EUROPE TC JOURNEYS
Greek Odyssey: Ancient Wonders to Aegean Bliss
9 nights | 2 adults
Trip highlights
- Hear whispers of Greek mythology as sunlight illuminates the marble columns of the Acropolis and Parthenon, high above Athens’ lively neoclassical streets.
- Journey through the Peloponnese peninsula, where marvels range from the extraordinary Corinth Canal to the legendary ruins of Mycenae.
- Stand in the footsteps of the first Olympians, feeling centuries of sporting spirit underfoot as you walk the original track beside the Sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia.
- Explore Delphi’s Sanctuary of Apollo, uncovering ancient prophecies as you gaze upon silvery olive groves cascading down Mount Parnassus to the Pleistos Valley.
- Unwind in five-star luxury in Elounda, basking on golden Cretan beaches with views of Spinalonga Island’s Venetian fortress..
Experience an extraordinary adventure where iconic history meets blissful relaxation. Your journey begins with the classical wonders of Athens and the Peloponnese, brought vividly to life by expert guides. Traverse landscapes steeped in myth and legend, from the birthplace of the Olympic Games to the sacred sites of Delphi. Your holiday culminates in pure escapism at a chic beachfront resort in Elounda, Crete, where you can unwind in total luxury beneath the Aegean sun.
Day 1: Athens and Cape Sounion
On arrival in Athens, your adventure begins with a scenic drive along the sparkling Attica coastline to Cape Sounion. The scent of pine and salt air awakens your senses as you admire the magnificent marble columns of the Temple of Poseidon, rising dramatically against the deep blue of the Saronic Gulf. Spend time exploring this famous site, where the rhythm of the waves mingles with echoes of ancient tales, marking a captivating start to your Greek odyssey.
Return to the capital, checking in at the Fresh Hotel. With bold, playful interiors, it’s a haven of contemporary design in Athens’ dynamic heart. Stroll to a local taverna for your first taste of Greek cuisine, soaking in the unique energy of a city where past meets present.
Day 2: Peloponnese and Olympia
Today, journey deep into the heart of the Peloponnese. Marvel at the sheer walls of the narrow Corinth Canal, a feat of engineering, before experiencing the incredible acoustics of the Epidaurus Theatre. Whisper from the stage as you wander its millennia-old marble tiers and hear your voice carry to the highest seats. A stop in the charming seaside town of Nafplio offers a chance to admire pastel architecture and meander along its gently bustling harbour, before history beckons once more at Mycenae’s lion gates and vaulted tombs.
As the light softens, arrive at Hotel Europa Olympia, perched on a peaceful hilltop overlooking Olympia’s Alpheus River valley. Enjoy views of the surrounding cypress and olive trees, enveloped by the scents and sounds of the Greek countryside.
Day 3: Olympia and Delphi
Delve into Olympia’s celebrated past as you explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Wander among moss-clad ruins, imagining the roar of the crowds where athletes once trained in pursuit of glory. Stand in awe before the Sanctuary of Zeus, picturing chariots thundering along the stadium track. It’s a morning steeped in history, where echoes of the games seem to linger in the warm Peloponnesian air.
Later, your journey winds north through changing landscapes of olive groves and rocky slopes, each turn revealing new panoramas. Amalia Hotel Delphi welcomes you for an overnight stay: a restful retreat with pretty gardens, a refreshing pool, and a welcoming lounge with views stretching toward the distant blue mountains. Settle in and let the serene surroundings set the pace for your stay.
Day 4: Delphi and Athens
Your day begins with a guided visit to the mystical ruins of Delphi. Witness the Temple of Apollo, absorbing the powerful energy of this mountainside sanctuary as legends of the Oracle and ancient prophecies come alive. Don’t miss the museum’s treasures, from gleaming columns to the bronze Charioteer of Delphi – each piece telling its own story.
The pace softens as you stop in nearby Arachova, a characterful mountain village of stone houses draped in flowers. Take time for a coffee and a handmade sweet treat in one of the many cafés before returning to Athens. It’s an easy journey back to the welcoming embrace of the centrally located Fresh Hotel, a now-familiar hideaway in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital.
Day 5: Athens and Elounda
A final morning of guided exploration in Athens reveals the city’s most treasured sights. Behold the Acropolis’ imposing columns crowning the skyline, and take in the commanding grace of the Parthenon. Stroll among the remnants of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then immerse yourself in millennia of history at the exceptional New Acropolis Museum, where striking modern design showcases priceless artifacts.
After a short flight to Crete, a warm welcome awaits you at the Domes of Elounda. Tucked between hillside and private beach with postcard-perfect views of Spinalonga, this elegant resort is an idyllic place to unwind in style. Here, olive tree-shaded lawns meet the endless blue of the Aegean, inviting quiet moments of calm and reflection.
Days 6-9: Elounda
Your next four days unfurl like a dream – unhurried, sun-soaked and entirely yours. With sublime views, multiple pools, and its own private beach, the resort has everything you need for pure indulgence. Perhaps you’ll sample authentic Cretan cuisine at one of its four signature restaurants or surrender to bliss in the award-winning Soma Spa.
If adventure calls, take a boat to a secluded cove, hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge, or explore Crete’s historic treasures at Knossos. Alternatively, simply sink into a lounger on the island’s golden-sand beaches, letting memories of history, mythology, and tranquil days linger.
