Treasures of Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia

Your exploration of ancient Greece begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group before boarding a flight to Athens.

On arrival in the Greek capital, we are transferred by coach to our central hotel, situated in the shadow of the Acropolis with breathtaking views of the city's most symbolic monument. This evening, we dine at a local taverna, the perfect introduction to authentic Greek cuisine and hospitality.

• Dinner

This morning after breakfast, we set out on a sightseeing tour, uncovering the city's neoclassical architecture, bustling squares and ancient sites, with entrance included to the magnificent Acropolis.

This ancient citadel is located on a rocky outcrop above the city and contains the remains of several historic buildings of great architectural and historical significance. Our ticket to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site includes entrance to the entire complex, including the Erechtheion, Propylaea gateway and the elegant Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. We explore each of these sites, which contain important archaeological remains and offer different viewpoints of the main monuments.

After our guided tour, entry to the modern Acropolis Museum adds to our experience by creating a picture of the site in ancient times. Here, you can peer through the museum's glass floor to see the astonishing historic Athenian city buried beneath. This evening, you are at leisure to dine independently in one of the many inviting restaurants in Athens.

• Breakfast

Leaving Athens after breakfast this morning, we travel by rail to Levadia, passing through a changing landscape of small towns and rural countryside. On arrival, we continue by coach towards Delphi, watching as the scenery shifts to the foothills of Mount Parnassus.

Reaching Delphi, once considered by the ancient Greeks to be the Navel of the Earth and a spiritual centre, we check in to our hotel for the next two nights, well positioned for exploring the area. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, giving you time to settle in, take in the surroundings or head out for a stroll through the town at your own pace.

This evening, we dine together in the hotel restaurant ahead of our exploration of Delphi's archaeological sites tomorrow.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we travel by coach to explore Delphi's remarkable archaeological sites in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Once considered the centre of the world in Greek mythology, this ancient sanctuary offers a fascinating insight into the history of ancient Greece.

During our guided tour, we visit some of Delphi's most significant landmarks, including the Oracle of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo, a World Heritage site dedicated to the god Apollo. We also visit the museum, home to an impressive collection of artefacts that help illustrate the site's long and influential history.

After a day of discovery, the evening is free for you to dine independently. Delphi offers a choice of traditional Greek tavernas and modern cafés, serving everything from regional specialties to international dishes, many with beautiful views across the valley.

• Breakfast

Checking out of our hotel after breakfast, we leave Delphi and start our journey by coach towards Olympia. Along the way, we pause to visit Achaia Clauss, one of Greece's oldest and most historic wineries.

Here, we enjoy a guided tour of the cellar, learning about the traditional winemaking methods still used today in the production of red Mavrodaphne dessert wines. After a tour, we sample a selection of local wines chosen by the estate's winemakers, offering a flavour of the region's long wine-producing heritage.

Continuing to Olympia, we discover a town best known as the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games and an important sanctuary in classical Greece. On arrival, we check in to our hotel for the next two nights, located on a hillside overlooking ancient Olympia. This evening. we enjoy dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

With a knowledgeable local guide, we explore Olympia, the location of the first recorded Olympic Games in 776 BC. Our visit takes us through the archaeological site, where we see the remains of the Sanctuary of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the ancient stadium and the training grounds where athletes once prepared for competition. Walking among the ruins, the scale and significance of this historic site become clear, offering a unique connection to a tradition that continues to inspire today.

We also visit the museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artefacts that bring the story of Olympia to life and provide insight into the origins of this famous tradition.

We arrive back at our hotel early this evening, where you are at leisure to relax and dine independently. Olympia is a small and welcoming town, with tree-lined streets and a choice of traditional tavernas and cafés.

• Breakfast

We check out of our hotel after breakfast and start our journey by coach to Nafplion, stopping enroute to explore the ancient site of Mycenae. This fortified city was once the prosperous and powerful centre of the Mycenaean civilisation and is strongly connected to Homer's epics, including the Odyssey, which has influenced European art and literature for more than three thousand years.

On a guided tour, we are shown the highlights, including Lion Gate, the famous Tomb of Agamemnon and the ruined Cyclopean walls which once protected this mighty fortress.

After our visit, we continue to Nafplion, a charming coastal town in the Peloponnese. Its Venetian architecture, historic fortresses and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal base for the remainder of our holiday, and we check in to our hotel, located amidst the endless blue sea and fragrant orange groves. This evening, we gather for dinner together in the hotel restaurant, enjoying the first taste of Nafplion's inviting hospitality.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We travel by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus after breakfast this morning. On a guided tour, we visit the highlights including the ancient theatre, renowned for its remarkable acoustics and still used for performances today. It is said that even a whisper from the centre of the stage can be heard in the highest rows.

We also explore the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a healing centre dedicated to the god of medicine, once home to temples, dormitories and buildings used for various healing rituals and early medical practices.

We return to Nafplion later this afternoon, with the evening at leisure to relax and dine independently. Nafplion offers an excellent choice of traditional tavernas and seafood restaurants, particularly in the atmospheric pedestrian streets of the old town.

• Breakfast

Today is an opportunity to relax or explore the Venetian city of Nafplion at your own pace. Named by the Venetians as the 'Naples of the East', Nafplion has a charming old town with cobbled streets, neoclassical mansions and flower-filled squares.

You may choose to climb up to the impressive Palamidi Fortress, a major Venetian stronghold offering wonderful views across the town and coastline. Another option is the Bourtzi Fortress, built in 1473 and reached by a short boat ride, which sits on a small islet in the bay. Nafplion also has an excellent Archaeological Museum, home to artefacts from across the region.

Alternatively, you may prefer a more leisurely day on Arvanitia Beach, known for its clear waters and stunning views towards Palamidi and the surrounding cliffs. The area is also ideal for gentle walks, with a scenic promenade linking to several coastal paths. This evening, we come together for our final dinner at a local taverna - a relaxed finale to our varied exploration of ancient Greece.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Staying in some of Greece's most historic regions has allowed us to explore the country's remarkable ancient heritage. From the iconic landmarks of Athens' Acropolis to the archaeological sites of Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus and Mycenae, we have uncovered its enduring legacy first-hand. We sampled the region's winemaking heritage at a historic estate and free time in charming Nafplion gave us chance to unwind among waterfront promenades, Venetian architecture and inviting tavernas.

Transferring by coach to Athens airport, we board our flight back to London Heathrow, where your fascinating exploration of Greece comes to an end.

• Breakfast