Classical Greece

8 Days Athens Return
Classical Greece
Classical Greece
Classical Greece

Overview

Read 8 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Globus 8 Day Classical Greece. What will you need to pack for this enlightening tour of Classical Greece? A sun hat, your thinking cap, and your competitive spirit for starters. Thought-provoking scenery and stories await in the land of powerful Sun Gods, ancient philosophers, and legendary Olympians. From the world-famous Acropolis in Athens to the sacred Temples of Olympia, and the mountainside excavations of Delphi to the monastery-topped rock formations of Meteora, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Greece’s most renowned and mystical figures—and d read moreance in them, too. A glass of traditional ouzo will loosen your joints to learn the lively steps of the sirtaki, made famous in the classic movie Zorba the Greek. A toe-tapping, hands-on adventure, you’ll also learn the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine and how to make traditional tzatziki cucumber dip. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, too!
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Trip Length
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Athens

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Athens

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
Globus
Trip Reviews
8 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.5/5
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Accommodation
Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star

Budget
Budget

Premium

Age Range
Age Range

5-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

45

Guide Style
Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

RG

Itinerary

Welcome to Athens!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

Marvels & Myths

Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.

Greek History & Heroes

Leave Athens and drive to Corinth, stop to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal, before joining a guided walking tour of the ancient city. Continue to Mycenae, according to legend the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy some free time for lunch before entering the excavations for a guided tour, including a visit to the museum. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B/D) 132 mi / 212 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.

Ruins & Recipes

Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B/D) 112 mi / 181 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.

Digs & Dances

Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast to reach Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Take a guided walking tour of the excavations and Archaeological Museum to discover more. This evening, step into the culture when you learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B/D) 149 mi / 239 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.

Monasteries in Magical Greece

Drive north past Lamia and Trikala to reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. (B/D) 155 mi / 249 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SACRED SITES: Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.

Grecian Battles & Beauty

This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B) 236 mi / 380 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation 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
  • Visit to the ancient town of Corinth, plus a stop at the Corinth Canal
  • Guided visit to the excavations and museum in Mycenae
  • Guided visit to the open-air auditorium in Epidaurus
  • Guided visit to Olympia's archaeological site
  • [LF] Tzatziki cooking demonstration
  • Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi
  • [LF] Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo
  • Guided visit to the monasteries of Varlaam and St Stephen's in Meteora
  • Visit to the site of the Battle of Thermopylae

  • Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners

  • Athens: Zafolia (First-Class):
    Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
  • Athens: Stanley Hotel (Superior First-Class):
    Located in Athens city center and just few steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, this hotel offers 380 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony. The hotel features a roof garden with a nice pool area, an open-air lounge bar and a restaurant, from where guests can also enjoy lovely views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf. Among its amenities you can also find a well-equipped fitness center and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
  • Nauplia: Amalia Nauplia (First-Class):
    Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center.
  • Olympia: Amalia Olympia (First-Class):
    This 147 room hotel is set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape filled with olive trees. The spacious white marbled lobby affords endless views of the surrounding green scenery along with the open air terrace of the lounge café. Amenities include a restaurant, large outdoor seasonal swimming pool, spacious lounges and a lobby bar with fireplace. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
  • 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.
  • Delphi: Amalia Delphi (First-Class):
    At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery.
  • Meteora Area: Amalia Kalambaka (First-Class):
    Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings.

  • 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.

Operator

Globus
 (813) Reviews
Total No. of Tours332
At Globus, we’re not just hooked on travel as a destination, but on the way it makes you feel. Our promise is to craft adventures that you’ll want to re-live forever. We’ve been creating wonder-filled first class touring for more than 90 years; we have the experience and local knowledge globally to craft immersive adventures more that make Globus travellers feel alive. Not only can you expect to see the big sites, we’ll also take you deeper in each location, right to the beating heart of each new discovery.

