Overview
History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis read more and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people journeyed to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a sirtaki dance lesson and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets.
Continue your Greek Escape with two fantastic nights in Crete with guided sightseeing in Heraklion as well as the free time to discover on your own or with an optional excursion. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, this Greek Escape has it all!
9 Days
Athens
Athens
Winter Escape
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
45
Fully Guided
KGO
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen's main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Greek History & Heroes
Leave Athens and drive to Corinth to take photos of the world's deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal. Continue to Mycenae, where according to legend, the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy a guided tour of the excavations and museum, plus some free time for lunch. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. 132 mi / 212 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
Ruins & Recipes
Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. 112 mi / 181 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
Traditional Steps
Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast before heading inland to visit the picturesque mountain town of Arachova. Enjoy some free time to browse before continuing to Delphi. This evening, step into the culture when you learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. 149mi/239km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals love.
Mountains & Islands
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Delphi's excavations and Archaeological Museum. Discover more about the location once considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world, and where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Continue to Athens and take a flight to Heraklion, Crete.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.
Cultural capital
Start your Cretan discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. Taste a traditional kolouri pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SIGHTS & BITES: The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multicultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a Koulouri one of the most popular Greek street foods.
Myths & Legends
Enjoy a free day to explore more; perhaps visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, or stroll the charming streets, browse the shops, and try local specialties. Later, take a flight back to Athens.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: of Heraklion, a place of myths and legends; known as the birthplace of Zeus. Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete's city of Heraklion. Here, you'll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis
- Photo opportunity at the Corinth Canal
- Guided visit to the excavations and museum in Mycenae
- Guided visit to the open-air auditorium in Epidaurus
- Guided visit to Olympia's archaeological site
- Tzatziki cooking demonstration
- Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi
- Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo
- Guided walking tour of Heraklion plus a complimentary Kolouri pastry
- Return flight between Athens and Crete
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Athens: Zafolia (First-Class):
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport. - Nauplia: Amalia Nauplia (First-Class):
Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center. - Olympia: Europa (First-Class):
Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games. - Delphi: Amalia Delphi (First-Class):
At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery. - Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel Iraklio (Deluxe):
This Hotel is centrally located in an upscale and convenient area of Heraklion. The 127 contemporary and elegant guest rooms are equipped with anatomic mattresses, espresso machines, USB sockets, flat screen TV and complimentary bathroom amenities. Two restaurants, a cafè and a lounge bar are at Guest's disposal. A gym, hammam and seasonal outdoor swimming pool are available free of charge, there are power banks in the public areas and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
- Services of the Tour Director end on day 6. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
Operator
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