History and culture - A tour of Greece (12d)

Greece, history and culture 

Explore the history of Greece, immerse in the local culture 

An itinerary including the best of Ancient Greece plus lesser-known sites 

and amazing local experiences (including hiking, pottery and culinary). 

Twelve days combining mainland Greece and the beautiful islands of 

Santorini and Crete.

Itinerary in detail 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Day 3 

Day 4 

Day 5 

Day 6 

Day 7 

Day 8 

Day 9 

Daily Itinerary 

Athens 

Overnight Athens 

Athens 

Overnight Kalambaka 

Kalambaka area(Meteora) 

Overnight Delphi 

Delphi 

Overnight Nafplion 

Nafplion 


Nafplion 

Overnight Santorini 

Santorini 


Santorini 


Crete 

Overnight Crete 

Included in the tour 

• 1 overnights in Athens 

• 1 overnights in Kalambaka area 

• 1 overnights in Delphi 

• 2 overnight in Nafplion 

• 3 overnights in Santorini 

• 3 overnights in Crete 

• Private Guided Sightseeing 

• Athens, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum 

• Epidaurus 

• Mycenae 

• Meteora 

• Delphi and the Museum 

• Santorini Akrotiri 

• Crete Knossos palace and Archeological 

museum 

• Crete Ancient Eleftherna and the 

museum 

• Santorini winery visit and wine tasting 

experience 

• Walking and tastes tour in Athens 

• Walking and tastes tour in Nafplion 

• Arrival & Departure transfer service Athens 

• Daily breakfast 

• Welcome dinner in Athens 

• Farewell dinner in Crete 

• Professional tour escort throughout the tour 

• All entrance fees as per itinerary 

Day 10 

Day 11 

Day 12 

Crete 


Crete 


Depart 

Driving times 

• Athens to Kalambaka 4 hours 

• Kalambaka to Galaxidi 3 ½ hours 

• Galaxidi to Nafplion 3 ½ hours 

• Nafplion to Athens 2 ½ hours 

(approximate timing without stops) 

Siva Travel Services Greece ( www.siva.travel )

Day 1 

Welcome to Athens 

Your transfer from the Athens airport is the start this 

amazing trip. It is approximately a 45 minute drive to 

your hotel in Athens. Check in to your hotel and 

the rest of the day is free until your first dinner in 

Athens. 

Welcome Dinner 

Tonight the trip first culinary experiences! Enjoy your 

welcome dinner at a local restaurant. A wonderful 

opportunity to meet your fellow travelers while also 

getting a first taste of Greek cuisine. 

Overnight in Athens. 

Welcome Dinner in Athens 

Tour sightseeing Highlights 

Sightseeing (included) 

✓ Athens Acropolis* 

✓ Acropolis Museum 

✓ Meteora monasteries * 

✓ Site of Epidaurus* 

✓ Site of Mycenae 

✓ Delphi ancient site 

✓ Museum of Delphi 

✓ Akrotiri in Santorini 

✓ Knossos palace and the 

archeological museum of Crete 

✓ Ancient Eleftherna and the 

museum 

*A UNESCO World Heritage site 


Day 2 

Athens Sightseeing and “food walking tour” 

Acropolis 

Today enjoy sightseeing in Athens. Your expert guide will give you the 

opportunity to fully understand the role of Athens in antiquity and 

through the ages. Your guide will reveal to you the secrets of the 

Acropolis & the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the 

Kallimarmaro Stadium, built of marble for the first modern Olympic 

Games in 1896. Experience the ancient wonders and relive the 

birthplace of democracy, twist and turn through the Plaka’s narrow 

streets and find ancient sites, cafes and shops full of history and 

character. 

Acropolis Museum 

After the visit to the Acropolis continue to the Acropolis Museum. A 

beautiful new museum (opened in 2009) with exceptional finds from the 

Acropolis, including 36 panels of the Parthenon’s storied frieze. 

Food walking tour 

Afterwards delve into modern Athens and enjoy discovering the narrow 

streets of the city, stopping off at an old bakery, traditional café and 

souvlaki stall on the way to sample local delicacies and aperitifs. 

