Corinth Canal

Corinth Canal - Begin your tour with a morning pickup from your residence and head towards the Peloponnese peninsula. After about an hour’s drive, we arrive at our first stop, the Corinth Canal. This impressive engineering marvel stretches six and a half kilometers, connecting the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Due to its narrow width, only small and narrow cargo and cruise ships can navigate through the canal regularly.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Located near the canal is the ancient city of Corinth. Excavated initially in 1892 CE by the Greek Archaeological Service, the site is dominated by the Doric peripteral Temple of Apollo (c. 550-530 BCE). Most of the other remaining structures date back to the 1st century CE during the Roman era and include a large forum, a temple to Octavia, baths, the Bema where St. Paul addressed the Corinthians, and the Asklepeion temple to Asclepius. The museum showcases various ancient artifacts discovered in the Corinth area.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Leaving Corinth and traveling further into the Peloponnese, we reach the stunning Sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, after a 75-minute drive. The theatre of Epidaurus is the finest and best-preserved example of a classical Greek theatre. At the site, you will visit the vast ancient theatre (where you can test its famous acoustics), the Tholos, the Stoa of Abaton, the Stadium, and the on-site museum.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - After exploring this fascinating site, we head to Tolo, a charming seaside village known for its fish and seafood, where we will enjoy a fresh Greek lunch. Next, we visit another UNESCO site, the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, the kingdom of the famous Agamemnon, leader of the Greek army in Homer’s Iliad. The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the impressive ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. The entrance to Mycenae is through the imposing Lion Gates, where you can walk by the graves of kings and the cyclopean architecture of the Treasury of Atreus. It is a truly powerful site.

Nafplio - Finally, we head towards the medieval, seaside city of Nafplio, driving through dense orange and olive groves. Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, the former first capital of the country, built in neoclassical architecture with narrow cobblestone alleys and surrounded by three formidable castles. You will walk on the main Syntagma Square with two old Turkish mosques, many cafes, and little taverns, and stroll along the promenade overlooking Bourtzi castle. Accommodation will be at a 4-star or boutique hotel like Ippoliti in Nafplio.

Ancient Olympia, Rio-Antirio Bridge, Nafpaktos, Galaxidi, Delphi

Archaeological Site of Olympia - After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for a 2-hour drive to Ancient Olympia, another UNESCO site. You will visit the museum and the famous archaeological site of the ancient Olympic Games. Olympia lies in the fertile valley of the Alpheios River and was the most celebrated site of Ancient Greece. As you walk along the ancient paths, you will visit the Doric Temples of Zeus and Hera, the Bouleuterion, the Prytaneion, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, the Palestra, the Workshop of Pheidias, and many other stunning ancient buildings. At the museum, you will admire masterpieces such as the Nike of Paionios and the breathtaking Hermes and the Infant Dionysus statue. You can have lunch in one of the local traditional taverns in the picturesque modern Olympia village.

Rion-Antirion Bridge - We head northwest to another engineering marvel, the Rio Antirio Bridge. The Rio-Antirrio Bridge, also known as the “Charilaos Trikoupis” bridge, was completed in 2004 for the Olympic Games. The bridge is named after the Greek Prime Minister who envisioned connecting the Peloponnese with Western Greece in 1889.

Nafpaktos - Crossing the Rio Antirio Bridge, we leave the Peloponnese behind and enter the mainland towards Delphi. The first stop is Nafpaktos, a scenic little Venetian port and castle, popular for a romantic weekend getaway. You can stroll through the beautiful town and have a coffee or tea at the port.

Galaxidi - Next, we drive to Galaxidi and Delphi, where you will stay overnight at 4-star or boutique hotels, like Ganimede in Galaxidi, known for its delicious breakfast, or Nidimos in Delphi, depending on availability. Galaxidi is a charming seaside resort with an atmosphere reminiscent of a Greek island and is close to the Delphi area.

Visit Delphi, Thermopylae

Delphi Archaeological Museum - After resting and having breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to Delphi, a remarkable archaeological site and museum. Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the center of the Ancient World. Leaders, kings, and marshals would consult Pythia before making any important decisions. As a result, the site became immensely wealthy and powerful, and the excavated buildings reflect its past wealth and abundance. Visitors will see the Temple of Apollo, the Amphictyonic Council, the Siphnian Treasury, the Theatre, the Tholos, the Gymnasium, and the Stadium, among other significant buildings on the site. The museum exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary and oracle, covering the long period from prehistory to late antiquity. Some of the masterpieces in the permanent collection include the famous Charioteer, the Sphinx of the Naxians, and the statues of Kleobis and Biton.

Delphi - For lunch, we have selected the best quality traditional food, service, and high hygiene taverns in the area. The traditional tavern “To Patriko mas” combines an astounding view of the vast valley and sea with exceptional food and service.

Battlefield of Thermopylae - You will visit Thermopylae, where the 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians fought to the death in the most famous battle during the second Persian invasion of Greece.

Meteora

Meteora - The next morning, after breakfast, you will ascend to the top of the rocks to visit the stunning Meteora monasteries. This is a no-stress tour, with plenty of time to take photos, walk around, and enjoy at your own pace. Your driver will take care of everything and provide live commentary during the trip. There are six monasteries on Meteora: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, Agios Stefanos, Holy Trinity, and St. Nicholas. You will visit 2 or 3 of the Meteora monasteries, depending on the day and time of the visit. The Meteora monasteries date back to the 14th century and are unique for the amazing treasure of Byzantine and Christian items you can see, such as the classic attire of the monks, elegant paintings, and etched glass. In 1981, the James Bond film ‘For Your Eyes Only’ was partially filmed at the Monastery of Holy Trinity. In ‘Game of Thrones,’ Tyrion Lannister is seen hanging at the edge of a cliff with the overwhelming rocks of Meteora in the background.

Kalambaka - After visiting the monasteries, you will have time to stroll through the traditional town of Kalambaka and have lunch in one of the local taverns or restaurants.

Kamena Vourla - Our final stop is at Kamena Vourla, a seaside village where we will offer you an afternoon coffee or tea by the sea as a courtesy. Later, your driver will return you to your residence or drop you off at the airport.

• Evenings out transfers included with private luxurious transportation.
• Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from airport/residence/hotel/port.
• 3-night stay at 4-star or boutique hotels, breakfast included.
• Experienced tour driver providing live commentary in English.
• Tour in style with new luxury vehicles featuring WiFi, A/C, and complimentary bottled water.

• Drinks,dinners,lunches (unless you take the lunch option)
• Gratuities
• Admission fees into archaeological sites, museums
• Licensed Guide. Available on request under extra cost.

This exclusive four-day personal journey from Athens features six spectacular Greek UNESCO landmarks in the Peloponnese and Delphi regions:

Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery, Meteora Monasteries.
We have also incorporated additional visits to remarkable Greek sights and cities, that encompass:

Corinth Canal,
Ancient Corinth,
Castle of Acrocorinth,
Tolo coastal village,
Nafplion,
Rio-Antirio Bridge,
Seaport town of Nafpaktos,
Galaxidi,
Kalampaka,
Thermopylae,
Coastal Kammena Vourla (for a complimentary coffee or tea, on our final day)
Being a completely exclusive tour, our guests can relish luxurious travel through the bountiful countryside of Peloponnese and Delphi, with optional stops to familiarize with local customs and sample Greek culinary specialties.

Your 3-night stay will be arranged in 4-star or Boutique hotels (depending on availability and season).

Option: You may choose to book the tour inclusive of lunches at chosen dining restaurant.

This tour is sure to make you fall in love with Greece forever!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.