Athens (2 nights), plus City Tour - Delphi (1 night) - Kalambaka (1 night) - Volos (2 nights) - Athens (1 night)

Group or Private Basis Only
This outstanding program features an important city tour of Athens, a scenic drive to Delphi, with a stop at Arachova; a drive and visit to Kalambaka with the majestic monasteries of Meteora towering above; a visit to the beautiful region of Volos, plus numerous mountain villages and seaside resorts. This is one of the most scenic tours on the mainland, and also one of the most interesting.

Day 1: Athens City

Arrival at Athens El. Venizelou Airport. Assistance and transfer with escort to centrally located hotel. Overnight at chosen hotel on BB or HB in ATHENS

Day 2:  Athens City

After breakfast, depart for an orientation tour of Athens with our professional guide, passing by the most important historical monuments of town. Stop at the foot of the Acropolis hill for an extensive visit of the site, as well as the Dionyssos Theater. Descend from the Acropolis hill through the Ancient and Roman Agora for a guided tour. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at chosen hotel on BB or HB in ATHENS

Day 3: Thiva City, Livadia City, Arachova Town, Delphi Town

A drive along the Greek National road and via Thiva and Levadia will take us to the foot of the Parnathos Mountain. Before reaching Delphi, we will pass through Arachova, a picturesque ski resort, famous for its local hand woven covers and carpets, but also for its local wine and a special type of cheese. A few minutes drive will take us to the site of Delphi, suddenly appearing ahead of us, stretching on both sides of the road, along the steep mountain. We will visit the famous site, the “Navel of the World,” where history was ‘predicted’ by the renowned oracle in ancient times. The museum contains many important finds from the site, among them the impressive the bronze Charioteer. Overnight at chosen hotel on HB in DELPHI

Day 4: Delphi Town, Amfissa City, Lamia City, Kalambaka Town

We will leave Delphi for Kalambaka, via Amfissa and Lamia, from where we will reach the Thessalia Plain, a rich agricultural area. Approaching the village one can see from afar the impressive rocks, with the famous Meteora Monasteries on top, which seem to want to touch the sky. Depending on the opening times, we will visit one of the Monasteries today. Overnight at chosen hotel on HB in Kalambaka

Day 5: Kalambaka Town, Larissa City, Volos City

After visiting one or two of the Monasteries, we will leave the Thessalia plain and drive via Larissa to the Pelion region. The area combines beautifully both the sea and mountains, and we will arrange accordingly our visit here. Upon arrival we will explore Volos, the capital of the area, with a stroll through town and along the seaside. Overnight at chosen hotel on HB in VOLOS

Day 6: Volos (City)

One should plan this tour, so that you stay on a weekend in this spot, which will give you the opportunity for a very special train ride: The so called black train, a small, traditional train, driven by charcoal, runs along the coast to take us from Ano Lehonia in a slow and steady drive through a beautiful green valley up to the mountain village Milies. The village counts as an important cultural center, and one should visit the local library, which hosts a number of rare books and manuscripts, or the museum, which exhibits a fine collection of folk art. Some of the traditional homes here have been renovated and operate as guest houses today. After some time for visits and explorations, we continue for Visitza, a mountain village with houses that can be considered as examples of the typical architecture of this region. Late afternoon we return by coach to Volos. Overnight at chosen hotel on HB in VOLOS

Day 7: Volos City, Anakassia, Ali Meria, Portaria, Athens City

Before returning to Athens we will drive north-east of Volos to the nearby villages of Anakasia and Ali Meria, where there are some wall paintings by Theophilos, and to admire the panoramic view of the Pagasetic Gulf and the plain of Thessaly. After Anakasia we continue for Portaria, a lovely summer resort with abundant crystalline water and a number of hotels. We will stop to at the village and there will be opportunity to visit the chapel of the Panagia of Portaria with its 16th century frescoes, before we drive on to Athens. Overnight at chosen hotel on BB in ATHENS

Day 8: Athens (City)

In due time prior departure of the return flight our coach and assistant will take the group to Athens El. Venizelos airport for check-in.