The Wonders of Ancient Greece

Day 1 – Arrival in Athens

Upon arrival at Athens International airport, you will be met and greeted by your Sky Vacations ambassador to be transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to explore the city on your own. You may choose to stroll the shops of Plaka and Kolonaki, relax at the hotel, or walk with no particular goal in mind and let the city unfold before you.

Day 2 – Explore Athens

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for your private, tailor-made walking tour of the city of Athens. Visit UNESCO-listed sites such as Acropolis, the icon of Athens, and other important landmarks like the Temple of Zeus. Tour Syntagma Square, where you can see the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. You’ll also visit the ancient Agora, the center of ancient Athens, followed by a visit to Hadrian’s Library.

Day 3 – Athens

Today your private guide will escort you to two of the greatest museums in Europe, the new Acropolis Museum and the National Archeological Museum. In both places, your private docent will help you explore these incredible collections and share one on one insight into the history of the pieces you will be viewing. After your visits, return to Athens for an afternoon of shopping, strolling and eating!

Day 4 – Travel through Epidaurus and Mycenae to Olympia

After breakfast, your driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel. You’ll depart Athens with a first stop at the Corinth Canal to take in the breathtaking view. You’ll then head to Epidaurus and visit the majestic ancient theatre, famous for its outstanding acoustics. Mycenae will be your next stop. There, you’ll have the chance to see the Cyclopean masonry, the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, and the Lion Gate. You’ll enjoy some free time for lunch on your own in beautiful Nafplion before driving through the villages of the Peloponnese to Olympia. 

Day 5 – Olympia and travel to Delphi

This morning drive to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, a celebration of and for Zeus held every 4 years. Here you’ll be able to visit the Archaeological Museum and The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the grounds of this awesome site before stopping at a traditional Greek taverna for lunch on your own.  You’ll then cross a beautiful bridge to Rion, via Patras, crossing the Corinthian Bay. You’ll pass the seaside town of Nafpaktos while heading to Delphi, known in ancient times as the naval of the world and home to the Oracle of Delphi.

Day 6 – Delphi and travel to Kalambaka

You’ll have a full morning in ancient Delphi, a place that some say is still strong in spiritual energy. You’ll be able to visit Castalia spring where Pythia the priestess is said to have purified herself before the divinations, the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the theater, the stadium, the Temple of Athena Pronea, and Tholos. A visit to the incredible museum is saved for the end. Make a stop at a local taverna for lunch on your own before heading to Meteora. 

Day 7 – Kalambaka and return to Athens

The day will start with a visit to Meteora, the famous breathtaking rock formations that host various monasteries on top such as the Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, Holy Trinity, St. Stephen and St. Nicolaos Anapafsas. Make a stop for lunch on your own in Kalabaka. On your way back to Athens you’ll drive through Thermopylae, where Leonidas and his 300 loyal warriors heroically resisted the invading Persians in 480 BC. 

Day 8 – Full Day Cruise to Greek Islands: Hydra, Poros and Aegina

After breakfast, your private car will transfer you to the port for a day cruise to the Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina for a relaxing day on the sea. With all your transport, transfers, and buffet lunch organized (a delicious lunch and Greek folklore show aboard your ship are included), you can sit back and enjoy! First set sail for the island of Poros, where you’ll have free time for strolling and shopping. Head ashore at the colorful capital and enjoy a few two hours to explore on your own. Approaching the island of Hydra, admire the colorful harbor and get tips from your cruise guide on what to see and do on the island. You will have about two hours at leisure to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra island, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. Amble down the narrow lanes, relax over coffee, or buy souvenirs in the quaint shops.  Upon arrival in Aegina, a guided excursion to the island’s ancient Temple of Aphaia is available at your own expense, or take a walk around the main town on your own. Return to your cruise and enjoy a Greek folklore show of traditional music and dancing as you sail back to the port. Upon arrival at the port, your driver will transfer you back to Athens for your final night in Greece.

Day 9 – Departure from Athens

Private car transfer to the airport for your onward journey.