Legendary Greece

Legendary Greece

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9 Days From

$3480

$3323

Legendary Greece

9 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Olympia, Kalamata, Sparta, Aegina, Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

DG-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3480 $3323 Operator discount: -$157

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Legendary Greece" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Greece's rich history and culture. Begin in Athens with guided sightseeing of iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium. Marvel at the engineering feat of the Corinth Canal and enjoy a scenic train ride through the Vairaikos Canyon to Kalavryta. Explore the ancient site of Olympia, visit a family-owned olive mill in Pylos, and savor local produce. Discover the UNESCO-nominated Mystras and indulge in a wine-tasting experience in Nemea. Conclude with a ferry trip to Aegina island, visiting a Fistiki farm and enjoying a farewell lunch. This small group tour offers a blend of history, culture, and local flavors, ensuring an unforgettable Greek adventure.

Highlights

  • Discover the highlights of Athens, including the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis.

  • Enjoy a photo stop at the world's deepest canal, the Corinth Canal, and a journey along the Vairaikos Canyon to Kalavryta.

  • Take a guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic games.

  • Visit a local family-owned olive mill in Pylos and enjoy a lunch of local produce.

  • Explore the UNESCO-nominated archaeological site of Mystras, a fortified town on Mount Taygetus.

  • Stop off at one of the wineries in the Nemea area to enjoy a wine-tasting.

  • Take a short ferry ride to the idyllic Aegina island, including a visit to a Fistiki farm and a farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

Places You'll See

Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre

Europa

Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata

Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa

Njv Athens Plaza

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Athens,Greece

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Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Athens

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idontlikemushroom

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast

ATHENS Marvels & Myths Discover the highlights of “the Classic City” during your included Guided Sightseeing. Stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympics games, before visiting the Acropolis, located on a hill overlooking Athens. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWHAT’S IN A NAME? Legend says that both Athena and Poseidon competed to have this city named after them. The god who gave its inhabitants the best gift would be the patron. Athena came out the victor when she planted an olive tree on the site where the acropolis now stands; a sign of peace and prosperity, so the city became known as Athens. Your Local Guide shares many stories and brings ancient Athens to life during your visit to the Acropolis.

Day 3: Athens,Corinth,Diakopto,Kalavryta,Olympia

Location: Olympia

Accommodation Name: Europa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

ATHENS–CORINTH–DIAKOPTO–KALAVRYTA–OLYMPIA Heroes, Gods & Men Leave Athens and head for the Peloponnese peninsula, where heroic myths and legends of Hercules, the Argonauts, and Helen of Troy were born. Enjoy time en-route for a photo stop at the world’s deepest (and one of the most famous) canals, the Corinth Canal. Continue to Diakopto to board the Odontotis rack railway for a dramatic journey along the Vairaikos Canyon to the mountain town of Kalavryta. Later today, arrive in Olympia. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE All aboard for an unforgettable historic train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece. Built over 120 years ago, this short local railway is an engineering feat that follows the Vairaikos Canyon, with some of its open sided tunnels being carved into it, providing impressive views as it climbs. On arrival, spend some time in Kalavryta, a lovely little-known town with a big place in history.

Day 4: Olympia,Kalamata

Location: Olympia

Accommodation Name: Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata

Meals Included: Breakfast

OLYMPIA–KALAMATA Ancient Wonders Start the day with a guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic games and the site of the Temple of Hera, from where the Olympic torch is lit. After this captivating visit, discover the sweeter side of Olympia with a [LF] visit to a honey farm. (B)LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Since the times of ancient Greece, honey has been a core ingredient of Greek gastronomy. According to myth, bees were the messengers of the gods, and their honey brought with it special powers and healing properties. Your small group enjoys a sweet experience at a local honey farm, passed down through the generations. Get up close to hear the buzz about bees, honey, and local rural life directly from the family beekeepers. Then taste local products that are fit for the gods!

Day 5: Kalamata,Excursion To Pylos & A Local Olive Mill

Location: Kalamata

Accommodation Name: Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

KALAMATA–EXCURSION TO PYLOS & A LOCAL OLIVE MILL Liquid Gold This morning, enjoy a visit to Pylos a typical Greek seaside town. Stroll around the charming streets, see the castle perched above the town or relax in a local café and watch the world go by. Later this morning, join your small group for a special visit to a local family-owned olive mill and enjoy a lunch of local produce. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Getting closer to local experiences is a big advantage for a small group! Enjoy a visit to Androusa Castle overlooking the olive groves; learn about the world famous kalamata olive, the traditions of olive oil production; then enjoy tasting it, together with a lunch of home-made dishes prepared with fresh, local produce.

