Ancient Greece on Foot

Ancient Greece on Foot

tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Greece on Foot | UGF
tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Greece on Foot | UGF tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Greece on Foot | UGF

+2

 tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Greece on Foot | UGF

+1

 tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Greece on Foot | UGF | Map
26 Views
8 Days From

$1056

Ancient Greece on Foot

8 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Kalambaka

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UGF

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1056

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Ancient Greece with our "Ancient Greece on Foot" tour. This self-guided walking holiday takes you through the historic sites of Athens, Delphi, and Meteora, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration and scenic hikes. Begin your adventure in Athens, where you can explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the National Gardens before indulging in a delightful "Hike and Dine" experience. Travel to Delphi to uncover the mysteries of the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, and then venture to Meteora to marvel at its awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Enjoy the comfort of handpicked 3 to 4-star hotels, each chosen for their prime locations and character, ensuring a restful stay after your daily explorations. This tour promises a perfect mix of history, nature, and local cuisine, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of Greece.

Highlights

  • Exploring the ancient sites of Athens and Delphi on foot

  • Gaining an appreciation of Meteora from numerous angles

  • Discovering the culinary delights of Athens and beyond

  • Visiting the Acropolis Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the markets on Athinas street

  • Walking from Kalivia to Delphi via the Corycian Cave and 'Skala of Delphi'

  • Loop walk to visit Megalo Meteora, the largest monastery in Meteora

  • Loop walk to Agia Triada, the least visited yet most dramatically positioned monastery

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Greece on Foot | UGF | Route Map

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Walking Hiking and Trekking tours in Greece Walking Hiking and Trekking tours Tours in Greece Cultural tours History tours Sightseeing tours Gardens & Nature tours Foodie and Wine tours
Expand All

Day 1 : Join Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Centrally located hotel

On arrival in Athens, make your way to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city.

Day 2 : Explore Athens Museums Before A Hike And Dine Experience

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Centrally located hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Athens has so many interesting sites to visit including the Acropolis Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the markets on Athinas street. We recommend you take in these sites before starting your 'Hike and Dine' experience at 3pm (allow up to 7 hrs). Beginning in Syntagma Square (also good to visit on a Sunday morning at 11 for the changing of the guards at the Parliament building located at the top of the square), you will receive maps and instructions (see info pack received on check in) to follow a walking tour of Athens taking in such sites as the National Gardens, the Panathinaic Stadium and the Temple of Zeus before you reach the first restaurant - for your cold starter - with rooftop views to the Acropolis. The walk continues alongside the Acropolis to the Plaka where you have a hot starter in a typical tavern, and on past the Roman and Greek Agora and Monastiraki to Kuzina restaurant for your main dish. The final stage is past Karameikos for dessert in the café 'Thissio View'. Return to your hotel on foot or by taxi.

Day 3 : To Delphi, Visit Ancient City (2Hrs)

Location: Delphi

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Delphi

Meals Included: Breakfast

A pre-booked taxi will collect you in the morning and transfer you to the bus station where you take the 10:30am bus to Delphi (2.5hrs). On arrival, drop your luggage at the hotel before continuing to the site and museum in Delphi. There is a small cafe at the Delphi museum where you can purchase lunch (or buy supplies before you leave Athens). The sanctuary of Apollo extends over a series of terraces built into the slopes of Mount Parnassos. As the centre of religious and spiritual ancient Greece, it is one of the most important ancient sites in the world. It was considered the navel of the world and the temple of Apollo and the stadium where the Pythian games took place are the most important monuments. The afternoon is free to visit Delphi and the museum at your leisure, before returning to your hotel in Delphi. Guided tours of Delphi are available, please contact UTracks for details to book.

