| Countries Visited:
Greece |
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 7 Days (6 Nights)
From: Athens to Athens
Tour Code: I951A
Operator: Insight Vacations |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
Be transported back to the 5C BC, when Athens erected the Parthenon, Delphi was in its heyday and the games at Olympia was the talk of the Mediterranean. This feature packed tour of mainland Greece is well paced and expertly planned. In fact, it is so successful that it has operated, due to popular demand, virtually unchanged for over 20 years. Two nights in Athens at the start allows you time to adjust before the regional touring begins.What's Included
Quality Dining
- A Welcome Reception with light informal meal (WR)
- Enjoy a highlight Celebration DInner at your hotel in Kalambaka with wine and good company (CD)
- 6 Breakfasts (BB), and 3 special-menu Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
First Class Services
- Services of Insight's professional multilingual Tour Director Days 2 - 6
- Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
- Athens hotel including service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveller Welcome pack
- Services of Insight's resident manager in Athens
- Arrival & departure transfers between the airport and your Insight tour hotel
Highlights
- Athens: Climb the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon and enjoy amazing views. See Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Temple of Zeus.
- Corinth Canal: Cross the breathtaking canal.
- Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the Cyclopean Stones to the `beehive' tombs.
- Epidauros: Visit the Museum, the Asklepeion and the superb 4th Century BC theatre.
- Olympia: Tour the original Olympic Games site seeing the Gymnasium and Olympic Stadium.
- Delphi: Ascend the Sacred Way past the Treasury of the Athenians to the Temple of Apollo.
- Thermopylae: Hear tales of Leonidas and his heroic Spartans.
- Metéora: Visit one of the monasteries, perched atop towering pinnacles of rock.
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Day
1 |
Athens At Leisure
Welcome to Athens, `City of the Gods', and the cradle of European civilisation! There's so much in Greece to delight you, and this Insight tour makes sure you don't miss any of it. You are met at the airport and transferred to your tour hotel. Then there is time to settle in and relax or start exploring this ancient and thriving city. Later, get to know your fellow travellers and Insight Representative over a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal. Stay: Divani Caravel (RW) |
Day
2 |
Athens - Mycenae - Nafplion
All the glories of Athens are on display on your sightseeing tour this morning. Highlight of the tour, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis, that mighty rock formation standing 230 feet above the city and still dominating the frantic bustle of modern Athens with its serene presence. Admire the Parthenon, built atop the Acropolis to house the long vanished statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos, and still amazing in its grace, despite the ravages of time and the loss of the Elgin Marbles. You also see the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian's Arch - a magnificent list of treasures from the Classical age. Now follow the shores of the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal. This amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece was begun in the 1st century BC by the emperor Nero, but not completed until the 19th century. Next is the ruined city of Mycenae, featured in epics of Homer, its 3000 year old monuments only discovered in 1874 by the controversial archaeologist Schliemann. Walk through the Lion Gate and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Visit the royal `beehive' tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, and hear tales of Agamemnon who was hacked to death in his bath! Continue to the elegant seaside town of Nafplion, first capital of modern Greece. Stay: Nafplia Palace/Ippoliti (BB/D)
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Day
3 |
Nafplion - Olympia
After breakfast this morning travel into the heart of Argolis to visit the sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidauros with its superb 4th century BC theatre, still in use for the annual festival. Visit the Museum and the Asklepeion. Then, heading west, a delightful drive takes you through the mountains of Arkadia to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Stay: Antonios/Europa (BB/D)
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Day
4 |
Olympia - Delphi
In Olympia this morning, see the Olympic Stadium where the original games were first held in 776BC, plus the athletes' gymnasium and the city's ancient temples. Then head north to Patras on the tip of the Peloponnese and cross the soaring Rio-Antirrio bridge to the mainland. Follow the coast road before climbing into the foothills of Mount Parnassus and on to your hotel. Stay: Amalia/Santa Marina (BB/D)
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Day
5 |
Delphi - Kalambaka
With its elevated site on the slopes of a mountain terrace and dwarfed on either side by the ominous crags of Parnassus, it's easy to see why the ancients believed Delphi to be the centre of the universe. Ascend the Sacred Way, once lined with offertory temples and statues to the honour of Apollo. See the splendid Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians which has been recreated by modern archeologists, (though without the riches that once filled it!) Pass the superb Polygonal Wall, its stones so perfectly interlocked, that even thousands of years have not harmed it. Now approach the legendary Temple of Apollo itself, where the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic `words'. Leave Delphi and head north into the heart of Greece. Stop at the pass at Thermopylae, where in 480BC, Leonidas and his 8,000 Greek soldiers held out to the very last man against a great invading army of Persians, believed to be some 30,000 strong. Continue through the market town of Trikala, famous in ancient times for its sanctuary to Asklepios. Your destination is the town of Kalambaka. This evening enjoy a Celebration Dinner at your hotel complete with wine and good cheer.