In the afternoon set off from Athens, North to the town of 

Kalambaka for your overnight stay. 

Overnight in Kalambaka area 

Light lunch on “tastes tour”

Day 3 

Visit the Meteora monasteries 

When you awaken to see the awe-inspiring rock formations 

unfold before your eyes, you will easily understand why it is 

named the Meteora, which means “suspended in the 

heavens above.” Today set off from your hotel to above the 

charming mountain villages of Kastraki and Kalambaka and 

visit two of the six surviving monasteries of the Meteora. A 

UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most important 

complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world 

,the Meteora have for centuries captivated visitors with 

their awe-inspiring beauty. 

You will be able to see how the monks live today and enter 

the most captivating Byzantine basilicas in Greece. 

Free time for lunch. 

In the afternoon set off to the town Delphi for your 

overnight stay. 

Overnight in Delphi 

Siva Travel Services Greece - www.siva.travel

Day 4 

Sightseeing Delphi 

Today, in the morning enjoy the sightseeing of Ancient Delphi, ancient 

worlds most famous oracle and a spectacular site. 

The site is at the foot of the mountain. Passing by the Castalia Spring 

you will visit the archaeological site and view the monument of the 

Argive Kings, the treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the 

Polygonal Wall, the monument of Platea and the Temple of Apollo. The 

site is very large and there is a lot to see including the famous oracle 

where in ancient times people believed they would learn what their 

future held. 

Enjoy the views from the site, they are incredible – the setting is so 

impressive that in ancient times it was considered the navel of the 

world. After visiting the site next stop is the museum. The Delphi 

museum has spectacular exhibits including the frieze of the Treasury of 

the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos the metopes of 

the Athenian treasury and the famous bronze Charioteer. It is well 

worth visiting the museum as the exhibits complement what we saw at 

the site and allow us to get a better understanding of the role Delphi 

played in antiquity. 

Set off from Delphi to the town of Nafplion. Nafplion, one of the most 

historic of Greek cities, has a gorgeous waterfront and beautiful 

neoclassical buildings which manage to maintain the grand feel of this 

city. 


Lunch at Delphi (amazing view and local dishes) 


Day 5 

Sightseeing Epidaurus and Mycenae and afternoon 

walk-tastes of Nafplion town 

After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing two of the most important Greek 

ancient sites. 

Sightseeing Mycenae and Epidaurus 

Walk under the famous Lion gate up to the Mycenaean acropolis and 

the Palace. Mycenae is very impressive as it is possible to feel the city 

as you retrace the steps of the ancients. See the tomb of Agamemnon 

and the ruins of the Cyclopean walls that protected this mighty city. 

The site of Epidaurus, which is listed as a world heritage site by 

Unesco, is vast. With ruins of temples and hospital buildings devoted 

to the healing gods; considered to be the birthplace of Asklepios. The 

site monuments, particularly the temple of Asklepios, the Tholos and 

the Theatre are some of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture 

dating from the 4th century BC. For most visitors Epidaurus is known 

for the magnificent theater which still stands there – and is still used 

for plays and other performances. Take the time to walk the grounds 

leading up to the theater and there check the famous acoustics. The 

theater is considered a marvel of engineering and the acoustics are 

unrivalled even by today’s standards. 

(lunch at leisure) 

In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the city including 

tastes of the area. On this walking tour you will learn about the history 

of Nafplio and you will be stopping along the way for tastings and 

various local treats. Depending on the season you will stop at different 

shops and cafes to allow you to better understand the local culture. 

Overnight Nafplion

Day 6 

Santorini 

Depart Nafplion for Athens Airport to board your 

flight to Santorini. Arrive in Santorini and transfer to 

our hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Take the time to 

explore the island, considered one of the top 

destinations worldwide. Amazing views, unique 

landscapes! 


Operational note: This day has a lot of travelling , the 

afternoon is purposely left to be “quiet” for guests to rest 

and enjoy time at leisure 


Day 7 

Visit Akrotiri excavations and wine tasting 

experience. 

