The Treasures of Ancient Greece - 10 days from £1299

Accommodation

Athens – Stratos Vassilikos Hotel (4-star)
4 nights bed and breakfast. This contemporary hotel is centrally located with easy access to Athens major attractions. Facilities include bar, restaurant and health spa. All guest rooms have TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.

Tolon - Hotel Tolon Holidays (3-star)
1 night half board. Surrounded by gardens and only 200 metres from the sea, the hotel has a bar, restaurant, spacious lounges and a swimming pool. Guest rooms all have private facilities with TV and telephone.

Olympia - Hotel Europa (4-star)
2 nights’ half board. Located on a hill above the village of Olympia and providing superb views of the archaeological area, Arcadian mountains and the sea, the hotel’s comfortable rooms are complemented by a swimming pool. Guest rooms all have private facilities with TV and telephone.

Itea - Hotel Nafsika Palace (4-star)
2 nights’ half board. Located in the centre of Itea, this hotel has a lounge, restaurant and bar and rooms feature air-conditioning, TV and hairdryer.

Please note: Outdoor swimming pools are typically open between May and September, but this is dependent on weather conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1: UK/Athens

You’ll fly to Athens where we’ll transfer you to your hotel for one night’s accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 2: Corinth, Epidaurus & Tolon

Your tour of the astonishing sites of ancient Greece is led by your Tour Lecturer and your journey starts today with some impressive names as you travel into the Peloponnese, crossing the spectacular Corinth Canal. First comes the elaborate Fountain of Peirene at Corinth and the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple on the mainland. Travel along the scenic coast to the peaceful ancient sanctuary of Epidaurus. This has to be one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. You’ll have time to explore the sanctuary, the museum and the magnificent theatre before heading to Tolon for your overnight stay at the Hotel Tolon Holidays.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: Mycenae, Tiryns & Arcadia

Myth and reality converge at Mycenae and Tiryns, the site of the earliest civilisation of mainland Greece in around 1500BC. Mycenae is the stunning site of Agamemnon’s citadel and its royal burial vault, known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.You’ll be amazed by the huge and magnificent citadel at Tiryns before journeying through the central Peloponnese, the rural idyll of Arcadia, to your hotel for the next two nights in Olympia.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Bassae & Olympia

Today begins with a journey into the beautiful countryside of Arcadia to the Temple of Apollo at Bassae. This is the most remote ancient Greek site, often missed by holidaymakers. The afternoon is devoted to Olympia. Strewn among the wild olives and plane trees, you’ll pass endless evocative ruins as you make your way to the Doric Temple of Zeus, where the iconic Olympic flame was kept burning between games. The Temple of Hera is amazingly complete with its 30 surviving columns, but perhaps the most breathtaking sight is the Stadium, where you’ll recognise the track and the athletes’ starting and finishing lines.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Olympia, The Corinthian Gulf & Itea

Complete your explorations of Olympia in the morning before taking the atmospheric journey across the Gulf of Korinthos to Antirion. You’ll pass the city of Patras, where St. Andrew was crucified, and drive across the spectacular new bridge that spans the Gulf. The final leg of your journey is to Itea, but you’ll be treated to a leisurely stop en route for lunch in the shadow of the imposing Venetian Castle in Nafpaktos. Arriving in Itea, you’ll check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Delphi

Your day in Delphi begins at the Kastelian Spring, where pilgrims from all across the Mediterranean had to wash to purify themselves before seeing the wisdom of the Oracle. Follow in their footsteps to the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle was housed. The fame of the oracle was celebrated by great works of art which adorned the sanctuary at Delphi, and you will see many of them in the museum where they are now housed.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Osio Loukas, Eleusus & Athens

Your knowledge of Greek mythology will be tested to the full today as you visit the remote Byzantine monastery of Osio Loukas, overlooking the slopes of the famed Mount Helikon. Passing through Thebes, your Tour Lecturer will take you on to Eleusus and the Sanctuary of Demeter and her daughter Persephone. Your Tour Lecturer will bring history to life telling stories of the amazing ritual ceremonies performed here, which were among the most important in the Greek world.Tonight you’ll arrive in Athens, your base for the next three nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Athens

It’s impossible not to sense the presence of the Acropolis from every corner of Athens, but your first-hand exploration of this most iconic of monuments will be an unforgettable experience. The spectacular Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike stand among the impressive ruins, and you’ll have time to linger and enjoy the ancient market place of Agora.

The afternoon is left free for you to take in the vibrant and chaotic atmosphere of Athens without your guide – time to enjoy the fabulous shopping, grand squares, endless cafés and of course the ubiquitous mopeds.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Athens

Enjoy your final day at leisure, soak up the atmosphere in this incredible city or hop on a metro train to visit the awe-inspiring National Archaeological Museum, which houses the largest and most impressive collection of antiquities in Greece. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to the majestic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Dating from the 5th century, the dazzling white columns of the temple have been a vital landmark to passing ships for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Athens/UK

Transfer to Athens airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast