ancient greece on foot guided walk
A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and
cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known
as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set
your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits
of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our
sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours
across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active
holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers
or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory
to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning
postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare
the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive,
giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether
you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea –
UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
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explore europe your way
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TRIP COST
Joining Athens :$1300
Trip Concludes: Athens
All prices are per person
TRIP NAME:ANCIENT GREECE ON
FOOT GUIDED WALK
Meteora
TRIP CODE:UGG
TRIP DURATION:8 DAYS
Greece
OPTIONS & GRADE:INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE ‑ 2
SUPPLEMENTS
Single Supplement:$280
As the trip price is based on
twinshare, a single supplement is
payable if a single room is required.
If you would like to share a room
with someone of the same gender,
please request and we will do all
possible to match you. However,
if we are unsuccessful you will be
required to pay the single supplement.
Please refer to the price options
above or ask our office for details.
ACTIVITY:WALKING ‑ GUIDED
Delphi
Athens
ACCOMMODATION:7 NIGHTS HOTELS
DATE DETAILS:
2017 | 09 SEP - 16 SEP, 07 OCT - 14 OCT
highlights
Exploring the ancient sites of Athens and Delphi on foot
Gaining an appreciation of Meteora from numerous angles
Discovering the culinary delights of Athens and beyond
Appreciating the hospitality of well located comfortable hotels
Enjoying the camaraderie of the group and guide
the trip
Viewing the spectacular monasteries of Meteora, perched high on precipitous rock formations in
central Greece, has to be one of the great travel experiences in Europe. The monasteries appear to
be suspended in the air due to hermit monks choosing to build on such a remote site atop of ancient
rock pinnacles that have weathered away over time. At sunrise and sunset, the light intensifies
the dramatic landscape, whilst walking beneath the soaring heights offers a true appreciation of
the scale of the monasteries and the dexterity of the builders who risked their life to produce the
magnificent structures. In the company of your experienced local guide, you will explore this centre
of Greek orthodox spirituality over a few days, following in the footsteps of centuries of monks along
winding paths between the rock towers. Another highlight of this walking tour includes a visit to the
ancient site of Delphi on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, home to the Sanctuary of Apollo and the
site of the ancient Oracle. With time to explore this fascinating site at your leisure we combine the
visit with a walk along the ancient ‘Skala of Delphi’ footpath which provides incredible views to the
Gulf of Corinth. We round off this exciting Greek guided walking holiday with a walk through Athens
to experience the capitals ancient sites and culinary delights.­
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ancient greece on foot guided walk
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Join Athens
Day 2
Explore Athens museums before a hike and dine experiences (3-4hrs)
Day 3
To Delphi, visit ancient city (2hrs)
Day 4
Walk from Kalivia to Delphi via the ancient footpath ‘Skala of Delphi’ (5hrs)
Day 5
Bus to Livadia, visit waterfalls then train to Meteora
Day 6
Loop walk to visit Megalo Meteora (2.5hrs)
Day 7
Loop walk to Agia Triada (3hrs), train to Athens
Day 8
In Athens, trip concludes
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Join Athens
On arrival in Athens, make your way to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of
the day is free to explore the city with no group activities planned.
meals: NIL
DAY 2Explore Athens museums before a hike and dine experiences (3-4hrs)
Athens has so many interesting sites to visit including the Acropolis Museum, the
Archaeological Museum and the markets on Athinas street. We recommend you take in
these sites before starting your dinner walk ‘Hike and Dine’ at 3pm. After meeting with
your guide and group, the walking tour begins in Syntagma Square and continues to the
National Gardens, the Panathinaic Stadium and the Temple of Zeus before you reach
the first restaurant for a cold starter - a roof top with a view to the Acropolis. The walk
continues alongside the Acropolis to the Plaka where you have a hot starter in a typical
tavern, and on past the Roman and Greek Agora and Monastiraki to Archeon Gefsis
where you have your main dish. The final stage is past Karameikos for dessert in Gazi
College. Return to your hotel on foot.
meals: B,D
DAY 3To Delphi, visit ancient city (2hrs)
This morning we are taken by coach to Delphi (2hrs 15 minutes). The afternoon has been
set aside for a visit to this impressive site with an Archaeological Guide. The sanctuary
of Apollo extends over a series of terraces built in to the slopes of Mount Parnassos.
