Ancient Greece 8 Days - USA Departure


Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora

ValueHot

price starts at:
U$16,399.00+ U$17,499.00

  • Tour Code: USAG08
  • Days: 8 Day(s)
  • Departing From: New York (all airports) Los Angeles Las Vegas San Francisco Land Only Boston Chicago Seattle Houston Washington, D.C. Detroit Denver Dallas Phoenix Philadelphia Miami San Diego San Antonio Portland Oregon Atlanta Austin Charlotte Memphis Oklahoma City Milwaukee Sacramento San Jose Orlando Fort Lauderdale New Orleans Toronto Vancouver Montreal
  • Highlights: ☆ Immerse in top-notch museums, ancient ruins and archeological sites in Athens.
    ☆ Cover four main Greek UNESCO World Heritage Sites on one trip (Athens Olympia Delphi Meteora).
    ☆ Fully escorted by well-informed local English speaking history experts.
    ☆ Extensions to mesmerizing Mykonos, Santorini and Crete islands featuring Mediterranean ambiance are available.


  • Service Language: English
  • Better to Book Before: 30 Day(s)
trip map:
OVERVIEW

ALL PRICES ARE IN USD

PAYMENT POLICY:

Full Payment is Required at the Time of Booking

Optional And Extension Programs:

 Since the seats are limited, We recommend you to choose those optional and extension programs with your booking together.

No Extra Deposit Needed for optional tours.

Group Size:

 10-40 Each Departure Date.

Hotel Upgrade:

☆ Upgrade to 5-Star City Centre Hotel: USD 699/Person

Upgrade To Business Class:( Before Final Payment)

 (Only Available For USA -- Europe International Round Trip) Cost Extra USD 4000/Person.

HIGHLIGHTS:

☆ Immerse in top-notch museums, ancient ruins and archeological sites in Athens.

☆ Cover four main Greek UNESCO World Heritage Sites on one trip (Athens Olympia Delphi Meteora).

☆ Fully escorted by well-informed local English speaking history experts.

☆ Extensions to mesmerizing Mykonos, Santorini and Crete islands featuring Mediterranean ambiance are available.

https://www.utovacation.com/
Telephone:1 855.526.1286

ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart from USA/Canada

Depart from the USA/Canada.

Day 2: Arrive in Athens

Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; Find your own transportation to your hotel or you can choose the optional private airport pick up service ($120 / Person--Minimum to 2 ppl ). The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. 

Day 3: Athens

Today you can explore Athens on your own or join UTOvacation on an incredible tour of the enchanting and glorious city of Athens.


Optional Tour: Ancient Athens Highlights Tour: USD 99 / Person:

The UTOvacation optional tour of Athens focuses on exploring the core treasures of this ancient city, rich with historical and cultural significance. The first landmark visited will be the [Acropolis] an archaeological wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The word acropolis means “Upper City” in Greek, the Acropolis is one of the most visited destinations in Europe.   The aura of the Acropolis is truly an unforgettable experience and tourists from around the world marvel as they explore the site known as the birthplace of Western Civilization. 

Within the Acropolis, your optional tour will then skip the long lines and bring you the ancient Greek temple of the Parthenon, which is dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. The Parthenon is considered the most important surviving building of Ancient Greece.  Another structure dedicated to Athena is the Temple of Athena Nike, built-in 420 BC, with its placement on a bastion on the southwest corner of the Acropolis relatively close to the Propylaea which is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis.  The temple of Erechtheion located on the north side of the Acropolis will also be visited which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. 

Next, your tour will bring you to the legendary [Temple of Zeus] a magnificent temple located in the center of Athens, the Greek capital.  The Temple was built in the 5th century on the ancient site of Olympia.  The temple is home to the Statue of Zeus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  This statue took nearly 13 years to complete and is one of Classical Greece’s most prized structures. 

Following the Acropolis, the optional tour will continue in the heart of Athens and pass by the [Panathinaiko Stadium], [Amalia avenue], and view the [Arch of Hadrian] and visit the syntagma square, Ermou street.  The group with then enjoy the views of various government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century and drive-along Panepistimiou Street and view the [Catholic Cathedral], the [Academy of Athens], [University], and [National Library]. 

Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon.


