5-Day Best of Ancient Greece & Zakynthos Island: From Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia to Zakynthos, Delphi & Meteora
€4,450
Why this private tour?
☼ It is a great mixed experience of the Mythical Peloponnese, Zakynthos Island plus Delphi and Meteora Monasteries.
☼ For those prioritizing experiences over things; the experience-motivated travelers!
☼ Ideal for those looking to quickly leave Athens behind to visit some amazing sites and overnight at beautiful, authentic “Greek” locations while exploiting & exploring.
☼ You’ll be enjoying and experiencing places, people, and real Greek life & food.
We plan for you an experience and not a tour for tourists! All with great accommodation that you can’t experience in the big cities.
We will first explore the Mythical Peloponnese’s Unesco sites of Mycenae, the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, beautiful Nafplio town, and Ancient Olympia.
A very nice, comfortable, and quick (1 hour 7 min) ferry ride will take us from the Peloponnese to Zakynthos Island with its electrifying blues, dramatic cliff backdrops, and sunsets. We’ll enjoy a boat tour to the famous Navagio (The Shipwreck) bay/beach and the Blue Caves.
Next, we visit the “bellybutton” of the world; Delphi with its famous Oracle before exploring the stunning Meteora monasteries.
Expect this tour to be about food & drink too! It is included and is a very important part of your experience!
Duration: 5 days – 4 nights Language: English Departure: 8:00 a.m. from Athens
You can book this Zakynthos, Peloponnese, Delphi & Meteora private tour online now. The pricing shown is for 1 or 2 people (not per person).
For more pricing details & options please see the “Pricing” tab below or Contact Us to get a quote for more than two people. And … don’t forget to select the tour “Start Date” before “Adding to the cart”!
Day 1: Corinth Canal – Mycenae – Nafplio – Epidaurus
Your private driver/guide will be at the agreed location for your 8:00 a.m. departure. On a short trip of no more than 2 1/2 hours, you arrive at the center of the Peloponnese for this “real Greece” experience. Corinth Canal is the first stop, and then on to Epidaurus, home to an ancient, beautifully preserved theater. Wander around the site & museum before hopping back in the vehicle and exploring the “old town” of Nafplio and the famous Venetian fortress of Palamidi with its 999 steps. Then head to MYCENAE, home to some of Greece’s most famous ancient ruins. We leave Mycenae to drive and arrive at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
You can optionally add Ancient Corinth to the itinerary of Day 1 and/or the walk down the 999 steps, enjoying the most amazing views.
Dinner and overnight in Nafplio town. However, if you are the adventurous type and book early enough, we can overnight at a unique mountain village location that has all the non-touristy ingredients: authenticity, hospitality, excellent food and drink, a great evening out with the locals, and amazing views.
Day 2: Ancient Olympia & the ferry to Zakynthos island
We start from your hotel at 9.00 a.m. to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the “Valley of Gods”. This is the birthplace of the most important athletic event of all time, the Olympic Games. You will have a chance to run down the original Olympic track and visit the museum.
You can walk through the impressive ruins of the area where athletes trained and ran in the ancient stadium; just as the ancient Olympians did after their victory 3000 years ago. In front of the Temple of Hera, the Olympic Flame burns during the modern-day Olympic Games. You can also visit the world-famous museum and get the chance to see some unbelievable sculptures such as the sculpted decoration of the marble temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the famous Hermes carved by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles.
Tour the monuments of the archaeological site, including the former gymnasium and Palaestra (where athletes practiced before competing), stadium, hotel & crypt. Let your imagination run to the times when Greece’s finest athletes strove to honor the gods through the Olympic ideal.
After exploring the Olympia site & museum, we will head to Kyllini Port to take the ferry for an hour’s ride (1:15), and approach the port of Zakynthos Town in the late afternoon. After check-in at your hotel, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore and have dinner.
Overnight in Zakynthos island.
Day 3:Explore Zakynthos by car and boat or car only (your decision)
Your tour leader will make sure you see the best of Zakynthos Island.
☼ The “color of love” at the Blue Caves runs through all the shades, from navy to turquoise and back again. You’ll know only if you visit.
☼ The Shipwreck Beach. For some … an iconic shot and priority to add it to their Instagram feed!
☼ The Zakynthos sunset from our secret spots. Expect some spectacular lunch and dinner locations!
☼ The port of Zakynthos from above.
☼ The Caretta-Caretta turtles of the Laganas hatching Bay.
