Few places on earth can rival Greece's blend of intriguing history, stunning scenery and warm hospitality. Settle into your centrally located hotel in Athens for a week and discover the rich variety of world-famous historic sites in and around this ancient city. Explore the Acropolis, visit the Temple of Poseidon and take an excursion to Delphi during expert-led tours. A memorable cruise of the Saronic Islands and a wine-tasting at a local vineyard add to your understanding and enjoyment of this vital culture.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Few places on earth can rival Greece's blend of history, scenery and warm hospitality. Settle into your centrally located Athens hotel for a week and discover the world-famous historic sites in and around this ancient city. Expert-led tours throughout Athens add to your understanding and enjoyment of Greek culture. Explore the amazing archaeological sites of the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon and nearby Delphi.
Day #2 Athens, Greece - Your home for the next week is Athens -- a cosmopolitan, lively city built around magnificent classical monuments and bathed in dazzling Mediterranean light. This evening meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception before enjoying a typical Greek dinner.
Day #3 Athens - Enjoy an Athens city tour this morning that features the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. Climb to the top of the Acropolis, the spectacular rock plateau in the center of the city containing the magnificent Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, and learn of its great role in Greek history.
Day #4 Delphi - Arachova - This morning travel to the sacred city of Delphi. It was here, at the Oracle of Delphi, that ancient Greeks consulted the priestess of Apollo on everything from agriculture to military strategy. Make your own trek along the Sacred Way with a local expert to see the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, and the impressive theater. The site also contains a wonderful museum featuring a collection of art excavated at the site. En route back to Athens, stop at the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, famous for its wine, cheese, hand-woven carpets and quilts.
Day #5 Cape Sounion - A scenic coastal drive takes you to Cape Sounion, site of one of the most significant ancient sanctuaries: the Temple of Poseidon. Perched high atop the cliffs, overlooking the brilliant Aegean, the temple is a timeless tribute to the sea. Enjoy time to explore this breathtaking area which includes the ruins of the temple to Athena. Before returning to Athens, stop by a local winery to tour their facilities and sample their delicious products.
Day #6 Athens - National Archaeological Museum - During a morning visit to the National Archaeological Museum, learn about the antiquities from a local expert. This is followed by a guided visit of the museum’s extensive collection of classical artifacts. The remainder of the day is at leisure to independently explore Athens’ rich culture and history.
Day #7 Mycenae - Nafplion - Epidaurus - Today's journey begins with a breathtaking drive across the Peloponnese Peninsula to the ancient city of Mycenae. Here a local guide accompanies you through the incredible excavations, including the 3,000 year-old Lion Gate, palace and royal tombs. Stopping at the beautiful fishing town of Nafplion, enjoy some time at leisure to explore this historic old city overlooking the Argolic Gulf. Later, travel to the legendary healing and cultural center of Epidaurus, which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. The magnificent outdoor theater of Epidaurus is considered one of the purest examples of ancient Greek architecture.
Day #8 Athens - Your last day is at leisure to pursue your own interests in this captivating city. Choose from one of Athens' many museums and galleries or explore the bustling activity of the Plaka and Monastiraki districts. Or, relax by your hotel’s rooftop pool and enjoy unparalleled views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. This evening, celebrate your fascinating experiences in Greece while enjoying a farewell dinner at a local taverna in the Plaka district. Say goodbye with a festive dinner featuring traditional Greek cuisine, wine and dancing.
Day #9 Athens - Tour Concludes - Return home filled with wonderful memories of the ancient treasures and modern wonders of Greece.