Treasures of Ancient Greece

Treasures of Ancient Greece

16 days from only £1799 

Discover the captivating archaeological sites and ancient treasures of Greece on our magnificent new tour. Enjoy a wealth of sightseeing in the company of our tour guide and expert local guides - before relaxing into a lovely beach stay at the traditional seaside resort of Tolo.

Holiday highlights
• Ancient site of Delphi
• Guided tour of Athens
• Olympia - birthplace of the Olympics
• Three days relaxation at the beach resort of Tolo

Optional excursions
• National Archaeological Museum, Athens
• Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
• Cruise to Saronic Islands

Holiday itinerary
Day 1 UK to Reims - Relax on your Grand Tourer coach as we cross to Calais then head to Reims for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Reims to Como - Enjoy the changing panorama of the Italian countryside, as we head to Como for an overnight stay at the 4* Hotel Albavilla. (B,D)
Day 3 Overnight ferry Port of Ancona to Igoumenitsa - We travel across Italy to the Port of Ancona, where we embark the overnight ferry to Igoumenitsa in Greece. (B)
Day 4 Igoumenitsa to Kalambaka - On arrival in Igoumenitsa, we continue to Kalambaka and overnight at the 4* Divani Meteora Hotel. (B,D)
Day 5 Kalambaka to Delphi - We head south this morning, across the central Greek plateau to historic Delphi. Here, beneath the vast slopes of Mount Parnassus, our local guide reveals this sacred sight, believed by the Ancient Greeks to be the centre of the earth. This evening, we arrive in the Greek capital in time for dinner and a three night stay at the 3* Divani Acripolis Hotel. (B,D)
Day 6 Athens - Today, discover Athens at leisure from our centrally-located hotel, or join our optional morning excursion to the fascinating National Archaelogical Museum. Our afternoon optional excursion is to the stunning Temple of Poseidon, dominating the cliffs above the sparkling Aegean at Cape Sounion. Alternatively, an optional full day crusie visits the delightful Saronic Islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. (B,D)
Day 7 Athens - Full day included excursion in Athens; enjoy modern Constitution Square and the Presidential Palace before we see the ancient sites in the company of our local guide. The temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the iconic Parthenon and the temple of Athena are all on our itinerary, as are the hill-top Acropolis, and New Acropolis Museum. (B,D)
Day 8 Athens to Tolo - This morning we head to Epidarus via the remarkable Corinth Canal. At Epidaurus, our tour manager helps us appreciate the full significence of this remarkable 4th century BC amphitheatre, famed for its astonishing acoustics and considered one of the most significant sites in Ancient Greece. We continue through the Peliponnese to the sophisticated town of Nafplion, nestling beneath the mights ramparts of Palamidi fortress and one of the Greed mainland's most beautiful towns. From here we move on to the delightful resort of Tolo, on the Peloponnese peninsula, and a relaxing three night stay at the 4* standard King Minos Hotel. (B,D)
Day 9 Tolo - Relax at leisure in Tolo. Alternatively, take our optional excursion to the Nemea region, famous for its wine production, where we enjoy a wine tasting session. (B,D)
Day 10 Tolo - At leisure in Tolo. Enjoy the fine sandy beach, stroll along the promenade or explore in the narrow streets and Venetian squares of this charming resort. (B,D)
Day 11 Tolo to Olympia - A full day as we leave Tolo for ancient Olympia, home of the first Olympic games, where we have a full day in the company of our local guide. We also take time to visit the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, to the south of Olympia. One night stay at the 4* Europa Hotel. (B,D)
Day 12 Olympia - Enjoy free time in Olympia today, built on the banks of the river Penios. (B,D)
Day 13 Overnight ferry Patras to Ancona - Pass the city of Patras, where St. Andrew was crucified, and drive across the spectacular new bridge that spans the Gulf. We take the ferry to Ancona. (B)
Day 14 Ancona to Verona - On arrival in Italy, we make our way to the magical city of Verona, where our overnight stay is at the 4* Hotel Hotel Saccardi Quadrante Europa. (B,D)
Day 15 Verona to St Dizier - Pass through Switzerland into France and head to St Dizier for dinner and our last overnight. (B,D)
Day 16 St Dizier to UK - Today we head to the French coast, enjoy our voyage across to Dover from Calais, and then home. (B)
Included Meals: B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Take a look at some of the fabulous hotels that await you on our captivating tour through Greece
Divani Palace, Athens - This contemporary hotel boasts a breathtaking backdrop within a relaxed setting whilst being ideally situated to explore the sights of Athens.

King Minos, Tolo - This hotel is located on a hillside in the outskirts of Tolo, boasting a relaxing pool and stunning panoramic views over the bay of Tolo.

Europa Hotel, Olympia - Built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia, the Europa Hotel offers a high standard of accommodation and facilities.

Your Grand Tourer holiday includes
• Travel by Grand Tourer coach
• Services of a Shearings Tour Manager
• Complimentary Home Connect service (where available - please ask for details)
• 4 inlcuded and 4 optional excursions
• 10 cities and resorts across France, Italy and Greece
• 15 nights, daily breakfast, 12 dinners