Great Rail Journeys
Treasures of Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia
10 daysfrom $3,204
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Highlights of Ancient Greece
A leisurely tour of World Heritage sites, from ancient Mycenae and Epidaurus to the Acropolis of Athens, based in the pretty Peloponnese city of Nafplion.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Nafplion
Welcome to beautiful Nafplion
Your Greek holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group before boarding a flight to Athens. On arrival, transfer by coach to the hotel on the outskirts of the historic Venetian city of Nafplion, crossing the impressive Corinth Canal en route (approximately two hours). The hotel was designed by famous Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis. Time to settle in before dinner and drinks.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Nafplion
Touring ancient Mycenae
Excursion to the nearby archaeological site of Mycenae, a fortified city and once the prosperous centre of the Mycenaean civilisation. A guided tour covers highlights including the Lion Gate entrance, Agamemnon's tomb and the ruined Cyclopean walls. Return to the hotel in Nafplion for dinner with drinks.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Nafplion
Odontotos Rack Railway
Drive through mountainous landscape to Kalavryta, site of the 1821 Greek Revolution and the Agia Lavra Monastery. Board the Odontotos Rack Railway (opened 1896) for an hour-long journey through the scenic Vouraikos Gorge to Diakopto on the Corinthian Gulf shore, with free time for independent lunch. On the return coach journey, stop for a wine tasting at a Nemea winery, tour of facilities, tasting of three wines served with breadsticks and local cheese. Note: For departures 20th April and 11th May, due to landslides onto the track, the Mega Spilaio Monastery will be visited instead, followed by wine tasting and lunch at a local winery.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Nafplion
A day at leisure in Nafplion
Free day to explore the attractive Venetian city of Nafplion. A coach transfer is provided, or a taxi takes just five minutes. Wander cobbled streets, neoclassical mansions and flower-filled squares. Visit the Palamidi Fortress (over 200 metres above the town), Akronafplia fortress, Syntagma Square and the Bourtzi Castle on a small island. Note: For departure 27th April, Day 4 and Day 5 have been swapped.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Nafplion
Athens & the Acropolis
Coach excursion to Athens and the Acropolis. A 20-minute uphill stroll along a paved walkway leads to the World Heritage citadel. Guided tour of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena and other treasures, followed by a visit to the modern Acropolis Museum with its glass floor revealing the ancient Athenian city below. Free time to explore the Plaka district or the pedestrianised avenue beneath the Acropolis. Return by coach for dinner with drinks.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Nafplion
Epidaurus & olive oil tasting
Trip to the World Heritage site of Epidaurus, the most popular health centre of ancient Greece, renowned for its theatre, a marvel of acoustic engineering still used for performances. Next, a tasting of olive oil at a local olive oil factory. Return to the hotel with time to relax at the outdoor pool or in the palm-filled gardens before dinner and drinks.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Nafplion
A free day to enjoy Nafplion or explore further
Another day at leisure. Options include a trip to Sparta, visiting Mycenaean artefacts at the Archaeological Museum, admiring the Vouleftikon building (an Ottoman mosque that served as the first Greek Parliament), hiking up to the Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views, or relaxing at the hotel pool. Final dinner of the holiday at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8
Homeward bound
Coach transfer back to Athens airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Athens
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Local beer, wine and soft drinks each day with dinner
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation and travel insurance
