Find the Origin of Olympic

Welcome to Athens! After you arrive at Athens International Airport, our local driver will pick you up from the arrival hall and send you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to either take a break in the hotel room or hang out on your own.

➤ Recommendations for Early Arrival
Take a 15-minute walk south from the hotel on your own to the Hadrian's Library, which was built and named by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Have a close look at its well preserved small part of the Corinthian west door and the northern half of the column. Then wander around the Monastiraki Square, lying next to the library. When the night falls, have dinner at the nearby Efcharis restaurant, a Greek restaurant that offers Greek bread and good tapenades while waiting for the main course. Moussaka, grilled snapper, cheese croquettes, tzatziki sauce and kebabs are all recommended. It costs €10-15 per person.

➤ Tipping Culture in Greece
Tipping is welcome but not mandatory in Greece. For your private guide and driver, a tip of around €20 per person per day is reasonable, or 10-15% of the cost of the trip, depending entirely on your satisfaction with their service. In a restaurant, a tip of 10% of the bill would be suitable. Add the bill to a round number is also good. Moreover, if you pay in cash, you can leave the tip on the table. In a hotel, it will be nice to tip the baggage handlers €1~2. There's no need to tip the public taxi driver, but they'll be happy if you round the fare up to the nearest euro. Taxi apps can set different amounts of tips, but choosing not to tip is also OK.

Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

Our experienced guide and private driver will pick you up in the morning and drive for 2 hours along the coast via Corinth Canal to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, one of the best preserved ancient theaters in Greece and especially famous for its miraculous sound effect. Situated on a hillside surrounded by green trees, like a huge folding fan, the theater has its seats cut out of the rock and resemble steps. Standing on the stage, you need no microphone and can be heard clearly from every corner of the theater. Try to toss a coin and find the truth in person. The theater is still in use today, especially during June to August, when the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, the most prominent theatrical event in Greece, is held.

➤ Epidaurus - Birthplace of Medicine
Epidaurus was the divine domain of Asklepios, the god of medicine who had the ability to cure all diseases and even bring the patient back to life. Therefore, Epidaurus was regarded as a place of pilgrimage by doctors and medical practitioners all over the world. As more and more people came for medical treatment, it began to gradually build with places to live, eat and entertain, and the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus was among them.Then we'll drive for half an hour to Nafplio to visit the Palamidi Castle, which stands on a rock. Built by the Venetians in 1714, the fortress overlooks the sapphire blue sea and picturesque fields, as well as Bourtzi castle in the middle of the sea.

In the afternoon, we will drive for another half an hour to the ancient town of Mycenae to visit the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, including the Lion Gate, the Palace of Mycenae, and the Treasury of Atreus (Tomb of Agamemnon). The archaeological site was accidentally discovered in 1870s by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. You may see the ornate frescoes, exquisite potteries and sculptures, and a series of linear scripts, all of which led to the rediscovery of Mycenaean civilization. Marvel at Mycenaeans’ excellence at arts and crafts. Finally, we will drive 2.5 hours to Olympia. Check into the local hotel and have a good rest.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Olympia (4 stars) or similar

Your sightseeing today begins with a visit to ancient Olympia, the host of the first Olympic Games. Olympia was considered a "sacred place" where Zeus summoned the gods to hold meetings. Our first stop will be the Statue of Zeus, which was built to show respect to Zeus. Once set inside the temple, the statue is one of the seven ancient architectural wonders of the world. Although it disappeared without a trace, you can have an imagination of the magnificence and delicacy of the statue through reading the vivid description in Periegesis Hellados written by a traveler. Then, admire the Temple of Hera, dedicated to the goddess Hera, Zeus’s wife. You may see an altar in front of the temple, where the tinder was gathered at the beginning of every Olympic Games. The eternal flame was seen as the sacred fire symbolizing the inheritance of human beings’ obtaining natural divine power from Zeus. The modern Olympic flame is created by the Greek High Priest (now played by actors) using a concave mirror device to light the torch under the Olympian sun. Next, we’ll visit Shrine of Pelops, Athletes' Oath Area and Ancient Gymnasium. Then come to the Stadium at Olympia, where the first Olympia Games was held to honor the supreme god Zeus in 776 BC. The whole of Greece observed the “Olympic Truce”, stipulating that during the athletic games, no city should start a war.

