Exploring Greece And Its Islands

Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.

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. Today dinner will be included.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

*In order to enter the monasteries in Meteora, all guests must have their shoulders covered. Women are highly encouraged to wear skirts or dresses that cover the knees, however, if you choose to wear pants, you will be given a scarf to tie around your waist. Men must wear long trousers.

This morning, 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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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 in rural Peloponnese. Following the tour, enjoy a light lunch including a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades and sweets. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains on your way to the picturesque seaside village of Tolo. En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece's signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869. Today breakfast will be included.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

**Due to ferry schedules on some departures, you may be required to depart the hotel as early as 3:30 a.m. Should this be the case, a boxed breakfast will be provided in place of the regular hotel breakfast.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

***The "Ancient Delos: Apollo's Sacred Island" option must be purchased at least 10 days prior to departure. This option is subject to weather and sea conditions.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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 tasting and light lunch at a local winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Your tour ends today. Today breakfast will be included.