Greece on a Shoestring
Greece on a Shoestring
$770
Tour Overview
This 5-day Greece tour is ideal for travellers looking to get a taste for the history and beauty of Greece in a short time and in comfort but on a reasonable budget.
Starting in the Greece's historical capital of Athens, we'll make our way to some of its top attractions, such as the Panathenaic Stadium - the world's only fully-marbled stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament, Constitution Square, the National Library and the Acropolis - which is home to a selection of Greece's most significant architectural monuments.
After spending some time in Athens, we'll travel to Delphi, exploring its archaeological site which is home to the last remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also travel to the small town of Kalambaka - which is often known as the gateway to Meteora. We spend time exploring the spectacular mountain scenery of Meteora, visiting some of the monasteries which are perched on mountaintops and on the sides of cliffs, some seeming completely inaccessible.
This is a 'seat on coach' departure, shared with other operators. Extensions to the tour are available if you’d like to head into the Aegean Sea to visit a Greek island or two. Please contact us for details. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Your Greek Adventure Begins In Athens. Airport To Hotel Transfers Included
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Athens hotel
On your arrival in Athens airport (ATH) our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and have a first look around. Extra nights in the Athens hotel are available on request.
Day 2 : Journeying Through Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Athens hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll embark on a city tour of Athens, starting with a visit to the location of the first of the first modern Olympics in 1896 - the fully-marbled Panathenaic Stadium before we travel to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Our Athens city tour also includes a visit to the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square. Last but not least, we'll travel to the famous Acropolis - an ancient citadel which towers above the city. We'll explore its famous architectural masterpieces such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the iconic Parthenon - a former temple built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos.
Day 3 : Travel To Delphi
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Kalambaka hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll say goodbye to Athens today, as we travel to the town of Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the mountainous village of Arachova - which is perched at the base of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival in Delphi, we'll explore its famous archaeological site, famed for being the home of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also make our way to the Treasury of the Athenians, which was used to store offerings given to the Kings who once ruled the area. This afternoon, we'll leave Delphi towards the village of Kalambaka, which is often regarded as the gateway to the impressive Meteora rock formations and monasteries.
Day 4 : Marvelling At The Ancient Meteora Cliffs And Monasteries
Location: Meteora
Accommodation Name: Athens hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After spending the night in Kalambaka, today is all about exploring the unique rock formations at Meteora - a current UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meteora was originally home to over twenty cliff-side and mountaintop monasteries, several of which are still being used today. The monasteries were originally built and used by Monks in the 14th century, who were in need of a safe haven. The only way to access the monasteries was to climb up the rock faces or to be hoisted up in a basket. Note: The monasteries at Meteora have a strict dress code. Women need to wear a long skirt, dress or sarong (trousers or shorts covering the knees are not enough). Men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Please ensure you have appropriate clothing ready for this day. After taking in the beauty of Meteora, we'll travel back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae, stopping along the way to see the statue of Leonidas, which was erected to commemorate the Battle of Thermopylae.
Day 5 : Your Greek Tour Ends. Hotel To Airport Transfers Included
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
We really hope you enjoyed your Greece tour! If your flight is scheduled later in the day, you can head out to do some shopping or explore in Athens a little more, before we transfer you to the airport to board your flight back home. Extensions to some of the Aegean Sea’s Greek islands are available if you’d like to add some more time seeing a different side to Greece.
What's Included
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Meals
4 breakfasts, 1 dinner15 -
Accommodation
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in approximately 4-star level hotels.
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Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers in air-conditioned non-smoking vehicles.
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Airport Transfers
24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to sites visited are included.
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Tour Guide
Services of a professional local tour guide for all sightseeing tours.
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Tips
Tips are included except for the driver and guide.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included if applicable.
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Single Room Supplements
Single room supplements are compulsory for solo travellers.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and available on request.
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Hotel Residence Tax
Hotel residence tax is not included.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Tips for Guide and Driver
Tips for the guide and driver are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with air-conditioned minibus or coach transfers, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey throughout your Greek adventure.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable 4-star hotels throughout your journey, including accommodations in Athens and Kalambaka, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned minibus or coach for all transport and transfers.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?
Accommodation is provided in approximately 4-star level hotels, including stays in Athens and Kalambaka.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer services are included in the tour package.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner as indicated in the itinerary.
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Is there a dress code for visiting the monasteries at Meteora?
Yes, there is a strict dress code for visiting the monasteries at Meteora. Women need to wear a long skirt, dress, or sarong, and men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
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Are entrance fees to the sites visited included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to the sites visited are included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is compulsory. It is available on request.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Greece on a Shoestring
5 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Meteora
Tour operator:
Tour code:
299
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Please advise request