Brilliant Greece

After arrival at Athens International Airport, a transfer to the hotel will be arranged. The remainder of the day is free. Spend time exploring this enthralling city of Athens. The world's most gorgeous metropolis is revered by gods and mortals alike. Greece's magnificent capital has traditionally been regarded as the cradle of civilisation. It is the city that gave birth to democracy and the majority of old wise men. Athens was the epicentre of the ancient world's greatest civilisation, which lives on via magnificent architectural treasures. Overnight in an Athens hotel.

Today, immediately following breakfast, you will be taken up from your hotel. To explore the beautiful Meteora grey rocks and their cliff-top monasteries, depart from Athens. You will arrive in Delphi for the first time about midday on the first day. Delphi, famous for its theatre, Apollo Temple, and ancient ruins, was regarded as the centre of the earth and the cosmos, and played a significant part in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and Apollo's Temple, which is famed for its oracle. After lunch, travel for Central Greece, passing via the cities of Lamia and Trikala and traversing the Thessalian plain to Kalambaka (a little village situated at the foot of the spectacular grey cliffs and surrounded by the Meteora Monasteries. Overnight in a Meteora hotel. (B)

Today, following breakfast, you will go to the cliff-top monasteries to explore two distinct Byzantine monasteries perched on rock towers with spectacular views across the plain. Meteora is a UNESCO world heritage site. Meteora is regarded as one of the most beautiful regions on the Greek mainland, and its monasteries are one of the country's most distinctive attractions. Return to Athens by Thermopylae's majestic monument to Leonidas, Sparta's king. The excursion concludes in the late afternoon in Athens. Overnight in an Athens hotel. (B)

Today, after breakfast, take a half-day Athens sightseeing and Acropolis museum trip from the Acropolis to Omonia Square. On this full morning tour, you will see all the prominent locations of ancient and modern Athens. This guided half-day trip provides an excellent overview of the city. We begin at Panathinaikon Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It is the world's first stadium constructed entirely of white marble. Then we'll pass through Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Athens Trilogy, which includes the University of Athens, the National Library, Hadrian's Arch, St. Paul's Church, the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann's House, the Catholic Cathedral, the Old Parliament, Constitution Square, and the Russian Orthodox Church, and finally the ACROPOLIS, which includes Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike Overnight in an Athens hotel. (B)

Today, following breakfast, you have the remainder of the day free to rest. You may choose to participate in an optional tour. The Full Day Delphi / Full Day Argolis or the Full Day Cruise are all recommended. Overnight in an Athens hotel. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free to spend as you like until your departure transportation to the airport or train station for your onward trip. (B)