Afterwards, we will drive for about 2 hours to Nafpaktos, passing the Rio-Antirrio Bridge on the halfway, the second longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Upon arrival, admire views of the Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos and the Nafpaktos Venetian Port. In the afternoon we’ll continue to drive for 2 hours to Delphi and check into a local hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Delphi:
"To Patriko Mas" is located just opposite the hotel. Book a table on the terrace as it offers unparalleled views of the valley, with stunning sunsets behind the majestic mountains. Moussaka, pork steak, dolmadakia, Greek salad, ceviche and spinach pie will definitely give you an ultimate taste feast. It costs €25-30 per person, and paying by card is feasible.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nidimos Hotel, Delphi (3 stars) or similar

After breakfast, get insight into the divine city of Delphi. The Oracle of Delphi was the most influential oracle in ancient Greece, covering wide aspects from politics, culture to ideology. Follow your guide to visit the Temple of Apollo, from whose porch you’ll have a close look at the three famous instructive maxims: "Know yourself" "Nothing in excess" "Give a pledge and trouble is at hand". Someone once went to Delphi and asked if there’s anyone wiser than Socrates, and got the answer “No one”. Socrates heard about it and was confused because he didn't regard himself wise. Then he gathered those who were considered wise and discussed issues. It finally turned out these so-called wise men all have one thing in common - self-righteousness. Unlike them, Socrates thought that "What I know is my own ignorance." It’s precisely because of his constantly examining himself with such a reverent attitude that Socrates was considered the wisest man. And then head to the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, a stadium that can hold around 6,500 people, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, one of the most important treasure houses of ancient Greek art. It preserves exquisite relief wall carvings from the archaeological site of Delphi and sculptures offered by various city-states. Find the highlights of the bronze sculpture of Charioteer, reliefs from the Siphnian Treasury, Sphinx and the statue of Antinous, as well as the renowned navel stone.

At noon, let’s visit Arachova, a small city only 15 minutes’ drive from Delphi. Then continue with a 3-hour drive to Kalambaka with a short stop at Trikala on the way. On arrival, check into a local hotel and have a good rest.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Kalambaka (4 stars) or similar

Today, stand in awe of the unique and stunning Meteora, which means "suspended in the air" in Greek. The monasteries in Meteora are among the largest and steepest buildings in the Orthodox monasteries. Since the 11th century, ascetic monks had built 24 monasteries on the sandstone peaks of Meteora, but now only six remain intact and we’ll visit two of them today. Built in the 15th century, Monastery of St. Stephan has preserved precious Byzantine and Christian objects and offers a panoramic view of Kalambaka. The Monastery of Varlaam was built in the 16th century on the top of a 380 m high rock.
➤ Tips:
1. Since each of the six monasteries closes one or two days a week, we'll plan accordingly based on your arrival date.
2. Shorts and none-sleeve tops are not allowed. Besides, photography is strictly prohibited inside.

Then, take a 4-hour drive back to Athens. On the way, pass Thermopyles, where located the famous Statue of Leonidas commemorating the battle of 300 brave Spartans against thousands of soldiers of the Persian Empire. Check into the hotel after arrival.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Athens:
Located just to the right of the hotel, Artensis Restaurant serves yummy Greek pizza, Moussaka and pork Souvlaki. Sitting on the outdoor terrace next to the beautiful fountain, enjoy the delicious Greek dishes and stunning night view. It costs around €20 per person.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

Athens city tour is today’s main rhythm! Our private guide will pick you up from the hotel after breakfast and begin today with the Hellenic Parliament from exterior. Then, we’ll visit the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the National Library of Greece, the Presidential Palace and the Presidential Guard, part of the Greek army. You’ll see the tallest and strongest men wearing white skirts and tight wool stockings, velvet hats and tasseled shoes. The white skirt became a fashion and folk statement and was chosen as traditional battledress when Greeks fought for independence. The guard changing ceremony is always a sight in central Athens. Stop and seize the chance to watch it if we come across it.

Then head to the Panathinaic Stadium, which hosted the Ancient Olympic Games in honor of Athena long time ago and the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It’s the only large stadium in the world built entirely of marble stones, most of which were from the ancient stadium itself. Standing on the track of the stadium, you’ll truly feel the Olympic spirit.

