Much like the delicious baklava, modern-day Greece is layered with history so rich and complex that the only way to do it justice is to see it for yourself. Explore the country with a knowledgeable local leader from Athens to Delphi and Olympia. Learn how the hanging monasteries of Meteora protected modern Hellenic culture from invading Turks, then trace a path through the ruins in Delphi. Visit the site of the world’s first Olympics, stop in at the quiet seaside villages of Nafplion and discover the secrets behind Greek honey and ouzo on a whirlwind adventure from ancient sites to local homes.
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
Dinner
Included
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your journey begins in Athens, Greece's storied capital. You’ll be collected from the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Then, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to do and see, as you’re in one of the world's oldest cities! Maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens to brush up on some history or go in search of the best souvlaki. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your group at one of Athens’ local restaurants and maybe toast the beginning of the adventure with a glass of raki or ouzo.
Breakfast
Included
Today, you’ll get to know ancient Athens during visits to two of the city’s most famous sites. First, see the famous Acropolis – one of the Western world’s most important historical structures. Meet with an expert local guide who will provide profound insight into the history and legacy of the civilizations who lived in this ancient citadel. Start with an ascent to the top via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. When inside, you’ll see the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. Then, your leader will bring history to life as you visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – the largest temple in all of Greece. Later in the afternoon, drive north to the town of Kalambaka, which sits at the base of the Meteora Mountains and when you arrive, have dinner at one of the local tavernas.
Breakfast
Included
After breakfast, travel into the hills to the incredible monasteries of Meteora. The ancient stone buildings, which sit precariously on soaring cliffs, make these mountains one of Greece's most extraordinary natural and cultural sites. Meet with a local guide and see the ruins of the Pantokrator Monastery, then carry on to two other monasteries, including Varlaam Monastery. Learn about the history of the area and how settlement dates back to the 11th century, when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora. Then, you’ll head out on a hike through the lush forest and the huge rocks of Meteora with your leader by your side to answer questions on the landscape and the history behind it. You’ll then return to Kalambaka in the afternoon.
Breakfast
Included
Have breakfast before travelling to Delphi this morning. When you arrive, visit the Delphi Museum and walk through the complex with a local guide to explore the Temple of Apollo – the most important building in the site. This is where statues and offerings to the gods were housed and where cult rituals took place. Continue to your overnight stop in Nafpaktos – this small, coastal town sits on glistening waters and is a relaxing place to explore and unwind.
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
This morning, visit a family of local beekeepers to learn about honey production, see the beehives and of course taste some of the delicious local honey. Next, drive on to the archaeological site of ancient Olympia – a complex that once comprised temples and public buildings and was the site of the first Olympic Games. When you arrive, tour leader will show you the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. Visit the local museum with your local guide to brush up on the history and take a break from the heat. Continue to the medieval village of Dimitsana – home to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights, Mikri Arktos Boutique Hotel. A stone building, your hotel sits in the middle of town and boasts a terrace, a dining area and a warm atmosphere.
Breakfast,
Lunch
Included
Today, join your local guide for an exploration of the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula and the spectacular Lousios Valley. Walk deep into the valley to the incredible working monastery of Prodromos. This wood and clay structure has stellar views over the valley below and was built into a rock face. Get a look into the lives of the local monks as they show you around their home and offer you a coffee or the local specialty, the Greek delight. See the splendid 14th-century frescoes decorating the rock walls inside the chapel. Then, visit the tenth-century Byzantine monastery of Philosophou. Learn how this monastery was the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio', which was run by monks during Ottoman rule to teach Greek children their own language and religion. Later, visit the medieval village of Stemnitsa – known for its silversmiths – and Zigovisti for a traditional lunch before returning to Dimitsana for the afternoon.
Breakfast
Included
This morning, visit the Mycenae archaeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage site, these ruins represent the most important cities of the Mycenaean civilization. Then, drive to the seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio) – the original Greek capital. Maybe head to one of the town's three fortresses or the seaside promenade. Before heading to Athens, stop for a tasting of Greece’s most celebrated drink – ouzo. A taste of this anise-infused alcohol will take you straight to the heart of Greek culture. Chat to the experts and learn how Greece’s national drink is made, then take some time to explore Nafplion at your own pace. Arrive in Athens in the late afternoon for a free evening. Maybe head out with your group for an optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant and cheers to beautiful adventure.
Breakfast
Included
Your journey comes to an end in Athens after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead or time to organize additional accommodation.
2024 Tour Dates
SEPTEMBER
22
:
$4,175
|
24
:
$4,330
|
OCTOBER
13
:
$4,010
|
NOVEMBER
3
:
$3,580
|
2025 Tour Dates
MARCH
30
:
$3,240
|
APRIL
13, 20
:
$3,240
|
MAY
4
:
$3,400
|
6, 11, 13
:
$3,370
|
18, 20, 25, 27
:
$3,500
|
JUNE
1
:
$3,500
|
8, 15, 22
:
$3,370
|
29
:
$3,240
|
JULY
13
:
$3,240
|
AUGUST
10, 17
:
$3,240
|
24, 31
:
$3,370
|
SEPTEMBER
2, 7, 9, 16, 21, 23
:
$3,500
|
30
:
$3,240
|
OCTOBER
5
:
$3,240
|
12, 19
:
$3,370
|
26
:
$3,240
|
NOVEMBER
2
:
$3,240
|
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land and cruise only, based on September 18, 2024 travel date.
Call AAA for current airfare rates and availability.
All this makes it AAA Vacations®
AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $100 discount per person applied at time of booking.
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