The cradle of democracy, classical Greece was the foundation of our Western civilization. Investigate the monuments of Athens, Delphi and the Peloponnese. Consider how the evolution of Greek architectural style has dominated most aspirational architectural design ever since.

Climb the Acropolis to enjoy views over Athens and witness the scale of public buildings, particularly the Parthenon. Explore the extensive ruins and consider what life was like in the bustling Agora. Visit one of the world’s most important archaeological museums, and assess how the exquisite sculptures were integrated into the ancient urban landscape.

Visit Delphi, site of the Oracle of Apollo, which played a highly significant role in the classical Greek world and was considered centre of the earth and universe. Explore the Peloponnese, a region where myth and legends were made, where olive clad mountains of the peninsula are dotted with palaces, fortresses and temples. Explore the Mycenean civilisation where the impressive Lion Gates guard the ruins of the Acropolis. Tour ancient Corinth, once much larger than Athens and witness the extraordinary engineering feat of building the canal. Investigate the sports and pastimes of ancient Greeks at the site of the original games of Olympia. Sit on one of the elegant stone seats at the theatre of Epidavros and imagine the drama of watching a performance as the sun sets over the Peloponnese Mountains.

Our best value sample itinerary from £585

8 Days to Greece

Day 1:
Fly from London to Athens airport. Transfer to your Athens accommodation by coach.

Day 2:
Day in Athens visiting key sites of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and the Acropolis museum. In the afternoon visit the Olympic stadium from the 2004 Olympic games. Spend the evening exploring the streets of the bustling Plaka District.

Day 3:
Morning at leisure to visit the museums or look round the shops. Transfer to Delphi in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Delphi.

Day 4:
Morning to explore the delights of the Sanctuary at Delphi, learn of the legends of the Oracle and visit the Museum. Continue by coach to Olympia using the Rio-Andirio bridge. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Olympia.

Day 5:
Morning visit to the Sanctuary of Zeus, with time to explore the site of the original Olympic Games. Late morning travel to Pylos with a visit to Nestor's Palace a Mycenean palace. Overnight stay in Pylos.

Day 6:
Depart for Tolon, visiting en route the 'Ghost Towns' of Mystra and Sparta. Sparta was once as powerful as Athens, it was feared for its strict regime and aggressive people. Mistra was once a thriving Byzantine city. Built precariously on a hill it boasted a fortress, palaces, a monastery and churches, the ruins of which can still be seen. Overnight stay in Tolon.

Day 7:
Full day to visit the Tomb of Agamemnon and the ancient Citadel of Mycenae with its Royal Tombs and the Lions Gate. Continue to the famous Sanctuary at Epidavros, ancient seat of modern medicine with its splendid theatre. Return to Tolon via the historic port of Nauplion, the ancient capital of Argolis overshadowed by the imposing fortress of Palamidi with its one hundred steps. Overnight in Tolon.

Day 8:
Time at leisure in Tolon subject to return flight times. Transfer to Athens airport for return flight.