The Heart of Ancient Greece
The Heart of Ancient Greece
The Heart of Ancient Greece
12 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Corinth, Nafplion, Archaeological site of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Monemvasia, Archaeological site of Ancient Sparta, Kalamata, Olympia, Delphi, Kalabaka, Mount Olympus
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Luxury, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Art, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$3338 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
Considered the birthplace of western civilisation, Greece's influence still resonates today in the fields of architecture, science, engineering and philosophy. Incorporating the classical sites of Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae and Epidaurus, and the extraordinary rock formations of the Meteora region, this tour also explores Greece's magnificent scenery, ancient ruins, monasteries and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Electra Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
Morning flight from London (regional connections available) to Athens with Aegean Air. Transfer to the Electra Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. Welcome drink.
Day 2 : Athens - Corinth - Nafplion
Location: Athens, Corinth, Nafplion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Amalia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning tour of Athens, including Syntagma Square, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium. Finish at the Acropolis to view the Parthenon and visit the museum. Leave Athens and visit the Corinth Canal. Continue to Nafplion, with a stop at a local winery for a tasting. Stay at the Hotel Amalia (or similar) for 2 nights.
Day 3 : Nafplion - Mycenae - Epidaurus
Location: Nafplion, Archaeological site of Mycenae, Epidaurus
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Amalia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Mycenae, the seat of King Agamemnon, who led the Greek armies against Troy. Visit the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. After lunch, depart for Nafplion, a picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff. Continue to Epidaurus to visit the fourth-century theatre. Return to Nafplion.
Day 4 : Nafplion - Monemvasia
Location: Nafplion, Monemvasia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kinsterna Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Monemvasia. Visit the olive oil museum en route and learn about the history and culture of the olive and its production in Greece. Continue to Monemvasia a medieval fortresstown. Take a walking tour including the castle, perimeter walls, old mansions and churches, connected by narrow cobbled lanes. Time at leisure before dinner in the castle. Stay at Kinsterna Hotel (or similar) for 1 night.
Day 5 : Sparta - Kalamata
Location: Archaeological site of Ancient Sparta, Kalamata
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Filoxenia Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning travel to Sparta, the land of King Leonidas and the legendary Spartan soldiers. Continue to Mystras and visit the remains of the castle and old town. Stay at the Filoxenia Hotel (or similar) in Kalamata for 1 night.
Day 6 : Kalamata - Olympia
Location: Kalamata, Olympia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Europa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart for Olympia, visiting an olive oil farm en route. Stay overnight in Olympia at the Europa Hotel (or similar).
Day 7 : Olympia - Delphi
Location: Olympia, Delphi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the archaeological site of Olympia including the museum, stadium and Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Continue to Delphi. Stay 2 nights at the Amalia Hotel (or similar).
Day 8 : Delphi
Location: Delphi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day to enjoy the archaeological site and museum at Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Visit the Athenian Treasury, the Temple of Apollo and the museum containing masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture.
Day 9 : Kalambaka
Location: Kalabaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Divani Meteora Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Kalambaka and visit the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum. Take part in a demonstration of truffle hunting with dogs, followed by a snack of mushroom and truffle pasta. Stay at the Divani Meteora Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights.
Day 10 : Kalambaka
Location: Kalabaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Divani Meteora Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Full-day visit to the remarkable Meteora monasteries, built high on rocky outcrops.
Day 11 : Mount Olympus - Athens
Location: Mount Olympus, Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Electra Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart from Kalambaka and transfer to the Archaeological Park of Dion, a sacred city of the Macedonians at the foot of Mount Olympus. The long route back to Athens passes through the striking Plain of Thessaly, with its bucolic panoramas, and the Vale of Tempe. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Athens’ ancient Plaka district. Stay at the Electra Hotel (or similar) for 1 night.
Day 12 : Fly To London
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Athens airport and fly to London.
What's Included
-
Small group size - average 12 people (max 18)
-
4- & 5-star accommodation
-
Direct international flights with Aegean Air or easyJet
-
Flexible ¡V extensions, room & flight upgrades available
-
Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
-
Experienced local tour manager
-
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 6 dinners
-
Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
-
Welcome drink
What's Not Included
-
Country Entry Visas
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
-
What is the maximum group size?
All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.
-
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
-
Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
-
Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.
-
Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
-
What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
-
When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
-
When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
-
Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms. The Solo Travellers collection of small group tours is specially created to include accommodation based on single occu
-
Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
-
Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
-
What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
-
When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
-
What are the four tour categories
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
-
Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
-
What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Want a private tour?
-
Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
-
Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
-
Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family
Dates & Availability
Friday - Tuesday
May 03, 2024 - May 14, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Sep 20, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024Friday - Tuesday
May 02, 2025 - May 13, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.