Best small group Tour of Classical Greece

The so-called ‘Classical Greece’ period is defined by a perfection of Temples and Cities at the peak of Ancient Greek civilization from 450 to 330 BC. Our ‘Best small-group Tour of Classical Greece’ puts this into a wider & deeper perspective visiting a span of sites from the pre-classical period of the Myceneans from 1600 BC to the Roman – Christian and Byzantine Empire that followed. Luxury Class Travel, Hotels & Lunch Restaurants are included as is some of the most beautiful & diverse landscapes & villages in Greece

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You may also be interested in Our 3 to 5-Day Classic Multi-Day Tour range.

Day 1. Athens. Acropolis (UNESCO site), New Acropolis Museum Arch of Hadrian, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma Square, Parliament & the changing of the Guards.

Day 2. Argolis. Ancient Corinth, Ancient Mycenae (UNESCO site), Archaeological Museum of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplion

Day 3. Sparta. Sparta, Mystras (UNESCO site), Ancient Messini.

Day 4. Ancient Olympia. Olympia Archaeological site & Museum (UNESCO site), Rio-Antirio Suspension Bridge, Nafpaktos, Galaxithi

Day 5. Delphi. Delphi (UNESCO site) Archaeological site & Museum, Thermopylae & visitors center, Kalambaka

Day 6. Meteora. Meteora (UNESCO site) visits to at least two Monasteries, Vergina (UNESCO site).

Day 7. Thessaloniki. City Tour including the White Tower, Rotunda, Archaeological Museum & other landmarks. Kamena Vourla. Return Athens

Personalised, well organized Tours. Our small-group tours are limited to 17 persons, traveling by new Mercedes luxury class Sprinter. All our itineraries follow a well-paced pattern of morning visits to the Ancient sites, a traditional lunch in one of the best regional restaurants, and relaxed onward travel with free time to enjoy the next new location in the afternoon & evening. All other travel breaks & stops are built-in as necessary.

Luxury end travel at low prices. Our limited number of shared-group tours enables us to maintain a private luxury experience at a much lower cost than fully private tour whist allowing us to offer even more extras such as top-end restaurants as well as our usual minimum level of 4-Star & 5-Star, & Small & Friendly Boutique-Class Hotels.

Flexible Booking & Money-back Security. In collaboration with our Partner Bokun we are able to offer a full refund up to 7 days prior to your tour date in case of any travel disruption, or a transfer to any other tour date without cost.

During the Pandemic, we were the only company we are aware of in Greece to offer unconditional refunds. We operate a moral policy that if no service is provided by us or cost incurred, then no deposits or other payments are retained.

Experience & Local knowledge. With over 15 years of experience specializing in Private tours in Greece. Warmpenguin’s experienced Team of Guides and Local Travel Specialists are on hand throughout your planning phase for any questions & help. During your tour, you are accompanied by one of our highly experienced Drivers and a Tour Leader, and at each site, as described you will meet one of our Professional Tour Guides who is dedicated to our group alone to lead you through all the highlights, History & Mythology so you won’t miss anything.

Semi-Private Travel style & Inclusivity. A small group tour has the added advantage of sharing the enthusiasm of like-minded individuals whilst avoiding a mass tourism approach. Our tours have a Pre-Tour Cocktail/Mocktail hour where you have the opportunity to meet & get to know your tour leader and travel companions in a relaxed atmosphere. During the tour, lunches are provided where individuals can also come together, but afternoons & evenings are free & unscheduled to enjoy as you wish.

All our tours are family-friendly & equally suitable for couples, solo travelers, and all ages, from the most experienced travelers eager to set foot on the paths of the Philosophers to the youngest amateur Archaeologist fascinated by the legends of Ancient Greece.

Inclusions & Exclusions. A full list of both is viewable from the online Booking form & calendar at the end of the page below

Hotels. We have years of experience in tours around Greece. We understand that poor service, unhelpful staff, or a bad bed can dampen an otherwise excellent experience, which is why we consider these elements of your trip very important. Each day of our trip is well-paced and well planned & you will see the most amazing sites & landscapes in Greece so its important that all aspects of the tour are perfect.