Day 4 : Walk From Kalivia To Delphi Via The Corycian Cave And 'Skala Of Delphi' (5Hrs)

Location: Delphi

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Delphi

Meals Included: Breakfast

To access the starting point of the walk you will need to organise a taxi transfer (the hotel can assist, allow approx EUR30 - 20km/30mins). The walk begins from Kalivia and follows at first a wide dirt road to the cave of Korycion Andros, located at an altitude of 1350m (a torch is recommended to explore the cave). The cave was used during ancient times in winter and there are many legends surrounding its importance. The trail then descends along a rocky path through forest before the serious descent begins to Delphi. Pass by villages where goats roam and follow the ancient path as it zigzags down, with impressive views of the Gulf of Corinth and the Peloponnese mountains - considered one of the most stunning locations in Greece that few people experience. The trail comes out at the Ancient Stadium of Delphi which is fenced off, and therefore you continue down to the village of Delphi. The rocky trails today require good footwear (boots essential) and plenty of water must be carried. Also consider trekking poles to support your knees on the descent. Return to your hotel in Delphi.
16km/10mi, +300m, -900m/+984ft, -2953ft

Day 5 : By Bus To Meteora, Afternoon To Explore

Location: Meteora

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Kastraki

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a travel day and a complete change of pace from yesterday’s hike. Today you will travel by public bus from Delphi to Kalambaka (ticket included. The bus leaves early (6.45am) and arrives around noon. If not operating we'll provide an alternative route). On arrival at Kalambaka, take a taxi to your hotel in Kastraki (10 mins, payable locally). Later you can walk into town from your atmospheric hotel right in the heart of this fascinating region, with spectacular views over the stunning monasteries of Meteora while the sun is setting. Sunset guided tours are available. Speak to your consultant to book.

Day 6 : Loop Walk To Visit Megalo Meteora (2.5Hrs)

Location: Meteora

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Kastraki

Meals Included: Breakfast

The 'floating' monasteries of Meteora are one of the great sites of Greece and whilst many people visit the monasteries each year, few take the time to walk the trails beneath them to gain a unique perspective of this incredible landscape. There are six main monasteries in Meteora and each is closed one day a week. Therefore which monastery you visit will depend on the opening schedule. Today's planned walk takes you on a scenic loop to Megalo Meteora, or The Great Meteoron, the largest monastery which was established by a monk from Mount Athos around 1340. With its impressive frescoes and large refectory, the monastery is one of the most visited in Meteora and for good reason. Return to your hotel on another trail with a changing perspective.
7km/4.3mi, +500m, -500m/+1640ft, -1640ft

Day 7 : Loop Walk To Agia Triada (3Hrs)

Location: Kalambaka

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Kastraki

Meals Included: Breakfast

Made famous by James Bond, Agia Triada (or "Holy Trinity") is the least visited yet most dramatically positioned monastery high above the town of Kalambaka. The 140 steps from the road is the likely reason it is the least visited because the actual monastery is peaceful, with rich decorations in the chapel and one of the most stunning views from its position atop a slender pinnacle. The loop walk to reach the monastery from your hotel is through the base of the meteora massif with opportunities to view the rock faces at all angles along quiet trails that are mostly shaded. Today's route is very steep at times and eventually leads to the old section of Kalambaka, where you can stop for lunch before returning around the front of the massif to your hotel in Kastraki.
9km/5.6mi, +500m, -500m/+1640ft, -1640ft

Day 8 : Train To Athens, Trip Concludes

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, take a taxi to the train station in Kalambaka for your return train to Athens centre or Athens airport. A range of options are available. Trip concludes on arrival in Athens.
NOTE: The train to Athens takes around 5 hours so we recommend booking an extra night in Athens or not making onward travel plans until at least 3.30pm or later.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights hotels

  • 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts, usually buffet style with local specialties included, and 1 dinner as part of the hike and dine experience in Athens.

  • 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in a selection of handpicked 3 to 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Hotel taxes are not included.

  • Digital documents

    Receive digital documents including a Road book with maps, route directions, GPX files, and local information.

