Winter Vacation Greece Package Sightseeing Tours from Athens Greece to Arachova, Nafplion, Delphi, Corinth, Mycenae

2007-2008 TrueAntiquity Arrival Dates

November 11, 2007

November 25, 2007

December 23, 2007

January 6, 2008

February 3, 2008

March 3, 2008

If you are interested in a 2007-2008 tour, please outlining which tour and arrival date interest you and we will follow up with you promptly with pricing and other necessary information.

Note: The date denotes the start of your TrueGreece experience.
Your transatlantic flight should depart one day in advance.

Interested in a more private experience? Please visit our customized trips section for details about how TrueGreece can plan your ideal customized trip experience.

TrueAntiquity: Athens - Arachova - Delphi - Epidavros - Mycenae

We recommend our TrueAntiquity trip to guests who want to experience a different side of Greece - exploring the villages and ancient ruins of the mainland between late fall to early spring. This vacation does not feature the much-advertised Greek islands, with their white-washed houses and alluring beaches. Rather, it delivers an extraordinary winter-time journey through some of the most authentic destinations of Greece. You will visit unique small villages and towns in the mainland, explore dramatic settings, and get a first-hand feel for some of the most spectacular sites embodying the rich history of Greece: the Athens Acropolis, Delphi, Epidavros, Mycenae, and Ancient Corinth.

Depending on the exact time that you take one of the TrueAntiquity trips offered by TrueGreece (November to April), the weather in Greece can be cold. But throughout those months, average daily temperatures in Athens range in the 50s (Fahrenheit) and minimum average daily temperatures range in the 40s, with comparable weather conditions prevailing in the Mycenae area. Temperatures in Arachova may drop to 30 degrees (or even into the 20s), but the beauty of a cold winter morning in the Greek mountains is incomparable. On the flip side, having a 60-degree day in the middle of the Greek winter is not a rare phenomenon; in fact, the sun usually shines and skies are often blue. But do pack warm clothes and prepare yourself for a winter vacation like no other! For additional information regarding weather conditions in Greece, please visit our F.A.Q. section.

The Locations

Athens: As you walk around the streets of modern Athens, you will encounter visitors from all over the world, who have come not only to pay their respects to the Athens of the Golden Age of Ancient Greece, but also to share the "vibrations" of this extraordinary contemporary city. In a tremendous outburst of energy, Athens readied itself for the 2004 Olympics -- renovating many of its public and private structures, landscaping public spaces, paving pedestrian streets, and completing an expanded subway system that is both an engineering and an aesthetic marvel. After its complete transformation, Athens has certainly become one of the most multi-dimensional cities of Europe.

Arachova: A picturesque village north of Athens, Arachova is the gateway to Delphi, the famous archaeological site, the location of what the ancient Greeks believed was the center of the world. Arachova itself sits on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, where you can do anything from viewing the spectacular scenery to skiing down those slopes (ski equipment can be rented but you would need to bring your own clothing). Your stay here is designed to offer an authentic and truly unique look into the life of the Greek mainland as only TrueGreece can provide.

Kifissia: An upscale and stylish suburb of Athens. Since the time of the Romans, this elegant location was preferred because of its elevation and pine trees, thus offering a welcome retreat from the summer heat of Athens. Today it is the home of fashionable shops and fine restaurants. This beautiful suburb will act as the perfect jump off point for your excursions to Epidavros, Mycenae and Nafplion.

The Plan

Our TrueGreece itineraries feature outstanding boutique hotels, exceptional dining experiences, and thoughtfully planned excursions. At the same time, TrueGreece tours are designed to allow you the freedom and flexibility to venture off on your own. Your TrueGreece Concierge will be available to you every step of your journey, working with you to help you choose from a meticulously researched range of options for activities and dining.

As you review our trip descriptions please keep in mind that many of the described activities are suggestions and represent only a sample of the many alternatives from which we can help you choose. At the end of each day's description, we highlight the activities and meals included in the price of your tour. Please note that optional activities, as described below, are not included in the price of the tour.

DAY 1, Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece! If you're arriving at the Athens airport on this day, you'll be met by your TrueGreece Concierge, who will assist you with transportation to your first night's hotel, the Electra Palace Hotel, a five-star hotel that sits in the shadow of the Acropolis and is centrally located in one of the most inviting areas of the city. After you have settled in, take advantage of our customized recommendations and head out to explore the smart cafes and high-end boutiques of Kolonaki or meander through the Monastiraki flea market. Meet your Concierge back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a guided walk through the ancient city streets of Plaka, ending at a traditional local taverna for a welcome dinner.

Included: Transport from airport to hotel, Guided walk through Plaka.
Meals: D

DAY 2, Athens

Take a tour of Athens and its most significant sights, escorted by a local guide. Of course, no visit to Athens is complete without a climb to the Acropolis ("peak of the city"), where Ancient Athenians of the 5th century BC erected the great temple dedicated to the goddess Athena - the extraordinary Parthenon. You will also see the Ancient Agora, as well as some of the finest structures of modern Athens, such as the Kalimarmaro Stadium, home of the first modern Olympics in 1896, and the old Royal Palace and today's Parliament, with the elite unit known as the Evzones guarding the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier. In the evening, explore the city independently using our TrueGreece recommendations or stroll through Athens on a TrueGreece exploration with your Concierge.

Included: Round-trip transport from hotel to the various sites, guided tour of the city and the Acropolis.
Meals: B

DAY 3, Athens

Explore the National Archaeological Museum, the world's greatest collection of the masterworks of Ancient Greece, or one of several museums highlighting other aspects of Greek culture, such as the wonderful Benaki Museum. Those of you who prefer to understand and appreciate a country and its people by strolling through city streets will find no end of fascinating diversions in Athens - and of course our Concierge will walk you through several intriguing options, including possibly taking an excursion to Marathon or Cape Sounion with its famous Ancient Temple of Poseidon. In the evening, either go out and have fun in Athens with friends or your significant other, or take an Athens by Night tour with your Concierge to the most popular places in the city.