Akrotiri visit 

Visit the the pre-historic settlement of Akrotiri, one of the most 

important and well-preserved civilizations in the 

Mediterranean, which was covered by the ashes of the great 

volcanic eruption of 1600 B.C – often referred to as the Pompei 

of Greece. The town's life came to an abrupt end in the last 

quarter of the 17th century B.C. when the inhabitants were 

obliged to abandon it as a result of severe earthquakes. The 

eruption followed. The volcanic materials covered the entire 

island and the town itself. These materials, however, have 

protected up to date the buildings and their contents, just like 

in Pompei. 

Wine Tasting 

After the visit to Akrotiri, enjoy a unique wine tasting at one of 

the finest wineries of the island, and the spectacular experience 

of the Santorini caldera views 

Wines of Santorini 

The history of vine cultivation goes 

back to pre-historic times in 

Santorini, as revealed by the 

excavations in Akrotiri. It is an island 

with a long wine-making tradition 

and of particular interest to wine 

lovers due to its unique microclimate 

and volcanic ground. 

“Not content with merely surviving in 

this apparently hostile natural 

environment, this variety manages to 

produce a singular, bone-dry white of 

inimitable character” 

Apart from the varieties of red and 

white wines there is also the Visanto: 

a unique sweet wine of Santorini 

offered after a meal. 



Day 8 

Santorini 

Hike to Ancient Thira and visit site 

Set off on amazing hike and sightseeing today. From 

the bottom of the trail up to the site of Ancient 

Thira it is approximately a hike of 1 ½ hours. One of 

the most interesting hikes that Santorini offers with 

majestic views. 

Often overlooked, Ancient Thera, is the classical city 

of the Santorini located on the mountain Mesa 

Vouno, 396 m. above sea level. It was founded in 

the 9th century B.C. by Dorian colonists whose 

leader was Theras, and continuously inhabited until 

the early Byzantine period. The site is quite modest 

but with a very rich history. From the site take in the 

incredible view overlooking the island and on to the 

Aegean sea. 

Hiking to ancient Thera 

The hike is uphill on uneven ground. All 

participants should wear non slip closed 

walking shoes and have hats and water bottles 

with them. 

• Length from Kamari to the entrance of 

Ancient Thira : 1,7km 

• Estimated time 1 ½ hour 

• (path 90%, asphalt road 10%) 

• Min Altitude: 32m Max altitude: 280m 

• Activity level: 2/5 Easy / Moderate 

• No experience is necessary, but participants 

should be in good health and comfortable 

walking or standing for extended periods of 

time 

Overnight in Santorini 

Operational note: Possibly reverse the hike to downhill 

(start with site and then hike down). 


Day 9 

Santorini to Crete 

Today enjoy your day at leisure up to the time you will embark 

the fast ferry to Crete. Take the opportunity to explore more 

of the island , or maybe relax at your hotel until the late 

afternoon when your transfer to the port of Santorini is set. 

Embark and set sail for the beautiful island of Crete. 

The trip from Santorini to Crete is approximately 2+ hours by 

fast ferry. In Crete the arrival port is at the capital of the island, 

Heraklion; the fifth largest city in Greece and home the most 

important sights of Crete: Knossos and the Archaeological 

museum. Take the time to walk the backstreets of Heraklion 

and delve into the local cuisine. 

From the port of Heraklion you will be transferred to your 

hotel for your first overnight in Crete. 



Day 10 

Visit Knossos and the Archeological museum 

Today enjoy sightseeing the site of Knossos and the archeological 

museum of Heraklion. Two of the highlights of Crete. 

Knossos sightseeing 

Crete’s most famous historical attraction is the Palace of Knossos, 

the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located 5km south of the city 

of Iraklio. The setting is evocative and the ruins and recreations 

impressive, incorporating an immense palace, courtyards, private 

apartments, baths, lively frescoes and more. The Minoans’ highly 

sophisticated society is further revealed by details like the 

advanced drainage system and the clever placement of rooms in 

relation to passages, light wells, porches and verandas that kept 

rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. 

