Walking among some of the world’s most significant archaeological sites is just one of the exciting adventures that you’ll experience on our cultural holidays in Greece. And with the extensive knowledge of our expert local guides, you’ll also learn everything there is to know about the magnificent history of this ancient country.
Our Greece Culture Holidays take you on unforgettable adventures to explore some of the most iconic lands and civilisations on Earth. From the capital city of Athens where you’ll visit the Acropolis, Mycenae and Epidaurus, to the monumental site where the first ever Olympic Games took place, you’ll be in awe at what Greece tours have to offer. UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound and take you on a journey back in time to thousands of years ago.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras (Wonder of the Morea) nuzzles into the foothills of Mount Taygetos and plays host to an ancient castle, Byzantine churches and ornate palaces. The site is one of the most fascinating places to visit on Greece Culture Holidays as it gives you an insight into the history of the Despotate of Morea.
Fast forward to the modern day and you’ll witness the great contrasts of old and new that give Athens its unique edge. Lying beneath the gaze of the Acropolis and named after the Greek Goddess Athena, the city seamlessly injects a contemporary and cosmopolitan allure with its high-end restaurants, colourful art scene and a nightlife to rival some of the biggest cities in the world.
Top Archaeological Sites to Visit on Cultural Holidays in Greece
The Acropolis: The Sacred Rock, as the Acropolis is also known, is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world. Rising above the city of Athens on a rocky hilltop, the ancient citadel is one of the finest examples of Greek Antiquity. Some of the most important monuments to be found here include the Parthenon, Athena Nike temple and the Propylaea, which date back to the 5th-century BC. The Parthenon temple was built in honour of the goddess Athena and plays one of the most integral roles in the history of Greece.
The Panathenaic Stadium: Greece culture holidays wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the most prestigious historical sites in Athens. As well as hosting the Panathenaic Games in the 4th century, the stadium was originally built entirely out of marble. It would later be used for the first modern-day Olympics in 1896 for the opening and closing ceremonies. You can still stand between the huge rows of marble seats and imagine the roar of the crowd as the games began.
Olympia: Arguably the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, Olympia was the first site to host the Olympic Games. The site is made up of several other monuments and buildings, including the Temple of Hera and Temple of Olympian Zeus. The latter was constructed around 520 BC and lays claim to being one of the largest Doric temples in the country. It was built in honour of the Greek god of Zeus and is double the size of the Parthenon to give you an idea of its scale.
Delphi: Clinging to the slopes of Mount Parnassos and shrouded in ancient myths, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site once believed by the ancient Greeks to be a sacred place where heaven and earth met. Framed by a mountainous backdrop, this is an extraordinary site most famous for the Oracle of Delphi which pilgrims would travel to from far and wide to receive prophecies from Apollo. Explore the Temple of Apollo, the Castalian Spring, and the Treasury of the Athenians and of the Siphnians.