greek Mythology, to Thessaloniki, the city of northern Greece, for supper and overnight. (B,D)

Full Day in Thessaloniki
The morning is spent exploring the city of Thessaloniki. We will explore the city's most significant sites and monuments, as well as its wonderful Byzantine past, which includes visits to its iconic churches and the Byzantine Culture Museum. The afternoon will be free to explore more of the city on your own. (B,D)

Edessa, Aristotle's school, Vergina, Veria to Thessaloniki Tour
Today we will visit the historic attractions of Macedonia. The first visit will be the town of Edessa, which has stunning waterfalls. Our next stop will be Aristotle's classroom, where the great philosopher educated Alexander the Great about "moral and political doctrines." We continue to Vergina with Macedonia's royal tombs, including that of King Phillip II, Alexander the Great's father. Our final visit for the day will be Veria, which has the Bema of St. Paul, a colourful market, and a Jewish neighbourhood. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Pella to Dion Tour
Our journey of Macedonian history continues today as we return to Athens. Our first stop will be Pella, the historic city of Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. We will go to the site of the stunning floor mosaics and the new local museum. We continue our journey to the archaeological park of Dion, the sacred site of ancient Macedonia at the foot of Mount Olympus. After our excursions, we continue our drive, stopping for photos at Thermopylae and the Leonidas statue, before arriving in Athens in the evening. (B)

Depart Greece
After breakfast, depart at the indicated time to the Airport for your flight back to US. (B)

• 9 nights accommodations
  • 3 nights Athens
  • 1 night Olympia
  • 1 night Delphi
  • 1 night Kalambaka
  • 3 nights Thessaloniki
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• 15 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 dinners
• All Transfers
• Sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned vehicle
• Services of English-speaking guide during tours as mentioned in the itinerary