Your Itinerary
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Greek History & Heroes
Leave Athens and drive to Corinth, stop to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal, before joining a guided walking tour of the ancient city. Continue to Mycenae, according to legend the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy some free time for lunch before entering the excavations for a guided tour, including a visit to the museum. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
Ruins & Recipes
Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
Digs & Dances
Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast to reach Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Take a guided walking tour of the excavations and Archaeological Museum to discover more. This evening, step into the culture when you [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)149 mi / 239 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
Monasteries in Magical Greece
Drive north past Lamia and Trikala to reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. (B,D) 155 mi / 249 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Grecian Battles & Beauty
This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B) 236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
ATHENS–PIRAEUS/RAFINA–MYKONOS
Sweet Luck
This morning, head to the bustling port and board a ferry for a scenic crossing to Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Later, join a guided walking tour of Mykonos Town that includes a visit to the charming church of Agia Kiriaki and a sweet treat - [LF] an Amygdalota (traditional Mykonos dessert) tasting. This evening, get more acquainted with the local cuisine during a delicious dinner of typical specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Traditional Greek Amygdalota cookies are often served at weddings as a gesture of new beginnings, prosperity, and good luck. It’s our good fortune and happiness to share this delicious sweet almond confection with you on the magical island of Mykonos.
Aegean Gem
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice. Browse the charming streets and stores and try some of the local delicacies. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCOLOR CODES The white buildings that populate the Greek islands are iconic, and emit idyllic vibes, however, the whitewash also has a purpose, it has disinfecting properties and was introduced in the 1930s when there was a cholera outbreak. It was also easy to know who lived where in Mykonos – fishermen had blue doors, farmers green doors, and everybody else had a red door.
Mediterranean Magic
Another full day at leisure on this idyllic island, why not admire the stunning scenery of the pristine waters while you relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to explore further afield. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited.
Sights & Sips
Bid farewell to Mykonos as you board a high-speed express ferry to Santorini. Start to get acquainted with the island during a walking tour of Fira, the island’s capital, perched on the cliffs of the Caldera that includes a photo stop at the Cathedral and [LF] a glass of ouzo. Free time this evening to explore more. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Ouzo and Greek culture are perhaps linked more closely than any other beverage on the islands. The signature liquorice taste of this iconic aperitif is actually derived from anise herbs and remnants of winemaking grapes. It’s wise to sip slowly when visiting any of the many ouzeries (ouzo bars) in Greece!
Sun, Sand & Sea
The spectacular landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity, have turned Santorini into one of Greece’s most famous islands. Some of the idyllic beaches stand out for the different colored sand. During your day at leisure why not relax on one of these beaches or visit Oia one of the most famous villages on the island, renowned for its sunset views. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.
Bright & Beautiful
Santorini isn’t just about beauty; it has been inhabited for thousands of years and has its fair share of history and culture. Why not learn more about the Minoan civilization and join an optional excursion to the archaeological site of Akrotiri. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT There are lots of ways to spend your day in Santorini. Explore the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, meander the charming streets browsing the shops or laze on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. All of this and much more awaits you on the spectacular island of Santorini.
Aloft to Athens
Today, board your flight back to Athens. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening, perhaps visit a museum or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)