ATHENS

Day 1

Athens at Leisure

You are met and transferred to your tour hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Reception drink and light meal.

Day 2

Parthenon, Mycenae and Nafplion

This morning’s sightseeing tour reveals the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian’s Arch. The highlight is a visit to the Parthenon, built atop the mighty Acropolis. Now follow the shores of the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, which divides the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Next is the ruined city of Mycenae, featured in epics of Homer. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal ‘beehive’ tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Continue to the elegant seaside town of Nafplion.

Day 3

Olympia, Birthplace of the Olympics

After breakfast this morning travel into the heart of Argolis to visit the sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidauros with its superb 4th century BC theatre. Visit the Museum and the Asklepeion. Then a delightful drive takes you through the mountains of Arkadia to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Day 4

Delphi, Centre of the Ancient World

In Olympia this morning, see the Olympic Stadium where the original games were first held in 776BC, plus the athletes’ gymnasium and the city’s ancient temples. Then head north to Patras and cross the soaring Rio-Antirrio bridge to the mainland. Follow the coast road before climbing into the foothills of Mount Parnassus and on to your hotel.

Day 5

The Sacred Way and Kalambaka

Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi, past the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and superb Polygonal Wall. Now approach the legendary Temple of Apollo, where the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words’. Continuing north stop at the pass at Thermopylae, site of one of history’s most famous last stands in 480BC. Continue through the market town of Trikala to Kalambaka. This evening enjoy a Celebration Dinner at your hotel complete with wine and good cheer.

Day 6

Meteora Monasteries and Athens

Visit one of the amazing Metéora monasteries, incredibly perched on top of pinnacles of rock and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. Afterwards, cross fertile Thessaly, for a scenic drive along the coast to return to Athens.

Day 7

7th to 10th day: Cruising to Turkey and the Greek Isles

Board your cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos with its sugar cube houses and white-washed windmills. Wake up next morning at the Turkish port of Kusadasi where there is the option to visit Ephesus. Sail on to the island of Patmos*. Arrive early morning at Rhodes, ‘the island of roses’. The next morning dock at Heraklion in Crete then cruise beneath the sheer cliffs of Santorini. While cruising, Breakfast (BB), Lunch (L), Dinner (D), and Supper (S) is served on board daily. During your voyage there is also a fun-filled Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment (HD).

Day 11

Athens at Leisure

Disembark this morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure.

Day 12

Athens

The tour ends with transfers to the airport.

Interested in this tour? Contact us .