Winter Holidays in Greece Package Tours Athens to Arachova, Nafplion, Delphi, Corinth, Mycenae

2009-2010 TrueAntiquity Arrival Dates

November 11, 2010

November 25, 2010

January 6, 2011

February 3, 2011

March 3, 2011

If you are interested in a 2009-2010 tour, please outlining which tour and arrival date interest you and we will follow up with you promptly with pricing and other necessary information.

Note: The date denotes the start of your TrueGreece experience.
Your transatlantic flight should depart one day in advance.

If you are interested in a more intimate experience please visit our customised trips section which will provide further information on how TrueGreece can design the perfect customised trip experience.

TrueAntiquity: Athens - Arachova - Delphi - Nafplion

The TrueAntiquity package is equally beautiful in the summer but truly comes to life during autumn, winter and early spring, when the mountain villages and landscapes are embraced by nature. This winter time journey will astonish you with the dramatic settings, mountain views, small villages and towns. Guided tours of archaeological wonders such as the Athens Acropolis, Delphi, Nafplion, Epidavros, Mycenae, and Ancient Corinth will provide a unique glimpse into the magnificence and rugged beauty of Greece.

Depending on when you choose to participate in the TrueAntiquity tour please keep in mind that temperatures in Greece during the winter months are relatively mild with some rain and snow in the mountainous regions such as Arachova. Temperatures range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius during the coldest months of January and February. However the sun usually shines and skies are often blue. We recommend that you pack warm clothes and prepare yourself for a winter vacation like no other! For additional information regarding weather conditions in Greece, please visit our F.A.Q. section.

The Locations

Athens! There may be more grandiose cities, there are certainly larger cities, there may even be older cities. But is there a city in the world, more resonant than Athens? As you walk around the streets of Athens today, you will encounter visitors from all over the world, who have come not only to pay their respects but to share the “vibrations” of this extraordinary” city. In a tremendous outburst of energy, Athens hosted the 2004 Olympics, creating a beacon for the whole world to see. Home to several of the world's most significant archaeological sites, structures and museums, the incomparable Acropolis stands out as the crown jewel of Athens. Enjoy the wide variety of restaurants ranging from traditional local food to fine gourmet dining or indulge in a little shopping, before you are whisked off to the magical Aegean islands.

Arachova is an extraordinary and charming town on Mt. Parnassos, featuring picturesque old districts, beautiful grey stone houses and magnificent mountain views. Only 11km away from the town of Arachova stands the spectacular and world famous archaeological site of Delphi. Once regarded by the Greeks of old as the centre of the earth, the navel stone or omphalos still stands as a testament to this belief. It was on these rocky slopes of Mt. Parnassos that in awe of the dramatic peaks, springs, caves and the reputed “exhalations” from a chasm on the site, that the oracle of Delphi was established.

Nafplion was a prominent city during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829), and was chosen by the President of the new nation as the first Greek capital. Very close to this charming city is Mycenae, the locale of several unique remains and artefacts, home of individuals prominent in Greek legend and literature who play such a major role in the Homeric epics and the legends, dramas, and poems that follow over the centuries after the Trojan War (c. 1250 BC). The town of Agamemnon and his family was not to be revealed until 1874, when Heinrich Schliemann started excavations that uncovered the great citadel with its world-famous Lion Gate and the grave circle with its many fascinating finds.

Kifissia is an upscale and stylish suburb of Athens. Since the time of the Romans, this elegant location was preferred because of its elevation and pine trees, thus offering a welcome retreat from the summer heat of Athens. Today it is the home of fashionable shops and fine restaurants.

The Plan

The TrueGreece holiday packages include luxurious accommodations at exceptional hotels, traditional and distinctive culinary experiences as well as educating and exciting pre-planned excursions. This TrueGreece experience has a free and flexible structure allowing you to explore and venture off on your own.

