Athens Highlights, Delphi & Meteora, 3-Days Private Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
ATHENS - SOUNIO CAPE
6 stops
1
Undoubtedly the most famous landmark of Athens – and the pride of Athenians - is the Parthenon, atop Acropolis Hill. It is the ancient temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess Athens is named after. It is visible from most of central Athens and is surrounded by the city’s charming and picturesque historical centre.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
2
The monument known as Hadrian’s Arch, a distinctive Roman structure dedicated to Theseus and Hadrian, the founders of Athens.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Next is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with only a few of its original 104 columns standing.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
4
We watch the Changing of the Guard - at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - in front of the Parliament. These guards, known as Evzones, are the elite force of the Greek Army and were known for their bravery and honour until World War II. Their uniform was introduced by King Otto of Greece and was inspired by the traditional clothes of the mountain warriors and bandits who formed the resistance to the Ottoman Empire.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
We will also see the stadium that held the first modern Olympics in 1896.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
6
Travelling along the coast, we head to the southernmost tip of the peninsula of Attica, Cape Sounion, a getaway close to Athens and famous for its beaches, fish restaurants and the striking ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. Set high atop a cliff rising above the Aegean Sea, the temple forms part of a trio of ancient sites, including the Acropolis, and the Temple of Aphaea on the Greek island of Aegina. Equal distances from each other as the crow flies, on a clear day you may be able to see all the monuments from the others. Sounio is also where Aegeus tragically fell from the cliffs when he saw the black sails that his son had forgotten to change, therefore believing he had died. The Aegean Sea was thus named after him. It is a beautiful place to watch the sunset, the white marble columns framed by the sky and the lovely blue sea!
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
DELPHI, ARACHOVA, THERMOPOLIS, METEORA.
4 stops
7
Along with a professional guide, we visit Delphi - considered the religious centre of the ancient Greek world and the seat of Pythia, the greatest oracle. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo overlook the timeless beauty of the ancient landscape. People from all over Greece would travel to ask advice from Pythia, the oracle of Apollo. In fact, in some of the most important moments in history, her words had a great effect on the course of events, and it is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Temple of Apollo is the centre of an extensive archaeological site that includes the Treasuries of the Siphnians and the Athenians, a theatre, and a stadium. We also visit the museum, which houses the famous Delphic Charioteer and the statue of Antinous, the lover of Hadrian.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
8
The picturesque mountain resort of Arachova is one of the most popular places near Athens for skiing in the winter. There we will relax, enjoy the beautiful views, or have coffee at one of the many charming cafés.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
9
We then visit the site and museum of Leonidas’ 300 Spartans stand against the mighty army of the Xerxes of Persia - Thermopylae, or the “Hot Gates”. The Spartans and their allies lured the Persian army to this narrow pass between the cliffs and the sea and although they were defeated, their bravery allowed the other Greek city-states to mobilise and finally defeat the Persians at the Battle of Salamis.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
10
Finally, we reach Meteora, where we stay. We will have dinner and enjoy the view of the monasteries that we visit the next day.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
METEORA, return to Athens.
5 stops
11
At the stunning, fairytale landscape of Meteora, we visit at least 2 monasteries (or more, time permitting), two of which are guided with a professional guide, before having a meal and returning to Athens late in the afternoon. Monasteries include: Great Meteoron Monastery Varlaam Monastery Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Monastery of Rousanou.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
12
You will get to see at least 2 monasteries (if there is time even more), 2 of them will be guided with a professional guide.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
13
You will get to see at least 2 monasteries (if there is time even more), 2 of them will be guided with a professional guide.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
14
You will get to see at least 2 monasteries (if there is time even more), 2 of them will be guided with a professional guide.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
15
You will get to see at least 2 monasteries (if there is time even more), 2 of them will be guided with a professional guide.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• All prices are for 1 private vehicle, for 1 to 3 passengers with a sedan, 4-6 passengers (on request 8 passengers) with a minivan, usually Mercedes Benz
• Children/Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

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