ANTIQUES

Upon your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional and friendly English-speaking assistant will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Later in the afternoon, at an agreed time, our representative will meet you at the hotel to provide all the essential details of your trip. He will also offer a captivating presentation of the city, sharing insights into its everyday way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and have any doubts dispelled, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the rest of your trip.

You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and explore Athens at your own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Greca Tip: Extend your stay by adding more nights during the first step of your booking!

Today, we'll head to the Corinth Canal, where you'll make a brief stop to take photos and admire this famous waterway that connects the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Corinth. This impressive engineering marvel eliminates the need for ships to travel over 400 kilometers around the Peloponnese peninsula to reach the Ionian Sea.

Continuing on our journey, we'll reach the Theater of Epidaurus, renowned worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and still used today for various performances, particularly during the summer. We'll also have time to explore the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, which pays homage to the origins of modern medicine.

Next, we'll travel to the city of Mycenae, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Acropolis, the iconic Lions Gate, and the tomb of Agamemnon.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way across the central Peloponnese region.

By early evening, we'll arrive in Olympia, where you'll check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the chance to wander through the charming Old Town of Nafplio. Its narrow cobblestone streets are adorned with Bougainvillea trees, creating a picturesque setting. Consider picking up komboloyia, a circular chain with amber beads, as a lovely gift for yourself or your friends.

In the morning, you will visit the site of the ancient Olympic stadium, where the first games were held around 776 BC.

The importance of these games was widely accepted, given the extensive participation of the Greek cities, which suspended hostilities throughout the celebrations. The Olympiad was recognized as the only chronological event in Greece and represented four years between two consecutive events.

Olympia was also the most important sanctuary of Ancient Greece, a place to worship Zeus, the first among the gods. The gigantic gold and ivory sculpture crafted by Phidias was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

After we visit the Museum of Olympia, you will continue your journey across the suspension of the Rion-Antirion Bridge, a modern engineering wonder, until you reach your destination.

Upon your arrival at Delphi, you will have dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Greca Tip: In the evening you can go in search of the traditional character of nearby Arachova and enjoy a drink in a stylish café or a local kafeneio (coffee shop).

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a visit to Delphi, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of the ancient world.

Here, the famous Oracle of Delphi advised kings and pilgrims. Don't miss the chance to explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to the remarkable "Bronze Charioteer," a masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

Conclude your enriching Delphi tour by descending Mount Parnassus and making your way to the Thessaly plains, where the captivating city of Kalambaka awaits.

Upon reaching Kalambaka, indulge in a satisfying dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Greca Tip: Use your free time to visit the Temple of Athena Pronaia at Delphi.

Early in the morning, you will visit Meteora, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

In this mysterious landscape, the natural beauty is combined with the compelling presence of the eternal monasteries suspended or "Meteora" on top of the huge rocks. Currently, there are only six in use, five for the male and one for the female monastic community.

Dress code to the Monasteries: Sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are not allowed. Skirts, shawls, and trousers are available at the entrance of the Monasteries in case visitors do not have such clothing to cover themselves with.

On the way back to Athens, you will briefly stop at Thermopylae, where you can see the statue of the Spartan King Leonidas, famous for leading the battle against the Persians in 480 BC. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Athens, where we will drop you off at your hotel.

Greca Tip: Take a stroll in Kalambaka's old town and look for handmade wood-carved objects and religious icons as well as home-made sausages, honey, fruit sweets and jams, and the regional pudding “spatoula” or “halva” for a sweet aftertaste.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace—sleep in, explore nearby areas, or simply unwind—before meeting your assistant at Syntagma Square at 15:40 to witness the Changing of the Guards in front of the Hellenic Parliament at 16:00.

Shortly after, we will board our vehicle together and begin a panoramic city tour, offering a comprehensive introduction to Athens and its most important landmarks. During the tour, we will see:

The Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University of Athens, and Academy of Athens), the Presidential Residence, the Kallimarmaro Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium), the Zappeion, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, while making short stops to take in the beauty of these landmarks and capture memorable photos.