For our ‘Best small group Tour of Classical Greece’, we use a mix of larger 4 & 5-star Hotels that may have extra services like an indoor pool or SPA, together with small-friendly boutique-style Hotels with unique atmosphere & owners for a more personal experience. Each of these is tried & tested by us and only the best in quality are selected for our tours.

Places. An inerrant factor is the many different landscapes our tour travels to. From the olive fields & orchards of the Green Peloponnese to the valleys of Mout Parnassos beneath Delphi, to the Rock pillars of Meteora which peak above the clouds.

Built into your trip is the time to enjoy each new scenery, be it from an all-important beauty spot to stop at for photographs, to the relaxation time you will have at the end of each day. Our tours are not aimed at rushing between tick boxes, rather the enjoyment of the total experience.

Culture & Stainability. Greek culture is famous throughout the world for good reason. Modern Greek culture has obvious links to its past with time to slow down, relax, and enjoy friends & acquaintances & new experiences.

During your tour, you will spend time with local Greek people who know & love their country and who are a strong part of their local economy. Most businesses in Greece are family run & offer a uniqueness that corporate or company philosophies can not provide. Our tours favor these and are a part of things where ever possible.

Pre-Tour Meet & Greet

19:00-20:00+ On the evening prior to your tour there is an informal Private Cocktail/Mocktail reception (optional attendance) where you can meet your Tour Leader & travel companions in a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 1.  ATHENS

08:00 Pickup at meeting point to be communicated (normally Syntagma Square). Your personal driver, assistant, and Licenced Archaeological Guide will be at your meeting point to start your tour. Today’s tour focuses on the classical sites of Athens & you will visit the sites of the Acropolis, New Acropolis Museum Arch of Hadrian, and Temple of Olympian Zeus, learning all about their History. Further stops include the Panathenaic Stadium, Parliament, and the main square of Athens, Syntagma Square where you will witness the changing of the Traditional Evzone Guards.

GROUP LUNCH at GH Attikos Restaurant with Acropolis view where you can get to know your travel companions.

15:30 Return to Hotel & free time in Athens

OVERNIGHT Athens

Afternoon Tips. Athens has a tremendous variety with something to suit everyone, from top Museums to local food tours, to the simple pleasure of wandering through the old town neighborhoods. Our Athens Guide page has lots of suggestions but for the History buff, the National Archaeological Museum is an ideal complement to the tour, whilst the area around the Plaka & Monisteraki Square is where you will find the heart of Athenian life.

Day 2.  ARGOLIS

CORINTH

After leaving Athens we travel to the Peloponnese for our first main stop to explore the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city-states of Antiquity. You will have time to stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans & St. Paul before you. Our expert Licenced Archaeological Guide will be on hand inside to take you through all the sites of the day & refreshments & rest stops are available as required.

MYCENAE

After a short onward drive we come to the imposing remains of Ancient Mycenae, one of the most important sites in the development of Ancient Greece. Home to the citadel of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. The ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC, references this ancient city, indicating its importance in Greek civilization. Pass through the 20-foot-wide city walls, enter the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s throne room, and explore the very buildings of his palace. We will also have a short stop nearby for the awe-inspiring treasury of Atreus and ample time to visit the modern on-site museum housing the many precious artifacts uncovered from the site.

EPIDURUS & THE SANCTUARY OF ASKLEPIOS

Our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, the first healing center of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Great Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. The temple and theatre date from the 4th century and feature masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join the other visitors who test its world-famous acoustics with a poem or a song in the center circle!

NAFPLION

After the sites of the morning, we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval & historical port city of Nafplio by the sea with views of the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay.