Day 6: Kalamata,Sparta,Mystras

Location: Sparta

Accommodation Name: Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

KALAMATA–SPARTA–MYSTRAS Land of Legends Enjoy an orientation tour of Sparta, one of the most important cities in Ancient Greece, famous for its military prowess and a beautiful lady called Helen. Later head to Mystras for a guided sightseeing tour of the UNESCO nominated archeological site; a fortified town on the side of Mount Taygetus that was at its prime during the Byzantine era. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION After a busy day of sightseeing, your small group deserves to live large with the 5-star, personalized hospitality of the Kyniska Palace Hotel. Located in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, this boutique hotel combines luxury and charm with the relaxation you crave. This evening, unwind far from the crowd to stretch out by the pool and soak in the stunning views of this idyllic location.

Day 7: Mystras,Nemea,Athens

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Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Njv Athens Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast

MYSTRAS–NEMEA–ATHENS Yamas! En-route back to Athens, travel through the fertile plains to discover one of Greece’s most prestigious wine producing districts. Stop off at one of the wineries in the Nemea area to enjoy a wine-tasting. Continue your journey to Athens, with much more to explore. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT TRADITIONS According to myth the god Dionysis introduced wine to Greece, and it is an art that has been practised there for thousands of years. The Nemea winemaking region is renowned for the Agiorgitko grape, which has been cultivated there for over 3000 years. During the wine-tasting experience, gain insight into this and other local winemaking traditions.

Day 8: Athens. Excursion To Aegina

Location: Aegina

Accommodation Name: Njv Athens Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

ATHENS. EXCURSION TO AEGINA Island hopping! [LF] Take a short ferry ride to the idyllic Aegina, a small island that has so much to offer. A sightseeing tour of the island includes the monastery of Aghios Nektarios and the town of Aegina; a visit to a Fistiki farm and a mouth-watering farewell lunch at a local restaurant. Later today return to Athens by ferry. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITE IN A NUTSHELL One of Aegina’s most famous, and appreciated products is the pistachio nut. Being on a Small Group Discovery gives you the advantage of being able to visit a local Fistiki farm to see the pistachio orchard and sample some of the delicious pistachio specialities. Your day in Aegina gives you the real taste of Greek island life; a sweet conclusion to an unforgettable Greek vacation.

Day 9: Athens

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Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Njv Athens Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Guided Sightseeing in Athens

    Discover the highlights of 'the Classic City' during your included Guided Sightseeing in Athens, including the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis.

  • Photo Stop at Corinth Canal

    Enjoy a photo stop at the world's deepest canal, the Corinth Canal.

  • Guided Walking Tour of Olympia

    Take a guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic games and the site of the Temple of Hera.

  • Visit to Olive Mill in Pylos

    Visit a local family-owned olive mill in Pylos and enjoy a lunch of local produce.

  • Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mystras

    Explore the UNESCO-nominated archaeological site of Mystras, a fortified town on the side of Mount Taygetus.

  • Wine Tasting in Nemea

    Stop off at one of the wineries in the Nemea area to enjoy a wine-tasting.

  • Ferry Ride to Aegina Island

    Take a short ferry ride to the idyllic Aegina island, including a visit to a Fistiki farm and a farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Transport

    Travel includes a mix of coach transfers, a historic train ride along the Vairaikos Canyon, and ferry rides to and from the island of Aegina.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre, Europa, Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata, Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa, and Njv Athens Plaza.

  • Meals

    Includes breakfast daily, several lunches, and dinners as specified in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

UNESCO Sites

Acropolis Athens|Archeological Site of Olympia

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre, Europa in Olympia, Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata, Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa in Mystras, and Njv Athens Plaza, offering a blend of luxury and convenience throughout your journey in Greece.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes a mix of coach transfers, a historic train ride along the Vairaikos Canyon, and ferry rides to and from the island of Aegina.

Notes

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour of Olympia?

    In Olympia, you will have a guided walking tour of the archaeological site, which is the birthplace of the ancient Olympic games and the site of the Temple of Hera. Additionally, you will visit a local honey farm to learn about beekeeping and taste local honey products.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the olive mill in Pylos?

    During the visit to the family-owned olive mill in Pylos, you will learn about the production of olive oil and enjoy a lunch featuring local produce. This experience offers insight into the traditions of olive oil production in the region.

  • What is special about the train ride along the Vairaikos Canyon?

    The train ride along the Vairaikos Canyon is a historic journey on the highest mountain railway in Greece. Built over 120 years ago, the railway offers dramatic views as it climbs through open-sided tunnels carved into the canyon.

  • What activities are planned on the island of Aegina?

    On Aegina island, you will take a sightseeing tour that includes the monastery of Aghios Nektarios and the town of Aegina. You will also visit a Fistiki farm to learn about pistachio cultivation and enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

  • What is the significance of the wine-tasting experience in Nemea?

    The wine-tasting experience in Nemea is significant because it is one of Greece's most prestigious wine-producing districts. You will learn about the Agiorgitko grape, which has been cultivated in the region for over 3000 years, and gain insight into local winemaking traditions.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

May 03, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$4108 $3951

Operator discount: -$157

Saturday - Sunday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$4158 $4001

Operator discount: -$157

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$3480 $3323

Operator discount: -$157

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Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$4271 $4114

Operator discount: -$157

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$4171 $4014

Operator discount: -$157

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$4095 $3938

Operator discount: -$157

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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