Greece is known for its intriguing mythological stories, archaeological ruins, colorful islands, sunny beaches, charming villages, and exceptional natural beauty. Its most appealing charm can be found in the corners of the Greek islands.
Exploring Greece and Its Islands
July 6-21, 2023 $4699 twin; $5899 single plus airfare
Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece and bask in the brilliance of the Mediterranean. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, including the famed Temple of Zeus, the archaeological site of Olympia and ancient artifacts of Delphi. Explore Athens on a comprehensive tour of the incredible Acropolis.
Visit a local farm in the countryside to see how olive oil and wine are produced. Learn how to cook traditional Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking demonstration. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Meteora, Delphi, and Olympia. Throughout your journey, experience the iconic sights of Greece's Classical age with ample time to explore on your own.
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
Day 2
- Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Athens, Greece - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the capital city of Athens. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring Greek specialties at a local restaurant in Athens.
Day 3
- Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Athens
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the highlights in Athens showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Next, ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis. Greek for “highest city,” the Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens.
Day 4
Athens - Thermopylae - Metéora - Kalambaka
Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending the city against the Persians. Arrive in Metéora and visit two remote monasteries situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. End your day at a family-owned taverna where you will savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations.
Day 5
- Domotel Anemolia Resort & Conference
Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova
This morning, visit a local studio to see painters at work creating beautiful Byzantine icons. Continue to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Day 6
Arachova - Olympia
Travel along the Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and meet with the owners to learn about everyday life. Following the tour, enjoy a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades and sweets.
Day 7
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Olympia
Your guided visit to ancient Olympia includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances with a delightful Greek dance class.
Day 8
Olympia - Mycenae - Nafplio
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the ancient city of Mycenae for a guided visit of the excavations featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Your day ends in the picturesque seaside resort of Nafplio.
Day 9
Breakfast High 91° Low 73° Nafplia Palace Nafplio Today, it’s your choice! Journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by mythological King Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. Explore the excavations during a guided visit featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate -OR- linger in Nafplio, and join a walking tour of Greece’s first capital city. Nafplio’s mix of Venetian and Neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece’s most elegant city.
- Day 10 Breakfast & Dinner High 85° Low 73° San Marco Hotel Nafplio - Athens - Mykonos - Chora Early this morning, transfer to the port of Athens for the high-speed ferry* ride to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you cruise across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise. Spend time in Chora (Mykonos Old Town), where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity.
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- Day 11 Breakfast High 85° Low 73° San Marco Hotel Mykonos Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. Or join an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos,** the fabled birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
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- Day 12 Breakfast & Dinner High 81° Low 72° El Greco Hotel Mykonos - Santorini - Oia Cruise to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels, and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found.
Day 13 Breakfast High 81° Low 72° El Greco Hotel Santorini - Akrotiri - Wine Tasting Begin your day with a visit to the excavation site of ancient Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Known as the "Minoan Pompeii," the flourishing town was at once destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1450 B.C. End your morning with a visit to a local winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.
Day 14 Breakfast High 81° Low 72° El Greco Hotel Santorini Your day is at leisure to relax or independently explore Santorini, considered one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Shop in Thira’s charming town center, take in the breathtaking scenery, visit a local museum or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Perhaps you’ll join an afternoon optional tour of Megalochori, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, followed by a dinner of flavorful regional cuisine.
Day 15 Breakfast & Dinner High 89° Low 73° Crowne Plaza Athens City Center Santorini - Athens Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece with a delightful farewell dinner.
Day 16 Breakfast Athens - Tour Ends Your tour ends today.
AIRFARE CAN BE BOOKED 11 MONTHS IN ADVANCE WE RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE FROM $280. ALL RESERVATIONS HAVE PENALTIES.