  • Transfers and tickets

    Includes transfer from Athens hotel to bus station, bus tickets from Athens to Delphi and Delphi to Kalambaka, and train ticket from Kalambaka to Athens Airport (A-Class).

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during your trip.

What's Not Included

  • Transport to and from Athens

    Transport to and from Athens is not included in the package.

  • Transfers within Athens and Kalambaka

    Transfer to the first hotel in Athens, taxi to Kalivia (allow EUR15), and taxi from Kalambaka station to hotel in Kastraki and return (allow EUR15) are not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Lunches and 6 dinners are not included in the package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package.

  • Beverages

    All beverages except those provided for breakfast are not included.

  • Tour guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, so a tour guide is not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Items of a personal nature such as laundry, Wi-Fi, and phone calls are not included.

  • Luggage transfer

    Luggage transfer services are not included.

  • Site entrance fees

    Entrance fees to sites are not included.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes are to be paid locally and are not included in the package.

Accommodation

During the trip you will stay in a selection of handpicked 3 to 4 star hotels which are chosen for their location and character. In Athens our hotel is located close to the bus station and in walking distance of the main sites. Near Delphi we stay at a ski lodge style hotel whilst in Meteora our first choice hotel has one of the best views of the pinnacles of Meteora, particularly at sunset.

What You Carry

As the walks are from your accommodation you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, camera etc. When travelling between locations on public transport, you will need to take your main luggage with you. Please ensure it is kept to a minimum and easy to transport (on wheels is ideal) and bear in mind that will need to pick it up to put on luggage racks or walk up stairs with it.

Grading

The walking is graded introductory to moderate (grade 2) with walks of 2.5 to 5 hours on 5 days. The terrain ranges from quite mountainous around Delphi, urban in Athens and steep ascents around Meteora. There is plenty of time during the day to complete the walking. Surefootedness is required as the trails can be uneven and rocky at times. We recommend you always carry enough water during the day to ensure you are well hydrated as reduced hydration will affect your walking. Also carry snacks, wet weather gear and your mobile phone. On days where you are not walking, you will be taking public transport, often over long distances. It is important that you are able to lift your bag up stairs in train stations and hotels and onto trains and busses. Whilst guidance is provided on bus and train timetables, an ability to read departure information at train stations (or ask for help) is required. If you are not comfortable taking public transport over long distances, you may consider hiring a car in Athens on Day 3 until you return to Athens on Day 8 - a small discount is available should you choose to hire a car. Take into consideration your ability to drive on the other side of the road (if applicable) in a foreign country when considering this option.

Mode of Transport

Transport includes a pre-booked taxi to the bus station, bus tickets from Athens to Delphi and Delphi to Kalambaka, and a train ticket from Kalambaka to Athens Airport. Additional taxis are required for local transfers.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    During the trip, you will stay in a selection of handpicked 3 to 4 star hotels chosen for their location and character. In Athens, the hotel is located close to the bus station and within walking distance of the main sites. Near Delphi, you will stay at a ski lodge style hotel, while in Meteora, the first choice hotel offers one of the best views of the pinnacles of Meteora, particularly at sunset.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, usually buffet style with local specialties, and 1 dinner as part of the 'hike and dine' experience in Athens. Other meals, including lunches and 6 dinners, are not included.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive digital documents including a road book with maps, route directions, GPX files, and local information to help you navigate the tour.

  • What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?

    The walking is graded introductory to moderate with walks of 2.5 to 5 hours on 5 days. The terrain ranges from quite mountainous around Delphi, urban in Athens, and steep ascents around Meteora. Surefootedness is required as the trails can be uneven and rocky at times. It is important to carry enough water, snacks, wet weather gear, and a mobile phone during the walks.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, camera, etc. When traveling between locations on public transport, you will need to take your main luggage with you. Ensure it is kept to a minimum and easy to transport, ideally on wheels, and be prepared to lift it onto luggage racks or walk up stairs with it.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are transport to and from Athens, transfer to the first hotel in Athens, taxi to Kalivia (allow EUR12), taxi from Kalambaka station to the hotel in Kastraki and return (allow EUR10), lunches and 6 dinners, travel insurance (mandatory), all beverages except those provided for breakfast, and items of a personal nature such as laundry, Wi-Fi, and phone calls.

