The images of Ancient Greece are only surpassed by experiencing it for yourself. View the ancient archeological sites of: the Acropolis, Olympia, Delphi and Corinth. Visit ancient open air theaters, excavations, and historic monasteries. Learn about Greek history and culture through cooking, Greek dance lessons, and more!
8 Days • fr. $2,319
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
HOTEL ZAFOLIA
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous Acropolis, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught.
Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps join an optional dinner outing to sample local fare.
Breakfast
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Cross the spectacular Corinth Canal, then visit Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul preached. Next two great highlights are discovered, Mycenae and Epidaurus.
We will visit Mycenae, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, known as the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument, remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Also visit the museum. Then, a short drive to Epidaurus for a tour of its amazingly well-preserved 2,300-year-old open-air theater.
Enjoy dinner and overnight in nearby Nauplia.
Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL AMALIA NAUPLIA
Spectacular scenery on the way through the Arkadian Mountains. Then, spend the afternoon in Olympia, where athletes of antiquity competed in honor of the king of deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM that displays Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. Tonight, enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer.
Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL EUROPA
Via the busy seaport of Patras, proceed to mystic Delphi. The afternoon is devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the excavations. End the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. A highlight this evening is a dance lesson, where you’ll learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of Ouzo.
Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL AMALIA DELPHI
Drive past Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its rock-top monasteries. Visit Varlaam Monastery, famous for its frescoes, and ST. Stephen's Monastery, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view. (Ladies should pack one long skirt, as shorts or trousers may be inappropriate when visiting the monasteries.)
Breakfast, Dinner
AMALIA KALAMBAKA HOTEL
Today’s highlight is a guided visit to Thermopylae, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas’ 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes’ huge Persian army.
On the way back to Athens, your Tour Director will tell you about Thebes, the setting of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and Marathon, where 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders in 490 BC. Tonight, you may wish to join an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast
HOTEL ZAFOLIA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.