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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Treasures of Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia

Ten-day escorted tour of Athens, Delphi, Olympia and the Peloponnese

Illustration of Treasures of Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia

Treasures of Greece is a 10-day escorted tour operated by Great Rail Journeys that combines ancient history with coastal relaxation. Starting with a flight from London Heathrow, the tour spends two nights exploring Athens and the Acropolis, then moves to Delphi in the foothills of Mount Parnassus, where you visit the Temple of Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi at this UNESCO World Heritage site. From there, you travel to Olympia to explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games, including the Sanctuary of Zeus and the ancient stadium. A visit to Greece's oldest winery, Achaia Clauss, includes a cellar tour and tasting of Mavrodaphne wines. The itinerary concludes with three nights in the coastal town of Nafplion, with guided tours of Mycenae and the ancient theatre at Epidaurus, plus a free day to explore locally. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and accommodation spans four hotels ranging from 4 to 5-star properties. One rail journey from Athens to Levadia on Day 3 is included, with the remainder of transport by coach.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 2,399 / USD 3,204) includes accommodation and most meals but does not include flights; confirm the total cost with Great Rail Journeys before booking
  • Single supplement is GBP 1,000 (USD 1,335), significantly higher than half the double-occupancy rate
  • Most evenings are structured with group dinners, though Days 2, 4, 6 and 8 offer leisure to dine independently

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Athens

    Flying to Athens

    Your exploration of ancient Greece begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group before boarding a flight to Athens. On arrival in the Greek capital, transferred by coach to the central hotel, situated in the shadow of the Acropolis with breathtaking views of the city's most symbolic monument. This evening, dine at a local taverna.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Athens

    Sightseeing and the Acropolis

    After breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour uncovering the city's neoclassical architecture, bustling squares and ancient sites, with entrance included to the magnificent Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site including the Erechtheion, Propylaea gateway and the Parthenon. After the guided tour, entry to the modern Acropolis Museum. This evening, at leisure to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Delphi

    Athens to Delphi by rail

    Leaving Athens after breakfast, travel by rail to Levadia, then continue by coach towards Delphi through the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Check in to the hotel for the next two nights. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, dine together in the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Delphi

    Delphi's archaeological sites

    After breakfast, travel by coach to explore Delphi's remarkable archaeological sites with a knowledgeable local guide. Visit the Oracle of Delphi, the Temple of Apollo (a World Heritage site) and the museum. The evening is free to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Olympia

    Greece's oldest winery and to Olympia

    Checking out after breakfast, journey by coach towards Olympia. En route, visit Achaia Clauss winery for a guided cellar tour and wine tasting, including the red Mavrodaphne dessert wines. Continue to Olympia and check in to the hotel for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Olympia

    Exploring the origin of the Olympic Games

    With a knowledgeable local guide, explore Olympia, location of the first recorded Olympic Games in 776 BC. Visit the archaeological site including the Sanctuary of Zeus, Temple of Hera, ancient stadium and training grounds. Also visit the museum. Return to the hotel early this evening; at leisure to relax and dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Nafplion

    To Nafplion via Mycenae

    Check out after breakfast and journey by coach to Nafplion, stopping en route to explore the ancient site of Mycenae on a guided tour, including Lion Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon and the Cyclopean walls. Continue to Nafplion, a charming coastal town in the Peloponnese. Check in to the hotel located amidst the sea and orange groves. This evening, gather for dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Nafplion

    The ancient Greek city of Epidaurus

    Travel by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus. On a guided tour, visit the ancient theatre renowned for its remarkable acoustics and the Sanctuary of Asclepius. Return to Nafplion in the afternoon; evening at leisure to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Nafplion

    A day at leisure in Nafplion

    A free day to relax or explore Nafplion at your own pace. Options include climbing to the Palamidi Fortress, visiting the Bourtzi Fortress by boat, exploring the Archaeological Museum, or relaxing on Arvanitia Beach. This evening, come together for the final dinner at a local taverna.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    Transfer by coach to Athens airport and board the flight back to London Heathrow, where the exploration of Greece comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of the Acropolis including the Parthenon and Erechtheion, followed by entry to the Acropolis Museum
  • Day 4Explore Delphi's archaeological sites with a local guide, visiting the Oracle of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo at this UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Day 5Guided cellar tour and wine tasting at Achaia Clauss winery, sampling Mavrodaphne dessert wines from Greece's oldest winery
  • Day 6Visit Olympia's archaeological site including the Sanctuary of Zeus, Temple of Hera and ancient stadium, birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC
  • Day 8Guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its remarkable acoustics, and the Sanctuary of Asclepius

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 9 nights 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Athens
  • Breakfast each day
  • 5 dinners
  • One glass of wine, beer or soft drink with dinner
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes Standard Class rail travel from Athens to Levadia on Day 3, plus all coach travel and return flights from London Heathrow to Athens
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager throughout, and most days include guided tours of archaeological sites with local guides
Which archaeological sites are visited?
The Acropolis in Athens (including the Parthenon), the Temple of Apollo and Oracle of Delphi, Olympia (Sanctuary of Zeus and Temple of Hera), Mycenae (Lion Gate and Tomb of Agamemnon), and Epidaurus (ancient theatre and Sanctuary of Asclepius)
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day and five dinners with one glass of wine, beer or soft drink included. Other dinners are at your own expense
When does this tour depart?
Great Rail Journeys offers five departures: May 2027, June 2027, September 2027, October 2026 and October 2027
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking at archaeological sites and in town exploration. Day 9 in Nafplion offers optional activities including climbing to Palamidi Fortress or visiting museums and beaches at your own pace

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