6-DAY OLYMPIA, ZAGOROCHORIA, METEORA, DELPHI TOUR

The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island.

Nowadays it has little economic importance and is mainly a tourist attraction. Free entrance.

Ancient Corinth was a great city-state in ancient Greece with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BC, built a new city in its place in 44 BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece.

For Christians, Ancient Corinth is well known from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of Paul the Apostle’s missionary travels. Entrance Ticket 8 euro per person.

The great development of the sanctuary in Ancient Olympia began in the Archaic period as shown by the thousands of votive offerings – weapons, figurines, cauldrons etc – dating from this period. This is when the first monumental buildings were constructed – the temple of Hera, the Prytaneion, the Bouleuterion, the treasuries and the first stadium.

The sanctuary continued to flourish into the Classical period when the enormous temple of Zeus (470-456 BC) and several other buildings (baths, stoas, treasuries) were erected, and the stadium moved to the east of its Archaic predecessors, outside the Altis.Entrance Ticket 12 euro per person.

Overnight at 4-star or boutique hotels such as Arty Grand or Europa or Olympion Asty

The Rio–Antirrio Bridge, is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road.

The Rio-Antirrio Bridge, also known as the “Charilaos Trikoupis” bridge, was completed in 2004 for the Olympic Games. The bridge is named after the Greek Prime Minister who envisioned the connection of the Peloponnese with Western Greece in 1889.

Crossing it, we leave the Peloponnese behind us and enter the mainland. The first stop is Nafpaktos, a scenic little Venetian port and castle, a popular escapade for a romantic weekend.  You will have a shortstop and can have a coffee or tea at the port. 

We then set off to Ioannina town and Lake. Ioannina is the capital of the Epirus region of Greece and of the most amazing cities built on the shores of Pamvotida Lake and at the base of Mount Mitsikéli. Lake Pamvótidha is spectacular to walk around and this is where you will have your lunch, at a traditional tavern with a panoramic lake view.

After your lunch, your driver will transfer you to visit the Ancient Theater of Dodoni, one of the largest and best-preserved theatres in Greece and the world. The Oracle of Dodoni was dedicated to Zeus, the King of the Olympian Gods. So it is a spiritual place, as much as a cultural hub for the Greeks and the rest of the world. It was built in the 3rd century BC during the reign of the mighty King Pyrros. Although it has suffered great damages due to natural disasters and the toll of time, the theatre is still undergoing renovations and excavations to reveal even more of its wonderment. Entrance fees 8 euro per person.

Right after Dodoni Archaeological Site, we will go to our final destination of the day at Zagorochoria with a free evening and overnight stay, in Aristi village, our picturesque home for the night. 

Accommodation at Boutique Hotel like Aberratio Hotel in Aristi

The 3rd day of your tour can be a day of outdoor activities. We will visit  Papigo, which consists of Megalo and Mikro Papigo, part of  46 villages of Zagorochoria.

These popular villages are known for the beautiful nature with the most striking spot being Vikos Gorge, the largest canyon in Europe.

The road leading to Papigo passes by the Voidomatis River a crystal clear waters river surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Mikro Papigo is built on the steep slopes of Mt Timfy with remarkable natural beauty. You will walk the cobblestone square,  the stoned alleys, and experience the Zagorian architecture all made of stone.

Some of the outdoor activities found in this region include rafting along the Voidomatis River, horseback riding, trekking, hiking and more.

We can organise for you hiking to Vickos Gorge or Dragon Lake. Alternatively, you can choose to have Voidomatis Rafting, a 2 hours activity ideal for beginners. Voidomatis River is only 15 kilometres long and spends most of its short journey passing through the unspoiled nature of Vikos Aoos National Part.

Return and overnight rest in Aristi village in Aberratio Hotel

An unforgettable trip to Metsovo with a simply breathtaking view!

You won’t believe this amazing area which has lakes, rivers, canyons, forests.

Metsovo town is a hidden gem, famous for its great museums, the local savoury and smoked cheeses, the nearby lake Aoos and numerous options for hiking, horseriding and Vikos Gorge crossing.

You can visit Anthochori, which has an open-air museum of water-driven movement, Chrisovitsa with Panagia Monastery and its famous potatoes, the villages Anilio and Votonosi, as well as the traditional settlement of Milia on the borders of the national forest.

In the late afternoon, we will set off to Kalambaka and the Meteora Monasteries. If there is time and you would like that, your driver can take you up on the rocks for a spectacular sunset view. 

Kalambaka is nestled at the foot of the Meteora district, characterised by its main street with traditional and family-run taverns where you can have your dinner. Souvenir shops in the town sell local handmade embroidery, leather sandals and carved wooden handicrafts.

Overnight in Kalambaka at 4-star or Boutique Hotels like Doupiani House or at Guesthouse Iridanos

There are six monasteries on Meteora: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, Agios Stefanos, Holy Trinity and St. Nikolaos. You will visit 2 or 3 of the Meteora monasteries, depending on the day and time we are visiting. If you would like to visit all 6 monasteries you would need to spend at least 2 days in Meteora.

Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 and an official holy place for Greece since 1995.  Meteora monasteries date from the 14th century and are unique in the world because of the amazing treasure of Byzantine and Christian items you can witness. Items such as the classic attire of the monks, wall paintings, etched glass, religious treasures, icons and libraries rich in old manuscripts. Most of them were built in the 1500s.

In 1981 Jame’s Bond film ‘For Your Eyes Only’ was partially filmed in the Monastery of Holy Trinity.

Tyrion of ‘Game of Thrones’ while hanging at the edge of the cliff, you can see in the background the overwhelming rocks of Meteora.

There is a 3 euro fee to enter each of the monasteries and proper attire is required. Women must wear skirts below the knees though in some monasteries these are provided for women in shorts or slacks. Men’s arms must be covered and they must wear long pants.

Right after the visit to the Meteora Monasteries your driver will take you to another stunning place, Plastira Lake, where you will enjoy your lunch with the lake view.

The Lake holds up to 400 million cubic meters of fresh water. Due to its altitude (one of the highest in Europe), the Lake is a popular tourist resort in Greece, as the formed landscape is quite unique.

Later on, we will visit beautiful Elati village, the biggest village in the mountainous area of Trikala and one of the most beloved destinations in Greece. Built on the southwest side of Koziakas Mt at 950 meters, in a dreamlike mountainous landscape.

Free evening and dinner in the village of Elati.

Overnight in boutique hotels like Mouzaki Palace Hotel & Spa or Naiades Resort

We then visit Delphi, another UNESCO world heritage site and the centre of the ancient world, according to the Greeks.

You will walk through the ‘Sacred Way’ with the temple of Apollo, the theatre, the stadium, the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia with the Tholos and the Kastalia. 

You will visit the Museum with rich collections of findings from the site including the famous bronze Charioteer, Sphinx of Naxos, friezes of the Siphnian Treasuries and Statue of a philosopher, said to be Plutarch or Plato. Admission Fee: 12 euro

For lunch, we have chosen a traditional tavern in Delphi “To Patriko mas” which combine an astounding view of the vast olive tree valley and sea with exceptional food and service.

Our next stop is Arachova traditional village where you can taste the famous local formaela sheep cheese, which has been designated as a protected designation of origin.

You will have free time to wander in the small picturesque village which in winter is a very popular ski resort and has the biggest ski area in Greece. It has a panoramic view and is famous for its black wine, its “brusque”, colourful textiles, carpets and rugs, handicrafts and woodcut creations as well. 

Return back to Athens early evening. No accommodation is provided for this day of the tour.