While the blue duo of sky and water may be the most iconic representation of a Hellenic holiday, mainland Greece plays no second fiddle when it comes to the country’s historic assets. An ancient civilisation that sprouted democracy, philosophy, law and the Olympics conjures up an open-air wonderland of majestic temples, nature straight out of mythology and a hip cultural scene permeating through its urban cities. So, hold off your beach towels and venture inland instead with a customised Athens and mainland Greece tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and explore the cradle of western civilisation today.
Act on Athens
The country’s capital is a heady mix of history and modernity creating an energetic city scene combining the best of both worlds. Rise early with the sun lighting up the city’s gorgeous streets, slip into the afternoon with a long lunch of “mezes” (Greek small dishes) at an al alfresco restaurant, and then hike up Acropolis with a private guide to unravel the hidden stories of its sacred grounds.
Sky-high monasteries
Meteora, a group of monasteries perched high up on rocky pinnacles, is one of Greece’s most visited sites and for very good reasons. Literally meaning “suspended in air”, the appeal of the UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in its almost unfathomable setting which leaves you wondering how on earth did they build them in ancient times. Explore further into the monasteries, the chapels and the caves, and you will possibly come to understand the spiritual fervour of the monks who built and inhabited them centuries ago.
Where man and god converse
Angled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi can easily thrive by its good looks alone but skin-deep beauty is certainly not its only proposition. The ancient Greeks considered this place to be where heaven and earth met and they journeyed far and wide there to seek counsel from Apollo. Highlights are the Temple of Apollo, the Oracle and the ancient theatre but after completing the circuit, linger around and contemplate those moments when you are supposedly closest to god.
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Explore Greece on ground with a customised Athens and mainland Greece tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
This morning, meet your guide for a sightseeing tour of the major attractions of Athens. Visit Acropolis, see Parthenon, watch the changing of the Guards at the Parliament, head to the Olympic Stadium where the 1st Olympics took place and experience the culture and history of the ancient city. Next, take a scenic drive to Cape Sounion passing by the Athenian Riviera and enjoy the breathtaking sunset at the impressive Temple of Poseidon.
Parthenon
Today, your 1st stop would be Kalavryta. Marvel at Monastery of Agia Lavra and the beautiful historical town built on the slopes of Mt Helmos. Return to Athens for your overnight stay.
Monastery of Agia Lavra
Today, enjoy your private guided tour to Delphi. Visit Temple of Apollo and the world-famous oracle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you will see the plains of Boeotia, an agricultural centre, and you will also pass by the city of Theva. Next, visit Delphi Archaeological Museum and Athena Pronaia Sanctuary, the most photographed in Delphi. En route back to Athens, stop at Arachova, a picturesque mountain village, to do some shopping along its charming streets.
Delphi Oracle
After breakfast, embark on a cruise and travel to the fabulous Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina for a relaxing day out on the sea. On each of the islands, you will have some time to amble down the narrow lanes, relax in cafes over coffee or buy souvenirs in the quaint shops. From the decks, you will be able to admire the dramatic landscapes of these islands and their traditional old stone houses. You will also enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Temple of Aphaia in Aegina. In the evening, return to your cruise and enjoy a Greek folklore show of traditional music and dance as you sail back to the port in Athens.
Islands of Hydra
After breakfast, meet your guide and get ready to explore the remains of the ancient city of Mycenae, a major centre of Greek civilisation. Next, visit the small village of Epidaurus, famous in ancient times for being a place of healing, and enjoy admission to its stunning theatre.
Theatre of Epidaurus
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.