Optional Program: Plaka dinner USD 79 / Person:

Includes: Transfer, Escort, 4course Menu, One glass of wine or beer or soft drinks 

Short walking tour in the pedestrian streets of famous Plaka (where Ancient Athena used to be) and have dinner in a typical Greek taverna and taste Greek food. 

Please note: if Covid restrictions are lifted this dinner will include live music but currently it is not allowed 

Day 4: Athens - Olympia

After breakfast, you will be on the road again to Olympia, birthplace of old and modern Olympic Games. On the way, sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque shoreline scenery and the fascinating Corinth Canal, connecting Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Continue your journey through the story land via Nauplion to Mycenae and stop for a brief visit of the ancient “Acropolis of Mycenae” and the “Tomb of Atreus”. Arrive in Olympia in the afternoon.


Optional Program: Syrtaki dance lesson USD 49 / Person

Join your dance instructors at the convenience of your hotel and learn how to dance Syrtaki (Zorba the Greek dance) and other traditional Greek dances

Day 5: Olympia - Delphi

Full day sightseeing of archaeological sites including the” Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus” and ancient stadium where people from different areas came to participate the sports games once every four years advocating peace and friendship dating back from 776 BC. “Olympia Archaeological Museum” is on our afternoon agenda with some of the breathtaking old artwork on display.  Sample olive oil and spices when you have a chance as this is the most ideal place in the world for growing olive trees. Following UNESCO Olympia site visit in the morning, you will be bused up north through the idyllic Eliad and Achaia plains. From Rion to Antirion, your bus will go across the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge. Drive pass by the serene town of Nafpaktos and you are not far from your destination today, Delphi.

Day 6: Delphi - Kalambaka

Used to be believed as the center of the whole world and overlooking the central Greek plain, the mountain town of Delphi was one of the wealthiest places at that time symbolizing the supreme religious power. This UNESCO village of Delphi offers the most significant archaeological excavation ruin in the country. Tour the “Sacred Road” with over 20 treasure pavilions on both sides uniquely depicting the flourishing period in history. “Temple of Apollo” is at the end of the Sacred Way, the key site housing the masterpiece of oracle renowned in the classic world. Farewell to Delphi and continue on to Kalambaka.

Day 7: Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens

Meteora,  “A sky city”, famous for its rock formations and especially the 6 Eastern Orthodox monasteries left from 24 in ancient time built atop the huge rocks. The outstanding architectural achievements, spectacular Byzantine art, unparalleled natural beauty and mystical history of the cliff top constructions have earned the Meteora another UNESCO site title for Greece.  Brief souvenirs stop for some traditional local arts and crafts before your journey back to Athens


Optional Program: Dinner next to the sea USD 79 / Person

Includes : Transfer, Escort, 4course Menu, One glass of wine or beer or soft drinks 

Join a beautiful ride pass Niarchos foundation cultural center and join dinner next to the sea in a posh area for locals  

Day 8: Depart from Athens

Today, make your own transfer to the airport for your departure flight or you can choose the optional private airport drop off service ( $120 / Person--Minimum to 2 ppl ). Please note: the Hotel room check-out time is 11:00 AM, later check out is available for an additional cost. 


more info

Included:

1) Round-trip international flight from New York

Los Angeles / Boston Depart: USD 300 extra per person

San Francisco / Chicago / Miami / Washington / Houston Depart: USD 300 extra per person

Seattle / Las Vegas / Atlanta / Austin / Charlotte / Dallas / Denver / Detroit / Memphis / Fort Lauderdale / Milwaukee / Orlando / San Jose / Oklahoma City / Philadelphia / Phoenix / Portland Oregon / Sacramento / San Antonio / San Diego / New Orleans Depart: USD 500 extra per person

【Toronto / Vancouver / Montreal Depart: USD 700 extra per person

  Land tour Only without round trip air ticket: 【-USD300 Minus

2) Ground transportation between the cities ( Athens-Olympia-Delphi-Kalambaka-Meteora-Athens )( BY BUS )

3) Hand-picked 4-star hotel accommodations

4) Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda

5) Food as specified on the itinerary (B-breakfast L-lunch D-dinner X-no meal) 

6) Special cultural programs as specified in the schedule

7) Professional English speaking local tour expert

8) Air tax and fuel surcharge

9) UTOvacation’s Travel Assurance Program ( Free Reschedule before 150 days prior to trip departure and before air tickets are issued )

Excluded:

1) Any personal expenses.

