Day 1, Fri. USA - Athens
Departure from the USA on an overnight flight to Athens.
Day 2, Sat. Athens
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 3, Sun. Athens
Morning sightseeing features the Parthenon's crowning beauty atop the Acropolis, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, the Temple of Zeus and the Theatre of Dionysos. Afternoon at leisure or take the optional tour to Cape Sounion. (B)
Day 4, Mon. Athens - Nauplia
Begin the Four Day Classical Tour with a drive over the bridge crossing the Corinth Canal. On to Mycenae where 19th-century excavations described by Homer can be seen. Visit the Beehive Tomb and the Lion's Gate - Europe's oldest known monument. Drive to Epidaurus to see the 2,300 year old amphitheatre, famous for its perfect acoustics. Dinner and overnight in Nauplion. (B, D)
Day 5, Tue. Nauplia - Olympia
Travel through central Peloponnese and arrive in Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Visit the sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the museum. Overnight in Olympia. (B, D)
Day 6, Wed. Olympia - Delphi
After the short ferry ride from Rio to Antirio arrive in Delphi - perhaps the most famous site in Classical Greece. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, learn about the oracle and tour the excavations. Overnight in Delphi. (B, D)
Day 7, Thu. Delphi - Athens
Conclude the visit of Delphi with the museum to view the famous 5th century BC bronze Charioteer. Return to Athens via the picturesque village of Arachova. (B)
Day 8, Fri. Athens - Piraeus - Cruise
Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to Piraeus harbour to board the cruise ship for a Seven Day Cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Overnight sailing to Istanbul. (B, D) |
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Day 9, Sat. Cruise: Istanbul
This evening arrive in the city on the Bosphorus, Istanbul, where east meets west. (B, L, D)
Day 10, Sun. Istanbul
A full day to enjoy this fascinating city. Crossing two continents, formally known as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul offers 3,000 years of history. (B, L, D)
Day 11, Mon. Cruise: Mykonos
This afternoon call at Mykonos the cosmopolitan island famous with the international jet-set. Mykonos sets a wonderful stage against its colorful harbor with chic boutiques, whitewash cube shaped houses and fabulous windmills. (B, L, D)
Day 12, Tue. Cruise:
Patmos - Kusadasi
First port of call today is the sacred island of Patmos where St. John lived and wrote the book of Revelations in the celebrated Grotto of the Apocalypse. The monastery sits high on a hill housing priceless icons and manuscripts. This afternoon call at the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Visit the bazaar or take the optional shore excursion to Epheus. Founded by the Athenians, it is one of the largest and best preserved ancient cities of the world. See the remains of its famous temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. (B, L, D).
Day 13, Wed. Cruise: Rhodes
Enjoy a full day on the "island of roses". Rhodes is both medieval and modern and is one of the sunniest of the Greek Islands. The white-washed village of Lindos overlooks the Bay of St. Paul and is home to the impressive Temple of Athena. (B, L, D)
Day 14, Thu. Cruise: Heraklion - Santorini
The capital of Crete - Heraklion is home to the Palace of Knossos, the centre of the 3,000 B.C. Minoan civilization. Santorini - fabled to be the lost continent of Atlantis, boasting the most incredible sunsets and where the main town of Thira clings to a steep cliff accessible by cable-car or donkey. (B, L, D)
Day 15, Fri. Cruise: Piraeus - USA
Meeting and assistance upon disembarkation in Piraeus and transfer to the airport for the departure flight. |
