6-tägige kleine Zugreise Griechenland, Pelion, Kalavryta, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

Your day begins with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive to the impressive Corinth Canal, stretching 6 km long and 80 m high. Next, visit Ancient Corinth, one of Saint Paul’s beloved cities, and explore its historic ruins. Then, continue to Diakopto to board the Cog Railway (Odontotos), which travels through the stunning Vouraikos Gorge - one of Greece’s most spectacular and picturesque railway rides, often hailed as the most beautiful train journey in the Balkans. The train winds along streams, climbs through narrow gorges, tunnels, waterfalls, cliffs, and forests of pine and oleander, ending in the mountain town of Kalavryta.

From Kalavryta, your driver takes you to the remarkable Cave of the Lakes, a natural wonder featuring 13 lakes in varying colors, a “hanging bridge,” waterfalls, and fascinating stalactite formations. In winter, melting snow transforms the cave into a subterranean river with cascading waterfalls, creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the picturesque village of Kalavryta before concluding the day in the charming seaside town of Nafplio. Overnight in Nafplio.

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of Nafplio. You can climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Castle for stunning views over the town and the Argolic Gulf, or take a short boat ride to Bourtzi, the fortress guarding the harbor entrance. Next, travel to Epidaurus to explore the Ancient Theatre, renowned for its exceptional acoustics that still impress visitors today. Continue to the legendary ancient city of Mycenae, where you will see the Lion Gate, Cyclopean Walls, Royal Palace, and the Tomb of Agamemnon. From Argolis, head to Ancient Olympia. Overnight in Olympia.

Today, explore the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Visit the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Hera, the shrine of Pelops, the Council House where athletes took the Olympic oath, the treasuries, the gymnasium, and the palestra, where athletes trained for a month prior to the Games.

Enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride on the little train from Olympia to the charming harbor of Katakolo, surrounded by forested hills and a popular stop for cruise ships in the Mediterranean and Ionian Seas. Take some time to relax with coffee by the sea before crossing the impressive Rion–Antirion Bridge, one of Europe’s largest. Continue to the picturesque seaside town of Naupactus, where you can visit the Venetian Castle and port, enjoy lunch, and then proceed to Delphi. Overnight in Delphi.

After breakfast, your driver will take you to Delphi, once considered the religious and cultural heart of the ancient Greek world. Explore the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia with its iconic tholos, the Ancient Theatre, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Ancient Gymnasium. Visit the sacred Castalian Spring, whose waters played a key role in the rituals of the temple and oracle. At the Temple of Apollo, discover where the Pythia, the oracle priestess, conveyed the messages of Apollo himself. Then, explore the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important, showcasing treasures from the Delphic sanctuary. Enjoy lunch in Delphi or the nearby traditional village of Arachova, sampling local specialties such as the famed Arachova formaela cheese. End the day witnessing a magical sunset over the towering rock formations of Meteora. Overnight stay in Meteora.

Visit Meteora and marvel at its timeless monasteries, perched atop massive rocks between Earth and sky, housing priceless historical and religious treasures. Begin with the 16th-century Varlaam Monastery, standing 380 meters above the ground, and then explore the 15th-century Monastery of St. Stephen, where a small museum displays Byzantine and Christian artifacts.

Afterward, journey to Mount Pelion, the legendary summer home of the twelve gods of Olympus, and visit Portaria, one of its traditional villages. Pelion captivates visitors with lush vegetation, charming villages, and an extensive network of mountain trails, all echoing the myths of the Centaurs. Check in and enjoy free time to wander the cobblestone streets, dine in local taverns, or follow the Centaurs Path marked by red circles, revealing breathtaking landscapes, fountains, and towering trees. Overnight in Portaria, Pelion.

After breakfast, we will drive to Ano Lechonia to board the little train departing at 10:00 for a scenic 90-minute, 15 km journey to Milies, with a single stop at Ano Gatzea station. The route delights with natural beauty and architectural highlights, including arched bridges, tunnels, and retaining walls. In Milies, explore the historic Church of Taxiarhes, built before 1741, visit one of Greece’s oldest libraries, or enjoy the Museum of Folk Art. Legend says the cave of the Centaur Chiron can also be found nearby.

On the return journey to Athens, we will pass through the charming towns of Domokos and Kamena Vourla by the seaside, and stop at Thermopylae to see the statue of King Leonidas, honoring the legendary battle of the 300 Spartans against the Persian army. Your driver will drop you back at your hotel in the late afternoon.

** The train Ano lechonia – Milies only operates at weekends and selected dates. If the train doesn’t operate, we will tour mount Pelion and visit its villages by car or we will modify the tour accordingly