Classical Tour (3 days)

Argolis-Olympia-Delphi

You are here: Home > Greece > Holiday Ideas > Classical Tour (3 days)

Summary

One of our most popular short tours.

START / FINISH - Athens

Duration: 3 days/2 nights

This Classical tour is a good introduction to some of the most famous places on the Greek mainland. You'll travel to the Peloponnese via the bridge over the Corinth Canal - if you are fortunate there may be a ship passing through. In the Argolis region you will visit the renowned Epidavrus theatre, host to the Athens Festival every summer; Mycenae, discovered in the 19th with its links to Agamemnon and Homer's Iliad & Odyssey; Nafplion, the elegant town in the shade of the Palamidi Fortress.

Olympia is always a popular visit, especially due to its links with the modern Olympic Games. The site is one of the largest and most picturesque in Greece. Delphi has an equally lovely situation on the side of a mountain and is well known for its oracle.

Dates of Operation 2025

Mondays from 7th April - 27th October; Tuesdays 15th April - 21st October; Saturdays 5th April - 25th October. The tour also departs on selected Thursdays from April - October.
Departure on Day 1 - 08:45
Return on Day 3 - 19:00

Get travel advice from someone who’s been there

Send an enquiry

Gallery

What's included on your Classical Tour ?

4* hotels on HB (2 nights)
Comfortable air-conditioned coach throughout
Pick up / drop off in Athens
English-speaking tour guide / escort
All entry fees as per itinerary.

Not included: the New "Climate TAX" for overnights in hotels. This is to be paid directly to the hotel, prior to check-out . The price depends on the hotel category.

Highlights

Corinth Canal

Corinth Canal: This feat of engineering joins the Ionian to the Aegean and helped make Pireaus into the international port it is today. The idea of a canal was first mooted during Roman times but it wasn't until the 1890s that it was actually constructed.

Mycenae, Epidavros & Nafplion

Homer wrote in the Iliad & Odyssey of a 'city rich in gold', the capital of Agamemnon. Heinrich Schliemann successfully located Mycenae and unearthed one of the richest treasures in the classical world. Epidavrus is a stunning 14,000 seat theatre, which dates from the 4th century BC; it blended so perfectly with its surroundings that it wasn't rediscovered until the 19th century. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece; its mediaeval town with cobbled alleyways is overlooked by the Palamidi Fortress which has stunning views over the bay & the Mycenae Plain.

Ancient Olympia & Delphi

Olympia enjoys a beautiful location in a valley with wild olive and plane trees and is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. You'll see where the athletes trained, the Stadium, the wrestling school, the altars and the various temples. Delphi enjoys the most fabulous location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. In ancient times it was believed to be the centre of the earth but it became famous for its oracle. People would journey there to consult the oracle on matters of love, business or war. A sacrifice would be made and the priestess would chant the prophesies.

Corinth Canal

Corinth Canal: This feat of engineering joins the Ionian to the Aegean and helped make Pireaus into the international port it is today. The idea of a canal was first mooted during Roman times but it wasn't until the 1890s that it was actually constructed.

Mycenae, Epidavros & Nafplion

Homer wrote in the Iliad & Odyssey of a 'city rich in gold', the capital of Agamemnon. Heinrich Schliemann successfully located Mycenae and unearthed one of the richest treasures in the classical world. Epidavrus is a stunning 14,000 seat theatre, which dates from the 4th century BC; it blended so perfectly with its surroundings that it wasn't rediscovered until the 19th century. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece; its mediaeval town with cobbled alleyways is overlooked by the Palamidi Fortress which has stunning views over the bay & the Mycenae Plain.

Ancient Olympia & Delphi

Olympia enjoys a beautiful location in a valley with wild olive and plane trees and is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. You'll see where the athletes trained, the Stadium, the wrestling school, the altars and the various temples. Delphi enjoys the most fabulous location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. In ancient times it was believed to be the centre of the earth but it became famous for its oracle. People would journey there to consult the oracle on matters of love, business or war. A sacrifice would be made and the priestess would chant the prophesies.

Itinerary

An early morning drive to the Argolis region, via the Corinth Canal. You'll visit the ancient theatre at Epidavrus which has some of the best acoustics in the world, Nafplion (many say that it's the most romantic town in Greece), and Mycenae famed for its associations with Agamemnon.

Then depart for Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, through the Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis.

Dinner and overnight in Olympia.

Visit to the archaeological site of Olympia with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium
and the Archaeological Museum. Then continue through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until Rion where you cross the Corinthian Bay on the magnificent bridge. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) & Itea before arriving in Delphi, once regarded as the centre of the universe.

Dinner & overnight in Delphi

Visit the archaeological site & museum and have a bit of free time in Delphi before your journey back to Athens via the village of Arachova, renowned for its colourful rugs and carpets. Return to Athens via Levadia and Thebes, arriving in the early evening.

Return to Athens via Levadia and Thebes and arrive back in the early evening.

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Travel Knowledge

We have all travelled extensively and will be happy to share our experiences.
Personally-chosen hotels, riads, guest houses & apartments in places we know and love.
Individual sightseeing recommendations and route planning.
Add excursions, activities and food & wine experiences (one of our passions).

Trusted Service

ATOL cover for flight inclusive holidays.
One of us at Rediscover the World is very likely to have visited the hotels and travelled along the routes on your itinerary.
Dynamic, comprehensive travel app with all your documents, maps and much more.
Full financial protection for your holiday (TTA).