Stay: Divani/Meteora (BB/HD)
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Day
6 |
Kalambaka - Athens
This morning after breakfast, visit the amazing monasteries known as Metéora, which means `in the air', incredibly perched on top of pinnacles of rock. Visit one of the monasteries and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley and Pindos Mountains. Afterwards, cross fertile Thessaly, once described as the `bread basket of ancient Greece'. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to return to Athens for your final night in this fascinating city. Perhaps round off your tour with a celebration Greek style dinner at a local taverna? Stay: Divani Caravel (BB) |
Day
7 |
Depart Athens
Sadly, your tour comes to an end today. Transfer to Athens airport for your onward flight. (BB)
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Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. |
7 Day Glories of Greece Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 5.0
of 5.
|
The tour was excellent. We had a great tour guide called Anna who was very knowledgable but not boring. The hotel in Athens was very nice but it could have been more central to the Plaka and shops. The location of the other hotels on tour were great. Overall I would highly recommend this tour.
Margaret Lane (Australia)
Tour Date 26/04/2011 |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 19 May 2012 |
25 May 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
Save $55 |
AU $1,820 |
| 22 May 2012 |
28 May 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
Save $55 |
AU $1,820 |
| 26 May 2012 |
01 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
Save $55 |
AU $1,820 |
| 29 May 2012 |
04 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
Save $55 |
AU $1,820 |
| 02 Jun 2012 |
08 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
Save $55 |
AU $1,820 |
| 05 Jun 2012 |
11 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
Save $55 |
AU $1,820 |
| 09 Jun 2012 |
15 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 12 Jun 2012 |
18 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 16 Jun 2012 |
22 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
Save $55 |
AU $1,820 |
| 19 Jun 2012 |
25 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 23 Jun 2012 |
29 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,875 |
AU $2,425 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 26 Jun 2012 |
02 Jul 2012 |
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AU $2,425 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 30 Jun 2012 |
06 Jul 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 03 Jul 2012 |
09 Jul 2012 |
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AU $2,425 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 07 Jul 2012 |
13 Jul 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 10 Jul 2012 |
16 Jul 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 14 Jul 2012 |
20 Jul 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 17 Jul 2012 |
23 Jul 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 21 Jul 2012 |
27 Jul 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 24 Jul 2012 |
30 Jul 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 28 Jul 2012 |
03 Aug 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 31 Jul 2012 |
06 Aug 2012 |
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AU $1,820 |
| 04 Aug 2012 |
10 Aug 2012 |
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| 07 Aug 2012 |
13 Aug 2012 |
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| 11 Aug 2012 |
17 Aug 2012 |
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| 14 Aug 2012 |
20 Aug 2012 |
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| 21 Aug 2012 |
27 Aug 2012 |
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31 Aug 2012 |
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03 Sep 2012 |
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| 27 Oct 2012 |
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25 Feb 2013 |
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01 Mar 2013 |
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| 26 Feb 2013 |
04 Mar 2013 |
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08 Mar 2013 |
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| 19 Mar 2013 |
25 Mar 2013 |
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AU $1,839 |
Save $40 |
AU $1,359 |
| 23 Mar 2013 |
29 Mar 2013 |
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AU $1,839 |
Save $40 |
AU $1,359 |
| 26 Mar 2013 |
01 Apr 2013 |
AU $1,635 |
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AU $1,585 |
| 30 Mar 2013 |
05 Apr 2013 |
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AU $2,300 |
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AU $1,585 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Flights:
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The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Insight Vacations
Insight Vacations, Europe's premier escorted tour operator, provides premium escorted motorcoach vacations throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia the Eastern Mediterranean and North America. 'The Art of Touring in Style' lies at the very heart of Insight philosophy. Our carefully chosen unique features and impeccable service standards enable us to deliver exceptional quality, unequalled value, unforgettable memories and personal freedom at levels currently unrivalled elsewhere in the industry.
