Classical Greece

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Athens & Delphi, Kalambaka & Meteora, Thessaloniki

This private luxury tour features the most antiquities-rich cities in mainland Greece. With your own private guide, enjoy comprehensive touring of the top sights in Athens, explore the center of the ancient world in Delphi and the medieval monasteries of Meteora, and experience the cultural crossroads of Thessaloniki.

Begin in Athens, the capital of Greece and a showcase of ancient civilization. During private touring with your expert guide, visit the city’s top sights such as the breathtaking Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient ruins (including the Parthenon), and the wonderful Acropolis Museum. Also explore the Agora, local markets, and the charming, taverna-lined Plaka neighborhood. Depending on your interests, other options include riding the funicular up Mount Lycabettus or visiting specialty museums such as the Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, National Museum of Contemporary Art and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. If desired, take an excursion along the beautiful coast to Cape Sounion to watch the sunset at the ancient Temple of Poseidon. There will also be time to enjoy the city’s excellent restaurants and lively neighborhoods.

Next, transfer to Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora. Stop en route to tour Delphi, the spectacular ruins of an ancient religious complex that the ancient Greeks believed to be the center of the world. Set on the steep slopes of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological zone overlooks a deep gorge and is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Greece. If desired, also opt to visit the synagogue in Trikala to learn about the history of the Jewish community in the region.

During private touring of Meteora, explore centuries-old monasteries perched atop the craggy pinnacles of this scenic region. Nearby, visit Vergina and the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Aigai to see the vestiges of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, such as the ruins of the palace of Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) and the remarkable treasures found in his tomb. Alternatively, take an excursion to the ruins of the ancient city of Pella—the birthplace of Alexander the Great—to see the remains of grand villas and vast mosaics or visit Dion, the ruins of a sacred town at the base of Mount Olympus.

Continue to Thessaloniki, an ancient port on the Aegean Sea and the second-largest city in Greece. Explore the highlights of the city such as the White Tower, the Roman-era Rotonda and Arch of Galerius, the Byzantine-era Agia Sofia church and Modiano Market. Other options include the Archaeological Museum and the Jewish Museum.

Return to Athens for a night. This tour can easily be extended to include a stay at the exclusive Amanzoe resort—one of Greece’s most deluxe properties—or in nearby Turkey or elsewhere in Europe.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Athens VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Athens Full-day private tour Day 3 Athens – Delphi – Kalambaka Private excursion to Delphi for touring of ruins en route to hotel for 2 nights Day 4 Kalambaka & Meteora Private touring of monasteries Day 5 Kalambaka – Dion, Vergina or Pella – Thessaloniki Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 6 Thessaloniki Full-day private tour Day 7 Thessaloniki – Athens Private transfer to airport for flight to Athens. Private transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 8 Depart Athens Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Athens: Four Seasons Astir Palace, King George Hotel or Hotel Grande Bretagne Kalambaka: Divani Meteora Hotel Thessaloniki: ON Residence or Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki

Cost

$15,325 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $18,455 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)