Classical Greece

A mainland Greece route of ancient sites from Athens, linking Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

The Classical Tour is a mainland cultural route commonly promoted by Greek travel agencies and the tourist board. Starting and ending in Athens, it loops around the Peloponnese and central Greece, linking the most important archaeological sites of ancient Greece. Highlights: the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum in Athens; the Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth; Mycenae's Lion Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon; the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus with its astonishing acoustics; the Venetian fortress and old town of Nafplio, a former capital; Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games; the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the "center of the world"; and the Meteora monasteries (a UNESCO World Heritage site), built atop towering rock pillars. Classic route: Athens (2–3 days) – Corinth – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplio (1–2 nights) – Olympia (1 night) – Delphi (1 night) – Meteora/Kalambaka (1–2 nights) – back to Athens, 7–9 days in total; 4-day guided tours are common locally. Getting around: driving is the most flexible, and the highways are tolled; you can also take KTEL long-distance buses and trains (there is a direct train from Athens to Kalambaka). This route is often combined with Cyclades island hopping into a 12–14 day Greece itinerary. Most sites are outdoors, so bring sun protection and water; the Meteora monasteries require clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

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