Tour Type: Regional
These in-depth tours concentrate on towns, cities or scenic areas in a specific region or country. The majority of overnight stays are two nights or more, and are leisurely paced, often with shorter travelling time between exciting destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insight is completely unique. Simply, we are the only tour operator to give you more legroom on every tour at no extra cost: you'll consistently stay in quality hotels in desirable locations; you'll enjoy more included sightseeing; and because you'll travel in smaller groups (max 40 people), you'll receive better personal service from your experienced Tour Director and Tour Driver.
Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
Insight Vacations plays host to over 100,000 guests every year and has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the UK . The company has also appointed specialist agents in Argentina, Brazil, Mauritius, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and China. It is therefore quite typical to find many different nationalities on any one tour.
With only 40 guests on our premium tours instead of the standard 53, Insight clients enjoy a more personalised service. In a smaller group, you'll be closer to your local guide for a more in-depth experience, you'll spend less time waiting to get into sights and it will be faster checking into hotels with your luggage arriving quicker to your room. Insight groups are smaller, more intimate and more friendly.
Yet another exclusive feature of an Insight premium tour is the incredible space and comfort you'll enjoy when travelling. Our luxury coaches have been specially reconfigured with fewer seats, you'll relax in style whilst enjoying up to twice as much legroom than on a standard touring coach.
Insight hotels are consistently first class standard and higher or in a style appropriate to the destination. They have been selected because they are good private or small collection hotels or from well-known chains such as Marriott, Renaissance and Hilton. Insight also chooses hotels based on their location. We know you'll prefer to stay centrally, convenient to the main historic, shopping or entertainment districts; or scenically in areas of natural beauty.
Time & time again, our guests tell us that it was their Tour Director who really made their trip. Our Tour Directors are amongst the finest in the business and will help steer you through the labyrinth of Europe 's cultures, languages and diversities and bring its magic to life before your eyes.
At Insight, planning the perfect tour is our speciality. Not only to we include the 'must see' sights, we carefully balance our itineraries to give you plenty of free time to relax and immerse yourself in the location.
The prices listed cover all hotel accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Insight Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on tour by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
On an Insight Vacation, some gratuities are included in the price of your trip: baggage handling, meal service for all meals listed in the tour itinerary, and hotel service charge. Room service, however, is not included in the tour price. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors EUR4 per day, Drivers EUR2.50 per day and Local Guides EUR1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.
These are activities that we do not automatically include but are offered at the start of your tour designed to enhance your travel experience. Your Tour Director will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. It could be a seafood lunch in Venice, a concert in Vienna or a Grand Canyon Helicopter ride. A detailed list and costs can be found in your tour documentation.
If you wish to share with another tour member you can advise Global Journeys at the time of booking. Insight believes that traveling solo doesn't have to cost you more. We will try to match you with someone of the same sex in order to avoid having to pay the single supplement. If we are not able to provide a suitable roommate, we will provide a single room at no extra cost. Several tours do not provide this option (generally tours containing a cruise component) and so the Single Supplement applies.
There is a no smoking policy motorcoach touring policy. However, we do make plenty of convenience stops giving you the opportunity to smoke, use local restroom facilities, take a scenic snapshot or just relax and enjoy of cup of coffee.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Insight including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
Transfers Athens, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Amman And Istanbul
An Insight bonus in the Eastern Mediterranean region! Insight is pleased to offer complimentary airport transfers at any time either on the first or last day of the tour or on other days in conjunction with pre and post tour accommodation booked through Insight. Flight timings must be provided to Global Journeys no less than 21 days before the flight departure.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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