Post-Tour Meteora, Delphi, & Athens Extension
Day 1 Meteora
For those continuing with the MDA extension, we’ll catch a morning flight back to Athens. Departing the airport we will make the half day drive to Meteora. The name Meteora is derived from the Greek word meteoros, which means “suspended in air.” The soaring pinnacles and jutting cliffs make for one of earth’s most dramatic geological displays. The earliest inhabitants were 11th century hermits, seeking isolation from the profane world. By the 14th century, Turkish conquests forced the Byzantine church to seek ever more remote and isolated refuge. Meteora was a perfect sanctuary. Eventually 24 monasteries were built, of which 6 remain active today. We’ll arrive in time to see the setting sun illuminate the dramatic spires in photographic light.
Hotel Kastraki (1 night) http://www.hotelkastraki.gr/
Day 2 Delphi
We’ll start our day with a guided tour of some of the more dramatically situated monasteries, perched precariously atop the amazing stacks of Meteora. Beautiful ikons, frescoed chapels, giant wine casks, winching baskets for supplying the communities, and stunning vistas highlight our visit. In the afternoon we’ll make the winding drive to Delphi. After settling into our hotel we’ll have dinner together in a local taverna.
Hotel Acropole (1 night) https://delphi.com.gr/
Day 3 Delphi to Athens
This morning our amazing guide Penny will give us a guided tour of the Archeological Site and new Museum of Delphi. Delphi was the “navel of the ancient world” and the location of the famous Delphic Oracle, whom all men great and small consulted before important decisions. In the afternoon we’ll drive back to Athens where we will check into our Monasteraki Square hotel. Free evening to explore the Plaka.
Hotel Attalos (2 nights) https://www.attaloshotel.com/
Day 4 Athens
Our final full day begins with a visit the National Archeological Museum. We’ll see the very best of Greece’s archeological treasures from Minoan to Hellenistic sculpture and artifacts. In the afternoon we’ll have a guided visit of the mighty Acropolis and the magnificent new Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, is a bucket list site that represents our historical and cultural connection to Periclean Athens and the foundations of the western paradigm. The state of the art museum beautifully displays the archeological treasures of the storied hill.
[Itinerary details, hotels, and activities subject to change]
What’s Included
12 nights accommodation (16 with extension; All breakfasts, 5 dinners (+ 2 extension), 2 lunches; All tour transport; All tips (tour director, guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of a Imprint tour manager, local guides; All entrances: Delos, Hozoviotissa Monastery, Kouros of Apollonas, Akrotiri, (extension: Meteora monasteries, Delphi Museum and Archeological site, Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, NAM); All activities: walking tour Mykonos Chora, tour Delos, driving tour Naxos, sunset cruise, live music, Greek dancing, driving tour Amorgos, Olympic Shipwreck Beach, Little Cyclades, and more
Important exceptions: Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing and meals, flight baggage overage fees, and expenditures of a personal nature.