Self-drive classic route

General Description

Day 1:

Arrival in Athens

After arriving at Athens airport, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives who will transfer you to your accommodation.

The capital of Greece, inhabited since the Neolithic age, is considered Europe's historical capital and one of the most emblematic cities worldwide.

Nowadays, it offers its guests an unparalleled experience. A journey in its 6,000-year history includes imposing monuments, art masterpieces of antiquity and the Middle Ages, as well as the architectural heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries. You will feel a cheering sensation under the luminous light of the Attic sky while scrutinizing the enchanting landscape in the environs of the city (the grooved coastline, sandy beaches, and conical mountains) and enjoying the modern establishments and the liveliness of the locals.

Year-round visitors are fascinated by Athens, one of the most attractive and appealing capitals of the continent.

Overnight stay in Athens.

Day 2:

Exploring Athens

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day is all yours to discover the apparent and hidden gems of the capital. Athens is home to a plethora of monuments, including but not limited to the unique hill of Acropolis that hosts the Parthenon and several other temples, the Panathenaic Stadium, and Hadrian’s arch.
Numerous museums with impressive exhibits, such as the Acropolis museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the National Gallery, are all situated in proximity to the city center. Upon request, we can schedule a non-private bus tour with a guide that will take you to several major landmarks.
Overnight stay in Athens.

Day 3:

Corinth Canal and Epidaurus - Nafplion - Mycenae

Breakfast at the hotel.

A car will be delivered to you at the reception between 09.00 and 10.00.

After boarding the vehicle, you will follow the road to the Corinth Canal, which is coastal and offers wonderful views. After a short stop at the canal, a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is strongly recommended.
Epidaurus constitutes one of the most significant sites of archaeological interest and reflects the magnificence of ancient Greek culture.
Noteworthy is the fact that the regional Sanctuary of Asclepios has been a part of UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites since 1988. The town's location also allows views of the Saronic Gulf.

The drive to Mycenae will enhance your awe even more. The Mycenaean was one of the leading ancient civilizations since it comprised the first advanced and distinct Greek civilization on the mainland featuring urban infrastructure, works of art, and the Linear B script. You will be able to visit the Tomb of King Agamemnon.

Then you will proceed to Nafplion, the first capital city of Greece, after the country's declaration as an independent state. The old town boasts cobbled alleys with neoclassical buildings and lovely shops ideal for strolling. However, alternative ways to explore the town are available, too? horse carriage, hop on-hop off bus, or a small train that will take you around the area. For those interested in enhancing their knowledge, Nafplion is also home to some museums.

Overnight stay in Tolo or Nafplio.

Day 4:

Olympia

Breakfast at the hotel.

Olympia lies on the western Peloponnese. You will reach it via the central part of the Peloponnese, driving through Tripolis and Megalopoli towns.

Olympia constitutes the most renowned sanctuary of Ancient Greece and was dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods. It is situated in the verdant valley of Alpheios river, on the southwest foothill of Mount Kronios.
Despite its secluded location, the sacred structure was the most important religious and athletic center in Greece.
The archaeological site of Olympia is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. You may visit it along with the sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, and the Archaeological Museum.

Overnight stay in Olympia.

Day 5:

Delphi

Breakfast at the hotel.

The route to Delphi is wonderful. Starting from Olympia, you will drive through the flatlands of Elias and Achaia, the impressive Rion-Antirrion bridge, and the quaint towns of Nafpaktos and Itea.
At the foothills of Mount Parnassos, between the Phaedriades twin rocks, lies the panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi. Ancient Greeks considered Delphi the center of the world. According to mythology, Zeus once sent two eagles (one from each end of the world) to find the center of the world? Delphi was where they met. Situated in a spectacular setting, the sacred sanctuary is also a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Overnight stay in Delphi.

Day 6:

Meteora

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will depart for Kalambaka, a small town at the bottom of the imposing Meteora rocks. The awe-inspiring formations resulted from multiple erosions and geological alterations that have occurred over a period of 15 million years. Impressive monasteries are perched atop the rocks, 400 meters above the ground. Meteora constitutes a common pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians as one of the holiest places in Greece. The scenery is also delightful "the stone forest", as many call it, comprises the perfect mixture of natural and man-made landscape. Comprises the perfect mixture of natural and man-made scenery. Meteora is also ideal for hiking since it allows you to walk winding stone paths. Within the monasteries premises, visitors can admire charming items of Byzantine art. In 1988, the place was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Overnight stay in Kalambaka/Meteora.

Day 7:

Meteora

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day is all yours to explore the unique scenery and the majestic monasteries.

Overnight stay in Kalambaka/Meteora.

Day 8:

Athens

For your return to Athens, you will have to pass through Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae (a brief stop in order to see Leonidas Monument across the road is recommended). You will reach the capital in the early evening and return your car rental to your hotel (in Athens).

Overnight stay in Athens.

Day 9:

Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day is free at your leisure. Depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Athens International Airport.