At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
Sightseeing & VIP Access
Sightseeing & VIP Access

Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more

Expert Local Guides
Expert Local Guides

Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more

Culture Through Cuisine
Culture Through Cuisine

Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more

Superior Hotels
Superior Hotels

Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more

Travel in Style
Travel in Style

Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more

Local Favorites
Local Favorites

Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more

Trip Reviews (8)

Globus Reviews
Reviews 8 Reviews
Average Rating 4.5 out of 5
5 Star
63%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
1 Star
Amazing 0 , NJ, United States, Jun 2025
Ethan was excellent, he was able to make my dream vacation come true. From hotels to meals and flights they took care of everything.
Classical Greece for the History buffs. 1 , VIC, Australia, May 2024
Great trip, well organised and informative with an enthusiastic leader. Most accommodation was excellent and well located to sight-seeing venues. Dining choices were also very good and the weather at this time was perfect in Greece (not too hot).
Amazing Greece 4 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2017
This was nothing but fantastic. We were blessed with the most amazing tour director, who was overflowing with knowledge of Greece. She had a fantastic sense of humour and made our trip, that much better than I think it could have been. Our bus driver was fantastic also and always drove very well and safely. Each place that we visited on this trip was read more great and all of our accommodations were extremely good too.

I highly recommend this trip if you are wanting to see the highlights of Greece, as there was nothing to fault, from each stop, to quality of hotels, food, excursions and pace. Hannah from Global Journeys made our booking easy and nothing was a problem in helping us. Thanks so much Hannah.
Excellent tour of historical sites 5 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2016
Firstly I will mention that this was a trip of last resort for me after several other bookings all failed to eventuate, not all of which had been sourced though Global Journeys. Very appreciative of all GJ's efforts to find a replacement tour that fitted into other travel plans and flight times already arranged in Greece. Tour guide was excellent. So read more knowledgeable and with a passion for the subject matter without overburdening with facts and figures. Always willing to answer any questions and went above and beyond for some travellers requiring extra assistance. Coach driver also excellent. Most other travellers were American in larger friend and family groups which made dynamics a bit unusual. Only one other solo traveller who was also the only other Australian on this tour. Surprised at the number of people with physical issues that impacted on ability for them to fully participate on this tour as significant walking and many steps on uneven ground are obviously involved in visits to ancient sites. Standard of hotels and food was very good. Plenty of food choices.
Great trip through Greek History 1 , WA, Australia, Jun 2016
Wonderful but too short. Accommodation at some distance from main sights but very good otherwise. Tour guide extremely knowledgeable and organized.
Intense tour guide   5 , QLD, Australia, Jun 2016
I loved the places this tour took us. Especially Meteora. They were amazing. But the tour guide was like a spinster history school teacher who totally bombarded us with how wonderful the Greeks were, and are now. In the end instead of listening to the monotone voice of the guide, I would dart off in all directions taking in the sights and photographing read more everything in sight, as did many of the other passengers.

There was also a lot of time on the bus, (and the guide talked continuously about Greek history while the bus was in motion ) more so than other tours I have done. I would enjoy doing this tour again with a different guide and not in the heat of Summer.
Highlights of mainland Greece 4 , VIC, Australia, May 2016
We had an excellent Tour Director which made our trip most enjoyable. She knows the history of the places we visited and can relate this with Greek mythology that one usually learnt at school. Beautiful scenery and amazing culture.
Classical Greece Holiday 4 , TAS, Australia, Apr 2016
I was really impressed with all aspects of this tour and the arrangements made for me. This applies from beginning to end: from when I first started making the bookings to the last day when I was transferred to the airport for the journey home. The places visited were impressive, the optional dinners were great and the organisation efficient and effective. read more There is only one improvement I would suggest to Globus: on the first full day of the itinerary it is not made clear exactly what is to be visited - it just says "sightseeing". It would be a helpful to know so that if you arrive before the tour starts you can go on your own to see places not included in the tour, in this case the Parthenon Museum.
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