Athens, Delphi, Meteora & Cairo 9 days

Upon your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional and friendly English-speaking assistant will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Later in the afternoon, at an agreed time, our representative will meet you at the hotel to provide all the essential details of your trip. He will also offer a captivating presentation of the city, sharing insights into its everyday way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and have any doubts dispelled, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the rest of your trip.

You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and explore Athens at your own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Greca Tip: Extend your stay by adding more nights during the first step of your booking!

In the morning, and after a good breakfast, you will visit Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the center or 'navel' of the ancient world. It was here where the renowned Oracle of Delphi, a counselor of kings and pilgrims, could be found. You cannot miss out on a visit to the museum, which houses the "Bronze Charioteer", a masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

At the end of your Delphi tour, you will descend the slopes of Mount Parnassus and head towards the plains of Thessaly, where the city of Kalambaka is located.  

Upon your arrival in Kalambaka, you will check in at your hotel, have dinner, and rest or you can go out to explore the town’s old picturesque district with its narrow cobblestoned streets and traditional houses. 

Greca Tip: You may also use your free time to visit the Temple of Athena Pronaia at Delphi.

Early in the morning, you will visit Meteora, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

In this mysterious landscape, the natural beauty is combined with the compelling presence of the eternal monasteries suspended or "Meteora" on top of the huge rocks. Currently, there are only six in use, five for the male and one for the female monastic community.

Dress code to the Monasteries: Sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are not allowed. Skirts, shawls, and trousers are available at the entrance of the Monasteries in case visitors do not have such clothing to cover themselves with.

On the way back to Athens, you will briefly stop at Thermopylae, where you can see the statue of the Spartan King Leonidas, famous for leading the battle against the Persians in 480 BC. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Athens, where we will drop you off at your hotel.

Greca Tip: Take a stroll in Kalambaka's old town and look for handmade wood-carved objects and religious icons as well as home-made sausages, honey, fruit sweets and jams, and the regional pudding “spatoula” or “halva” for a sweet aftertaste.

Take a seat and enjoy the city of Athens and its suburbs on a comfortable open-top, double-decker bus with this unique 48-hour pass. You can ride the bus as many times as you wish, and it's available in more than 16 languages, including English, Spanish, and Chinese. The bus departs from selected points all over Athens, as well as from the cruise terminal.

In the evening, you can join our English-speaking guide for a leisurely but informative walk through the prettiest districts of Athens, such as Anafiotika, Tiseo, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

Line 1: Athens Line

Step aboard our Athens Discovery line and immerse yourself in the heart of ancient and modern Athens. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Acropolis and Parthenon, stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, and soak in the lively ambiance of Monastiraki and Thisseo. Delve into history at landmarks like Adrian’s Gate, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Hellenic Parliament. With informative commentary available in multiple languages, you'll gain deep insights into Athens' fascinating past and dynamic present. Reaching again the Acropolis & Parthenon stop you can swich lines and hop on the next bus that will take you to Piraeus, an opportunity for you to check out the coastal part of this beautiful city.

Line 2: Piraeus to Riviera Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Piraeus to the Athenian Riviera with our Piraeus to Riviera Adventure line. Ideal for cruise passengers and leisure seekers alike, this route combines the best of coastal beauty and historical splendor. Explore the bustling port of Piraeus, admire charming ports like Pasalimani and Mikrolimano, and uncover the treasures of the Athenian Riviera. If you arrive by cruise you can begin your tour immediately upon disembarkation from any of the Yellow bus stops specifically located in the vicinity of the cruise terminal. You can hop off again at the Acropolis stop for your interchange to the Riviera and the Beaches Line.

Line 3: Riviera and Beaches Line

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the "Acropolis & Parthenon" stop to explore the Athenian Riviera and beyond. Witness the transformation of this once sparsely populated area into one of Greece's most cosmopolitan regions. From the cultural hub of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to the bustling Marina Alimou, our Riviera/Beaches Line seamlessly blends history with modernity, offering a delightful mix of traditional charm and contemporary allure.

Don't miss the breathtaking sunset vistas from Marina Flisvou or the opportunity to bask in the sun and swim at the pristine Aghios Kosmas beaches. Upon reaching Glyfada city center, indulge in leisurely strolls through its cosmopolitan neighborhoods, shop in the luxurious department stores and unwind at charming cafes.