Included: Concierge guidance for scheduled and impromptu activities around the city.
Meals: B

DAY 4, Arachova

Wake up fresh in the morning to transit by private bus to Arachova, a village approximately a two-hour drive north of Athens, and check-in at the Santa Marina Arachova Hotel. The most intriguing feature of Arachova is its beauty: not for nothing is it one of the most popular resorts that Athenians escape to during the winter. But you need not worry about being in a village packed with Greeks on a weekend getaway - we have scheduled your visit during the weekdays. Enjoy the day by taking peaceful walks in the main village, sampling typical Greek food in atmospheric tavernas.

Included: Concierge guidance for scheduled and impromptu activities around the city.
Meals: B

DAY 5, Delphi and St. Loukas

Arachova is a mere 20-minute drive from Delphi, one of the most stunning archaeological sites in the world, home to many ancient ruins including the Apollo Temple and a museum filled with exquisite artifacts. The vistas you can enjoy from the top of this impressive site are indeed as enthralling as the information provided in your guided tour. After Delphi, you will visit the imposing medieval Monastery of St. Loukas, and then return to Arachova to rest before you further explore the village and dine in the evening.

Included: Round-trip transport from hotel to the various sites, guided tour of Delphi and the Monastery of St. Loukas.
Meals: B, L

DAY 6, Arachova

Arachova sits on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos and is the home base of one of the best ski resorts of Greece. Rent your skis from the local shops and head-off to the mountains, or, if you are less adventurous, visit nearby locales at your leisure. Whether breathing in the fresh air of the Greek mountains, sipping coffee in the village cafes, or trying traditional Greek recipes in tiny tavernas, sharing Greek village life will be an experience you will remember forever.

Included: Round-trip transport from hotel to the ski slopes.
Meals: D

DAY 7, Galaxidi, Nafpaktos and Ancient Corinth

Today you will start with a trip through the villages of Galaxidi and Nafpaktos, located on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. They are both picturesque and historic villages, each with its own, distinct character: Galaxidi features an idyllic seafront and Nafpaktos a medieval wall surrounding the harbour. Crossing over to the Peloponnese via the ultra-modern Antirio - Rio Bridge, you will head straight for Ancient Corinth home to remains of the Doric Temple of Apollo as well as other ancient ruin sights. Corinth, an 8th century BC superpower that founded strong colonies such as Corfu and Syracuse in Sicily, was also a major stop in Apostle Paul's journeys in Greece in 51 AD. Arriving in the Kifissia suburb of Athens in the evening, you will rest comfortably at the Twenty One Hotel and spend your evening exploring the charming streets of the town.

Included: Transport from Arachova to Kifissia.
Meals: B, L

DAY 8, Epidavros, Mycenae and Nafplion Day-trip/ Athens (Kifissia)

Depart Kifissia for a stop at Epidavros, where you will most certainly admire the renowned ancient theatre - hosting to this day about 12,300 spectators - as well as the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the most celebrated healing center in the ancient Greek world. Then make your way to Mycenae, which according to tradition was founded by Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae. Mycenae is without a doubt the most important prehistoric site in all of Greece, and as the center of one of the most important prehistoric societies, it has given its name to that phase: the Mycenaean civilization. Today, surrounded by a wall with two main entrances, you will find various buildings such as warehouses, houses, workshops, and numerous ancient graves and tombs, including Legendary King Agamemnon's!

Moving on from Mycenae, you will stop at Nafplion, whereyour guide will be able to recount to you the captivating history of Nafplion, as you spend a restful afternoon taking in the views and typically Greek ambiance of one of the most charming seaside towns of the mainland.

Included: Transport from hotel to Epidavros, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Athens, guided tour of Mycenae, Epidavros and Nafplion.
Meals: B, L

DAY 9, Athens (Kifissia)

Today will be a restful day, which you can spend exploring upscale Kifissia, one of the most beautiful northern suburbs of Athens. You can enjoy the fabulous stores and cafes and visit the Goulandris Museum of Natural History, or take the short trip into Athens for a final farewell to the city. In the evening, enjoy one of the most spectacular dinners of your lifetime in Kifissia, feasting on more than thirty local dishes in one of the finest gourmet restaurants of greater Athens. This meal will make it even harder to say goodbye to Greece!

Included: Concierge guidance for scheduled and impromptu activities around the city.
Meals: B, D

DAY 10, Athens (Kifissia)/Airport

You're sure to leave Athens full of wonderful memories, having found a new and comfortable home in Greece. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Meals: B, D

Exchange Rate Conversion

Price: Starting from 2,130 Euro per person, based on double occupancy, includes:

High-end boutique hotel/resort accommodation and daily breakfast
3 dinners and 3 lunches (excluding drinks and alcoholic beverages)
All t transfers by private bus as per itinerary
A local guide for the Athens and Acropolis Tour, Delphi and St. Loukas, as well as Mycenae and Epidavros and Nafplion
Entrance fees to all sites, as per itinerary
Exceptional personalized services of your TrueGreece concierge
Superb TrueGreece recommendations and guidance
Printed TrueGreece Recommendations Guides for Athens/Greece, Arachova, and Epidavros
All taxes

Optional:

Trip Cancellation Insurance for covered medical reasons: Please inquire about rates
Single supplement: From 648 Euro

Exchange Rate Conversion

TrueAntiquity 2007-08 Arrival Dates