Athens and Popular Greek Islands, Greek Island Hopping
ATHENS – DELPHI – METEORA – SANTORINI
ATHENS - DELPHI - METEORA - SANTORINI ISLAND
TOUR TO THE MOST POPULAR SITES OF GREECE
Greece tourist popular destinations
Delphi, Delphi city considered by the ancients Greeks to be the center (omphalos= navel) of the world and a religious center. Delphi is located on Mt. Parnassus near the Gulf of Corinth, 2,5 hrs from Athens. The sanctuary was home to the famous oracle of Apollo which gave cryptic predictions and guidance to both city-states and individuals
Meteora monasteries, The rock monasteries, built by hermits during the 14th – 16th c. AD, standing between earth and the sky, atop of huge rocks and containing historical and religious treasures, wall paintings, icons and libraries rich in old manuscripts, have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. Today, out of initially 24 monasteries that used to exist, only 6 remain active for people to visit. Four of them are inhabited by monks and two by nuns. In old times the monks used long ladders tied together and baskets to transport themselves and their goods up the cliffs. There are still examples of these baskets which are used for bringing up provisions. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Great Meteoro are the less accessible (over 300 steps). Rousanou, Varlaam and Saint Nicolaos have an average number of 140 steps
Santorini island, the volcano island famous for its Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani villages with the breathtaking Caldera views and the unigue sunset. Santorini island is also known as a culinary paradise with its famous traditional products like cherry tomatoes, white egg plants, fava, caper and “hloró tyrí”, a special kind of fresh goat cheese found on the island and the vast vineyards and wineries with the extremely high quality wines such as Assyrtiko, Athyri, Aidani, Mantilaria and Mavrotragano . Also it is considered to be the most sought after place for a romantic getaway and wedding destination for couples from all over the world.
TOUR DETAILS
Tour Code: AdmS_03
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Season: All the year round
Location: Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini island
Style: Island hopping – History – Religious – Photography
HIGHLIGHTS
- Athens sightseeing with Acropolis and museum.
- Delphi site
- Meteora monasteries
- Santorini island
INCLUDED
- Luxury bus or minivan
- Experienced En speaking driver
- Hotels 3*, 4*, 5* or traditional guesthouses
- Meals Breakfast(B,_,_)
- Entrance fees to archeological sites and museums
- Official En speaking local guides
- Ferry tickets to Santorini
- Meet & Greet on the arrival at the airport
NOT INCLUDED
- Flight ticket (Domestic flight tickets upon request)
- Accommodation tax (0.5€ per day per room for guesthouses -1.5€ per day per room for 3* hotels – 3€ per day per room for 4* hotels – 4€ per day per room for 5* hotels) paid directly by the clients to hotel.
*All packages are flexible and dynamic for any changes according to any personal needs and desires upon request.
Shorter tours based on above itinerary can be:
1) Tour 6d /5n – Days: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.
2) Tour 5d /4n – Days: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7
Conduct us for more available packages in the area.
Day 1: Athens arrival (_,_,D)
Arrival to Athens. Meet our staff at the airport. Transfer to your hotel. In the evening walk at Plaka, Athens old town and Monastiraki area. Dinner at a local tavern with souvlaki and shish kebab dishes.
Day 2: Athens city tour (B,_,_)
Athens sightseeing tour, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus st, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. Then Acropolis, the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and finally Parthenon, a place any civilized person has to visit. We complete the visit with the Museum of Acropolis.
Day 3: Delphi – Kalambaka. (B,_,_)
Morning drive to Delphi. Guided tour to Delphi archeological site and museum. Delphi city considered by the ancients Greeks to be the center (omphalos= navel) of the world and a religious center. We’ll see the archeological site, Temple of Apollo, Theater, Market, the famous Omphalos(= navel of the earth), and finally the Delphi Museum with the amazing sculptures. At Delphi oracle, you might also get Pythia’s foretold for your future and the future of the world, as it had happened to many Kings and Emperors in the past Even Alexander the Great got her foretold before conquering the known in those days world. Continue to visit the traditional village of Arachova. Then drive through central Greece to Kalampaka for overnight.
Day 4: Meteora monasteries (B,_,_)
Morning short drive to Meteora. We’ll visit 2 Monasteries (many steps) standing between earth and the sky, atop of huge rocks and containing historical and religious treasures. The 1st monastery in the area was hand-built by a monk from Athos in 14th century. In old times the monks used long ladders tied together and baskets to transport themselves and their goods up the cliffs. There are still examples of these baskets which are used for bringing up provisions. In the afternoon we’ll return to Athens with a short stop at Leonidas, king of Sparta, monument at Thermopiles.
Day 5: Piraeus – Santorini (B,_,_)
Morning transfer to Piraeus port and get your ferry to Santorini (07:30 -15;30) OR to Athens airport for your 1hour flight to Santorini. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day free to enjoy the unique caldera views, walk to Fira town, with the beautiful white-washed houses, the narrow streets and open air cafes that hanging on the steep cliff. OPTIONAL HD cruise to Volcano (visit the crater) – Hot springs (swimming). Cruise; Morning 11.00 – 14.00, afternoon 14.00 – 17.00 hrs.
Day 6: Santorini Island (B,_,_)
Relax day OR take a FD Santorini sightseeing (9 hrs) bus tour. Spend a full day discovering Santorini’s ancient history, local culture, and famous views on this great-value highlights tour. Explore the Minoan archaeological site at Akrotiri, swim at the black-sand Perissa beach, and observe traditional island life in the village of Megalochori. You’ll also take in panoramic views from Prophet Elias Monastery, sip volcanic varietals at a winery, and finish the day with an unforgettable sunset from Oia village.
Day 7: Santorini- Departure (B,_,_)
Morning transfer to Santorini airport for your flight to Athens airport to get your connection flight to your next destination.