Wonders of Ancient Greece Featuring Athens, Meteora & Aegina Island

• 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 Athens, cradle of Democracy and capital city of Greece. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your Greek experience with a delightful welcome dinner.

  • Meals Included:
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Crowne Plaza City Center
• 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. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  Crowne Plaza City Center
• Day
  4

  Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka

  Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending Greece against the Persians. End your day at a family-owned taverna and savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations.

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

  Kalambaka - Metéora - Arachova

  This morning, visit Metéora and enjoy guided tours of 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. Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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

  Arachova - Delphi - Olympia

  This morning, explore the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most significant religious centers during Classical times. A local expert leads you through the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artifacts. It was here that the famed Oracle once offered prophecies that shaped the course of history. Continue your journey along the Gulf of Corinth and cross into the Peloponnese, arriving in the historic city of Olympia, a lasting symbol of ancient Greek achievement. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances during a delightful Greek dance class.

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

  Olympia

  Begin your day with a guided visit to ancient Olympia, including the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – site of the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, visit a local farm in the countryside and meet the owners to gain insight into everyday rural life. Following your tour, enjoy a lunchtime tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades, and traditional sweets. Later, learn to prepare some of the region’s finest dishes as you take part in a Mediterranean cooking experience, followed by a traditional Greek dinner.

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

  Olympia - Tolo

  Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the picturesque seaside hotel in 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, 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.

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

  Tolo - Piraeus Port - Aegina Island - Athens

  This morning, make your way to Piraeus Port in Athens, getting a view of the Corinth Canal along the way. Then, board a quick hour long ferry to Aegina Island. One of the Saronic Islands, Aegina is inhabited year-round, offering a glimpse into Greek island life. Spend your afternoon on this island, famed for its pistachios and fresh seafood, however you wish. Perhaps you’ll soak up Aegina Town with its shops and local markets, or venture a little farther on your own by taxi to nearby archaeological sites. Gather with your fellow travelers to celebrate the end of a memorable trip over a farewell lunch before returning to Athens by ferry.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  Accommodations:  Crowne Plaza City Center
• Day
  11

  Athens - Tour Ends

  Your tour ends today.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
• 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 Athens, cradle of Democracy and capital city of Greece. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your Greek experience with a delightful welcome dinner.

  • Meals Included:
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Crowne Plaza City Center
• 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. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  Crowne Plaza City Center
• Day
  4

  Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka

  Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending Greece against the Persians. End your day at a family-owned taverna and savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations.

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

  Kalambaka - Metéora - Arachova

  This morning, visit Metéora and enjoy guided tours of 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. 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 - Delphi - Olympia

  This morning, explore the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most significant religious centers during Classical times. A local expert leads you through the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artifacts. It was here that the famed Oracle once offered prophecies that shaped the course of history. Continue your journey along the Gulf of Corinth and cross into the Peloponnese, arriving in the historic city of Olympia, a lasting symbol of ancient Greek achievement. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances during an exclusive Greek dance class.

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

  Olympia

  Begin your day with a guided visit to ancient Olympia, including the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – site of the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, visit a local farm in the countryside and meet the owners to gain insight into everyday rural life. Following your tour, enjoy a lunchtime tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades, and traditional sweets. Later, learn to prepare some of the region’s finest dishes as you take part in a private Mediterranean cooking experience, followed by a traditional Greek dinner.

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

  Olympia - Tolo

  Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the picturesque seaside hotel in 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, 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.

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

  Tolo - Piraeus Port - Aegina Island - Athens

  This morning, make your way to Piraeus Port in Athens, getting a view of the Corinth Canal along the way. Then, board a quick hour long ferry to Aegina Island. One of the Saronic Islands, Aegina is inhabited year-round, offering a glimpse into Greek island life. Spend your afternoon on this island, famed for its pistachios and fresh seafood, however you wish. Perhaps you’ll soak up Aegina Town with its shops and local markets, or venture a little farther on your own by taxi to nearby archaeological sites. Gather with your fellow travelers to celebrate the end of a memorable trip over a farewell lunch before returning to Athens by ferry.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  Accommodations:  Crowne Plaza City Center
• Day
  11

  Athens - Tour Ends

  Your tour ends today.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast

Optional Activities:

• Athens Local Food Tour

  Location: Athens
  Price: $139.00 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.

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.

Tour Extensions:

Pre-tour Extension

• 3 Night Istanbul Extension (Land Only)

  Price: $999.00 per person

  
  Begin your tour earlierwith 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 your other option is to book a pre night?

Pre-tour Hotel

• Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

  Price: $130.00 per person

Post-tour Hotel

• Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

  Price: $130.00 per person

Tour Extensions:

Pre-tour Extension

• 3 Night Istanbul Extension (Land Only)

  Price: $999.00 per person

  
  Begin your tour earlier 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 would you like a pre night at Crown Plaza in Athens City?

Pre-tour Hotel

• Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

  Price: $130.00 per person

Post-tour Hotel

• Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

  Price: $130.00 per person

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

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