  • What is the 'Hike and Dine' experience in Athens?

    The 'Hike and Dine' experience in Athens starts at 3pm and lasts up to 7 hours. It begins in Syntagma Square and includes a walking tour of Athens, taking in sites such as the National Gardens, the Panathinaic Stadium, and the Temple of Zeus. You will visit various restaurants for a cold starter, hot starter, main dish, and dessert, each offering unique views and experiences. The walk ends at the café 'Thissio View' for dessert.

  • What are the highlights of the walk from Kalivia to Delphi?

    The walk from Kalivia to Delphi includes a visit to the cave of Korycion Andros, located at an altitude of 1350m. The trail descends through forest and rocky paths, passing by villages and offering impressive views of the Gulf of Corinth and the Peloponnese mountains. The trail ends at the Ancient Stadium of Delphi before continuing to the village of Delphi.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Meteora?

    In Meteora, you will have the opportunity to visit the 'floating' monasteries, including Megalo Meteora, the largest monastery established around 1340. The walk offers a unique perspective of the incredible landscape. Another walk takes you to Agia Triada, the least visited yet most dramatically positioned monastery, made famous by James Bond. The walks provide stunning views and opportunities to explore the rock faces and quiet trails.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

M. Thomas(Wendouree, Australia)  

Ancient Greece on Foot

20 Jul 2024

Ancient Greece on Foot as a self-guided tour is fantastic! Exactly what I was looking for. Great to walk the trails of the ancients!!

G & G. Mills(California, USA)  

Ancient Greece on Foot

21 Oct 2018

As a senior couple with creaky joints and limited energy, we adapted UTracks' itinerary to our goals. UTracks was the only group offering a tour of mainland Greece, i.e. Athens, Delphi and Meteora, exactly where we wanted to go. “Self-guided” allowed us to go at our own pace. UTracks took care of timeline and logistics, setting us up in first class transport and 4-star hotels, and were wonderful answering pre-trip questions. They get five stars from us!

S. Mik(Gillen, Australia)  

Ancient Greece on Foot

7 Jun 2023

Trip was great. I highly recommend. I will be doing other trips with UTracks in the near future. I thought it expensive at first but then I realised how expensive Greece was and thought it great value! Thank you!

L. Fletcher(Wellington, Australia)  

Ancient Greece on Foot

21 May 2024

We spent two full days in Meteora over the Greek Orthodox easter holiday weekend. So not only did we enjoy walking in that magnificent landscape, we enjoyed the easter festivities as spectators. They took care of our accommodation and transport for the long weekend so nothing left for us to do but to enjoy it all.

1 Select your preferred date

Sep
2024 Oct
2024

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$1056

Monday - Monday

Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024
$1056

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
$1056

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024
$1056

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024
$1056

Friday - Friday

Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
$1056

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
$1056

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$1056

Monday - Monday

Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
$1056

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024
$1056

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024
$1056

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024
$1056

Friday - Friday

Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
$1056

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
$1056

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$1056

Monday - Monday

Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024
$1056

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024
$1056

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024
$1056

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024
$1056

Friday - Friday

Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
$1056

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
$1056

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
$1056

Monday - Monday

Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024
$1056

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024
$1056

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
$1056

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024
$1056

Friday - Friday

Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
$1056

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
$1056

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
$1056

Monday - Monday

Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024
$1056

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 22, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024
$1056

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 23, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024
$1056

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 24, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024
$1056

Friday - Friday

Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
$1056

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024
$1056

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
$1056

Monday - Monday

Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 04, 2024
$1056

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.