Being the centre of religious and spiritual ancient Greece has cemented it as one of the
most important ancient sites in the world. It was considered the navel of the world and
the temple of Apollo and the stadium where the Pythian games took place are the most
important monuments. There will also be time to visit the museum before travelling to
your hotel in Arachova. Evening at leisure - there are a number of restaurant options in
this pretty hillside town.
meals: B
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ancient greece on foot guided walk
DAY 4Walk from Kalivia to Delphi via the ancient footpath ‘Skala of Delphi’ (5hrs)
To access the starting point of the walk we travel to Kalivia. The trail begins as a wide
dirt road to the cave of Korycion Andros, located at an altitude of 1350m. The cave
was used during ancient times in winter and there are many legends surrounding the
importance of the cave. Following a visit of the cave the trail descends along a rocky
path through forest before the serious descent begins to Delphi. Pass by villages where
goats are roaming and follow the ancient path as it zig zags down with impressive
views of the Gulf of Corinth and the Peloponnese mountains - considered one of the
most stunning locations in Greece that few people experience. The trail comes out at
the Ancient Stadium of Delphi which is fenced off, and therefore you continue down to
the village of Delphi. The rocky trails today require good footwear (boots essential) and
plenty of water must be carried. Also consider walking sticks to support your knees on
the descent. Return to your hotel in Arachova.
16km / 10mi, +300m, -900m / +984ft, -2953ft
meals: B
DAY 5Bus to Livadia, visit waterfalls then train to Meteora
Today we travel to Meteora first on a mountain road then the main freeway to
Thessaloniki and finally the road to Meteora. On arrival at the hotel in Kastraki there
will be time at leisure to stretch your legs. Near to the hotel are a number of vantage
points to view the magnificent monasteries atop the rock pillars. The town is a leisurely
15 minutes walk from the hotel and there are a number of restaurant options to choose
from. Our atmospheric hotel right in the heart of this fascinating region, is a great place
to view the setting sun.
meals: B
DAY 6Loop walk to visit Megalo Meteora (2.5hrs)
The ‘floating’ monasteries of Meteora are one of the great sites of Greece and whilst
many visit the monasteries each year, few take the time to walk the trails beneath the
monasteries to gain a unique perspective in an incredible landscape. There are six main
monasteries in Meteora and each is closed one day a week. Therefore which monastery
we visit will depend on the opening schedule. Today’s planned walk takes you on a
scenic loop to Megalo Meteora, or The Great Meteoron, the largest monastery which
was established by a monk from Mount Athos around 1340. With its impressive frescoes
and large refrectory, the monastery is one of the most visited in Meteora and for good
reason. Return to your hotel on another trail with a changing perspective.
7km / 4.3mi, +500m, -500m / +1640ft, -1640ft
meals: B
DAY 7Loop walk to Agia Triada (3hrs), train to Athens
Made famous by James Bond, Agia Triada (or “Holy Trinity”) is the least visited yet most
dramatically positioned monastery high above the town of Kalambaka. The 140 steps
to reach the monastery from the road is the likely reason it is the least visited because
the actual monastery is peaceful with rich decorations in the chapel and one of the most
stunning views from its position atop a slender pinnacle. The loop walk to reach the
monastery from your hotel is through the base of the meteora massif with opportunities
to view the rock faces at all angles along quiet trails that are mostly shaded. The route
is very steep at times. The return loop takes you through the old section of Kalambaka
where you can stop for lunch before returning around the front of the massif to your
hotel in Kastraki. We later take a taxi to the train station for our afternoon direct train to
Athens, arriving just after 10pm. Overnight Athens.