Your TrueGreece Concierge will be with you every step of the way, providing you with a useful resource which we highly recommend you exploit. We encourage you to take advantage of your Concierge’s love for Greece and unique wealth of local knowledge.

As you review our trip descriptions please keep in mind that many of the described activities are suggestions and represent only an example of the many alternatives you may choose from. At the end of each day's description, we highlight the pre-packaged meals and activities that are included in the price of your tour. Please note that optional activities, as described below, are not included in the price of the tour.

DAY 1, Arrival in Athens

Welcome to Greece! Our TrueGreece representative will meet you at the Athens Airport and transfer you to the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel, where you will be spending your first night. This deluxe hotel is ideally located in the heart of Athens under the grandiose shadow of the Acropolis. After settling into your room meet your TrueGreece Concierge and get acquainted with your fellow travellers.

Starting your exploration, why not walk through Monastiraki, home of the perpetual flea market and get your first impressions of Athens? Meet your Concierge back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a guided walk through the ancient city streets of charming Plaka, ending at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner.

Included: Transport from airport to hotel, Guided walk through Plaka.
Meals: D

DAY 2, Athens

Today you will have the pleasure of being escorted by a local guide on a once in a lifetime" tour of Athens and the Acropolis. You will climb up to the Acropolis where the Ancient Athenians built the astonishing temple of the Parthenon in order to worship the goddess Athena. You will also have a chance to see the Ancient Agora as well as the Kalimarmaro Stadium, home of the first modern Olympics in 1896, and the old Royal Palace and today's Parliament, with the elite unit known as the Evzones guarding the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier.

Later on today, you may chose to explore the city with the help of the TrueGreece Recommendations Guide or stroll through Athens on a TrueGreece exploration with your Concierge.

Included: Round-trip transport from hotel to the various sites, guided tour of the city and the Acropolis.
Meals: B

DAY 3, Athens

Take advantage of your Concierge’s wealth of local knowledge and visit with him the National Archaeological Museum, the world's greatest collection of the masterworks of Ancient Greece. You may also wish to visit one of several other museums which display the rich Greek culture, such as the Byzantine Museum or the Benaki Museum. For those looking for a more lively experience a stroll the streets of Athens, past Plaka, Monastiraki and Ermou Street will provide a fascinating insight into Modern Greek culture. If a more adventurous afternoon is in order, your Concierge will be more that happy to assist you in organizing a trip to Marathon or Cape Sounion with its famous Ancient Temple of Poseidon. In the evening, either go out and have fun in Athens with friends or your significant other, or take an Athens by Night tour with your Concierge to the most popular places in the city.

Included: Concierge guidance for scheduled and impromptu activities around the city.
Meals: B

DAY 4, Arachova

Get ready to change scenery from the beautiful city landscape of Athens to the rich scenery of the Greek mainland. The two hour drive to Arachova by private bus is almost as beautiful as this charming mountain escape. Check-in at the Santa Marina Arachova Hotel and admire the stunning view from your room. Put on your walking shoes and set out to explore this marvellous and authentic mountain town. Take a peaceful walk in the main village and absorb the atmosphere, get drawn in by the wonderful smells of the local Greek tavernas and indulge in the traditional dishes on offer.

Included: Concierge guidance for scheduled and impromptu activities around the city.
Meals: B

DAY 5, Delphi and St. Loukas

One of the most stunning archaeological sites in the world is just a twenty minute drive from Arachova ; today you will have the pleasure of visiting the archaeological site of Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo, and a museum filled with exquisite artifacts. After Delphi, you will visit the imposing medieval Monastery of St. Lucas, which is regarded as one of the most impressive in all of Greece, both because of its natural setting and its artistic workmanship. After this historically and culturally filling experience return to Arachova for a rest before you further explore the village and dine in the evening.

