Delphi - Arachova

Monastery of Hosios Loukas - Our journey begins at the serene Monastery of Hosios Loukas, showcasing the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th -12th century). Noteworthy are its golden mosaics and exquisite architecture.

Arachova - We will drive along the national highway towards northern Greece, passing the plain of Thieves and the city of Levadia. Soon, we will ascend the slopes of Mount Parnassus before arriving at the legendary Delphi.

Delphi - Next, we will visit Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary with a PanHellenic significance dedicated to the god Apollo. It served as an Oracle and was considered the ‘navel’ or center of the world, symbolizing Greek cultural unity. The remarkable location offers views of the Greek mountains and two additional sites, the Gymnasium and the secondary sanctuary of Athena Pronea. After exploring the site, we will have lunch and stay overnight here.

Temple of Apollo - At the site, you will explore the mystical Temple of Apollo where Pytheia delivered oracles, along with the ancient theater and stadium.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - The site also features a museum housing the famous charioteer and Gold Ivory statue.

Olympia

Nafpaktos Old Port - Nafpaktos is a quaint town by the Olympic Rings sea, overlooking the battlefield of the 1571 naval battle of Lepanto between the Ottoman Empire and the united western powers.

Archaeological Site of Olympia - We will tour the archaeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia, one of Greece’s largest sites, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. As you walk through the site, you will see the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, Phidias’ workshop, the Temple of Zeus, and end at the Stadium where Greeks competed every four years for glory and spiritual elevation, honoring their cities.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia - The museum is unique, featuring the renowned statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” with its perfect proportions and tools that belonged to Phidias, who created one of the seven wonders of the world, the gold ivory statue of Zeus. Besides ancient art, visitors can access detailed information through rich visual material. After walking in the footsteps of ancient athletes, we will have lunch in the village and then drive back to Athens.

Museum of the Olympic Games - The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games hosts 463 ancient works from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia and other Greek museums. The exhibits span from the 2nd millennium BC to the 5th century AD, showcasing the history of the Olympic games, the longest ancient institution, through thematic units.

Mystras - Sparta

Mystras - We will drive into the southern Peloponnese peninsula through the mountainous Greek countryside to reach Mystras. This unique location, known as the ghost city, is fortified on a citadel and preserves medieval churches, ordinary houses, mansions, and palaces of the Byzantine Empire with Frankish elements.

Archaeological Site of Mystra - At the site, you will reach the citadel at the upper point and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding areas. Walking downhill, you will encounter the palaces and Royal courtyards. Despite being known as the ghost city, many monasteries are still in use, and the monks will gladly show you around their small society. Before exiting, you will see the chapel of St. Demetrios, with a plaque depicting a two-headed eagle (the symbol of Byzantium) on its floor. It was here that Konstantine Palaiologos kneeled before being crowned the last emperor of Byzantium.

Acropolis and Ancient Theater - We will then spend time in Sparta, the eternal rival of Athenian Democracy. Sparta, initially known as the birthplace of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in the Mycenaean period), was organized as a purely military society in ancient Greece. It was the city of two Kings, ruled by a few aristocrats, and the city from which Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched to face the Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

Leonidas Monument - We will pass by the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands, marking the endpoint of the Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245.3 km).

Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil - We will visit the museum of olive and olive oil to learn about Greece’s most famous products.

Nemea - Mycenae - Tiryns - Nafplio

Archaeological Museum of Nemea - Nemea is known for the Nemean Games, its ancient Greek stadium, and the Temple of Zeus, as well as its vineyards. Nemea has the most wineries in Greece, with a tradition of grape growing since ancient times. The site features a museum, sanctuary, and one of the best-preserved stadiums, located on a higher level. The tunnels through which athletes entered the stadium are of special interest.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - We will visit Mycenae, a UNESCO-protected monument dating to the 2nd millennium B.C.E., representing the era of Achilles, Agamemnon, and Helen of Troy. You will see the cyclopean walls, burial circle A, and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace. This citadel gave its name to an entire era.

Lion Gate - At the site, you will see the renowned Lion Gate, the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe.

Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae - The modern museum exhibits findings from the “City of Gold.”

Citadel and Treasury of Atreus - Before leaving the site, we will stop at the Treasury of Atreus, the best-preserved Tholos tomb and a fine example of Mycenaean architecture.

Tiryns - Tiryns is a Mycenaean archaeological site in Peloponnese, known as the location from which the mythical hero Heracles performed his 12 labors.

Nafplio - We will explore the more recent history of Greece in Nafplio, considered the most scenic city. Nafplio served as the capital of Greece until 1834. This romantic city offers a blend of fortresses and castles (Palamidi, Bourtzi), a vast harbor open to the Aegean Sea, and unique architecture revealing Venetian, neoclassical, and oriental elements. After strolling through the picturesque old city, we will have lunch at a traditional tavern by the sea and stay overnight here.

Acronauplia - We will drive up to the castle of Acronafplia for a panoramic view of Nafplio.

Bourtzi - Bourtzi is a small islet with a fortress in a vast port open to the Aegean Sea.

Epidaurus - Corinth

Sanctuary of Asklepios - A short drive will take us to one of the most important ancient sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, located in an ideal environment spread over a hilly area.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - The highlight is the theater of Epidaurus, the best-preserved ancient Greek theater dating to the 4th century B.C.E. It showcases the incredible achievements of ancient Greek minds. You can test the acoustics, which are still excellent today. Climb to the upper seats and imagine attending an ancient Greek tragedy.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Ancient Corinth, at the foot of the hill, includes the Roman Agora of Corinth, the Temple of Apollo, and a small museum. Besides its archaeological and historical significance, the site is also a popular religious destination in Greece. Here, Apostle Paul preached Christianity, was judged by the tribunal in the Agora, and established the best-organized Christian church of that period.

Temple of Apollo - The Temple of Apollo at Corinth is one of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Built around 560 B.C.E. from local monolithic limestone on a rocky hill north of Acrocorinth, the Archaic temple symbolized Corinth’s growth and prosperity.

Akrokorinthos - We will visit the castle of Acrocorinth, the oldest and largest castle in southern Greece, for some amazing photos.

Corinth Canal - Our next stop is the Corinth Canal, opened in 1892, separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You will have time to walk across a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal up close. On some days, bungee jumping is an option for the adventurous.

Athens - We will drive back to Athens.

• Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pick up & drop-off
• Accommodation (according to your booking)
• Bottled water
• Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
• Transport by private vehicle

• Accommodation and breakfast (according to your booking)
• Licensed Tour guide on request (Additional cost)
• Entrance Fees
• Airport Pick Up and drop-off (Additional cost)

• The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
• Our company complies with all the health instructions of the World Health Organization about COVID-19.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.