Classical Greece and the Islands
DAY 1
Arrive at the airport of Athens, where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
In the morning, follow your guide to the world-renowned Acropolis to see the architectural miracles of the Golden Age of Pericles: the
Propylea, the Erechtheum and, above all, the Parthenon (temple of Athena, goddess of wisdom). Take in a panoramic view of the city
and observe the Agora (marketplace) where many ancient philosophers spent their time. Continue with a bus tour of the center of
Athens and admire the Old Olympic Stadium, the National University, the National Library, the Academy, the temple of Olympian Zeus,
Constitution Square with the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and much more. The afternoon is free. Dinner and
overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3
Travel to scenic Delphi, one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth, which in antiquity was believed to be the “navel”
(omphalos) of the world. Walk on the Sacred Way to see the Athenian Treasury, the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle delivered his
oblique prophecies and the Theater. Also visit the Museum, with its splendid collection of ancient works of art, including the bronze
“Charioteer”, which is the pride of the Delphi museum. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
Take the coastal road to the legendary Canal of Corinth and stop there for pictures. Drive on to the Homeric city of Mycenae to see the
remains of this prehistoric acropolis, its Palace, the Grave Circles and the spectacular beehive Tombs. This was the kingdom of Atreus and
his son Agamemnon, who was the leader of the Greeks in the campaign against Troy. Continue to Epidaurus, which was known as a
healing center, where the god of medicine Asclepios was worshipped. Nowadays, thousands of people visit the area to admire the unique
Theater and its astonishing acoustics. In the evening drive back to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5
This morning board the ship and sail to the world-famous island of Mykonos. The town is a small architectural miracle, with its gleaming
whitewashed buildings and windmills; it is one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world.
DAY 6
Today you arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, and have the option to drive to ancient Ephesus. The impressive remains include the Agora, the
Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsius, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “seven Wonders of the Ancient World”) and
more. Later, sail for the isle of Patmos, where you can choose to visit the Monastery of St John, on one of the island’s highest points.
From there, walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St John the Divine.
DAY 7
Spend the day on the island of Rhodes where you can stroll around the medieval city and see the Palace of the Grand Master, which was
built by the Knights of St John. You will also have the option to drive to the lovely town of Lindos and to climb its Acropolis to admire the
panoramic view.
DAY 8
In the morning arrive in Heraklion, Crete, where you can choose to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to king Minos and his
legendary beast, the Minotaur. In the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, you can find the unbelievable works of art (pieces of
sculpture and pottery, jewelry, arms, frescoes) that have been found in a number of Minoan sites all over Crete. Then sail north to the isle
of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The exquisite whitewashed villages, including the town of Fira, or Thira, cling
to volcanic cliffs, accessible only by cable car or mule.
DAY 9
Arrive in Piraeus, Athens, early in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Begin your scenic drive to Cape Sounion, the southeastern
tip of Attica. Admire the spectacular view and the white marble columns of Poseidon’s Temple (5 th century B.C.). Return to Athens, where
your afternoon is free to explore the Plaka, the main shopping district of Athens. Tonight, your farewell dinner is at a Greek taverna with
live music and dancing. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 10
Fly back home full of wonderful memories from your journey.
