Greece & its Islands

Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza City Center

Arrive 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.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Athens
A place where democracy was born and the birthplace of the Olympics; happens to be the largest city located in one of the most historic countries and is also the capital of Greece. Located in Athens is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, Acropolis of Athens, the Holy Rock which dates back to 5 BC. Athens is recognized as a global city for its strategic location and its modernistic views in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, culture, education, and tourism.

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.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Grand Hotel Meteora

Visit Area: The Acropolis
One of the greatest sanctuaries of ancient Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena is located in the center of the modern city of Acropolis. The masterpieces of ancient architecture in Acropolis have influenced art and culture for many centuries. Although many of the historical sites take up a majority of space in Acropolis, many small rural communes were built around these sites.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort

Visit Area: Parthenon

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Europa Hotel

Visit Area: Metéora
Meteora, located in Thessaly and Kalampaka, is a city under the rock of towers. The most famous attraction is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. Today, the Orthodoxy has been continually practiced uninterrupted for over 600 years by the monasteries on top of the Meteora rocks: Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoro, the Varlaam Monastery, the Saint Stephen Monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Saint Nicolas Anapafsas Monastery, and the Roussano Monastery.

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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Delphi
The place where heaven meets earth. It is said that the Pythia, the priestess serving as the oracle in the pre-classical Greek world, resided in Delphi. Delphi is the setting for many Greek myths and serves as a major site for the worship of Apollo because of his accomplishment of slaying Phython, a dragon protecting the navel of Earth. Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece. Delphi’s deep history is a large attraction for tourists.

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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: King Minos Hotel

Visit Area: Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympics, which was held in honor of Zeus. Olympia is a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula, also nicknamed the “Vallyey of Gods.” Overtime the site was buried under sedimentary deposits, from what is thought to have been a flood. It wasn’t until 1766 when it was re-discovered. The first excavation took place in 1829. Today the Olympic flame of the modern Olympic Games is lit by the reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror in front of the Temple of Hera. Visitors can walk through the ruins of the area where athletes trained in the ancient stadium as well as visit the museum that houses sculptures of decoration of the temple of Zeus, which happens to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can also take part in activities, such as walking along the promenade, and outdoor sports like biking, rafting, kayaking, and kite surfing.

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.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Greek Farm Visit
Farming has been a core part of Greek culture since the ancient times. This was one of the main sources of income for the Ancient Greek economy. Now, farming still flourishes in Greece thanks to its most famous crop – olives. Although olives are the most popular crop, Greece also produces many other crops such as grapes, tomatoes, and cotton. You’ll be able to visit an authentic Greek farm and meet with the owners to learn about daily life in the countryside.

Today head to the coastal city of Nafplio where 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.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: San Marco Hotel

Admittance: Cooking Class
Guests will experience a presentation of Mediterranean cuisine followed by lunch, which includes: Greek Cheese pies & Tzatziki (cucumber, yogurt, garlic and oil), giant beans, stuffed vine leaves, seasonal salad, "spetsofai" sausages cooked in real tomatoes with peppers OR stuffed tomatoes & Peppers, grandmother's meatballs, lentil soup, bread, oil, olives, feta cheese and traditional dessert, mineral water, coffee or tea, ouzo, and house wine.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Greek Dance Class
The Greek dance class is an interactive, one hour Greek dance and music presentation on a variety of Greek dances and musical instruments. Guests will be able to participate in various traditional dances.

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.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: El Greco Resort

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Mycenae or Nafplio
Today you have the choice between 2 activities. Your first option is to visit ancient Mycenae, an archaic city 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. Your second choice is to linger in Nafplio, and join a walking tour of Greece’s first capital city. During your tour, enjoy views of the island fortress of Bourtzi, which the Venetians fortified in the 17th century to protect the town’s harbor. Nafplio’s mix of Venetian and neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece’s most elegant city. Mycenae Archaeological Tour - NEO Day 8 Activity Level: 3 Travelers should expect a 1 hour bus transfer from the hotel to Mycenae, followed by a 90 minute archeological tour of the excavation site. The excavation site is located uphill from the bus drop-off point. As common in excavation sites, travelers should expect some uneven surfaces and unpaved areas with loose stones/gravel. Nafplio Walking Tour - NEO Day 8 Activity Level: 2 Travelers should expect about a 90 minute walking tour at a leisurely pace on mostly flat, but cobblestoned surfaces through city streets. When operating, the tour of Nafplio will also include a visit to the Bourtzi fortress.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Mykonos Old Town Visit
Mykonos, also known as the island of the winds, is one of the Greek Islands, Cyclades. It is also the name of the largest town on the island. Because of the location of Mykonos, several islands relied on it and it became an important place for supplies and transit. Mykonos also holds a place in Greek mythology. It is said that Mykonos was named after its first ruler, Mykons, the son of the god Apollo. Another myth says the island is the location of a great battle between Zeus and the Titans. Today, the island relies heavily on tourism and is widely known for its incredible nightlife.

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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Santorini
High on the hill overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea sits Santorini, the world’s only inhabited caldera (volcano cauldron). This mountainous island is an amazing sight. Its towns are filled with whitewashed houses that "spill" over the edge of the cliff toward the sea. The striking cobblestone alleyways painted in white and highlighted with blue and red are lined with colorful fabrics and artwork and filled with friendly people. Take in the atmosphere and relax as you gaze at the breathtaking sunsets and stroll along the stunning black sand beaches; then you'll truly understand why this island has been inhabited for thousands of years.

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.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza City Center

Visit Area: Akrotiri
A Minoan Bronze Age settlement located on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. The settlement was buried in volcanic ash by the Theran eruption in 1627 BC. The site was excavated. Much of what was found was the remains of Frescoes (type of painting style) and other objects and artworks. Today Akrotiri is still under some construction. However, a path was built from the city to the parking lot of excavations that is suitable for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, walking and running.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Your tour ends today.

Breakfast Included