Greek Discovery Tour

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Transfer to your hotel in Athens to check in and freshen up. Get to know your fellow tour members at the “Welcome to Greece” dinner this evening.

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities with a recorded history of more than 3000 years. Begin the day with a tour of the city, seeing many historical treasures such as the Acropolis, the remains of the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament Building and the National Gardens. Following the city tour, walk the modern path ascending through the Beule Gate to legendary attractions such as the Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. The afternoon brings you to the Plaka, the oldest section of Athens, full of shops, boutiques, restaurants and sidewalk cafés. Take in the atmosphere over lunch before rejoining your Tour Manager for a visit to the Acropolis Museum. This evening’s dinner is independent, providing the opportunity to sample the local cuisine.

Depart Athens and proceed to Delphi. Located on a high mountain terrace alongside Mt. Parnassus, the ancients believed Delphi to be the center of the earth. Your visit includes entrance to the Delphi Museum, home to rare and exquisite collections of art and architectural sculpture from the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronoia. By late afternoon, travel along the coastal road past picturesque villages into Patras. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

This day focuses on Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia presents the long history of the celebrated and ancient sanctuary of Zeus, where the Olympic Games were born. The museum’s permanent exhibition contains artifacts from prehistoric times to the early Christian period including noteworthy collections of sculptures, bronze, and terracotta. Leaving Olympia you’ll continue to Nafplio, the first capital of Greece and your home for the next three nights.

This morning, journey to the archaeological sites of Mycenae. This area of Greece reveals evidence of Neolithic settlements from around 3000 BC. Entering the Citadel of Mycenae through the famous Lion Gate, visitors see the royal cemetery of six graves, which some believe contain the bodies of Agamemnon and his followers who were murdered on their triumphant return from Troy. The palace complex covers the summit of the hill and occupies a series of terraces. Outside the citadel lies the main part of the town, which was home to 30,000 inhabitants during its peak in 1350 BC. Return to Nafplio for an afternoon at leisure or join your Tour Manager for the optional Wine Tasting in Nemea excursion. This evening, enjoy an independent dinner in Nafplio.

Today provides the opportunity for independent exploration in the city of Nafplio. Considered to be one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the country, Nafplio invites you to walk through picturesque alleys and visit popular sites, such as the Syntagma Square, the beach promenade and the Bourtzi Fortress. The Venetian Palamidi Castle, with its famous 999 steps, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Nafplio and the Gulf of Argolis. Another choice is the full day optional Islands of Hydra & Spetses excursion.

A short drive east brings you to Epidaurus, synonymous with classic performance, its theater is one of the best-preserved in Greece. Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Most of the buildings have only the foundations left, with the exception of the remarkably well-preserved theater dating to the 4th century BC. Our next stop is the Canal of Corinth, constructed in the late 19th century. The four-mile waterway cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth and follows much the same line as a canal planned in Roman times. Considered a great technical achievement for its time, the canal saves the 248-mile journey around the Peloponnesus. By late afternoon, arrive in Athens for a quiet evening over an independent dinner, or join the optional Greek Dinner & Folklore Show at a local tavern.

Today we’ll depart on an early morning high-speed ferry to the island of Mykonos. Upon arrival, a local guide will join you for an informative tour of the island, by bus and on foot, including the Tourliani Monastery in the town of Ano Mera. The picture-perfect “Little Venice,” so called due to its striking resemblance in design to the famous city of canals, offers wonderful photo opportunities. Following your tour, check-in to your Mykonos hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to further explore the island, relax on a beach or people watch from a sidewalk café. For your independent dinner this evening, take in the sunset at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Spend the day soaking in this Greek paradise. Discover the history of Mykonos at the Archaeological Museum, take in the views of the whitewashed windmills, and wander through the narrow streets with shops that sell everything from high-end fashion to local crafts. The tavernas will tempt you with classic specialties such as kopanisti (a peppery cheese) and kremidopita (a cheese and onion pie). If you would like to explore another island, join your Tour Manager for the optional Delos Island excursion.

Bid farewell to Mykonos and board a ferry to the island of Santorini, formed from a volcanic eruption around 1650 BC. Upon arrival, a local guide will share with you the treasures of this island, including the black sandy beaches, the traditional Cycladic houses and the white churches with their blue domes. The highest point of Santorini houses the Monastery of the Prophet Elijah and provides majestic views over the island. Pause in the villages of Pyrgos and Oia to stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the traditional Cycladic architecture. After checking in at your Santorini hotel, enjoy an independent dinner at one of the many island restaurants.

Further your experiences of Santorini during a full day on the island. Local buses provide transfers, and you’ll find it’s easy to walk through the small seaside villages. Your Tour Manager will offer an optional Volcano Boat Tour excursion to view the crater of Nea Kameni, bathe in the hot springs, and visit the island of Thirassia. During your independent dinner on Santorini, savor the food and views while dining outdoors.

Following a leisurely morning, board a ferry for the five-hour journey back to the Greek mainland. After arriving at the Port of Piraeus, transfer to your Athens hotel. The “Farewell Dinner” at a nearby restaurant provides a festive setting to celebrate the highlights of your tour.

Transfer to the Athens Airport for your return flight home.