Best of Classical Greece
Historic Thessaloniki, Vergina, Kalambaka, and Delphi with ancient capital of Athens. Optional day cruise to the Saronic Islands
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | September 2025 – October 2026 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | Active, History & Culture | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This moderately paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking, sometimes on uneven terrain, and requires an average level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops.Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
Check prices & book now
Get updates about this package
Come along and bask in the magic and history that encompasses Greece. Start your adventure in historic Thessaloniki where you'll be surrounded by the influences of Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Greek presence throughout this northern city. Then, travel along to Vergina and marvel at the site of Aigai, the capital of the Macedonian Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After, journey south and visit three extraordinary Greek destinations: Kalambaka, Delphi and Athens. From visiting the spectacular Monasteries of Meteora in the summits of isolated rocky pinnacles in Kalambaka, exploring the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, wandering along the bustling streets of Athens and enjoying the outdoor cages, streets bazaars, and ancient ruins, and traveling along the coastal roads to admire the temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, you'll be in awe of the history, myth, and wonders that Greece holds. End your perfect trip with an optional day cruise to the picturesque island of Hydra, one of the Saronic Islands, where you will enjoy a relaxing day marveling at the stone houses dotting the coast while sipping on traditional Greek coffee.
With flights, hotels, meals, fully guided tours and more, you'll experience the absolute best of classical Greece, all at an affordable, Friendly Planet price.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK or EWR) including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 7 nights at superior hotel accommodations
- 13 Meals: 7 breakfasts & 6 dinners
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking tour director and guides
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Full day cruise with lunch to the Saronic Islands
Why you'll love it
- See the influence of Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Greek civilizations in Thessaloniki during a panoramic city tour.
- Tour ancient Aigai, Macedonia’s first capital city comprised of palace ruins, ancient sanctuaries and royal tombs that date as far back as 340 B.C.
- Marvel at the monasteries of Meteora, perched high on the peaks of towering rock formations.
- Explore the sacred ruins of Delphi, site of the sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Temple of Apollo.
- Stroll through Plaka, a historic neighborhood of Athens that blends eastern and western influences.
- Visit the Acropolis, an ancient citadel containing the remains of several buildings of great architectural and historic significance including the Parthenon, the Propylaea Gateway, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea during a fascinating excursion to Cape Sounion, the location of the Temple of Poseidon, one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens.
- Explore Athens independently or join an optional Saronic Islands Cruise.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece
- 3 Thessaloniki & Vergina
- 4 Thessaloniki & Kalambaka
- 5 Kalambaka & Delphi
- 6 Delphi & Athens
- 7 Athens & Cape Sounion
- 8 Athens
- Optional Excursion: Full day Saronic Islands Cruise , $150
- 9 Athens/USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Greece
Day 2 Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece
- Arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece
- Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel
Capsis Bristol Boutique Hotel or similarDinner
Day 3 Thessaloniki & Vergina
- Discover the influence of Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Greek presence throughout the history of Thessaloniki
- Visit Vergina, the site of Aigai, the ancient capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, and a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Admire the palace and burial site of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great
Capsis Bristol Boutique Hotel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 4 Thessaloniki & Kalambaka
- Visit the remote Meteora Monasteries
Hotel Amalia Kalambaka or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 5 Kalambaka & Delphi
- Tour the ancient ruins of Delphi
- See the Temple of Apollo and the site of the famed Oracle of Delphi
Amalia Hotel Delphi or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 7 Athens & Cape Sounion
- Enjoy a tour of the city of Athens
- Admire the impressive Acropolis, museum and visit the Parthenon
- Visit the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Royal Olympic Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 8 Athens
- Enjoy the day at leisure in Athens
- Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Saronic Islands
- Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant
Royal Olympic Hotel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 9 Athens/USA
- This morning, bid farewell to Greece as you board your flight back to the USA
- Arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.
No reviews yet! Check back soon to see what our travelers are saying.
Traveled with us, but haven't received an invitation to review your trip? Contact us at reviews@friendlyplanet.com.
Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Greece?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
Other Packages
The ancient capital of Athens, then 2 of the magical Greek Isles: Mykonos & Santorini; travel independently with flights, hotel & ferry included.
From
$3499W/ Flights
From
$2599Tour Only
Days
The ancient capital of Athens, then 2 of the magical Greek Isles: Naxos & Santorini; travel independently with flights, hotel & ferry included.
From
$3749W/ Flights
From
$2849Tour Only
Days
The ancient capital of Athens, then 2 of the magical Greek Isles: Paros & Naxos; travel independently with flights, hotel & ferry included.
From
$3199W/ Flights
From
$2299Tour Only
Days
