Visit Delphi, Meteora and Ioannina | 5 days tour in Greece

Overview

Enjoy a unique private tour in Greece, visiting archaeological and Byzantine sites, a plethora of picturesque villages, and impressive countryside areas in Epirus (West Greece), with a five days tour to Delphi, Meteora, and Ioannina.

Itinerary of the five days private tours to Delphi, Meteora, and Ioannina

Athens, Arachova, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Zagorochoria, Vikos Gorge, Ioannina, Athens

Highlights of the magnificent Delphi, Meteora, and Epirus 5 days tour

An interesting road trip from Central to Western Greece
Sites of immense archaeological interest, such as Delphi, and important Byzantine hubs, such as Meteora
Visit the picturesque and hospitable villages of Zagorochoria in Epirus
Enjoy the gorgeous landscape of Central and Western Greece

Description

Description of the 5 days tour to Delphi, Meteora, and Ioannina

Day 1: Athens, Levadia, Arachova, Delphi

Driving through the beautiful countryside and villages of Central Greece is always a great experience, therefore, wake up early in the morning and set off for Levadia and the picturesque mountainous village of Arachova, which is a famous winter & ski resort; just a few kilometers away you will find Delphi, the Navel of the Earth, as it was known in the ancient years.

Delphi is the sanctuary of God Apollo and one of the most mystic areas in Ancient Greece; it was here where the Oracle of Apollo gave her ambiguous answers to all the people that were flocking to Delphi from every corner of the known world to ask for her opinion on political and personal issues.

In Delphi, you will visit the archaeological site and the Museum of Delphi, which houses the Bronze Charioteer, the Athenian Treasury, and the ancient theatre.

After the sightseeing tour, you will enjoy a tasteful lunch with local flavors, either in Delphi or Arachova and you will have a free afternoon to spend at your leisure in Delphi.

Dinner and overnight in Delphi.

Day 2: Delphi, Amphissa, Lamia, Trikala, Kalambaka, Meteora

The second day of the tour starts with a free morning in Delphi, before setting off for Kalambaka.

We will drive you to important towns of Central Greece, such as Amphissa, Lamia, and Trikala.

At the end of our trip, we will reach the town of Kalambaka, which nests at the feet of Meteora Rocks and Monasteries.

You will have a free evening and overnight in Meteora.

Day 3: Meteora – Zagorochoria Villages – Metsovo

On the third day of the private tour, you will have the chance to visit the renowned Monasteries of Meteora, which are located on the top of the Meteora Rocks, as if hanging from them.

The complex of these Byzantine Monasteries is the second most important in Europe, after Athos in Northern Greece. Today Meteora is protected by UNESCO, and it is definitely one of the highlights of the tour.

village of Papingo in Epirus, North-Western Greece — The picturesque village of Papingo in Zagorochoria

After the visit to the Meteora Monasteries, you will travel towards Western Greece and you will stop at the beautiful Zagorochoria, a small complex of gorgeous and picturesque villages that stands out due to its lush greenery, the running waters, the cobblestone paths, and stone bridges.

You will spend the night at the largest of the villages, namely Papingo so as to relax and feel the rejuvenating freshness of nature.

Day 4: Papingo, Vikos Gorge, Ioannina

The 4th day of the private tour finds you in Papingo of Zagorochoria; after breakfast, we will drive to Monodendri the largest village in Zagori, setting off for the Vikos Gorge, the deepest Gorge in the world and one of the main outdoor activity hubs in Greece, where trekking, climbing, and rafting are the most common things to do. We’ll visit the impressive monastery of Agia Marina, and admire from the balcony (Balkoni) the impressive Vikos gorge with breathtaking views! If Guinness is to be believed, this plunging gorge cutting the Pindos Mountains to the north of Ioannina is the world’s deepest canyon based on a width-to-depth ratio. Carved by the Voidomatis River, this seven-mile gorge on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi descends half a mile and at any point is no wider than 400 yards.

And if you want to visit the impressive gorge, a rocky and at times indistinct trail follows the tree-shaded waterway beneath the gorge, linking the clifftop village of Monodendri, at its southern end, to the hamlet of Vikos, in the north. Allow at least four hours for the challenging trek, which involves a steep descent from Monodendri and an equally steep switchback ascent to Vikos, where you’ll be happy for a hearty meal (perhaps wild boar stew) and a refreshing beer in a taverna (must be pre-arranged).

You will enjoy a late lunch and then head towards Ioannina; 4km away from Ioannina you will visit the Cave of Perama, which is one of the largest and most impressive caves in Greece covering a total area of 14,000 sq. meters. The caves’ house remains from the prehistoric era, fossils, and murals which are inspired by the myth of God Hades and Persephone.

You will have a free evening in Ioannina where you can enjoy a wonderful stroll by the largest lake in Greece, Pamvotida.

Overnight in Ioannina.

5th Day: Ioannina, Igoumenitsa, Parga, Preveza, Agrinio, Nafpaktos, Antirio, Rio, Athens

The morning of the 5^th day is free, allowing you to get the feeling of Ioannina, a truly atmospheric and picturesque city. Don’t miss the Vrelis Wax Museum of Greek History!

Later, we will drive you through the seaside road from Igoumenitsa to the picturesque Parga and Preveza, so as to enjoy the gorgeous sapphire Ionian Sea waters.

The tour will end in Athens late in the afternoon.

Details

Important notes

Tour Type

Shore Excursion - Private tour
Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

Car and Driver
A professional English-speaking driver or escort with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
Pick-up from and return to your hotel
Pick-up from the Port of Piraeus
Private tour, Road tolls and local taxes
Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.

Excluded from the tour

Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
Olive oil tasting fee (olive oil tasting tours)
Gratuities (optional)
Food and beverage
Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the difference between a STATE LICENSED TOUR GUIDE and a TOUR DRIVER GUIDE in Greece!

Additional info

Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
Terms & Conditions and Frequent Questions
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of the tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.

Persons with Disabilities

Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Restrictions:

Please note that on this tour, your tour driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb. If you want this service you may book a licensed by-state tour guide for an extra cost.
In case a group is followed by a licensed tour guide or an English speaking tour-escort the professional driver is not obliged to speak English!

Opening hours & Admission fees

Opening Hours:Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.

Free admission days

March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
June 5: Environment international day
April 18 : International monuments day
May 18: International museums day
September 27: International tourism day
The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
National Holidays
Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August, and September
NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day