Vacation Overview
Tour Details
You've seen photos of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC-now’s your chance to see it in person on this escorted Greek vacation. You've watched the Olympics on TV-now’s your chance to walk among the ruins in Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC. You've eaten at Greek restaurants-now's your chance to enjoy an authentic Greek cooking demonstration, where you'll learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. All this and more awaits you on this Greek Escape.
History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis 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. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, this Greek Escape has it all!
Daily Itinerary
Greek Escape
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: ATHENSMarvels & 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. (B)
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.
Day 3: ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA 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. (B,D)
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.
Day 4: NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA 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, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D)
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.
Day 5: OLYMPIA–ARACHOVA–DELPHI 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 [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)
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.
Day 6: DELPHI–ATHENS The Navel of the World 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 enjoy a leisurely evening exploring. (B)
118 mi / 190 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE
Discover the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in its dramatic setting on Mount Parnassus. In ancient times it was considered the Navel of the Earth as according to mythology this was the place where the four eagles of Zeus met after they were released from the four corners of the world. It was also home to the most famous Oracle.
Day 7: ATHENSSafe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)