Oh My Goddess!: Greece By Design

Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink at your hotel.

ATHENS: Orientation tour.

YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:

• FLOAT: See, Sea & Odyssey Aegina Island took its name from a nymph of Greek mythology. According to legend, Zeus fell in love with the daughter of the river god Asopos, and brought her to this stunning island. Cruise to the island in the heart of the Saronic Gulf, near the islands of Poros and Agistri to revel in a great number of sights and natural beauty. See the famous Aphea Temple, forming the “holy triangle” of antiquity along with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Explore the picturesque capital of Aegina Town at the centre of the island. Boasting elegant Neoclassical buildings, narrow alleys, and a bustling seafront promenade, Aegina Town is the stuff of legend for a perfectly relaxing day!
  
  
• GAZE: Antiques & Antiquities in Athens While Athens was the centre of the ancient world for a relatively short period of time, its influence has reverberated through time and tales. Its ancient buildings, such as the Parthenon, are genuinely iconic and its culture still influences human history. Discover some of the secrets of this incredible place on a fascinating guided tour of two of the city's most interesting destinations: The Acropolis Museum, where you'll see some of the most amazing Greek artifacts, including part of the famous Parthenon Frieze, and the Erectheion Caryatids. Hear the fascinating stories behind ancient sites. Learn how the Acropolis became a universal symbol of classical spirit and civilisation that forms one of the greatest architectural and artistic complexes bequeathed to the world by Greek Antiquity.
  
  
• DELVE: Land Ho on a Heroes' Cape On the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula—not too far from Athens—Cape Sounion was emotionally important for Athenians, as the last landmark in view for ancient Athenian seafarers and warriors sailing away. Visit the Temple of Poseidon on the cape that served as the first sight of land for Attica sailors upon their return home from ocean voyages or war. It was also here, according to mythology, that the founder of Athens, King Aegeus, threw himself into the waves which would come to bear his name—the Aegean Sea. (B)

DELPHI: Guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum.

ITEA: Free time this evening. (B)

GALAXIDI: Olive-oil tasting with local specialties. Free time. (B)

VOLOS: Orientation and free time. (B)

YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:

• PEDAL: On A Roll in Volos Enjoy a leisurely half-day bike ride in the coastal port city of Volos, while pedaling past ancient landmarks along panoramic trails with a knowledgeable Local Guide. Discover spectacular seascapes mixed with the mystical charm of the half-man/half-horse centaurs of Volos. A light lunch with local specialties awaits you at the end of your ride!
  
  
• TASTE: Stir-Up Greek Specialties Visit Mount Pelion and stir up something delicious! Lying between the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf, the Pelion mountain range is stunning in its nature and beauty against a backdrop of sea and sand. Visit a local farm and discover how the products are used to create authentic hearty dishes. Learn to cook some traditional local specialties with an expert chef, and enjoy your culinary creations with your fellow travellers!
  
  
• STROLL: The Centaur's Path Pelion prides itself for the enduring and authentic charm of its traditional villages. Stroll through cobbled lanes past old stone mansions, tiny churches, and numerous water fountains, and find local treasures in the tiny shops. Discover the hidden gem of Centaur's Path and admire some of the most impressive sights of the area amid the natural splendour, which makes Pelion a veritable paradise on Earth! A light lunch with local specialties awaits you at the end of this magical experience. (B/L)

THERMOPYLAE: Visit the battle site.

ATHENS: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Your holiday ends with breakfast in the morning. (B)