5-Day Best of Ancient Greece & Zakynthos Island: From Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus to Ancient Olympia, Delphi & Meteora
€4,450
Why this private tour? It is a great mixed experience of the Mythical Peloponnese, Zakynthos Island plus Delphi and Meteora. It’s ideal for those looking to visit some amazing sites without wasting time driving in & out of Athens, but instead choosing to overnight & enjoy beautiful, authentic “Greek” locations. All with great accommodation that you can’t experience in the big cities. For up to 7 (related only) people but we can do bigger groups too as long as you are related.
We will first explore Peloponnese’s Unesco sites of Mycenae, the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, Nafplio town, and Ancient Olympia. A quick ferry ride will take us from the Peloponnese to the amazing blue water of Zakynthos island with its beautiful coastline. 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.
You’ll be enjoying and experiencing places, people, and real Greek life. We plan for you an experience and not a tour for tourists!
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 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.
Dinner & Overnight in the Olympia area. However, if you are the adventurous type and book early enough we can overnight at a unique mountain village location that has all the ingredients missing from touristy Olympia; authenticity, hospitality, excellent food & drink, a great evening out with the locals, and of course 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 burns the Olympic Flame 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 help see and enjoy the best of Zakynthos island. Expect some spectacular lunch and dinner places!
☼ Discover the color of love at the Blue Caves
☼ The Shipwreck beach
☼ Local delicacies
☼ The Zakynthos sunset from Kampi and/or Cave Damianos
☼ The port of Zakynthos from above
☼ The turtles of Laganas
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 on the way back. 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, 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,
☼ Joining a 2-3 hour boat tour of the north or the south side of the island (depending on the weather conditions) and then exploring by our car for the rest of the day.
At extra cost, we can arrange for a totally private boat tour. You can always contact us to discuss this option in advance.
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. It is a flexible day and we all need to be flexible!
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.
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 sun setting down. Time permitting it may be possible to even visit one of the monasteries. Totally different lighting than the morning visit to follow the next day! Overnight next to Meteora.
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.
Expect a very flexible and personalized tour from us, with lots of authentic experiences, and great food & drink.
☼ Private tour & driver/tour-leader
☼ Hotel/Airbnb/cruise ship pickup and drop-off.
☼ Non-smoking vehicle and driver.
☼ Return ferry tickets to Zakynthos island.
☼ 2-3 hour boat tour of Zakynthos.
☼ Four-night accommodation (including breakfast) based on double or triple occupancy depending on your group/family. Contact us if in doubt.
☼ Lunch is included on all 5 days at selected locations and is part of your experience.
☼ Each person is allowed one normal-size suitcase and a small carry-on bag.
☼ Full and detailed itinerary of the trip.
☼ In-car bottled water & information booklet.
☼ Flexible itinerary.
☼ Free online consultation for all aspects of your planning and staying in Greece from the first moment you book the trip or any other day or multi-day trip of Eudaimonia. We will answer all your questions based on our insider knowledge and experience (best location to stay, eating out, safety, tips, do’s & don’ts, etc).
☼ Optional: Vegetarian lunch can be arranged in most cases. Please let us know in advance.
The total pricing for 2 people is 4,450 (not per person). If you are a solo traveler, we will provide a small discount.
For larger groups of up to 11 (or even more) related only people (couples, groups of friends, or large families), please get in touch with us to get the best rate depending on the exact number of people and their age group. All our vehicles are brand new. For example, for 1-3 people, a typical large four-door 2022 vehicle will be used, whereas, for 3-8 people, a large 2021 minivan will be used for the trip.
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 include in the payment or 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 AND SERVICES
(A) Cancellation Policy for the day or half-day tours or transfers:
☼ Cancellations made greater than 40 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded minus expenses and/or services fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 30 to 40 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 80% of the agreed total tour fee.
☼ Cancellations made between 20 to 5 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee.
☼ Cancellations made 5 days prior to the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
Additionally to the above but after the 40-day full refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning the day or half-day tours or transfers, such as site tickets or train tickets or bookings for the client (train/ boat tickets, wine tasting, restaurants, etc) will be deducted from the amount to be refunded.
Finally, a service fee of 8% (of the total amount agreed) will also be deducted from any refundable amount including the 40-day full refund case. This corresponds to the time spent on the client’s booking.
(B) Cancellation Policy for multi-day tours:
☼ Cancellations made greater than 60 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded minus expenses and/or services fees as mentioned below.
☼ Cancellations made between 60 to 30 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 80% of the agreed total tour fee minus expenses and/or services fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 30 to 20 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee minus expenses and/or services fees.
☼ Cancellations made 20 days prior to the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
Additionally to the above but after the 60-day full refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning any multiday tour, such as site tickets, train tickets,hotels booked for the client, and other bookings (like wine tasting, restaurants, etc), will be deducted from any amount to be refunded after the initial 60-day full refund period. This will be an amount of 25%-30% of the total tour cost.
Finally, a service fee of 15% 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.
(C) Special client-specific arrangements/agreements:
It is possible that there will be client-specific payments & bookings (full or partial) agreed upon through e-mail communication mentioned -for example- as “non-refundable”. Then, these client-specific agreements will precede any other interpretations made from this cancellation policy, and it is only at Eudaimonia’s discretion to refund fully, partly, or not at all, even under certain conditions including “Force Majeure”. 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 agreed 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 in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. Should change and/or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, & where available, offer you a comparable alternative. If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund or monies paid by you to us or you can transfer to another Eudaimonia tour without payment of any transfer fee.
Eudaimonia encourages all clients to communicate as early as possible concerning cancellation issues which can allow the agency to offer a better refund – partial or full- to a client despite the standard policy described in this document. This is a decision to be made entirely by Eudaimonia in an effort to better serve the client.
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.
Dietary requirements must be requested from clients and forwarded at the time of booking or at least one week before the tour.
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 may also be asked to produce a valid photo or/and passport number identification.
Eudaimonia strongly recommends that the client purchases travel insurance.
VALIDITY & DISPUTES
Any disputes will be resolved by the Greek legal system and its laws without the need for any arbitration.
The Client agrees to all the above when booking any of Eudaimonia’s tours and services.
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Offering our visitors the "special tour moments" that create memorably authentic experiences
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