2) Tour Extensions and Optional programs.

3) Single Supplement Fee (Our tour price is based on double occupancy. If a single passenger is traveling alone and not sharing a room for the entire trip, the tour price charged to the single traveler will be double the standard tour price.)

4) A Mandatory Service Charges & Tipping of USD$180/person is required and payable by Credit Card Before Depart.

5) Baggage fee is not included. Passengers are responsible for paying such fees for checked luggage, oversized hand bag(s) or overweight hand bag(s) when checking in at the airport.

Optional Features

Optional Programs-(Choose before the trip): 

☆Express Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with limited layover time of less than 6 hours each way

     Price: U$399/person

☆ Swift Flight: You will take a direct flight with no layover guaranteed (if there is (an) direct flight(s) service already existing between your departure gateway and the arrival gateway of your destination country)

     Price: U$699/person

☆ Upgrade To Business Class: USD 4000/Person.

☆ Private Airport Pick up / Drop off Service: USD 120 / Person (Minimum To 2 PP).

☆ Breakfast Package( Day3-8): USD 60 / Person

Optional Programs (BOOK ONSITE): 

☆ Day 3: Ancient Athens Highlights Tour: USD 99 / Person (Minimum To 10 PP).

 Day 3: Plaka dinner: USD 79 / Person

 Day 7: Dinner next to the sea: USD 79 / Person


Tour Extensions:

1) Mykonos Island 4Days 3Nights Extension:

                 Price: USD 1799.00

                 Single Supplement: USD 1799.00

                 Included:

                 *4-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

                 *Domestic flight or Ferry from Athens to Mykonos and Mykonos to Athens.


2) Santorini Island 4Days 3Nights Extension:

                 Price: USD 1799.00

                 Single Supplement: USD 1799.00

                 Included:

                 *4-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

                 *Domestic flight or Ferry from Athens to Santorini and Santorini to Athens


3) Crete Island 4Days 3Nights Extension:

                 Price: USD 1999.00

                 Single Supplement: USD 1999.00

                 Included:

                 *4-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

                 *Domestic flight or Ferry from Athens to Crete and Crete to Athens.


4) Mykonos and Santorini Island 7Days 6Nights Extension:

                 Price: USD 2299.00

                 Single Supplement: USD 2299.00

                 Included:

                 *4-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

                 *Domestic flight or Ferry from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Santorini and Santorini to Athens.


5) Mykonos, Santorini and Crete Island 10Days 9Nights Extension:

                 Price: USD 2599.00

                 Single Supplement: USD 2599.00

                 Included:

                 *4-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

                 *Domestic flight or Ferry from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Santorini, Santorini to Crete and Crete to Athens.


Stay Like A Local-Extensions: 

1) Return Flight Extension-3 DAYS (Drop Off Service Not included )

                 Price: USD 1299 /person

                 Included:

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

2) Return Flight Extension-5 DAYS (Drop Off Service Not included)

                 Price: USD 1399 /person

                 Included:

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

3) Return Flight Extension: 6-20 DAYS (Drop Off Service Not included)

                 Price: USD 1499 /person

                 Included:

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

                 *Please note the exact departure date may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

4) Return Flight Extension: 6-30 DAYS (Drop Off Service Not included)  (Depart from other European Cities)

                 Price: U$1899/person

                 Included:

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

                 *Please note the exact departure date or return city may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

                 *Return flight from Milan / Venice / Rome / London / Dublin / Barcelona / Madrid / Lisbon / Amsterdam / Brussels / Zurich / Berlin / Munich / Frankfurt / Prague / Vienna / Budapest

5) Athens 3 Nights Hotel and Flight Extension (Airport pick up and drop off service not included)

           Price: USD 1599 /person

                  Single Supplement: USD 1599

                  Included:

                 *Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

         * 3 Nights Hotel in Athens with breakfast

Visa

GREECE DOES NOT REQUIRE A VISA FOR USA & CANADA PASSPORT HOLDERS.

Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm

 

Starting from 2025, all visitors that currently do not need a visa to enter Europe will be expected to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization (European Travel Information and Authorization System).

Learn about ETIAShttps://www.etiasvisa.com

 

More about Travel Documents

*It is your responsibility to ensure that you- and any child travelling with you- have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.

*Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your date of return. Passport must be in good condition: passport damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted.

*Consult with the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate about the travel document requirement for any country that you plan to enter in, exit from or transit through.

*Some country no longer issue paper visas but rather electronic visas. E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.

*International travel with infants and children may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.

*Americans holding dual citizenship must travel to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. American permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

*Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents returning Canada from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).

Hotels & Flights

4-Star accommodations: 

Athens

Olympia

Delphi

Kalambaka

Novotel Athens / Candia Hotel / Zafolia Hotel / Polis Grand Hotel Athens Tiare Hotel / Similar

Olympic Village Hotel & Spa, Olympia / Similar

Amalia Hotel, Delphi / Similar

Grand Hotel, Meteora / Similar

International Air:(*UTOvacation reserves the right to confirm the airlines below)

☆ United Airline:

☆ American Airline:

☆ Delta Airline:

☆ Air Canada:

☆ Lufthansa Airlines

☆ Jet Airways

☆ Lot Polish Airlines

 Tap Air Portugal

☆ Austrian Airlines

☆ KLM Airlines

 Alitalia

 Air France

 French Bee Airline

 Virgin Atlantic

 Vueling Airlines   

 Air Caraibes   

 Level Airline

 Norwegian Air Shuttle

 Iberia

 Air Italy

 Aeroflot

 Aer Lingus

 Finnair

 Swiss International Air Lines

 Scandinavian Airlines

 Brussels Airlines

 British Airways

 Turkish Airlines

 Ukraine Intl Airlines


Remark:

1) We reserve the right to modify the itinerary if necessary subject to the local conditions.

2) Guaranteed departure with minimum of 10 travelers.

3) Price subject to change at the time of reservation.

4) For travelers under 12 years old are as follow:

Child between 2-11 
years old with bed
Infant under 2 years old
100% of 
adult tour fare

We don"t suggest people bring Infants under 2 years old to participate on this tour 

5) Tour fare is based on American/Canadian adults (non-student group), twin share.

6)The hotels listed in the itinerary are subject to change and may be substituted with a similar category hotel without prior notice, if unavailable. Multi-carriers/airlines are used for the group tour airfare. Once the group tickets are issued the airline information may be released by the group ticketing department about 30 days prior to trip departure. Uto vacation can reserve the right to issue tickets without prior notice.

7) For Travel Visa service: 

* If you choose UTO’s Visa Application Service with your booking, we will contact you by email about 60-120 days prior to trip departure for your visa application. Please call 1-855-526-1286 for more information. 

* Please note: A final trip confirmation will be sent to the main contact passenger via email one month prior to departure that includes a day-by-day itinerary, hotel information, and flight information. If acquiring a visa on your own, the supporting documents will be provided from UTOvacation one month prior to the trip departure date. Supporting documents requested early are subject to a $50 administration fee.

8) Any deviations to other destinations and/or extensions are subject to a $150 change fee, plus any air fare difference---please call 1-855-526-1286 for detail information.

9) Reservation changes: changes to an existing reservation, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees. This includes name changes* and removal of any services such as optional tours and transfers. *Please note that name changes to airline reservations are subject to full cancellation and re-booking. See the airline name changes section for specific information. Replacing a traveling passenger with another traveling passenger constitutes a cancellation, subject to cancellation penalties, and is not covered by this reservation change policy. Changes or additions after departure are subject to local rates at the time of amendment and must be paid directly by the passenger to the service provider. There are no refunds for unused services.

10) Please note that if the flight for your tour is during lunch or dinner time, your meal will be served on board by the airline.

11) All tour extension & optional programs require a minimum of 10 participants to commence. UTOvacation reserve the right to cancel the tour extension without prior notice. In the instance of cancellation, the tour extension or optional tours shall be refunded.

12) This tour requires some walking during sightseeing. Handicap facilities are not up to the North American standard. We ask all passengers to be careful of the small steps in the old shrines and temples.