Greece & Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini

• Day
  1

  Overnight Flight

  Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
• Day
  2

  Athens, Greece

  Arrive in the capital city of Athens. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring Greek specialties at a local restaurant.

  • Meals Included:
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Golden Age Hotel
• Day
  3

  Athens

  Enjoy a panoramic tour of the highlights in Athens showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Next, ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis. Greek for “highest city,” the Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  Golden Age Hotel
• Day
  4

  Athens - Thermopylae - Metéora - Kalambaka

  Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending the city against the Persians. Arrive in Metéora and visit two remote monasteries* situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. End your day at a family-owned taverna where you will savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down through generations.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Grand Hotel Meteora
• Day
  5

  Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova

  This morning, continue to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Anemolia Mountain Resort
• Day
  6

  Arachova - Olympia

  Travel along the Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and meet with the owners to learn about everyday life in rural Peloponnese. Following the tour, enjoy a light lunch including a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades, and sweets.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Europa Hotel
• Day
  7

  Olympia

  Your guided visit to ancient Olympia includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you partake in a private Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances with an exclusive Greek dance class.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Europa Hotel
• Day
  8

  Olympia - Tolo

  Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains on your way to the picturesque seaside village of Tolo. En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece’s signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  King Minos Hotel
• Day
  9

  Tolo - Nafplio - Tolo

  Today, head to the coastal city of Nafplio, where it’s your choice! Journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by mythological King Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. Explore the excavations during a guided visit featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate -OR- linger in Nafplio and join a walking tour of Greece’s first capital city. Nafplio’s mix of Venetian and neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece’s most elegant city. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  King Minos Hotel
• Day
  10

  Tolo - Athens - Mykonos - Chora

  Early this morning, transfer to the port of Athens for a high-speed ferry** ride to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you cruise across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise. Spend time in Chora (Mykonos Old Town), where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Porto Mykonos Hotel
• Day
  11

  Mykonos

  Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. Or join an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos,*** the fabled birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  Porto Mykonos Hotel
• Day
  12

  Mykonos - Santorini - Oia

  Cruise to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels, and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  El Greco Resort
• Day
  13

  Santorini - Akrotiri - Wine Tasting

  Begin your day with a visit to the excavation site of ancient Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Known as the "Minoan Pompeii," the flourishing town was at once destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1450 B.C. End your morning with a tasting and light lunch at a local winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  Accommodations:  El Greco Resort
• Day
  14

  Santorini

  Your day is at leisure to relax or independently explore Santorini, considered one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Shop in Thira’s charming town center, take in the breathtaking scenery, visit a local museum, or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Perhaps you’ll join an optional afternoon tour of Megalochori, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, followed by a dinner of flavorful regional cuisine.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  El Greco Resort
• Day
  15

  Santorini - Athens

  Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece with a delightful farewell dinner.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Golden Age Hotel
• Day
  16

  Athens - Tour Ends

  Your tour ends today.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast

Optional Activities:

• Athens Local Food Tour

  Location: Athens
  Price: $179.00 per person

  
  Experience Athens as a local! Join a local guide for a walking tour highlighting the cuisine of Athens. You'll make your way through three neighborhoods in the city, full of hidden gems that few travelers ever get to see. Be welcomed into several local restaurants and markets to sample some of the area’s best culinary specialties and wine. Your guide will explain the significance each dish serves to the culture and region. You'll learn about common grocery items found in the markets and the importance of spices used in Greek cooking. Along the way, view the traditional architecture and see historic artifacts from ancient Athens that were recently discovered. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option does not operate on national and religious holidays when most venues are closed. As this is a walking tour, a comfortable pair of shoes is recommended.

• Ancient Delos: Apollo’s Sacred Island

  Location: Mykonos
  Price: $189.00 per person

  
  Take a step into the past with a half-day excursion to the island of Delos, the fabled birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. After a quick 30-minute boat ride, allow your guide to introduce you to this sprawling UNESCO site. See how the Greek myths intertwine with prehistoric ruins, passing through narrow streets from the Hellenistic age. Tour the awe-inspiring House of Dionysus, a relic from the 4th-century BC containing ancient mosaics and preserved columns. Peruse the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Lake, and the guardian Naxian Lions with your guide before enjoying time to explore independently. Take in views of the Sacred Island of Delos as you ferry back to Mykonos. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. The duration of this guided tour is 90 minutes and is subject to favorable weather conditions. This option needs to be pre-purchased at least 10 days prior to departure. Availability for purchase while on tour is not guaranteed.

• Walking Tour in Megalochori and Santorini Dinner

  Location: Athens
  Price: $139.00 per person

  
  Travel to the southern side of Santorini to the small traditional village of Megalochori, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, dating back to the 17th century. Embark on a walking tour through the narrow alleys and peek into the small shops, markets, and churches for a taste of the local life. After your walking tour, make your way to a local restaurant. Savor regional cuisine during your delicious 3-course dinner in an open setting with breathtaking views of the rich, blue Aegean waters. Sit back and relax as you toast to your incredible experience. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Dinner will take place indoors in the event of inclement weather.

Tour Extensions:

Post-tour Extension

• 3 Night Istanbul Extension (Land Only)

  Price: $1,199.00 per person

  
  Extend your tour longer with a 3-night stay in Istanbul, Turkey’s most popular city. Istanbul is a central hub for intermingling cultures and legendary architecture. As the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, walk in the footsteps of centuries of travelers before you. From the towering Hagia Sophia to the lively Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, you’ll find an indescribable blend of nostalgia and modernity. Full of authentic flavors and legendary cultures, a trip to Turkey is not one you’ll soon forget. Or a post night at Golden Age?

Tour extensions are 1-night in length, unless noted otherwise.