Current as of: October 22, 2024 - 03:55
Highlights of Ancient Greece Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Greece
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AGM
- Carbon Footprint: 13kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Journey back thousands of years to a land of gods and monsters, daring heroes and magnificent monuments
Discover the treasures of Ancient Greece: a world-famous collection of architectural wonders built in the name of the classical gods. On this culture-rich trip, we visit the highlights, including: the Acropolis in Athens; Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games; and Delphi, where the ancient heaven and earth met. At the same time, we cover a large part of the mainland, including the Peloponnese peninsula and central Greece, enjoying beautiful coastlines, forests and mountains.
Please note: Our 2025 departures do not visit Meteora, but take in Ancient Tiryns, Nestor’s Palace and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio instead.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 4 Classic nights (hotels)
- Travel by minibus
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Journey through Ancient Greece, visiting some of the best archaeological sites in the world
- Explore the extraordinary temples and monuments of the Acropolis in Athens
- Marvel at the mountain-wrapped ruins of Delphi
- Visit Olympia and walk (or run!) in the footsteps of the first Olympic athletes
- Discover the well-preserved monuments of Messene at the foot of Mount Ithomi
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
This is a cultural trip taking in the major archaeological sites in Greece, combining coastal zones in the Peloponnese with several mountainous areas and villages. Expect beautiful landscapes, incredible history and rich culture. There is a fair amount of minibus travel (from two to four hours per day) with sightseeing and lunch breaks along the way, and free time usually upon arrival at each day’s destination. Most of the driving is on main roads, which are fast. In some places, we follow the provincial roads, which are also sealed.
The tour is not physically demanding; however, walking is necessary at several sites, including Mystras and Delphi. At some of these sites, we walk between one and two hours, often uphill, taking uneven steps and terrain. Trainers (not sandals) are highly recommended.
Expect some early starts on departures from November through March, when many sites close at 3pm, as we want to ensure there is sufficient time to explore thoroughly.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Athens
- End City: Athens Airport
Accommodation
A selection of Greek hotels
We stay in small, family-run hotels where possible, favouring traditional properties that highlight the architecture of each destination. Most offer free wifi and some have a swimming pool. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay.
Mystras: Hotel Byzantion (night 4)
The Byzantion is a family-run hotel in the centre of Mystras village. Wrapped by mountains, the property has an alpine feel, while the hotel has plenty of retro touches, such as wood-paneled ceilings and an old phone booth. Our groups particularly like to gather in the green garden, where there’s a dipping pool and shady spots where you can shelter from the sun.
Pylos: Hotel Karalis (night 5)
This 35-room hotel is just moments from the main town square and overlooks the Bay of Navarino. Nearby, there’s plenty to explore. The Three Admirals Square, named for the monument in its centre, has cafe seating under the shade of plane trees – an essential experience in this part of the world. Meanwhile, the hotel has a bar for post-exploration, pre-dinner drinks.
Delphi: Nidimos Hotel (night 7)
The Nidimos is consistently a standout hotel for our groups. There are 34 modern rooms, each with a large balcony and seating area. There’s also a light and bright bar where you can gather for post-exploration drinks – make sure to check out the views of the mountains and Bay of Itea.
Single supplement from £ 275
Food & Drink
Breakfast is included at all the hotels.
Simple buffet-style Greek breakfasts consist of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs, honey, and coffee/tea.
Other meals are not included, and we suggest you allow approximately €175-€250 to cover them, more if you include alcoholic or expensive fruit juices with each meal.
Your group leader will assist in organising group meals at most stops, so you may benefit from better choices and good food. For lunch and dinner, we will go to different tavernas and restaurants, where we can sample typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and more.
Transport
A comfortable air-conditioned bus is used throughout the trip.
Weather & Seasonality
- February/March and November/December: Daytime temperatures 10C-18C (50F-64F); night time 5C-9C (41F-48F); rain and chances of snow on high mountains.
- April, May and October: Daytime temperatures 17C-27C (63F-81F); night time 12C-17C (54F-63F); small chance of rain; the ideal time to see spring flowers.
- June and September: Daytime temperatures 20C-30C (68F-86F); night time 18C-23C (64F-73F); very dry and warm, ideal for swimming.
- July: Daytime temperatures 30C-35C (86F-95F); night time 25C-28C (77F-82F); very dry and hot, ideal for swimming.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Arion Hotel or Achilleas Hotel
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A cab from the airport costs €40 and should take 45 minutes. Alternatively, Metro Line 3 connects the airport to the city centre (Syntagma Square). The journey time is approximately 40 minutes and a single ticket costs €9. On arrival at the hotel please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Athens
Location end: Athens Airport
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Two/three-season jacket for April and May departures
- Light waterproof jacket
- Sunhat
- Water bottle (water is drinkable almost everywhere on this itinerary, and you can refill your bottles from the tap at restaurants and hotels)
- Swimwear
- Sandals or old sports shoes for swimming
- Comfortable shoes or sports shoes for walking
The temperatures can sometimes be very high during the day in summer (June to September); we highly recommend you bring the following at this time of year:
- Comfortable light clothing
- Sunglasses
- High-factor sunscreen
2024 departures: Clothing must cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to enter the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Women are also required to wear long skirts as long trousers are not acceptable.
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Greece
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
Vaccinations and Health
Greece
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are some ATMs that take Visa/MasterCard or Switch, but it is still recommended to travel with some cash. Major credit cards are accepted in most places.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Budget for €175-€250 for food and drink.
Tourist tax: €24 per room for the week to be paid locally (subject to change).
Optional Excursions
- Morning boat trip in Navarino bay to the island of Sfaktiria. The price depends on the number of travellers that would like to join this activity, please discuss with the tour leader.
- Afternoon wine tour and wine tasting in Olympia: €20 per person.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus; however, most of our clients wish to tip their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This is not compulsory and depends on the service received.
If you would like to leave a tip, we would suggest approximately €45 per person in total on this itinerary to be broken down as follows:
- €30 for the leader
- €15 for the driver
People, Places & Planet
At Exodus, we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.