We will drive towards the north side of the island, to explore and board the boat to visit the famous Navagio beach and the Blue Caves. At both locations, you will have the option of a swim. At Navagio you will spend about 45 minutes exploring and enjoying the beach whereas, at the Blue Caves, it will only be a quick stop for another optional swim. Depending on the weather/wind, the boat tour of Navagio can be replaced by a tour of the south side of Zakynthos which is equally amazing with Marathonisi island and swimming with the turtles.
The above itinerary is very flexible and you have the following options although the weather could also decide for us:
☼ Exploring the island only from the comfort of our vehicle enjoying the coastline views, OR,
☼ Join a 2-3 hour boat tour of the north or the south side of the island (depending on the weather conditions) and then explore by car for the rest of the day.
We could also be visiting the Shipwreck to photograph it from above or optionally extending our day to enjoy a sunset dinner at the cliffs on the west side of the island.
The evening is for you to relax on Zakynthos Island but make sure you get enough rest for an early start to catch our boat back to the mainland and head for Delphi and Meteora Monasteries.
Day 4: Delphi via the Rion suspended bridge
After breakfast, we will take the ferry from Zakynthos port around 05:30 am!!! to get back to the Peloponnese mainland (Kyllini port) and continue towards Delphi after crossing over the amazing bridge of Rion – Antirion, one of the biggest in Europe. At Nafpaktos, a beautiful seaside small town, we will make a short coffee stop next to the water and the Venetian Castle/Port.
[Photo: Larry W. & Ashley O. – November 2019]
On the way to Delphi, we will be next to the coastline at all times also passing next to the beautiful Galaxidi seaside town!
The Archaeological Site & Museum of DELPHI, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary with the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years, in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity. Again, great lunch on the way to METEORA.
If there are no unexpected delays, and although not part of the normal itinerary, we shall make the first visit to the amazing monasteries’ area to get a feeling of the amazing landscape with the late afternoon light. Time permitting it may be possible to even visit one of the monasteries. Overnight next to Meteora ready to explore next morning.
Day 5: Meteora monasteries & Thermopylae battlefield
METEORA (“suspended in the air”) was the hiding spot for the monks from the Romans. We explore two (or three) amazing monasteries depending on your fitness and timing. We drive around the Meteora maze finding different spots to take photos and enjoy the amazing views.
On the way back to Athens we stop for a great lunch & drinks always under the guidance of your tour leader. No fixed menu! Authentic Greek food, location, and people; away from the tourist traps.
We also stop to stretch at the battlefield of THERMOPYLAE and the famous 300 of King Leonidas of Sparta. Expect a return to Athens around 17:00 but flexible depending on your plans to follow.
The pricing shown for this tour is €4,450 which is the total for 2 (two) people and includes the sites mentioned in the itinerary plus accommodation/breakfast and lunch/drinks.
Discounted pricing: We have alternative ways of payment (family rates, solo travelers, small booking payments, pay on the day of the tour, etc). Please, contact us to get the best rate depending on your payment method, number of people, and ages.
PS. Payments made by PayPal are subject to an additional cost of 5%-6% (the approximate fee that PayPal charges on all transactions), and prices by Amex are subject to an additional 2.80%-3%, which the client must pay to Eudaimonia on the day of the booked tour. There is no extra charge if you pay by any other credit card.
From your Athens hotel, Airbnb, cruise ship (Piraeus port), or a pre-arranged meeting point very near to your location. For other starting locations please contact us.
Many thanks to:
DiscoverGreece for the great video of the Zakynthos shipwreck, Rocher Bros for the great video footage of the amazing Meteora monasteries, Discovery UK for the video of the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, and to Around the Rings for the Olympia ceremony video.
ZAKYNTHOS BOAT TOUR to the SHIPWRECK
THE ORACLE OF DELPHI
METEORA MONASTERIES
THE ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS
ANCIENT OLYMPIA FLAME CEREMONY FOR TOKYO 2020 ... 21!
Extend your plan by one day to create a more relaxed experience exploring and enjoying some of the following:
[1] Winery visit & wine tasting
[2] Visit olive oil production unit (Olive Press) for fresh olive-oil tasting and/or buying [availability from September to January]
Please contact us for details and pricing. Not all add-ons can be included in all tours either because of time limitations (daylight time, closing times of sites) or because of the time of the year (swimming, olive press), etc.
On this tour you can add more days in order to see more of the Mythical Peloponnese. Some of the extra places you can add to your tour experience are:
Please contact us for details, availability, and pricing.