Included: Round-trip transport from hotel to the various sites, guided tour of Delphi and the Monastery of St. Loukas.
Meals: B, L

DAY 6, Arachova

Sitting on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, Arachova is the home base of one of the best ski resorts of Greece. If you are feeling adventurous rent your skis from the local shops and head-off to the mountains, or, if you do not wish to make the trip up the slopes, visit nearby locales at your leisure. Either way if a skiing adventure is not on the cards, then maybe a culinary experience may be appreciated! Enjoy the crisp clean mountain air in one of the local coffee houses or sample traditional Greek recipes in tiny tavernas.

Included: Round-trip transport from hotel to the ski slopes.
Meals: D

DAY 7, Nafpaktos / Nafplion

Today you will start with a trip through the villages of Galaxidi and Nafpaktos, located on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. They are both picturesque and historic villages, each with its own, distinct character: Galaxidi features an idyllic seafront and Nafpaktos a medieval wall surrounding the harbour. Crossing over to the Peloponnese via the ultra-modern Antirio - Rio Bridge, you will head straight for the town of Nafplion, where you will check in at the Amphitryon Hotel and spend your evening exploring the charming streets of the town.

Included: Transport from Arachova to Nafplion.
Meals: B, L

DAY 8, Epidavros, Mycenae and Nafplion Day-trip/ Athens (Kifissia)

Use your free time to explore the main town, visit the medieval castles of Akronafplia, Bourtzi, and Palamidi, the Nafplion Archaeological Museum, or the medieval church of St. Spyridon. Your concierge will be able to recount to you the captivating history of Nafplion, as you spend a restful day taking in the views and typically Greek ambiance of one of the most charming seaside towns of the mainland. The highlight of your day will most likely be the short trip to Epidavros, where you will most certainly admire the renowned ancient theatre - hosting to this day about 12,300 spectators - as well as the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the most celebrated healing centre in the ancient Greek world.

Included: Round trip transport from hotel to Epidavros, guided tour of Epidavros.
Meals: B

DAY 9, Mycenae and Corinth Day-trip / Athens (Kifissia)

Depart Nafplion for a stop at Mycenae, which according to tradition was founded by Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae. Mycenae is without a doubt the most important prehistoric site in all of Greece, and as the centre of one of the most important prehistoric societies, it has given its name to that phase: the Mycenaean civilization. Today, surrounded by a wall with two main entrances, you will find various buildings such as warehouses, houses, workshops, and numerous ancient graves and tombs, including Legendary King Agamemnon's!

Moving on from Mycenae, you will stop at Ancient Corinth, home to remains of the Doric Temple of Apollo as well as other ancient ruin sights. Corinth, an 8th century BC superpower that founded strong colonies such as Corfu and Syracuse in Sicily, was also a major stop in Apostle Paul's journeys in Greece in 51 AD. Arriving in the Kifissia suburb of Athens in the evening, you will rest comfortably at the Twenty One Hotel and spend your evening exploring the charming streets of this suburb.

Included: Transport from hotel to Mycenae, Corinth, and Athens, guided tour of Mycenae and Corinth.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10, Athens (Kifissia) / Airport

You're sure to leave Athens full of wonderful memories, having found a new and comfortable home in Greece. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Included: Transport to Athens Airport.
Meals: B

Exchange Rate Conversion

Price: Starting from 2,410 Euro per person, based on double occupancy, includes:

High-end boutique hotel/resort accommodation and daily breakfast
3 dinners and 3 lunches (excluding drinks and alcoholic beverages)
All t transfers by private bus as per itinerary
A local guide for the Athens and Acropolis Tour, Delphi and St. Loukas, as well as Mycenae and Epidavros and Nafplion
Entrance fees to all sites, as per itinerary
Exceptional personalized services of your TrueGreece concierge
Superb TrueGreece recommendations and guidance
Printed TrueGreece Recommendations Guides for Athens/Greece, Arachova, and Epidavros
All taxes

Optional:

Trip Cancellation Insurance for covered medical reasons: Please inquire about rates
Single supplement: From 825 Euro

Exchange Rate Conversion

TrueAntiquity 2009-2010 Arrival Dates