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A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia

9 days  |  12 days with Crete & Athens extension  |  Loading prices

Group size
15–38 travelers
Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars

110
Activity level

Learn about the sites and legends that defined ancient Greece.

Rich history, rugged ruins, remarkable beauty—you can find it all in Greece. And on this tour, you’ll experience the country’s wonders coming alive. Let the echoes of antiquity wash over you as you monument-hop in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, and Nafplio. To dig even further back in time, add the trip’s extension to Crete—Greece’s largest and most populous island—for a study of the Minoan civilization, and discover a culture that predated even Socrates by centuries.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts, and 3 dinners served with beer or wine
  • 5 sightseeing tours, including a walk through time at the Acropolis of Athens
  • 1 expert Tour Director, your go-to for everything Greek
  • 4 local guides who’ll help you dig deeper into the nation’s ancient icons
  • Private deluxe motor coach for smooth travel across timeless terrain
  • Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines

Included highlights

  • Contrasting the ruins atop the Acropolis of Athens with the modern city below
  • Straining your ear in the Temple of Apollo, seeking ancient whispers from the Oracle of Delphi
  • Standing in Olympia’s Gymnasium, site of the first Olympic Games
  • Grabbing a seat for a peaceful moment in the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
  • Gazing down into the Corinth Canal, its steep limestone walls plunging into the waters below
  • Delving into the culture and myths of the Minoans at the palace of Knossos (if you book the extension!)

Itinerary

Overnight Flight

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Athens

Day 2: Arrival in Athens

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Greece! Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.

Crete & Athens extension

Even to the Ancient Greeks, the Minoans of Crete were relics of a bygone era. On this trip’s extension, you’ll go back—way back—to when they ruled modern Greece’s largest island. Fly to the Cretan capital of Heraklion and investigate the ruins of Knossos. Then, after a free day to do as you please, return to Athens for a final night in the Greek capital.

Heraklion

Day 9: Flight to Heraklion & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, this morning. Remnants of the ancient Minoan civilization can be found across the island, and its diverse landscape ranges from lush valleys and dramatic gorges to mountains and beaches.

Board your bus and cruise past the olive tree-covered terrain surrounding Heraklion—an ancient port town that was once the hub of the Minoans—where you’ll set off on a guided tour.

  • Visit the ruins of the Bronze Age palace of Knossos. Part administrative center, part place of worship, it held a special place at the heart of Minoan culture (and was where, according to myth, King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in the heart of a labyrinth).
  • Take some free time to explore Heraklion on your own and see what other ancient mysteries you’ll discover.

Day 10: Free day in Heraklion

Included meal: Breakfast

Looking to experience centuries of cultural diversity? Join the excursion to Chania, a coastal city on Crete’s northwestern shore that has passed between Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman hands through the years. Embark on a walking tour of Chania’s Old Town, a historic quarter tinged by Venetian heritage that also happens to boast a thriving Jewish community.

You can also use your free day to enjoy Cretan cuisine—grilled seafood and local cheeses like mizithra—at one of the island’s many seaside tavernas or stroll along the warm sands of a beach or three.

Athens

Day 11: Flight to Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Athens today. Then, gather with your group members and toast to your trip with a farewell drink.

Wrap up your last night in Athens with an optional excursion to a local’s home, where you’ll indulge in traditional dishes and lively conversation—or explore the city solo, chasing sunset views and the perfect gyro.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Reviews

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Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

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Athens - The Golden Age Hotel of Athens

This modern hotel is located in the Ilisia neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Athens Concert Hall, and the Athens War Museum.

Delphi Region - Amalia Hotel Delphi

This modern hotel is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus in Delphi. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, beautiful views, and manicured gardens. Nearby, you’ll find the Temple of Apollo, the Old Temple of Athena, and the Stadium...

Olympia - Amalia Hotel Olympia

This modern hotel is located in the Agios Georgios neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and pool. Nearby, you’ll find the Archimedes Museum, the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games, and the...

Nafplio - Amalia Hotel Nafplio

This modern hotel is located in the town entrance of Nafplion. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, balconies, and air conditioning. Nearby, you’ll find Árgos, Tiryns, and the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Crete - Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

This luxe hotel is located in Heraklion on the island of Crete. Guests enjoy restaurants, the outdoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lions Square, Ammoudara Beach, and various shops and restaurants.

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

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