Our tour will come to an end at the top of Philopappou Hill, offering stunning views of the city. Here, our assistant will provide recommendations for those who wish to continue exploring independently, whether visiting the Acropolis, discovering Monastiraki, or enjoying a meal in Plaka.

This tour is conveniently designed to finish at around 19:30, allowing you some time to rest before making your way to Mornastiraki to join the Athens by Night Walking Tour, and see another side of the city under the moonlight.

Greca Tip: If you wish to visit the Acropolis, you can do so at your own pace, in the morning or after the afternoon tour, keeping in mind that the site closes at sunset. You can purchase your tickets for the Acropolis in step 2 of your reservation.

Today, you have the opportunity to enjoy a free day in Athens, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for an enchanting experience, you can opt for a captivating one-day cruise to three stunning islands nestled in the picturesque Saronic Gulf.

On the one hand, if you choose to embark on the full-day cruise, you will be conveniently transferred to the port, where your adventure begins. The itinerary includes visits to three remarkable islands: Aegina, renowned for its delightful assortment of pistachios; Poros, celebrated for its scenic beauty; and Hydra, the greenest among these islands, boasting elegant stone mansions, a tranquil atmosphere, and car-free streets.

On board the ship, you can indulge in a delectable lunch accompanied by traditional Greek music and dance. At the end of the day, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel, ensuring a seamless experience.

On the other hand, if you decide to spend the day in Athens, you will have the freedom to explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks at your own leisurely pace.

Greca Tip: You can add the cruise during step 1/3 while booking. If you do, make sure to try the different varieties of pistachio nuts grown on the famous island of Aegina!

After a delicious breakfast and at the indicated time, our staff will transfer you to Athens International Airport, to embark on your flight to Egypt.

After you arrive in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, an English-speaking person from our team will be waiting to assist and inform you about all the details of your trip and clear up any type of doubt or query, that you may have as well as give you a brief presentation of the city and its day to day.

The transfer to the hotel will be carried out by one of our private air-conditioned vehicles. At the hotel, your assistant will help you with the registration.

The rest of the day is for you to relax, and begin to enjoy the hotel's amenities.

Greca Tip: Check out the best dining options in Cairo with our assistant.

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast served in the hotel dining room, followed by a free day in Cairo to enjoy at your leisure.

For those seeking an immersive experience, we offer an optional full-day tour to Cairo, where you will explore the significant landmarks of this historic city.

The journey starts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, situated in the heart of the city. Inside, you will encounter a vast collection of invaluable artifacts, including the renowned treasures of Tutankhamun, magnificent sarcophagi, well-preserved mummies, and sculptures of indescribable beauty.

Next, venture into the captivating historic district of Cairo, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has been home to caliphs and their mosques since the 10th century. One notable attraction is the Citadel of Saladin, which was fortified to safeguard the city against Crusader invasions nearly a thousand years ago.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan el Khalili bazaar, where you will have the opportunity to test your negotiation skills during some free time.

Before returning to the hotel, you will personally explore the Coptic neighborhood, a melting pot of different religions. Stand in awe of the Hanging Church, a remarkable structure built on the foundations of the Babylon Fortress.

There, you should visit the Saints Sergius and Wachus Church, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their escape from Herod, and discover the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country.

At the designated time, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport to catch your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, embark on a memorable cruise ship journey along the legendary Nile River. Indulge in comfortable accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard.

Greca Tip: Don't forget to inquire about the optional excursions available during the cruise, such as the unforgettable balloon ride in Luxor, offering a truly unique and breathtaking experience.

Start your day in Edfu with a memorable experience of witnessing one of Egypt's most beautiful sunrises. After indulging in a delicious breakfast onboard, prepare to embark on an enchanting carriage ride to the Temple of Horus.

This remarkable sanctuary holds the distinction of being the best-preserved Egyptian temple, having been concealed beneath the sand for centuries until its discovery by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the mid-19th century.

Following your visit to the Temple of Horus, return to the motor ship for a delectable lunch as you set sail towards Kom Ombo. Here, an exciting excursion awaits you at the temple dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god.

