Insight Vacations
Glories of Greece - Classic Group, Winter
Glories Of Greece – Classic Group, Winter
Explore the ancient Acropolis in Athens and indulge in an authentic cooking demonstration in Olympia, as a local chef prepares a feast from locally farmed produce. Replete with lashings of olive oil and Greek cheeses you’ll master moussaka and tzatziki, before experiencing Greece in all its glory. From the Temple of Athena and the Arch of Hadrian in Athens, the gargantuan pinnacles of Meteora near Kalambaka beckon. Guided by your Travel Director, you’ll ascend the ancient rock formations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit one of the historic monasteries at the top. Explore where the Olympic Games began in 776 BC at the Temple of Zeus and in the city of Mycenae, take in the giant Cyclopean stones before discovering traditional Greek pottery methods at the Mycenae Pottery Studio.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Athens:
- Athens: Stroll through the ancient streets of Plaka, known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods” under the guidance of your Travel Director. Nestled beneath the Acropolis, explore Plaka’s timeless charm, discovering the historical treasures and hidden corners, before enjoying time at leisure along Adrianou, a bustling pedestrian hub, brimming with vibrant shops and traditional cafés.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxury, air-conditioned coach.
Authentic Dining
- Athens: Indulge in local specialties with your fellow travelers as you savor dinner in one of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
- Olympia: Taste unique Greek flavors and savor regional specialties over dinner.
- Athens: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
Insight Choice
- Athens:
- Athens: Stroll through the ancient streets of Plaka, known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods” under the guidance of your Travel Director. Nestled beneath the Acropolis, explore Plaka’s timeless charm, discovering the historical treasures and hidden corners, before enjoying time at leisure along Adrianou, a bustling pedestrian hub, brimming with vibrant shops and traditional cafés.
Insight Experiences
- Olympia: Join a local chef who will share their passion for local ingredients and high-quality products. Learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration.
Make Travel Matter
- Nafplio: Experience the timeless craft of hand weaving by visiting a traditional workshop. Immerse yourself in the ancient art and discover the intricate techniques passed down through generations. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Top Rated Highlights
- Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
- Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honor of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
- Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
- Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
- Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
- Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
- Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women’s games in honor of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete’s gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
- Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon.
- Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece’s prettiest spots.
- Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
| Day 1 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 2 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 3 |
Nestled in the heart of Greece's Thessaly region, Kalabaka is a charming town renowned for its striking natural and historical attractions. Most famous for its proximity to the Meteora rock formation, Kalabaka offers a unique blend of geological marvel and spiritual history. The Meteora monasteries, perched precariously atop towering sandstone pillars, were established by Eastern Orthodox monks in the 14th century. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a testament to human perseverance and artistic achievement. Kalabaka itself is a picturesque town that serves as a gateway to the Meteora region. The town's narrow streets, traditional architecture, and local markets offer visitors a glimpse into authentic Greek life. A visit to the local museum, the Meteora Museum of Natural History, provides insights into the region's unique rock formations and biodiversity. A fun fact about Kalabaka is that the Meteora rock formation is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, with six active monasteries still in use today. The name "Meteora" means "suspended in air," which perfectly describes the awe-inspiring appearance of the monasteries seemingly floating above the landscape. To make the most of your visit, consider traveling between April and October, when the weather is most favorable for hiking and exploring the Meteora cliffs. The town's warm hospitality, combined with the stunning natural and historical scenery, ensures a memorable experience. |
| Day 4 |
Situated on Peloponnese peninsula's Western side, Olympia has the distinction of being one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites. |
| Day 5 |
Situated on Peloponnese peninsula's Western side, Olympia has the distinction of being one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites. |
| Day 6 |
Nafplion, a picturesque coastal town in the Peloponnese, is often hailed as one of Greece's most charming and romantic destinations. As the first capital of modern Greece, Nafplion boasts a rich history, evident in its well-preserved neoclassical buildings, Venetian fortresses, and Ottoman influences. Stroll through the old town's narrow, cobbled streets, where vibrant bougainvillea frames balconies and traditional tavernas invite you to savor authentic Greek cuisine. The town's unique blend of history and beauty makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both cultural depth and scenic splendor. One of Nafplion's most iconic landmarks is the Palamidi Fortress, perched high on a hill overlooking the town and the Argolic Gulf. Climbing the 999 steps to the fortress is a rewarding challenge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another must-see is the Bourtzi Castle, located on a small islet in the harbor. Originally built by the Venetians in the 15th century, Bourtzi has served various roles throughout history, including as a fortress, a prison, and even a hotel. Today, it stands as a symbol of Nafplion and is accessible by a short boat ride from the harbor. For a deeper dive into Nafplion's past, visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in a grand Venetian building in Syntagma Square. The museum's collection spans from the Neolithic period to the Roman era, with highlights including Mycenaean pottery and Bronze Age armor. Additionally, the Komboloi Museum offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing a vast collection of worry beads, a traditional Greek accessory with roots in ancient times. Fun Fact: Nafplion is known as the "Town of the Firsts" because it was not only the first capital of modern Greece but also the site of the first Greek Parliament, the first Greek printing press, and the first official school. This legacy of firsts makes Nafplion a place of historical significance and pride for the Greek people . |
| Day 7 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
11/01/26 - 12/13/26 |
Starting At $2,350 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/27/26 - 01/02/27 |
Starting At $2,650 |
Get A Quote | |
|
01/10/27 - 02/07/27 |
Starting At $2,350 |
Get A Quote | |
|
02/21/27 - 03/21/27 |
Starting At $2,495 |
Get A Quote |
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change.
Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.
