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Classic Greece in Action

Highlights

Day 1: Athens to NafplioDay 2: Mycenae – Epidaurus and Sea KayakDay 3: Trekking in Lousios Gorge and travel to Ancient OlympiaDay 4: Ancient Olympia and drive to DelphiDay 5: Delphi Hike on the Ancient Footpath and Archaeological Site Visit – MeteoraDay 6: Trekking in Meteora (optional rappel / abseiling) and drive back to Athens or other destination


Source: Trekking Hellas

Description

A quick and unpredictable tour to some of Greece’s most important classical sites, like the historical landmarks of Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.


This tour is designed with the knowledge of a local guide, and the taste of the contemporary traveler seeking for a complete different experience:


Enjoy breathtaking views of Greece’s varied nature. Discover less known spectacular sites, scents and tastes of the Mediterranean. Do more in less time: visit some beautiful landscapes on a light hike, have a wine tasting experience, or even some adrenaline action repelling in Meteora.


Experience the authentic part of Greece away from the tourist masses: enjoy the unique atmosphere of small taverns, and the friendly hospitality in boutique hotels. Feel like home in Greece and create a strong bond that will make you want come back again and again!

Source: Trekking Hellas

Itinerary

Day 1: Athens to Nafplio

We are leaving the lively city of Athens behind with destination Nafplio. Short stop at the Corinth Canal, the six-kilometer waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. Nafplion, considered one of the prettiest towns in Greece, is the first capital after independence and a major port since the Bronze Age. Take your time to enjoy a stroll in the alleys of the town and climb the 999 steps to Palamidi fort to enjoy a panoramic view. Overnight in Nafplio. Distance: 135Km’s about 2 hours drive 


Day 2: Mycenae – Epidaurus and Sea Kayak


We start our day with sightseeing to Mycenae and Epidaurus. Mycenae, a place intrinsic in the works of Homer, 9th century BCE poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion's Gate and wander through the remaining ruins. Admire the enormous Cyclopean walls - still a wonder how they were created- and enter the imposing Lions gate to the site that dates back to 1350-1200BC. Just outside the walls, do not forget to visit the Vault-shaped tombs of Lions, Aegisthus and Clytaemnestra, and the Treasury of Atreus. Continue our visit to the third-century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures renowned for its superb acoustics. Epidavre site was set up in honor of the God of Medicine, Asklepios, son of Apollo and Coronis and enjoy the wonderful location of the shrine which is on the Unesco World Heritage list. Time for some action with a refreshing sea kayaking tour paddling from the first capital of modern Greece, with different fortresses in our view. We visit the famous fort of Bourtzi, built in 1473, on a tiny inlet right in front of the port. then we paddle towards the old town of Nafplio, under the cannons of the Old Town’s 1st line of fortification, while the UNESCO World Heritage fortress of Palamidi dominates the view right above it. As soon as we exit the port, we paddle along the ancient road of Nafplio, under Akronauplia fortress, and are rewarded with the breathtaking views of the dominant cliffs covered in succulent vegetation with the fortress as its crown at the top.Overnight in Nafplion.


Day 3: Trekking in Lousios Gorge and travel to Ancient Olympia


Early in the morning we continue to a less touristy but very inspiring mountainous region in central Peloponnese, renowned for its rich in history villages like Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and Karytaina. Today we will hike in the inspiring Lousios Gorge. The hike offers a beautiful combination of history with nature. We will walk amongst trails of dense vegetation going parallel and criss crossing the Lousios River. We visit monasteries that appear to be literally hanging from the cliffs and end the trek at the archaeological site of Ancient Gortys. This is one of the most stirring of all Greek sites as it is based along the rushing river known in ancient times as the Gortynios.  

We enjoy a traditional Greek picnic lunch, and then we continue our journey to Olympia. Overnight in Olympia (B/L/D).

Distance: 80Km’s, about 1,5 hours drive. 

(optional activity instead of hiking is rafting)


Day 4: Ancient Olympia and drive to Delphi


The site of Olympia is one of the largest and most beautiful sites in Greece.

We walk with our guide through the valley of wild olives and plane trees to the Ancient Ruins.