Archeological museum 

This state-of-the-art museum is one of the largest and most 

important in Greece. The two-storey revamped 1930s Bauhaus 

building makes a gleaming showcase for artefacts spanning 5500 

years from Neolithic to Roman times, including a Minoan 

collection of unparalleled richness. The displays are arranged both 

chronologically and thematically. Your visit will greatly enhance 

your understanding of Crete’s rich history. 



Day 11 

✓ Visit Ancient Elefthenra site and museum 

✓ Pottery workshop 

✓ Arkadi monastery 

Today a full day of very interesting activities, both cultural and 

historically important. Set off early today westwards to the first visit 

of the day, the Arkadi monastery 

Arkadi Monastery 

The 16th-century Monastery, has deep significance for Cretans. A 

stark and potent symbol of resistance and considered a catalyst in 

the island's struggle towards freedom from Turkish occupation. The 

impressive Venetian church (1587) has a striking Renaissance facade 

topped by an ornate triple-belled tower. 

Eleftherna site and museum 

One of the most interesting sites of Crete, often overlooked, 

Eleftherna is a Dorian-built settlement that was among the most 

important in the 8th and 7th centuries BC, and also experienced 

heydays in Hellenistic and Roman times. Excavations have been 

ongoing since 1985 and archaeologists continue to make new finds 

all the time; many are showcased at the impressive museum nearby 

In 2010 Eleftherna was placed 

among the TOP 10 discoveries 

of the World by the 

Archaeology Magazine. 

Visit the museum which is a must-see for anyone visiting the ruins of 

Eleutherna the modern museum that contextualises the ancient city 

through the exhibition of treasures unearthed at the site over the 

past 30 years 

After the visit to the museum set off to a close by village for lunch 

and the pottery workshop. 

Pottery workshop 

Meet the local expert in Cretan pottery and see the centuries old 

traditions and way of working the clay. 

Operational Notes: If number of participants is larger than 18, two vehicles will 

need to be utilized in order to reach the site; and the workshop may be split into 

two groups.

Day 12 

Departure 

Last day of the trip today. According to your flight schedule, 

take the opportunity for a walk through Heraklion or even 

some last-minute shopping. 

Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight. 

Thank you ! 


Map of the trip 


Historical Greece 

Useful Information 

Walking 

This tour includes walking on uneven ground. The sights visited at parts 

include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Keep in mind that all ancient 

sites have unpaved paths. 

What to definitely pack 

• Comfortable walking shoes – non slip. 

• Casual clothing 

• A warm jacket 

• Hat and sunscreen 

Wi-Fi 

Most hotels, restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. 

Cell Phone coverage 

All of Greece has good cell phone reception. 

Languages 

Most of the Greeks speak English also (and those who do not will definitely 

make an effort to understand and help out) 

Currency 

The currency in Greece is the EURO 

Credit Cards 

Visa, Diners Club, American Express, Master Card are accepted at most 

shops and restaurants. Visa is probably the most widespread of all. 

Banks 

Major towns have banks, smaller towns have ATM. 


Greece 

Weather pattern for Athens 


Indicative Hotels 


Athens Hotels 

Herodion 

https://www.herodion.gr/en 

Situated at the foot of the Acropolis, Herodion Hotel 

offers elegantly decorated air-conditioned rooms. It 

has a beautiful roof garden with sun loungers and 2 

hot tubs boasting spectacular views over Athens. 

The modern rooms feature light wood furnishings and 

parquet floors. They are fitted with a satellite TV, 

safety box and soundproofed windows. Most of the 

rooms have private balconies and some have a view of 

the Acropolis. 

Offering direct views of the Acropolis, the rooftop 

PointA restaurant is fitted with a decked terrace, 

serving Mediterranean cuisine with Greek influences, 

and a variety of cocktails. In between, guests can enjoy 

snacks and homemade desserts in the semi-outdoor 

area in the hotel's back garden. An indoor restaurant is 

also included and American breakfast is served. 