☼ All our tours include lunch and drinks and all multiday tours include quality accommodation. Professional guide, dinner (on multiday tours), and tickets to the sites are not included. You can read more about why we have these inclusions and exclusions.
☼ Children must be accompanied by an adult.
☼ Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for people with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
☼ We are flexible and the duration of the tour is flexible, so there is no rushing during the tour except when there are specific restrictions (like not to miss the closing time of the sites during off-season).
☼ If our agency cancels due to bad weather or any other extreme last-minute situation, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund.
‘Eudaimonia’ is the trading name of Eudaimonia Private Tours of Greece, a tour provider officially registered under the Greek National Tourism Organization with business license number: 1245E70000044101. The ‘client’ or ‘customer’ is the person or persons who have made a confirmed booking with Eudaimonia.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR TOURS, TRANSFERS AND SERVICES
(a) Cancellation Policy for day tours, half-day tours, and transfers:
☼ Cancellations made greater than 60 days before the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded minus service fees as mentioned below.
☼ Cancellations made between 60 to 30 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 75% of the agreed total tour fee minus service fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 30 to 7 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee minus service fees.
☼ Cancellations made 7 days or less before the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
EXPENSES: Additionally to the above but only after the 60-day full refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning or are part of the day or half-day tours or transfers, such as site tickets, train/boat tickets, or any other bookings for the client (wine tasting, restaurants, etc) will be deducted from the amount to be refunded. This will be an amount of approximately 15%-20% of the total tour cost.
SERVICE FEE: Finally, a service fee of 9% (of the total amount agreed) will also be deducted from any refundable amount including the 60-day full refund case. This corresponds to the time spent on the client’s booking.
(b) Cancellation Policy for multi-day tours (at least one night stay/overnight or more):
☼ Cancellations made greater than 90 days before the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded minus expenses and services fees as mentioned below.
☼ Cancellations made between 90 to 60 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 75% of the agreed total tour fee minus expenses and services fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 60 to 30 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee minus expenses and services fees.
☼ Cancellations made 30 days before the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
EXPENSES: Additionally to the above, but only after the 90-day full refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning or are part of any multiday tour, such as site tickets, train/boat tickets, hotels booked for the client, or any other bookings (wine tasting, restaurants, etc), will be deducted from any amount to be refunded. This will be an amount of approximately 25%-30% of the total tour cost.
SERVICE FEE: Finally, a service fee of 18% of the total amount agreed will also be deducted from any refundable amount including the 90-day full refund case. This corresponds to the time spent on the client’s booking.
(c) Special client-specific arrangements/agreements & cancellation policy:
There may be client-specific payments & bookings (full or partial) agreed upon through e-mail communication mentioned -for example- as “non-refundable” or different from the main cancellation policy “refund dates”. Then, these client-specific agreements will precede any other interpretations made from this main cancellation policy. Therefore, it is the specific written (email) agreement between each client and Eudaimonia that can only precede this main cancellation policy -if it is different- and determines the cancellation policy for each client.
(d) Other issues:
Eudaimonia reserves the right to make subtle changes to tour itineraries. Eudaimonia reserves the right to substitute vehicles and/or drivers should they arise. Eudaimonia reserves the right to change or cancel your booking without any penalties beyond offering a full refund. Should change and/or cancellation prove necessary we will give you -if possible- reasonable notice & where available, offer you a comparable alternative. If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to a full refund.
Eudaimonia encourages all clients to communicate as early as possible concerning cancellation issues which could allow the agency to offer a better refund – partial or full- to a client despite the standard cancellation policy described in this document. This is a decision not to be discussed with or disputed by the client and will be made entirely by Eudaimonia to better serve the client if it is possible.
Eudaimonia itineraries are flexible, and if possible, the requirements of clients will be facilitated. Eudaimonia reserves the right to vary, modify, or cancel any itinerary, either partly or wholly. Itineraries published are sample itineraries only and may be amended without notice. Eudaimonia also reserves the right to use alternative vehicles to those advertised.
Eudaimonia is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any tour departure.
Bookings can only be used by the client/s to whom the booking was initially arranged; no other person can use the booking in any circumstances.
The client will be asked to produce a valid photo and/or passport number identification.
(e) Force Majeure
It is only at Eudaimonia’s discretion to refund fully, partly, or not at all if a customer cancels under certain conditions including even “Force Majeure”. Eudaimonia strongly recommends that the client purchase travel insurance.
The Client agrees to all the above when booking any of Eudaimonia’s tours and services.
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