A self- drive itinerary combining visits in the archaeological site of Delphi and the rocky pinnacles of Meteora, driving in mountain roads with breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. We will have already arranged for your accommodation and sightseeing and will provide you with a detailed trip dossier (including maps, vouchers etc) with all necessary information for your trip. Please note that this trip is especially designed for those who enjoy driving and exploring the natural beauty of a country as well as being in good heath so that they can enjoy the outdoor activities.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday - Arrive in Athens
Report to your hotel, Philippos,(or hotel Herodion) located just 5 min. walking distance to the Akropolis. Afternoon at leisure to visit the Akropolis and to explore the old Athens quarter - Plaka- with its hundred and hundreds of picturesque shops and taverns. Overnight Athens.
Day 2: Monday - Drive to Delphi
After a pre arranged time you will be met by the tour leader at your hotel who will provide you with a detailed trip dossier (including maps, vouchers etc) with all necessary information for your trip and he will also deliver to you the car. We recommend that you start early in the morning so that you have plenty of daylight for your aprox 3 hours drive to Delphi. You follow the national road, and arrive in Delphi where you will spend the first night. (Athens-Delphi: 160 km) On route we strongly recommend that you stop at the mountain villages of Arachova and also visit the monastery of Osios Loucas Monasteries one of the best samples of Byzantine Art. Since 1400, Arachova was famous for its traditional textiles, olive and vineyards from which a fine black wine is produced. Today, Arachova;s women continue the tradition of the famous Arachovian handmade textiles, using looms-traditional woven machinery and natural stain colors. Savouries which are based on local recipes such as: marmalades, sweets, drinks, chilotpitas, trahana and many others, are made by women who follows the traditional ways of preparation. Arachova is also a great place to shop the locally produced brightly colored shoulder bags and rugs. Overnight in local hotel in Delfi.
Day 3: Tuesday - Drive to Nafpaktos
Today, after breakfast, we recommend that you visit the archaeological site of Delphi, the centre of the world for ancient Greeks, and its unique museum, together with a professional guide who will explain us all about it's history. Then take the road to the fishing port of Nafpaktos. On the way, we recommend that you stop at the picturesque fishing village of Galaxidi. From here begins a wild mountain range with dramatic scenes and unspoiled villages. The road brings you to the heart of the county Nafpaktia, in the villages of Ano Chora or Elatou, where we stay overnight. (Delphi - Nafpaktos: 93 km, Nafpaktos-Ano Chora: 48 km).
Day 4: Wednesday - Drive to Karpenissi
An asphalt road drives you to the small town of Thermo. From here begins the strait road up to the Mt. Panaitoliko. The highest point you reach is approximately 2.000 m, in a deep pin forest. From now you are in Evrytania, the most remote area in south Europe! The dirt road ends in the village of Proussos with its monastery hanging from the cliffs Via roads with breathtaking views you reach one of the villages of Evrytania region. But the breathtaking views continue until to reach Karpenissi. (Ano Chora - Thermo 67 km, thermo-Karpenissi 60 km). Overnight in a village guest house in a small village in the mountains.
Day 5: Thursday - Horseriding in Koryshades
Just 5 minutes drive from Koryshades village you will come across “Saloon” – the horse riding centre of the region. A guide will be waiting for you at a designated pre arranged time to ride you along Karpenisiotis valley for about one hour. Overnight in a village guest house in a small village in the mountains.
Day 6: Friday - Trekking at the dramatical Monasteries of Meteora
Trekking at the dramatical Monasteries of Meteora. Continue to Kastraki, lying under the huge rocks, called Meteora. These are gigantic rocks etched by time into a variety of shapes, gray stalagmites rising towards the sky, they appear as natures gift to the pious that, driven by fiath, have opted for solitude and a life of worship. Visit the two famous monasteries of Meteora which precariously hangs over the sanister abysses, compose one of the most breathtaking sites on earth. A guide will meet you at the hotel lobby (exact time to be confirmed) and set of for your one-day discovery of Meteora and its monasteries. On this day there will be plenty of walking and some will be on steep parts and at high levels. On this day the guide will arrange offer you a traditional picnic lunch. Overnight in a charming guest house in Kastraki Village the nearest village to the foot of the Meteora Monasteries. Please let us know in advance if you are not comfortable walking at heights.
Day 7: Saturday - Canoeing in Lake Plastira
Check out of the hotel and depart for your scenic drive along to Lake Plastira, Relax in your hotel overlooking the lake and enjoy a canoeing ride in this alpine.
Day 8: Sunday - Drive to Athens
Check out of the hotel drive back to Athens via Mt. Parnassos. Overnight in Athens.
Day 9: Monday - After breakfast, transfer to the Piraeus
Cruise Terminal and board the cruise vessel Aegean One for the trip to Mykonos. Arrive in Mykonos. Sail at 10:00 pm. Overnight onboard.
Day 10: Tuesday - Arrive in Turkey - Kusadasi port at 07:00 am.
A picturesque town with many opportunities for flea market shopping. Nearby lies the ancient city of Ephessus, founded by the Athenians. A tour of Ephessus will allow you to discover a treasure of Greek, Hellenistic and Roman monuments, which witness the past power and prosperity of this city. Sail at 12:00 for Patmos. Arrive at 4:00 pm. Very often Patmos is called the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea. It is the sacred island where St. John the Divine, whilst in exile, wrote the Book of Revelation. Built 900 years ago the Monastery of St. John is an impressive structure with outstanding interior frescoes. Visit the grotto where St. John lived and actually wrote the Book of Revelation. Sail at 9:00 pm. Overnight onboard.
Day 11: Wednesday - Arrive in Rhodes at 07:00 am
A mix of modern and medieval. Rhodes fascinates and impresses each visitor. Not to be missed is the Akropolis of Lindos. Wander through the medieval city of Rhodes, view the Palace of the Knights and walk down the famous Chevaliers Road. Sail at 6:00 pm. Overnight onboard.
Day 12: Thursday - At 07:00 am arrive in Heraklion, Crete.
The well-known archaeological site of Knossos is situated just 3 miles away from the town center.The Palace of Knossos was not only the residence of the ruling house but also an administrative and religious for the whole region. The Archaeological Museuem of Herklion exhibits a fine display of Minoan culture discovered during the excavations of Knossos. Sail at 11:30 for Santorini. Arrive Santorini at 4:30 pm. Santorini, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Sail at 9:00 pm. Overnight aboard.
Day 13: Friday - Arrive in Piraeus at 07:00 am
After breakfast, transfer to Athens. Day at leisure with optional sightseeing. Overnight.
Day 14: Saturday - End of services
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation in double rooms in B/B basis in superior hotels and/or guesthouses;
- Half-day sightseeing tour of Athens;
- 3 Activities: horse riding trekking, canoeing with all necessary equipment;
- Trip dossier• Car hire from Day 1 – 7, Type B (Nissan Micra or similar);
- A 4 day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey onboard the Aegean I;
- A 3 night accomodation in a superior B class hotel near the Acropolis- Philippos or in the A class hotel Herodion with a supplement of $25 per person per night;
- Roundtrip transfer from your hotel to the boat and from the boat to your hotel.
Price does not include:
- Personal expenses;
- Drinks;
- Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff;
- Meals during the 7 day activity tour besides breakfast;
- Fuels & Tolls for Car;
- Additional amount is required for an upgrade to a jeep. The cost depends on the type of jeep requested;
- Insurance for a second driver;
- Port taxes $65 per person.
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