Continue your journey to Vouliagmeni, where history meets leisure. Relax on the picturesque Kavouri beach, a beloved destination among locals and visitors alike. Explore the serene Vouliagmeni Lake, a hidden gem of Attica's natural wonders, and treat yourself to a rejuvenating thermal spa experience. As the day draws to a close, savor the magic of a sunset cocktail at one of the captivating bars along the coast or taste the local delicacies in one of the seafront tavernas.

Greca Tip: The Acropolis & Parthenon is the main stop for your interchange, where you can switch to the line of your preference as many times as you wish within these 48 hours, making it a full day of personalised sightseeing in Athens!

Today, you have the opportunity to enjoy a free day in Athens, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for an enchanting experience, you can opt for a captivating one-day cruise to three stunning islands nestled in the picturesque Saronic Gulf.

On the one hand, if you choose to embark on the full-day cruise, you will be conveniently transferred to the port, where your adventure begins. The itinerary includes visits to three remarkable islands: Aegina, renowned for its delightful assortment of pistachios; Poros, celebrated for its scenic beauty; and Hydra, the greenest among these islands, boasting elegant stone mansions, a tranquil atmosphere, and car-free streets.

On board the ship, you can indulge in a delectable lunch accompanied by traditional Greek music and dance. At the end of the day, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel, ensuring a seamless experience.

On the other hand, if you decide to spend the day in Athens, you will have the freedom to explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks at your own leisurely pace.

Greca Tip: You can add the cruise during step 1/3 while booking. If you do, make sure to try the different varieties of pistachio nuts grown on the famous island of Aegina!

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Athens International Airport to fly to Egypt.

After you arrive in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a person from our English-speaking team will be waiting to assist and inform you of all the details of your trip and clear any type of doubt that you have and give you a brief presentation of the city and its day to day. The transfer to the hotel will be carried out by one of our private air-conditioned vehicles.

At the hotel, the assistant will help you with the registration. The rest of the day will be for relaxing and enjoying the comforts of the hotel.

Greca Tip: If you want to occupy your time on your days off, ask about excursion options, such as dinner with dance and light and sound shows.

After enjoying a delicious and hearty breakfast featuring traditional regional products, we will begin our journey through the most iconic landmarks of the largest metropolis on the African continent.

Accompanied by our official English-speaking guide, we will start with the majestic Pyramids of Giza, where the only surviving wonder of the ancient world still stands: the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

This extraordinary funerary complex is guarded by the legendary Sphinx, bearing the head of Pharaoh Khafre and the body of a lion. We will admire it both from the panoramic esplanade and from up close. 

As an optional experience, we may include lunch and an excursion to the Saqqara necropolis, home to the extraordinary Step Pyramid of Djoser—the first monumental stone structure built in Egypt. This impressive site was conceived as a city for the king’s eternal life.

To end the day in style, you may choose to witness the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile—both optional and available upon request with your travel assistant.

Greca Tip: Beyond its famous pyramid, Saqqara also shelters richly decorated mastabas and tombs of nobles and high priests—hidden gems of ancient Egyptian art and history.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a full day exploring Al-Qahira. Also known as Cairo, the name of this city can be translated as "the Strong or Victorious" in English.

The morning kicks off with a visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, located in the heart of the city. Here, you will discover a plethora of priceless artifacts, including Tutankhamun's Treasure, ancient mummies, and breathtaking sculptures.

Next, our journey continues to Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been the domain of caliphs and their magnificent mosques since the 10th century. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Salah ad-Din Citadel, an ancient fortress fortified centuries ago to protect against Crusader invasions.

After bidding farewell to the museum, a visit to Khan el-Khalili Market is a must. You'll have some free time to test your negotiation skills and indulge In the vibrant atmosphere.

Before returning to the hotel to recharge, make sure to explore the Coptic Neighborhood, a vibrant blend of religions. Here, you can marvel at the Hanging Church, situated on the historic Babylon Fortress, and visit the Church of St. Sergius, believed to be a refuge for the Holy Family fleeing from Herod.

As an optional evening activity, consider treating yourself to a dinner buffet with a show at a floating restaurant on the Nile River. Feel free to inquire with our travel agents for more details.

Greca Tip: Check out our blog post on the best haggling tips that can be applied to any traditional market for some handy insights.

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Cairo International Airport to check in your luggage and, if necessary, process any tax refund on tax-free products that you have purchased.

From Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself: “Rihlat Jayida!”.

Greca Tip: If you feel that your stay in Egypt has not revealed all its secrets yet, you can add more nights to this fantastic city.