Legendary Greece
Overview
Discover the highlights of Athens with a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a first venue of the modern Olympics Games, and ponder the state of the world like an ancient philosopher at the Acropolis overlooking Athens. Set your sights high in Olympia—the site of the first Olympic Games. Explore the ancient military read more city of Sparta and hear the stories of legend and lore. And from a Greek honey farm to olive groves, wine cellars, and constellations above the sea, we thank our lucky stars to be exploring modern-day Greece with you to discover the very civilized custom of rest and relaxation that wins the day on your Small Group Discovery tour of Greece.
Itinerary
Your Small Group Discovery Begins!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Marvels & Myths
Discover the highlights of “the Classic City” during your included Guided Sightseeing. Stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympics Games, before visiting the Acropolis, located on a hill overlooking Athens.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Legend says that both Athena and Poseidon competed to have this city named after them. The god who gave its inhabitants the best gift would be the patron. Athena came out the victor when she planted an olive tree on the site where the Acropolis now stands; a sign of peace and prosperity, so the city became known as Athens. Your Local Guide shares many stories and brings ancient Athens to life during your visit to the Acropolis.
Heroes, Gods & Men
Leave Athens and head for the Peloponnese peninsula, where heroic myths and legends of Hercules, the Argonauts, and Helen of Troy were born. Enjoy time en route for a photo stop at the world's deepest (and one of the most famous) canals, the Corinth Canal. Continue to the picturesque mountain town of Kalavryta. Later today, arrive in Olympia.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Get a dramatic view of one of Greece's most breathtaking engineering feats—the Corinth Canal. This narrow, dramatic passage slices through the Isthmus of Corinth, linking the deep-blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. Completed in the late 19th century, it forms a natural-looking divide between the Peloponnese and mainland Greece.
Ancient Wonders
Start the day with a guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, and the site of the Temple of Hera, from where the Olympic torch is lit. After this captivating visit, discover the sweeter side of Olympia with a visit to a honey farm.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Since the times of ancient Greece, honey has been a core ingredient of Greek gastronomy. According to myth, bees were the messengers of the gods, and their honey brought with it special powers and healing properties. Your small group enjoys a sweet experience at a local honey farm, passed down through the generations. Get up close to hear the buzz about bees, honey, and local rural life directly from the family beekeepers. Then taste local products that are fit for the gods!
Liquid Gold
This morning, enjoy a visit to Pylos, a typical Greek seaside town. Stroll around the charming streets, see the castle perched above the town or relax in a local café and watch the world go by. Later this morning, join your small group for a special visit to a local family-owned olive mill and enjoy a lunch of local produce.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Getting closer to local experiences is a big advantage for a small group! Enjoy a visit to Androusa Castle overlooking the olive groves; learn about the world famous Kalamata olives, the traditions of olive oil production; then enjoy tasting it, together with a lunch of home-made dishes prepared with fresh, local produce.
Land of Legends
Enjoy an orientation tour of Sparta, one of the most important cities in Ancient Greece, famous for its military prowess and a beautiful lady called Helen. Later, head to Mystras for a guided sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-nominated archeological site; a fortified town on the side of Mount Taygetus that was at its prime during the Byzantine era.
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT - After a busy day of sightseeing, your small group deserves to live large with the 5-star, personalized hospitality of the Kyniska Palace Hotel. Located in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, this boutique hotel combines luxury and charm with the relaxation you crave. This evening, unwind far from the crowd to stretch out by the pool and soak in the stunning views of this idyllic location.
Yamas!
En route back to Athens, travel through the fertile plains to discover one of Greece's most prestigious wine-producing districts. Stop off at one of the wineries in the Nemea area to enjoy a wine tasting. Continue your journey to Athens, with much more to explore.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - According to myth, the god Dionysus introduced wine to Greece, and it is an art that has been practised there for thousands of years. The Nemea winemaking region is renowned for the Agiorgitiko grape, which has been cultivated there for over 3,000 years. During the wine-tasting experience, gain insight into this and other local winemaking traditions.
Island Hopping!
