Greek Odyssey: (Family Tour) - 8 Days
8 Days
Athens
Athens or Kalamata
*****
Tauck Bridges (family tours)
Mythological discoveries and storytelling experiences bring ancient Greece to life for kids on this modern-day Greek odyssey that bridges ancient history in Athens with present time pleasures on the beach in Costa Navarino.
In Athens, the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora spark imagination and curiosity. The interactive Acropolis Museum makes history fun and hands-on. A walk in the Plaka invites with cultural treats and kid friendly fare: think souvlaki, pita, fresh fruit, and honey-soaked pastries like baklava. Country farms share family traditions centuries old. . Guided excursions to the archaeological site of Delphi considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks, and a ferry ride to car-free Hydra engage with an in-depth look at daily life here, past and present. Blessed with natural beauty and warm temperatures, coastal Greece welcomes family adventures all year round. Journey to seaside Costa Navarino for beachfront bliss and waterfront activities. Along the way, stop at a country farm for a taste of local fare. See where the Olympic Games were born during an inspiring visit to Olympia and take a boat ride along the coast to see the sights by sea. New Olympic champions will be crowned at Olympic Games of your own during a friendly family competition every generation will enjoy together. Pairing culture and nature with history and fun makes this a trip of a lifetime for today's families.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Athens
A transfer is included upon arrival from Athens International Airport to Athens Capital Hotel, MGallery Collection. Ideally located in the heart of Greece's capital city on fashionable Syndagma Square, your hotel is close to the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis where democracy was born and history lives on. The rooftop swimming pool offers panoramic views of the city, including the Parthenon, places you will explore during your four-night stay here. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight as you meet the families you'll be traveling with.
Day 2: The ancient Acropolis & the Plaka
Discover the mythological sites of Athens today. Home to the Greek philosophers, Plato and Socrates, Athens is one of the world's oldest cities and is a virtual open-air museum. Walk up to the hilltop Acropolis with a private guide to see where stories of Greek goddesses and gods live on. Begin at the 2nd-century Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a grand amphitheater still used for performances today. Then stand before the iconic Parthenon, a white marble masterpiece dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and the city's namesake, constructed between 448 and 438 BCE. Continue to the Erechtheion, where myth and architecture merge and the sacred site of Athena and Poseidon's legendary contest, featuring the graceful Porch of the Caryatids. Descend for a treasure hunt within the Plaka, a quaint village-like neighbourhood, millennia old, located just below the Acropolis, that entices with the true essence of Greece. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the little shops and cafés before returning to your hotel.
Day 3: Sacred Delphi
Drive out into the countryside of central Greece for a visit to the archaeological site of Delphi, nestled on the south slopes of Mount Parnassus. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was essentially considered the center of the world by ancient Greeks and was a major religious and cultural base for them. Today you can walk among the remains of ancient structures like the Temple of Apollo and the stadium of Delphi, echoing with whispers of times past. Return to Athens after lunch where the remainder of the day is all yours.
Day 4: Boat ride to Hydra
Spend the day on the car-free Greek Island of Hydra, where the slow pace of daily life epitomizes the ideal Greek experience. With only one town and no true roads, you won't see cars or even bikes as you explore the sights today, but you will see donkeys, the main form of transportation here. Ferry rides to and from the island give you the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of this seaside destination. A guided walking tour and time to do as you wish on the island make this a most delightful way to spend the day.
Day 5: An agriturisimo & on to Costa Navarino
Leave Athens today as you make your way west across the Peloponnese to Costa Navarino, still relatively unknown by crowds of tourists. Stop at a family owned agriturismo en route for an authentic taste of life of a Greek farm, before arriving at your beachfront resort. Set amidst one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean, it is home to a cultural heritage dating back 4,500 years; the town was traditionally known for its rustic landscape, Kalamata olives, ancient temples and a historic naval battle; today it is emerging as a world-class golf and beach destination. Your resort overlooks the Ionian Sea and is rooted in Greek history.
Day 6: Olympia in the Valley of the Gods
See where the Olympic Games were born during an inspiring visit to Olympia on the western side of the Pelopnnese in the "Valley of the Gods." Celebrated as a sacred site of ancient Greece, it is the original site of the first Olympic Games in the 8th century BC – the games took place here every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. The extensive ruins you'll see during your visit include ancient athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the amenities and watersport activities at your resort.
Day 7: Seaside Pylos & Olympic fun
Costa Navarino was named by King Nestor, the legendary ruler of Pylos. Visit Pylos today to experience a village and remote beaches still relatively untouched by time. Here, Athens triumphed over Sparta in a decisive 425 BC battle during the Peloponnesian War, and centuries later, the Naval Battle of Navarino sparked Greece's independence from Ottoman rule. Explore Pylos' charming harbor, Roman aqueduct, 13th-century castle, and Ottoman-era hilltop fortress—all set against a stunning seaside backdrop. Back at your resort, get ready to participate in an afternoon of Tauck Bridges exclusive Olympic Games, where champions will emerge and lasting memories will be shared during this friendly competition. This evening, gather together for our farewell reception and dinner before your journey home.
Breakfast, DinnerThe Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort
Day 8: Journey home
Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort, to nearby Kalamata or Athens International Airport (an approximately 3 1/2 hour drive). Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Ask about booking a post-stay at this beachside resort to extend your family's vacation fun.
Includes
- 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage for driver and tour director plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights.
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.