Walking under the frame of the great temple columns we feel the awe of the Olympian history.

We visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum.

As this is one of the most important historical sites in Greece, we spend a comprehensive guided tour, and some free time to enjoy the ambience of the sight.

In the afternoon we head towards Patra, and drive through the impressive bridge over to western Greece via the “Little Dardanelles” from Rio to Antirio. Once we cross over we drive through the picturesque town of Nafpaktos and finally arrive via a beautiful coastal route to Delphi. 

Overnight in Delphi

Distance: 240Km’s, about 3,5 hours drive.


Day 5: Delphi Hike on the Ancient Footpath and Archaeological Site Visit – Meteora


A historic and inspiring hike that combines the magic of nature with the mystery of ancient temples!

We follow the ancient footpath, from the slopes of Mt Parnassos in a forested route to the village of Delphi.

The same footpath that took Pan’s worshippers up from the ancient temples of Delphi to the Corycean Grotto to celebrate rites, which is now a part of the E4 European trail.

We start at Livadi plateau at an altitude of 1200m.

We descend to Delphi sanctuary overlooking the olive trees valley and the Corinthian Gulf, whilst the mountains of the Peloponnese complete our picturesque scenery.

We stop, en route, for a picnic in a traditional sheep barn, near the cave of Pan.

We reach Delphi, and visit the actual archaeological site and museum, a world heritage monument according to UNESCO, with a professional guide.

Amongst others we visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum which contains masterpieces such as the Bronze Charioteer and the image of the famous athlete Aghias.

We drive through the wide Thessalic plain to Kalambaka, the small town at the foot of Meteora rocks. In this far-off corner of Thessaly there is a strange and magnificent region which is justly famous as one of the wonders of the East.

Just above Kalambaka stand the famous Meteora Monasteries, glued to the sides of the rocky pinnacles.

Overnight in Meteora

Distance: 230Km’s, about 3,5 hours’ drive.


Day 6: Trekking in Meteora (optional rappel / abseiling) and drive back to Athens or other destination


We hike amongst the gigantic rocks of Meteora rising perpendicularly 250-300 m from the point where the Peneus river emerges from the deep canyons of the Pindos range.

We swing between the sky and the earth, unworldly, mysterious, bearing a unique religious ecstasy.

We walk around western Meteora, following the same old paths the monks used to use, which wind their way amongst the tall rock - towers.

These paths go up to the rocks and take us to the cliff top monasteries, the high places of the Greek - orthodox spirituality. We visit the world-famous monasteries of Meteora, Megalo Meteoron and Agios Stefanos.

After lunch we return to Athens.

Distance: 350Km’s, about 4 hours drive.



Source: Trekking Hellas

What's Included

  • Transport by private car
  • Fuel and tolls throughout the trip
  • Accommodation in hotels as listed below sharing a double room
  • Meals Full Board (Starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 5)
  • English Speaking Trekking Hellas guide
  • Entrance fees to Mycenae-Epidavros, Olympia, Delphi, 2 monasteries in Meteora, Professional licensed guides in Mycenae-Epidavros, Olympia, Delphi.
  • One sea kayak activity
  • One hiking activity in Lousios gorge
  • One hiking activity in Delphi
  • One hiking activity in Meteora


Source: Trekking Hellas

Additional Information

Equipment


Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry your entire luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances. Also, remember you unpack and repack on most nights. You can leave the luggage that you don’t need on the trek, at the hotel in Athens or in our offices.

  • Large rucksack or holdall to contain all your luggage; waterproof liner recommended
  • Good waterproof top (Gore-Tex recommended or similar) with hood.
  • Thick socks for walking
  • Spare shoes for the evenings (optional
  • Daypack (small rucksack, 20-40 liters) to carry picnic lunch, water bottle, cold/wet weather gear, camera, etc; straps should be strong, not too narrow and preferably padded. In wet weather, belongings should be packed in waterproof plastic bags inside the pack
  • Warm clothes for the evening including spare trousers and top (fleece jackets/pullovers are warm yet light); plus optionally thermal underwear, for April and October
  • Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with collar and long sleeves (against sunburn)
Source: Trekking Hellas

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