DAY 1 Monday, October 6: Depart USA
We will board our overnight flight to Europe.
DAY 2 Tuesday, October 7: Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel. Athens boasts some of the most glorious history in the world. Arguably, the most important civilization of the ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through superb architectural masterpieces. Our day and evening are free to explore.
DAY 3 Wednesday, October 8: Athens
Our day is free to explore on our own in Athens. This evening join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. (D)
DAY 4 Thursday, October 9: Athens City Tour
This morning enjoys an Athens City Tour featuring Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus and the Ancient Olympic Stadium. Today’s highlight will be a visit to the Acropolis with its incredible Parthenon, the most important site of the city and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Then visit the New Acropolis Museum, the modern building that houses statues and other masterpieces from the classical era. Later continue to the Plaka, the oldest part of the city, filled with history, restaurants and shopping opportunities. The rest of the day is at your own pace to further explore Athens. (B)
DAY 5 Friday, October 10: Athens to Santorini
This morning transfer to the Port of Piraeus outside of Athens to take a high-speed ferry to one of the most picturesque islands in the world, Santorini, Greece’s most romanticized island, famous for its white-washed buildings and hilltop villages overlooking the Aegean Sea. Visit a local winery to enjoy a Wine Tasting. Santorini is an island with a wine-making tradition as its volcanic soil and special climate combine to give local wines a unique taste. Next travel through the fascinating landscape to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found. Enjoy an Oia Village Walking Tour to explore this special village and discover why it is one of the most photographed places in all of Greece. Later check into your hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D)
DAY 6 Saturday, October 11: Santorini – Day at Leisure
Today is at leisure to explore the island on your own. Perhaps visit the excavation site of ancient Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera located in Fira or discover the colorful beaches created by the volcanic eruption. Maybe wander, shop, take photos & enjoy a relaxing Mediterranean meal while enjoying the spectacular views & whitewashed architecture. (B)
DAY 7 Sunday, October 12: Santorini to Mykonos
Today take a high-speed ferry to Mykonos, which belongs to the Cyclades, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the galleries, sandy beaches and iconic landmarks including a row of 16th-century windmills which sit on a hill above Mykonos town. (B)
DAY 8 Monday, October 13: Mykonos Sightseeing
This morning, we will take a ferry to Delos, known as the legendary birthplace of twin gods Artemis & Apollo. Enjoy a Delos Tour featuring the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Old City, the Theater and the iconic Terrace of the Lions. Enjoy some time to explore on your own & maybe visit the Museum of Delos. Later return to Mykonos & enjoy this evening on your own. (B)
DAY 9 Tuesday, October 14: Mykonos to Athens
Today take a high-speed ferry to Athens and enjoy some time at leisure. Relax at a cafe or perhaps do some shopping. This evening enjoys a dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D)
DAY 10 Wednesday, October 15: Either return home or continue on an optional extension
DAY 11 Wednesday, October 15: Athens to Kalambaka
Today we travel to Kalambaka. Enjoy a visit to two Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monasteries are built on spectacular natural sandstone rock pillars and although it is unknown when Meteora was established, hermit monks were believed to be living among the caves and cutouts in the rocks as early as the 11th century. Later check into your Kalambaka area hotel and enjoy dinner. (B,D)
DAY 12 Thursday, October 16: Kalambaka to Delphi
Today travel to Delphi which clings to the side of Mount Parnassus at 2,000 feet. Here you visit Ancient Delphi to see the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple and Theater. Also visit the Delphi Museum before checking into your hotel in the Delphi area. Dinner is included this evening. (B,D)
DAY 13 Friday, October 17: Delphi – Cape Sounion – Athens
Today travel to Cape Sounion and visit the Temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounion, the temple was built during 444–440 BC. Later arrive in Athens for a one-night stay. (B)
DAY 14 Saturday, October 18: Return home
Transfer to the Athens Airport and fly home. (B)
DAY 15
8 Nights First Class Hotel Accommodations (Extension plus: 3 nights) | Hotel Transfers | Admissions and Sightseeing per Itinerary | Baggage Handling at Hotels | Transfers airport to hotel, hotel to airport | 11 Meals: 8-Breakfasts (B), 3-Dinners (D) - (Extension plus: 3 Breakfast, 2 Dinners)