Greece Tour

What's Included?

• 6 nights First Class accommodations
• 6 nights First Class accommodations
• 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager (Days 4-7)
• Services of local guide in Athens
• Entrance fees per itinerary

Greece is a country in Southern Europe, on the southernmost tip of the Balkan peninsula, with extensive coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It shares borders in the north with Albania, the FYROM, Bulgaria, and Turkey. It has an ancient culture that has had a significant influence on the arts, language, philosophy, politics, and sports of western society, including the genres of comedy and drama, western alphabets, Platonic ideals and the Socratic method, democracies and republics, and the Olympics.

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy.

Day 2: Athens City Tour

The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium, the President’s residence, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes. (Breakfast)

Day 3: Sightseeing en route to Olympia

Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue via Nauplion to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Visit the archaeological site known as the Treasury of Atreus, and the Tomb of Agamemnon built around 1250 B.C. From here, drive through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Tour the Olympia Archaeological Site

Morning visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. At the Archaeological Museum view astonishing Greek works of art such as the Nike of Paionios and terracotta statues dating back to the 5th century B.C. Then, drive north through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion. Pass the town of Nafpactos en route to Delphi, home of the ruins of the Tholos Temple. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5: Archaeological Tour of Delphi, Travel to Kalambaka

Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological Museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most important places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards the small town of Kalambaka, situated amidst smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6: Meteora Sightseeing, Return to Athens

Visit Meteora, meaning "suspended in the air", with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries incredibly nestled perilously close to the edge of bizarre rock formations. Admire the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art and the panoramic vistas over the Peneios Valley. Afterward, a scenic drive takes you along the coast, past Thermopylae and arriving to Athens in the early evening. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Depart Greece

Bon Voyage! Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (Breakfast)