Next, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis, which includes the masterpieces of classical Greek art —the Parthenon, the Stoa of Eumenes, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike, which show the splendid mythology and religious civilization of ancient Greece. The Parthenon, dedicated to the city's patron goddess of wisdom and war Athena, is the vital building of the Acropolis. Feel the Athenians' devotion to Athena in this multi-thousand-year-old temple.

After a midday coffee break in the Plaka area, we'll drive along the scenic coastal road for about 1.5 hours to Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon, a dedication to the revered god Poseidon. The Cape Sounion is surrounded on three sides by the Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the front, and the Ionian Sea to the west, making it a perfect place to admire a stunning sunset. After today's itinerary, return to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

In the early morning, the driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Pireaus Port for a 7.5-hour boat trip to Santorini. Upon arrival at around 3 pm, our local driver in Santorini will pick you up and assist you to check into the hotel. Then feel free to have a rest or wander round the island on your own.
➤ Note: If you would like to shorten the transfer time between Athens and Santorini, our travel consultants could assist you to upgrade to a flight and provide pricing information.

➤ Free Time Recommendations in Santorini
Take a 7-minute taxi ride south from the hotel to the Santo Wines, a highly rated winery. Book a table on its platform to enjoy the marvelous sunset. Order a classic wine-tasting package which won’t let you down. Foods like olives, cheese, marinated salmon and desserts are served.

Wandering around Fira is another choice. View the landmark Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the only Catholic cathedral in Santorini. Completely different from Santorini's blue and white, the cathedral is mainly beige, with a colorful interior. Stroll along the sea until you see the upper cable car station, and the cathedral is right there, about 20 more minutes' walk northwest from the hotel. After visiting, a dinner in Kokkalo is highly recommended, only a 5-minute walk northeast from the cathedral. The T-bone steak draws returned customers. Mushroom truffle risotto, salad, pasta, fresh risotto and feta balls are also good. It costs €30-35 per person and can be paid by card.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Philippion Boutique Hotel, Santorini (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, a bus will pick you up and send you to the port of Athinios, and then change to a boat to the Volcano of Santorini. We’ll hike through the crater of the volcano and then sail to the nearby hot spring. When the boat stops near the hot spring, you can jump into the sea and swim there, which we call "hot spring jumping". Avoid light colored clothes as it’s a sulfur hot spring. Then continue to take the boat to Therasia Island, where you may relax and enjoy a lunch. It takes hundreds of stairs to get to the village, so wear comfortable shoes. In the afternoon, set sail to Ammoudi Bay and arrive the town of Oia at around 5 pm. Walk or ride a donkey to the famous town to enjoy the sunset. You may want to take photos in the spots as follows: Castle of Oia, 3 Domes Viewpoint, burnt orange stairs and small houses of Kastro Oia House, Oia Lookout Panoramic Viewpoint. We’ll finish today's itinerary at around 8 pm and take the bus back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Philippion Boutique Hotel, Santorini (4 stars) or similar

You are free to arrange your own schedule in the morning. Later at the agreed time, the driver will send you to the port of Santorini, where you can take the boat leaving for Athens around noon. Upon arrival near the midnight, the local driver will meet you at the port and escort you to the hotel.

➤ Free Morning Recommendation in Santorini
Relax on the black beach of Perissa on your own. Wear sandals to avoid hot sands and rent a sun lounger to soak up the sun the whole morning. Feel free to swim or snorkel in the clear seawater and amaze at the small fish swimming around you. Or else walk along the beach and hang out in the nearby town. The restaurants with bright colored exterior walls, tables and chairs make it definitely a good place to take photos.
How to get there: Taking a bus costs around €2.5 per person and takes 20 minutes one way. Start early, bring some cash and get to the bus station 10 minutes’ walk north of your hotel. Otherwise, hail a taxi on the app “FreeNow” or ask the hotel staff for help to order one. It costs about €40.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

The 10-day Greece Olympic tour comes to the end today. The driver will wait for you at the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport. May you a pleasant trip back home!

If time permits, consider a trip to the Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill) on your own, a 20 more minutes’ walk southwest of your hotel. Climb to the top of the hill and look down on the charming old city of Athens, recalling the historical sites you’ve walked through these days.

Meal: Breakfast