Delphi, Olympia & Beyond
Archaeological Sites of Classical Greece Extension
Overview
Get a glimpse of ancient Greece as we discover the wondrous archaeological sites of Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, and Epidaurus. This can be done as a pre-trip extension to our Hiking in the Greek Isles adventure.
Arrive: Athens, Greece
Depart: Athens, Greece
Highlights
- See the legendary Oracle of Delphi, visit Olympia, with its temples of Hera and Zeus
- Explore Mycenae and Asklepios, two centers of the Classical world
Itinerary
Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free to relax or explore on your own. Overnight at hotel...Meals on your own
From Athens, we head to the stunning archaeological site of Delphi, set on the terraced slopes of Mount Parnassus and encircled by craggy peaks. Delphi is the home of the legendary Oracle of Delphi, the priestess of Apollo, whose prophecies of the future influenced many decisions, from the most advantageous time for farmers to plant their crops to when decisive battles should be fought. After checking into our hotel, and time permitting, we can take a walk to a viewpoint for a spectacular vista of Delphi and its haunting setting. Overnight at hotel...BLD
Driving Time: 3-3.5 hours
Walking Details: 2.5 hours, 900 feet ascent/descent
Driving Time: 3-3.5 hours
Walking Details: 2.5 hours, 900 feet ascent/descent
In the morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Delphi, walking along the Sacred Way up to the Temple of Apollo and beyond to the 4th century BC amphitheater, which once held an audience of 5,000. A path through pine groves leads to the stadium, where we can easily imagine heroics of the Pythian Games, the precursors of the Olympics. After lunch, we head to Olympia, a sanctuary that was the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. Dinner and overnight at hotel...BLD
Driving Time: 3.5 hours
Driving Time: 3.5 hours
In the morning we have a guided tour of the archaeological site in Olympia, with its many treasures, Temples of Hera and Zeus, and the Pelopion, an enclosed small mound of sacrificial ashes. Departing Olympia, we head to Vytina village, set on the slopes of Mt. Mainalo (6,516'), for a delicious lunch, then continue to the beautiful coastal town of Nafplion, the first capital city of modern Greece after the Greek Revolution of Independence. This evening we dine at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel...BLD
Driving Time: 3.5-4 hours
Driving Time: 3.5-4 hours
In the second millennium BC, Mycenae was one of the major centers of Greek civilization, a military stronghold that dominated much of southern Greece. After visiting this site, with its fascinating archaeological remains (it was uncovered in 1874 by Heinrich Schliemann, the German archaeologist who also excavated Troy), we continue to Epidaurus, a sanctuary dedicated to the legendary healer Asklepios. Epidaurus was the celebrated healing center of the Classical world, and many recognizable ruins of hospitals and spa areas remain. It is also noted for its stunning theater. The 14,000-seat arena still has near-perfect acoustics—you can hear a coin drop in the orchestra section, even from the highest seat! We return to Athens in the afternoon, where you will meet the other members of your group this evening and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Athens at hotel...BLD
Driving Time: 3.5-4 hours
Driving Time: 3.5-4 hours
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.