13 Night Delphi and Meteora Grecian Antiquities Cruise Tour Cruise and Land Tour from Athens (Port of Piraeus)

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport you will transfer to St. George Lycabettus Hotel, known for its famous Greek hospitality. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure and you are perfectly positioned in the heart of Athens just steps away from Kolonaki's shops, museums, galleries, and eateries. (Includes transfer to and overnight at St. George Lycabettus Hotel.)

After your morning breakfast, depart for the archaeological site of Delphi, considered by the ancients to be the physical and spiritual center of the earth. This shrine of Apollo, set nearly 2,000 feet up on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, exerts even today a potent grip on visitors. Here was the most respected oracle of antiquity. See the Castalian Spring, in which worshippers first purified themselves; the Sacred Way, once lined with statues and treasures; the Grand Temple of Apollo, beneath which the Pythia sat; the theater with its excellent acoustics; and the well-preserved stadium with the marble starting blocks in place. Then, visit the Delphi Museum to see the Omphalos, which marked the center of the world, and the magnificent bronze Charioteer, one of the finest pieces surviving from the 5th century BC. A traditional lunch of tzatziki, olives, dolmades, Greek salad, and other Greek treats will be served at the village of Delphi. After lunch, board your coach for the drive to the picturesque town of Kalambaka that sits at the foot of Meteora, to the Divani Meteora Hotel. After check-in, the evening will be at your leisure. (Includes breakfast, lunch, and overnight at Divani Meteora Hotel.)

Following breakfast you will head to Meteora, one of the largest and most important groups of monasteries in Greece. The rock monasteries have been classified by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage and they form one of the most important stations of the cultural map of Greece. What created this rare geological phenomenon is one of the mysteries of nature. The area was originally settled by monks who lived in caves in the rocks during the 11th century. But as the times became more unsettled they climbed higher and higher up the rock faces until they were living on the inaccessible peaks. There were no steps then, and the main access was by means of a net or retractable ladders up to 131 feet (40 m) long. This was how the monasteries were reached until the 1920s but now there are roads, pathways, and steps to the top. You will see examples of these nets, used today for bringing up provisions. Of the original 24 monasteries, only 6 are now inhabited, and you will visit 2 of them. Departing from Meteora, the tour will proceed to Kalambaka where lunch will be served. Return to Athens late in the afternoon to overnight at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel, passing the heroic monument of Leonidas at Thermopylae. The evening is at your leisure. (Includes breakfast, lunch, and overnight at St. George Lycabettus Hotel. Please note: Both ladies and gentlemen should be modestly dressed for these visits - ladies must wear skirts covering their knees, no trousers, and gentlemen should wear long trousers. Both must cover their shoulders.)

After your morning breakfast you will depart for the Acropolis tour. The Acropolis hill is the most important site in the city. Climb the smooth marble steps as visitors have for centuries. History opens before you as you reach the Propylaia, a masterpiece of classical architecture, serving as the entrance to the complex. You'll see the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheum, with its classical Porch of the Maidens, the Caryatids. Stand in awe of the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold-and-ivory statue of the goddess. In the museum, see all the surviving treasures of the Acropolis together in one place. The highlight of the Museum is the display of a portion of the Parthenon Frieze, located on the top floor. Departing from the Acropolis, transfer to the port of Piraeus for embarkation on your waiting yacht. (Includes breakfast and transfer to your waiting yacht.)