Hotel Herodion is just a few steps from the new 

Acropolis Museum and a 15-minute walk from the 

central Syntagma Square. The Acropolis Metro Station 

is within 200 m from the hotel

Hotel in Kalambaka 

Hotel Doupiani House 

Along with amazing views of the Meteora, 

Hotel Doupiani House features cozy and 

well-furnished rooms . 

The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas 

is just steps away. 

Each air-conditioned room at Hotel Doupiani 

includes a flat-screen TV with satellite 

channels and a fridge. The private bathroom 

provides free toiletries and a hairdryer. 

The centre of Kalabaka Town is 2 km away. 

Kastraki Village lies within 500 m and Trikala 

Town can be reached in 22 km. Free private 

parking is available in the premises. 


Nafplio 

3 Sixty Hotel 4* 

The neoclassical 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites is located in the 

center of Nafplio, just 100 m from the port. This 4-star 

property offers free WiFi throughout and elegant 

accommodations with a spa bath. 

All air conditioned, suites include a seating area, a 

mini-bar, and a flat-screen TV with satellite and cable 

channels. Each has a private bathroom complete with 

a hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. 

At 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites you will also find a bar. 

The hotel is 400 m from Akronafplia Castle and a 15- 

minute walk from Pirgos Palamidi. 

A boutique hotel with few rooms, very hospitable and 

good service. 


El Greco Santorini 

Close to Thira, the hotel offers traditional local 

architecture, comfortable well decorated 

rooms, a spa, swimming pools and well 

equipped gym. 

The “El Greco Hotel ” is a 4 star property just 500 

meters to Fira town close enough to venture into 

town every night and enjoy the vibrant night life, 

but also secluded enough to enjoy the daily 

relaxation that only Santorini can offer 

It is an intimate hotel, making for a lovely 

atmosphere. The staff of the hotel are very 

welcoming and polite, always going out of their 

way to help. The pleasant restaurant area is were 

you will enjoy your daily breakfast, or you can opt 

to use the room service and a lovely breakfast in 

bed. 

The hotel has all the amenities necessary for a 

relaxing stay, whether this is to exercise in the 

fitness center of just relax by the pool. 

Included 

• Wi-Fi 

• Flat Screen TV 

• Safety deposit box 

• Air-conditioned 

• Mini fridge 

Essentials 

• 4 star property 

• large outdoor pool 

• Room Service 

• Fitness center 

• Sauna 

Siva Travel Services / Greece

Siva Travel Services 

‘EVERY CLIENT IS AN HONOURED GUEST’ 

Siva Travel Services 

154a, Sevastoupoleos Str. 

11526 Athens Greece 

Tel: +30 210 7291 066 

Fax: +30 210 7246 279 

Email: info@sivatravel.gr 

Web: www.siva.travel 

SIVA Travel is a member of 

• European Tour Operator Association. 

• Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist agencies. 

• Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau 

• Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers 

• Educational Travel Community Global Member 

• Fully licensed by the Greek National tourism organization 

• ASTA , American Society of Travel Agents 

Siva Travel Services is a member of the Travel 

Corporation, a highly successful international 

travel group with 24 award-winning brands

Notes on the presentation 

This presentation is indicative of the program on offer. 

Actual Inclusions, hotels and room categories are as per the costing of the program. 

Accommodation is confirmed at the time of firm go ahead and according to deposit plan. 

Operational timetable / and rotation of tour may differ according to final programming if this is 

deemed necessary for the better operation of the tour. 

Payments, deposits and actual inclusions are as per the costing sheet and any subsequent 

revisions of such. 

White Label tours 

All logos and company information will be according to the 

branding provided to SIVA by the operator. 

Tours with SIVA Travel. 

Your personal advisor will make sure all the details 

of your trip are set up perfectly for you. 

Detailed information and great suggestions of what to do, what 

you must see and where you should definitely dine will be 

given to you. 

Tailored to your personal style of holiday.

History and culture - A tour of Greece (12d)

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