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. Embark on a train read more ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece, then set your sights high in Olympia—the site of the first Olympic games. Explore the ancient military 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 your 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. (D)
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. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WHAT'S IN A NAME? 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 Diakopto to board the Odontotis rack railway for a dramatic journey along the Vairaikos Canyon to the mountain town of Kalavryta. Later today, arrive in Olympia. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: All aboard for an unforgettable historic train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece. Built over 120 years ago, this short local railway is an engineering feat that follows the Vairaikos Canyon, with some of its open-sided tunnels being carved into it, providing impressive views as it climbs. On arrival, spend some time in Kalavryta, a lovely little-known town with a big place in history.
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. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: 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. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: 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. (B/D)
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: 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. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT TRADITIONS: According to myth the god Dionysis 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 Agiorgitko grape, which has been cultivated there for over 3000 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 plussome free time to explore more, before returning to Athens by ferry. (B/L)
LOCAL FAVORITE - IN A NUTSHELL: 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, a sweet conclusion to an unforgettable Greek vacation!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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
- Scenic ride on the Odontotis rack railway to the mountain town of Kalavryta
- Guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Olympia
- [LF] Small group tasting experience during a visit to a local honey farm
- Visit Pylos and Sparta
- 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
- [LF] Day trip to Aegina includes a ferry ride, sightseeing tour, and local specialties lunch
- Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours.
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Ride the Odontotis rack railway train and take a ferry to the island of Aegina.
- 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: Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata (First-Class):
Located at the foot of the spectacular Taygetos Mountains, this 188-room beachfront hotel lies on the outskirts of Kalamata in the Peloponnese region. The property offers spacious air-conditioned guest rooms decorated in a contemporary Mediterranean style with satellite flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi, desk, safety deposit box and a private bathroom equipped with hairdryer and free toiletries. Dining options include two restaurants where Greek and Mediterranean flavors reign supreme and the signature breakfast buffet features a Fitness Food Corner and local specialties. For relaxation you can choose between the seasonal outdoor or indoor swimming pools, the beauty salon, sauna or the fitness room. - 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 reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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