Overview
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Traveling from Athens, you’ll get a look at the Corinth Canal on your way to the mountain resort of Vytina—a favorite holiday spot for locals and great for hiking. In Olympia, you could visit the archaeological area to see Zeus’ temple, and the birthplace of the original Olympic Games. In the port city of Patras, discover the Byzantine castle of emperor Justinian I, and the ancient Roman amphitheater on your own. En route back to Athens, take in the views along the Gulf of Corinth and then enjoy an included stunning rack-and-pinion train ride along Vouraikos Canyon. Have lunch if you wish in Kalavryta to experience authentic taverna hospitality. An amazing and affordable tour of Greece!
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts
Arrive in Athens, Greece.
Day1
History, Beaches and Street Art
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece and its capital city, Athens. Settle into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring with the help of the CosmosGO app. Athens is a charming city full of contradictions, where modern life meets ancient history. Meet your Tour Director in the early evening, who will give you some practical information about the city, including some hints on how to appreciate its unique features.
Explore Athens.
Day2
The Acropolis and Other Hills
The focal point of Athens is the Acropolis, a sight you should not miss. However, there are other areas of the city that are worth exploring. Hike up Lycabettus hill for the best view of the Parthenon, especially at sunset, or take a tram to Faliro for a walk on the beach. Check out MyCOSMOS to select the available optional excursions.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Athens–Corinth Canal–Vytina.
Day3
From the Proud City to the Peloponnese Peninsula
Combining well-known sites with undiscovered Greek locales, your journey begins with a stop at the Corinth Canal. The idea of building a canal for ships to shortcut from the Ionic sea to the Aegean sea goes back to Roman times, but the narrow canal was only actually built in the 19th century. Driving through the countryside, you’ll reach Vytina, a mountain resort and one of Athenians’ favorite weekend destinations.
Today’s Distance: 71 mi/ 115 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Vytina.
Day4
Tradition, Food, and Hikes
Vytina is a traditional village overlooking the verdant slopes of Mount Mainalo. It sits at an altitude of approximately 1,050 meters from sea level. Its unique architecture, cozy style, and warm hospitable locals have made an unexpected hidden gem of Greece. Take some time to go out and enjoy a walk, or relax under the shade of a tree.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Vytina–Olympia–Patras
Day5
Where the Olympic Flame First Burned
Leaving the magic mountains of Arcadia, we go back in time and visit Olympia. On MyCOSMOS you can pre-book a guided tour of the archaeological area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll visit the remains of the temple dedicated to the god Zeus, and see where the Olympic games started in 776 BC. The village itself is fun to visit, with its many souvenir shops, tavernas, and bars. Continue to the port city of Patras.
Today’s Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Patras
Day6
Not only a Port
Patras is widely known for being an important ship port, but it is a remarkable city. Wander in the beautiful old town and climb to the hillside castle built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian Ist, where several cultural events still take place during the summer, and explore the ancient Roman amphitheater. In the city background, you’ll see the Rion-Antirion bridge, the spectacular suspension bridge connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Patras–Diakopto–Athens.
Day7
Canyons, Coasts, and Cities
See more of the diversity of Greece during today’s journey back to the city of Athens. Enjoy the views along the Gulf of Corinth and an included stunning rack-and-pinion train ride along the Vouraikos Canyon, ranking among the ten most beautiful in Europe. The railway was built in 1896 with a gauge of just 750mm. Spend some free time in Kalavryta, maybe enjoying lunch at one of the renowned tavernas, and then continue your journey to Athens.
Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Athens.
Day8
Your personally tailored vacation ends in Athens this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Acropolis Select
First-Class
Hotel is located in the city center, next to public transportation and within walking distance from the New Acropolis Museum, the ancient site of the Acropolis and the Plaka district.The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Flee Market and Syntagma Square are within easy reach.
Location
37-39 Falirou St., Athens-Koukaki, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Television
- Window Opens
- Smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
Art Mainalon
First-Class
Located in the central square of Vytina village, the Art Mainalon Hotel features elegant rooms furnished with works of art and offers nice views of the village and Mainalo Mountain. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as modern bathrooms provided with a bathtub or walk-in shower, hairdryer, and slippers. Most of the units also have a balcony. Guests can relax themselves by the outdoor swimming pool and can also enjoy a nice dinner at the on-site restaurant. Free parking is possible nearby.
Location
Nikolaou Tampakopoulou, 1, Vytina, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
- Luggage Storage
- Laundry Available
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Room Service
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
Patras Smart
First-Class
Located just 500 meters from the city center, the Airotel Patras Smart Hotel is a contemporary style hotel that offers 51 guestrooms with modern decor and furniture. A delicious Greek breakfast is served in the welcoming lounge every day, while the hotel's bar serves coffee or other drinks in a very relaxing atmosphere. The air-conditioned guestrooms feature magnetic security locks, a luxurious bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and tea/coffee maker. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are also provided.
Location
9 Akti Dimaion, Patras, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Internet Access
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