GROUP LUNCH at 3Sixty Grill Dining

OVERNIGHT Nafplion or Tolo

Afternoon Tips. This city has a definite artistic feel so take time in the afternoon for a stroll and explore the many local craft shops & boutiques of the charming old city. An idyllic place to stay for the night, don’t miss out on dining at the seafront in the evening.

For those who want even more sightseeing, take the 999 steps up to Palamidi Castle! or a more leisurely water taxi to Bourtzi. You can also see our Guide to Nafplion Page for more in this city.

Day 3.  SPARTA

ANCIENT MYSTRAS

After a leisurely breakfast, we wind our way down towards Mystras. Lying in the southeast Peloponnese we visit the 800-year-old ruins of the Medieval city & UNESCO site. Once the seat of Byzantine power in the region the city was abandoned rather than being destroyed and consequently its palaces, residences, mansions, churches, monasteries, water & drainage works, commercial workshops, extensive streets & fortifications all remain to explore.

MUSEUM OF THE OLIVE

From fossilized olive leaves to oil presses from Santorini, if you want to deepen your knowledge of this important aspect of Greek & Mediterranean Culture the Museum of the Olive is the place for an immersive experience.

GROUP LUNCH Kapari

ANCIENT MESSENE

Ancient Messene was founded in 371 BC after the Theban general Epaminondas defeated Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra. The Messenians were freed from 350 years of Spartan rule and built a new capital and stronghold enclosed by a 9km wall.

An extensive city, the Archaeological site is still under excavation but contains a well-preserved theatre, marketplace, Sanctuary of Asclepius, and large stadium.

OVERNIGHT Olympia

Afternoon Tips. In the afternoon we arrive at the village of Olympia. The village is set next to the Archaeological site & offers more touristy food outlets & shops.

A stroll through the main street to see the souvenir shops makes a nice evening’s walk but there is less to offer in the wider area so we recommend taking more advantage of the relaxation time in the comfort of your hotel. This is also why we prefer a slightly larger Hotel in this location with additional facilities such as an indoor & outdoor pool & SPA, Restaurant & Bar.

Day 4.  ANCIENT OLYMPIA

ANCIENT OLYMPIA

Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, and one of the most magical locations in Greece. After transfer to the site, you will meet our expert Licenced Guide who will take you through all the history as high points along with the stories & mythology of the pieces in the museum.

Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity you will see the places where the original athletes trained, taught, and go through the tunnel to emerge in the stadium in which they competed. The site is still home to the Temple of Zeus and Hera where the Olympic Flame is lit, and the workshop of Phidias. For more on Olympia, you can also browse our Guide to Olympia Here.

OLYMPIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Not to be missed is the local museum housing many of the masterpieces uncovered from the Archaeological site from the very drinking cup of Phidaus to the sculptures that adorned the Pediment of the Temple of Zeus.

GROUP LUNCH at Taverna The Garden

RIO-ANTIRIO BRIDGE

After Olympia, we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world & a great feat of engineering as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi

NAFPAKTOS VILLAGE

Stunningly beautiful picture-postcard Venetian port & a perfect stop to enjoy a short break. Nafpaktos it a village you will never forget.

A small amphitheatric port with cafes & restaurants at the waterfront, there is an old lighthouse and Fehiye Tzmi Mosque of 1499. The spot of a famous sea battle in 1571, next to the cannons targeting the sea, there are statues of the legendary captain Giorgos Anemogiannis and Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. Enjoy a coffee or wander through some of the beautiful narrow streets with their historic Neoclassical mansions

GALAXITHI VILLAGE

OVERNIGHT Galaxithi

Afternoon Tips. Along with Nafpaktos, Galaxithi is considered one of Greece’s most beautiful villages. Lying by the sea near the ancient port, this village is an ideal location to spend your evening away from the more mass tourism & many large coach groups that stay in Delphi. A warm welcome awaits you, as well as amazing local and authentic cuisine.

An off-the-beaten-path but very chic small town. Spend the evening wandering through the pretty streets, cafes & restaurants with sea views. On request, we can also organize a fun Greek Cooking class for those who want to dive further into local Greek culture.