Take a short ferry ride to the idyllic Aegina, a small island that has so much to offer. A sightseeing tour of the island includes the monastery of Aghios Nektarios and the town of Aegina. Savor a mouth-watering farewell lunch at a local restaurant plus some free time to explore more, before returning to Athens by ferry.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Your day in Aegina gives you the real taste of Greek island life. A stunning island belonging to the Saronic island group, it is a fertile, green island famous for producing one of Greece's most appreciated products – the pistachio nut. As you browse the charming streets look out for the delicious, local pistachio specialties, which are well worth a try. It's a sweet conclusion to an unforgettable Greek vacation!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis
- Photo opportunity at the Corinth Canal
- Stop in the mountain town of Kalavryta, nestled in the northern Peloponnese
- Guided walking tour of the Archaeological Site of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games
- [LF] Small group tasting experience during a visit to a local honey farm
- Visit Pylos and Sparta in the Peloponnese
- Visit to Androusa Castle includes small group visit to an olive mill with lunch
- Guided sightseeing of Mystras Archaeological Site
- Small group wine tasting at a winery in Nemea, one of Greece's renowned wine-producing regions
- [LF] Day trip to Aegina includes a ferry ride, sightseeing tour, and local specialties lunch
- 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Athens: Amalia (First-Class):
"Centrally located in Syntagma Square, Amalia Hotel Athens is right across the National Gardens. It features comfortable 97 guest rooms with satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi internet access. The modern guest rooms are all fitted with air conditioning and either face the National Gardens and the Parliament or the Lycabettus Hill. The Hotel offers a rich American buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch or dinner which are the proud mark of the Amalia's in-house bistrot restaurant. Light snacks and drinks are avaialble throughout the day at the Chrysalis Lobby Lounge bar. The property is just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis and Plaka, next to the commercial district of Ermou providing easy access to the main metro and tram terminals. The hotel has been awarded with the Green Key eco-label due to its environmentally friendly policies." - Athens: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre (Superior First-Class):
The Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre is a modern 193 room property, in the heart of Athens' commercial district offering Free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a choice of dining options including the roof garden restaurant where during summer months, guests can dine under starry skies whilst enjoying a spectacular view of Lycabettus hill. The perfect place to unwind is at the roof-top bar where snacks and drinks can be taken al-fresco in the summer by the refreshing outdoor dipping pool. The lively lobby bar serves drinks and fruity cocktails year round and other leisure facilities include a gym and sauna. - Olympia: Europa (First-Class):
Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games. - Kalamata: Pharae Palace (First-Class):
Pharae Palace Hotel enjoys a superb seafront location on Kalamata's popular promenade, just a short stroll from the city center, harbor, shops, cafés, and restaurants. Overlooking the sparkling Messinian Gulf and backed by the majestic Taygetos Mountains, the hotel combines contemporary comfort with warm Greek hospitality, making it an excellent base for both relaxation and exploration. The spacious and elegantly furnished guestrooms feature air conditioning, in room safe, minibar and Free Wi-Fi internet access.. Guests can start the day with a generous breakfast overlooking the bay, while the hotel's rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and local Messinian specialities prepared with fresh regional ingredients. For cocktails, coffee, or evening drinks, the stylish bar provides a relaxed setting with spectacular coastal views. - Mystras: Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa (First-Class):
This delightful hotel offers Free Wi-Fi throughout and each of the 32 luxury guest rooms come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool as well as SPA services and a fully equipped fitness center. The hotel offers excellent cuisine with local and international foods served at the bistrot/bar.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
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Globus Small Group Discoveries (2026-27)
Enjoy front-row views of legendary sites more such as the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Tetons and Nagoya Castle. Skip the queues with VIP entry, and immerse yourself in stories that bring rich history and vibrant cultures to life. With nearly 100 years of expertise, hand-selected hotels, expert Tour Directors and worry-free travel, Globus delivers the ultimate touring experience – now with the added benefit of smaller groups for bigger discoveries. This is Touring. Beyond. Don’t just see the world. Tour it with Globus Small Group Discoveries.
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