Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC 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.
Greek History & Hers
CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.
MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.
EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL 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 through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
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
Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.
DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (B,D) 149 mi / 239 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance gs very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
Monasteries in Magical Greece
Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.
METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen's Monasteries. (B,D) 155 mi / 249 km
TOUR 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.
Grecian Battles & Beauty
THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.
ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 236 mi / 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognise this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatised in the film "300." Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
Sweet Luck
PIRAEUS Take a scenic ferry crossing to Mykonos.
MYKONOS Walking tour includes the Church of Agia Kiriaki and [LF] Amygdalota (traditional Greek almond cookie) tasting. Dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL 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.
Mediterranean Magic
MYKONOS Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Knowns 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.
Aegean Gem
MYKONOS Spend a free day exploring Mykonos. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
Sights & Sips
MYKONOS High-speed express ferry to Santorini.
SANTORINI Walking tour includes a picture stop at the cathedral and a [LF] glass of ouzo. Free time this evening. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL 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
SANTORINI Free time to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE 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 Enjoy a free day in Santorini. (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
SANTORINI Fly to Athens.
ATHENS Enjoy free time in Athens this afternoon and evening.
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilisation! 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 jewellery stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk cafe or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