Day 5.  DELPHI

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE & MUSEUM OF DELPHI

Delphi sits above the deep Olive filled Plestos valley & Aegean sea from where Ancient visitors came to pay tribute to the Greek God Apollo. This UNESCO site is one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. Delphi was designated the center of the world in Greek Mythology and Unlike Ancient Olympia which was known for its Games, the importance and influence of Delphi extended much further as home to the Oracle, the Pythian athletic games, and many ‘treasuries‘ which stored the rich offerings to the Gods. You can also read more about the Archaeological site on our Guide to Delphi Page.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

A real highlight of the Archaeological site is the modern museum displaying the finds which adorned the temples & streets of the ancient city. It has outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphynx, the twin Kouroi, and the famous Bronze Charioteer.

GROUP LUNCH at ‘To Patriko Mas‘ Restaurant Delphi

THRMOPYLAE

After our visit to Delphi we travel eastward to the site of Thermopylae, stopping to see the monument and enter the newly built Visitor’s Center which recreates the ancient battle where King Leonidas led the 300 Spartans in 480 BC.

OVERNIGHT Kalambaka

Afternoon Tips. Kalambaka is a normal Greek town, not overly influenced by mass tourism, with several squares and a good selection of shops, Cafes & Restaurants to enjoy. See our Guide for Meteora for more info.

Day 6.  METEORA

METEORA MONASTERIES

After breakfast, we ascend towards the monasteries above. Built on a natural formation of sandstone rock pillars up to 1,312 feet high, the six remaining monasteries date from the 14th century and form a remarkable and awe-inspiring combination of nature and spiritual significance. We visit at least two of the most outstanding monasteries, normally the Grand Meteora Monastery, Varlaam or Agiou Stefanou, and learn about their long history and the hermits and monks that lived there alongside the majestic landscape views.

Group Lunch. Taverna Panellinion

VERGINA

At Ancient Aigai, the first capital of Macedonia, Philip the second was assassinated in the city’s theatre and his son Alexander the Great proclaimed King. Philips Tomb was uncovered unlooted in 1977 and the ancient city designated a UNESCO site. Its museum is dedicated to the finds at the site and is one of the most important in Greece.

OVERNIGHT Thessaloniki

Afternoon Tips. Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece so you can find more nightlife & things to offer. Most of the life of the city is centered along the long seafront area. Our tip would be to head to Aristotelous Square and from there along the seafront towards the White Tower where you will pass ost of the Cafes & Restaurants as well as some landmarks like the famous Umbrellas sculpture by George Zongolopoulos. Just after the tower, there are also electric bikes for hire to make things easy if you want to explore more.

Day 7.  THESSALONIKI

THESSALONIKI

We tour the main highlights of the city. The White Tower, originally a Byzantine fortification, has been adopted as the symbol of this city. After the fall of the city to the Ottomans in 1430 it became a notorious prison & was the scene of mass executions. whitewashed after its recovery by the Greeks it is now a museum & landmark.

Statue of Alexander the Great. Born in 356BC & the son of King Philip of Macedonia. Alexander remains an Icon of Northern Greece. Educated by the Greek Philosopher Aristotle, after inheriting the throne he went on to expand his kingdom to the reaches of Egypt & into India as one of the largest empires in the world.

The Rotunda is a Roman Temple built in 306AD. The Byzantine emperor Constantine I then converted it into a church, and later in Ottoman times, it became a Mosque with the addition of its still-standing minaret.

Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum

The museum may remind you of the one in Ancient Olympia in terms of Architecture & is laid out in a well organized & spacious way on two levels. Much of the famed Macedonian Gold is on display as well as many unique pieces of armor & artifacts highlighting the Macedonian period in Greece from 7000 BC.

GROUP LUNCH Kanoula

RETURN ATHENS

Return to central Athens. Your driver will return you to any central Athens address or Hotel as convenient.