9km / 5.6mi, +500m, -500m / +1640ft, -1640ft
meals: B
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ancient greece on foot guided walk
DAY 8In Athens, trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast.
meals: B
inclusions
breakfasts ‑ usually buffet style with local specialties included, 1 dinner (hike and dine in Athens)
7
nights in 3‑4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
7
Internal transfers by private vehicle and train as described in the itinerary
entrance fees to Delphi plus guided visit, entrance fee to Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum
and 3 monasteries in Meteora
English speaking walking guide to accompany group throughout
items not included
transport to and from Athens
transfer to the first hotel in Athens
lunches and 6 dinners
all beverages except those provided for breakfast
travel insurance
items of a personal nature such as laundry, wifi and phone calls.
site entrance fees not listed as included
getting there
BY CARDriving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin.
com
BY AIRThe easiest way to arrive in Athens is by air. From the airport, a shuttle bus
takes approximately one hour to Syntagma Square. From there it is a short taxi
to the joining hotel.
trip grading - introductory to moderate
The walking is graded introductory to moderate (grade 2) with walks of 2.5 to 5 hours on 5 days. The terrain
ranges from quite mountainous around Delphi, urban in Athens and steep ascents around Meteora. There
is plenty of time during the day to complete the walking. Surefootedness is required as the trails can be
uneven and rocky at times. We recommend you always carry enough water during the day to ensure you
are well hydrated as reduced hydration will affect your walking.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and
can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we
can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely
to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may
be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to
guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility
of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of
self‑administering these medications.
accommodation
DURING TOUR
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ancient greece on foot guided walk
During the trip you will stay in a selection of handpicked 3 to 4 star hotels which are chosen for their
location and character. In Athens our hotel is located close to the bus station and in walking distance of
the main sites. Near Delphi we stay at a ski lodge style hotel whilst in Meteora our first choice hotel has
one of the best views of the pinnacles of Meteora, particularly at sunset.
the region
Greece is located on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula, with the Aegean sea to the east of the
mainland and the Ionian Sea to the west. The country is bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia to the north,
Turkey to the northeast, Albania to the northwest. 80% of the country is mountainous and the highest peak
is Mount Olympus at 2918m. The population of 10.9 million are located primarily on the mainland, with
Athens (the capital) and Thessaloniki being the largest urban centres.
Greece has been continuously inhabited since 270,000BC making it one of the longest of any nation. As
a result the country is rich in archaeological sites including 18 listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The
country is part of the Eurozone and its currency is the Euro.
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDGreece
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATEGreece enjoys a Mediterranean climate throughout with hot dry summers
and mild wet winters. In the central and northern mountainous regions alpine
conditions are common in winter with the area experiencing heavy snowfalls.
Even on the northern islands and in Athens, snow has been known to fall albeit
briefly and rarely.
MIN GROUP SIZE7
MAX GROUP SIZE15
SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIREDWet weather clothes, hiking boots with good ankle support, water bottle or
drink bladder.
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own
convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on
our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks
or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note:
surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive
airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including
flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
follow us
https://www.facebook.com/UTracks
https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/
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ancient greece on foot guided walk
https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel
There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover
slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are
designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure
travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows
can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks.
com or contact our office.
IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest
UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
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ancient greece on foot guided walk
AUSTRALIA
UTracks
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Sydney NSW 2000
T: (02) 8270 8488
F: (02) 8270 8489
Toll free: 1300 303 368
[email protected]
Feel free to visit our World Expeditions
offices in:• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide (Thor Travel)
For address and office phone numbers visit
www.worldexpeditions.com
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UTracks
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PO Box 106-275
Auckland City 1143
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[email protected]
CANADA - OTTAWA
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Canada
K1N 6Z9
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F: 613 2414189
Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216
[email protected]
UNITED KINGDOM
UTracks
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Wandsworth
London SW18 1NL
T: 0845 241 7599
F: 020 8870 7014
T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland)
[email protected]
UTracks is a division of the
World Expeditions Travel Group
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