Grand Mainland Tour
GR1016 – 07 days / 06 nights
Overview
Prehistory, the Classical Period, Roman Domination, the Byzantine Empire, the
Crusades, Modern Times: Greece through the centuries will unfold before you during
these 07 days!
Tour itinerary
Day 01 – Via Mycenea & Naphlion:
Depart from Athens by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on
and visit the Theatre of Epidauros famous for its remarkable acoustics. Proceed to the
town of Nauplion (short stop) then drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological
Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Depart for Olympia, cradle of the Olympic
Games, through the Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis.
meals: dinner included
Day 02 – Olympia Site & Museum:
Morning visit the Archaeological Site with the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the
Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains
of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge crossing from Rion to Antirion. Pass
by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea. Arrive Delphi and
overnight stay.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 03 – Delphi, centre of the ancient world:
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum of Delphi, the center of
the Ancient world – the “Omphalos” (Navel) of the Earth – whose prestige extended
far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. Then depart for Kalambaka, a small
town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the Meteora, gigantic rocks
rising steep from the plain of Thessaly.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 04 – Meteora Monasteries to Thessaloniki:
Visit Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air,
stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.
Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of
Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in
Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrive Thessaloniki, the
second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 05 – Thessaloniki Sightseeing:
In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the
“co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. Visit
unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and
most characteristic churches of the Christian world as well as in the Museum of
Byzantine Culture, awarded with the Council of Europe’s Museum Prize for the year
- Rest of the day free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 06 – Explore Macedonia (Edessa/Naoussa/Vergina):
Depart for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa
where we see the town’s famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa,
to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle’s School, the picturesque site
where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to Alexander
the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the
experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering
the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King
Phillip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th
century. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul’s
Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colourful market
area. Return to Thessaloniki.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 06 – Pella & Dion:
Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of
the 4th century BC villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and
visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of
mountain Olympos). After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly,
Lamia, Thermopylae (see Leonidas’ Monument) and Thebes, arrive Athens late in the
afternoon / early evening.
meals: breakfast included
What’s included?
First Class accomodation, Half Board basis
Guiding and main entrance fees
A/C tour coach transport (non-smoking)
Taxes and handling services
Tour Rate: 925Euro per person in double
Tour Dates – 2015 season
23/04 — 14/05 — 28/05 — 11/06 — 25/06 — 23/07 — 10/09 — 24/09 — 01/10
Notes
Accommodation in Athens before/after the tour optional extra
This tour can be combined with other travel arrangements you might wish to
make for Greece, just let us know what you would like to accomplish and we
will advise accordingly