Ancient Greece
Itinerary
Board Your Transatlantic Flight
Arrive in Athens
Arrive Athens, Greece, a city named after Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. Meet your tour manager for the transfer to you Saronic Gulf hotel ideally located to enjoy your trip. Enjoy the scenic views as we make the short 1 hour trip through rolling hills to hotel overlooking the crystal blue Aegean Sea. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Relax and take it easy before your welcome dinner tonight. Time to rest or to start exploring the area. (D)
Athens City Tour
Athens City tour: Today you will see the monuments that have made Athens famous, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. You will have a guided tour of the Acropolis and visit the world famous Parthenon, a magnificent temple built by the Athenians around 3000 B.C. Enjoy lunch at the Plaka Taverna before an afternoon at your leisure in Athens with suggestions from your tour manager on sites and shopping. Later this afternoon, return to our oasis hotel for your included dinner. (B, L, D)
Day at Leisure (Delphi)
Enjoy a day at leisure and relax at the hotel, or take an optional tour to Delphi, Greece’s most breathtaking ancient site. Famous in antiquity as the home of the oracle of Apollo, it is here where the Oracle representing the revered god Apollo presided over the ancient world. Perched on a mountain slope overlooking olive trees and the sea, Delphi continues to radiate as you marvel at the impressiveness of the site even in ruins. Visit the Delphi Museum, which houses valuable pieces of art including the bronze Charioteer, one of antiquity’s greatest statues. (B, L, D)
Ancient Sites & Mountainside Villages
This morning travel back in time as we explore the Peloponnese Peninsula, where Gods and Goddesses, ancient kings and pioneer Christians roamed. This full day tour will take you to many ancient and modern wonders including the theater of Epidaurus. Built in 6th century B.C. and world renowned for its remarkable acoustics, you can easily hear a coin drop from anywhere in the theater. Continue on to Mycenae where you will see the tomb of Agamemnon, the King of Mycenae and the Lion’s Gate. This famed place was where the Trojan War was decided. Helen of Sparta fled with Paris of Troy creating the epic battle best known as the Trojan War. Leaving Mycenae, we continue to Nafplion, the Greek capital from1823 to 1834. Enjoy the medieval Old Town, the narrow cobblestone alleys, the neoclassical well preserved mansions with the Bougainvillea trees and the Turkish fountains. Enjoy a waterfront café and shopping before returning to the hotel. (B, L, DDay at Leisure (Olympia)
Enjoy a day taking advantage of your hotels included features or visit Olympia. Walk in the footsteps of the world’s first Olympic heroes at this Unesco World Heritage site. Travel to the archaeological site, where you can admire remnants of the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games and even sprint down the original racing track. Learn about the site’s history from an archaeologist guide, and view displays and ancient artifacts at the on-site museum. Every four years the city-states of Ancient Greece used to call a truce and head to Olympia for an athletics competition in worship of Zeus. Visit the ancient Sanctuary of Zeus - a vast expanse of well-preserved altars, temples, theaters, and marble statues. Highlights of the site include the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Council House and the Treasuries, while the Archaeological Museum houses exquisite sculptures such as the statues of Praxiteles and Hermes. Enjoy free time for lunch and souvenir shopping before the return trip. (B, L, D)Crossing Corinth Canal
Today take a short drive on the scenic coastal road to the Isthmus of Corinth. We marvel the Corinth Canal, one of the 19th Century world’s engineering masterpieces with history that starts as early as 602 B.C.. The canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland The canal was dug through the Isthmus at sea level and has no locks. Board the ship and enjoy the crossing through the Canal. (B, L, D)Day at Leisure (Saronic Gulf)
Enjoy a day at leisure relaxing at your hotel, or join an optional tour to the Saronic Islands aboard a spacious Greek sailing ship. It departs right from our hotel! Find your favorite spot on deck to soak up the Mediterranean sun while island-hopping to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. From ancient temples and wild peacocks to pristine beaches and an optional bike ride, there’s something for everyone at each stop. Swim and snorkel right off the boat, and indulge in a delicious Greek lunch onboard during this luxury island adventure. (B, L, D)
Athens/U.S.A.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. (B) Or join our 3-Night Post Tour Extension to Santorini!Extensions