As part of your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore an exhibition showcasing remarkably preserved mummified crocodiles, providing fascinating insights into the culture of Ancient Egypt.

As the day draws to a close, a delightful dinner will be served onboard before you embark on a serene night sailing towards Aswan.

Greca Tip: Make sure not to miss the chance to savor a cup of traditional Turkish coffee, infused with the aromatic flavors of cardamom, for an authentic and delightful experience.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing morning to rejuvenate. If you're interested, we highly recommend considering an optional visit to the Temples of Abu Simbel in Nubia, located in southern Egypt on the shores of Lake Nasser.

These remarkable temples form part of the Nubia and Aswan Open-Air Museum and have been meticulously relocated piece by piece due to the rising waters of the Nile River caused by the construction of the Aswan Dam.

Commissioned by Ramses II, the rock-cut temples were constructed over 20 years to commemorate the Battle of Kadesh, paying homage to the great deities while also honoring Ramses himself.

Also, the main highlight of the complex is the Temple of Ramses II, featuring four awe-inspiring statues on its façade that exude the majesty of Ancient Egypt. Additionally, you will find the temple dedicated to Nefertari, the esteemed wife of the pharaoh, in Abu Simbel.

In the afternoon, following a delectable lunch onboard, we suggest considering an optional felucca ride, an authentic Egyptian wooden boat, allowing you to intimately admire the scenic beauty of the Nile.

Along this journey, you will encounter Elephantine Island, once a thriving center for the ivory trade, as well as Kitchener Island, renowned for its exquisite botanical garden and panoramic view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. A single glance at this sight will help you comprehend why it was chosen as the eternal resting place for Supreme Chief Ismaelita.

Next, you will embark on a visit to Aswan Dam, an impressive feat of hydraulic engineering initiated by the British Empire and completed by the Egyptians in the mid-20th century. Designed to regulate the flooding of the Nile River, this monumental structure stands as a testament to human ingenuity.

Following the visit, you will proceed to the inaccessible island of Philae, where you will have the opportunity to witness the temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Like the temples of Abu Simbel and other sites across Egypt, the Philae Temple complex had to be relocated from its original location to protect it from the Nile's rising waters.

After a day filled with exploration, return to the motor ship and enjoy a restful overnight stay onboard in Aswan.

Greca Tip: This is the perfect occasion to try karkadé, a delightful Nubian infusion made from hibiscus flowers. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, adding a refreshing touch to your Egyptian experience.

After a delicious breakfast on board, you will disembark and at the established time, you will transfer to the Aswan airport to take a domestic flight to Cairo.

After arrival in Cairo, our team will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city.

Greca Tip: Optionally, you can enjoy a buffet dinner with a show in a floating restaurant on the Nile.

After enjoying a tasty and abundant breakfast with typical products of the region, our visit to the most important points of interest in the largest metropolis on the African continent will begin.

The tour, as our official English-speaking guide will explain, will start with the famous Pyramids of Giza. Here, we will find the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world still standing: the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

This funerary complex is presided over by the famous Sphinx, with the head of King Khafre and the body of a lion. We will be able to observe it both from the main access esplanade and up close. Additionally, we can enter the interior of one of the other two pyramids: Khafre or Menkaure.

Optionally, we can include lunch and a tour of the Saqqara necropolis. There, the funerary complex of King Djoser stands out. It is a city built exclusively for the king's afterlife. Its step pyramid is the first stone structure made in pyramid form. It symbolizes the beginning of this type of construction in Egypt.

Furthermore, at night, we can arrange the light show at the Pyramids of Giza. We can also enjoy dinner while floating on the Nile. All of this is optional and should be consulted with your travel assistant.

Greca Tip: In addition to the famous step pyramid, Saqqara is home to numerous tombs and mastabas (rectangular tombs with flat roofs) belonging to nobles, priests, and high officials of ancient Egypt.

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Cairo International Airport to check in your luggage and, if necessary, process any tax refund on tax-free products that you have purchased.

From Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself: “Rihlat Jayida!”.

Greca Tip: If you feel that your stay in Egypt has not revealed all its secrets yet, you can add more nights to this fantastic city.