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Destination > Europe > Greece

Classical Greece and Meteora

Day 1: Home - Athens

Depart on your overnight transatlantic flight to Athens. You will be supplied with headphones so you may watch the full-length movie and enjoy the many audio channels available. Dinner will be served and in the morning, you will receive breakfast.

Day 2: Athens

Upon arrival, and after clearing immigration and customs, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the time is free for you to acclimatize yourself to the time change. Athens is a noisy, lively and sprawling city that has an interest and charm all its own, involving the curious blend of antiquity with the natural vitality of the Greeks. The old quarter, Pláka, is huddled at the foot of the Acropolis in a hodge-podge of narrow winding alleys, flower-filled courtyards, old balconied houses and lively cafés. At night, the Pláka glows, as does the nearby Monastiráki Flea Market.

Day 3: Athens (B)

After breakfast, you will be picked up for a guided tour of The Acropolis, Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysos, Acropolis Museum, Royal Palace, Syntagma Square and the Temple of Athena. In the afternoon, you will drive to Cape Sounion to visit the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, built for the god of the sea. Here you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saronic Islands. Overnight: Athens

Day 4: Athens: Cruise to The Saronic Islands - Aegina / Poros / Hydra (B, L)

You will be picked up for a full-day cruise to the picturesque islands of Aegina, known for its terra cotta water jars and pistachio nuts. It is the largest of the Saronic Islands with a 5th century BC temple dedicated to Aphaia Athena. Then on to Poros, a well wooded island with a pretty town; and finally on to Hydra, the favourite island of many tourists and filmmakers. The town with its small harbour guarded by cannons that have been there since the days of Napoleon, is a picturesque maze of narrow cobbled streets, where donkeys are still the main forms of transport. Lunch on board ship. Arrive back at the hotel in the early evening. Overnight: Athens

Day 5: Micynae - Epidaurus - Nauplion (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Corinth, Micynae and Epidaurus. Cross the Corinth Canal connecting Attica and the Peloponnese to visit the ruins of the city fortress of Micynae. You will continue on to the famous sanctuary of the God of Medicine, Epidaurus and a tour of the well preserved 2,300-year-old open-air theatre. This evening, you will be provided with a delicious Greek dinner. Overnight: Nauplion

Day 6: Olympia (B, D)

This morning, you will visit Olympia. Check your speed on the original Olympic track at the site of the Games believed to have started in 776 BC. In the afternoon, travel to Delphi, site of the cult of Apollo. Here is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking sights in Europe overlooking the Pleistos Valley. See the Temple, the Agora, the museum and the famous Kastalian Spring. In the evening, enjoy dinner. Overnight: Olympia

Day 7: Delphi (B, D)

After breakfast, tour the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Delphi was the greatest Oracle of the ancient world where people came to seek advice. Its theatre and temple of Apollo still stand in its beautiful natural setting. In the museum, view the 5th century bronze statue of the Charioteer. Later, drive to Kalambaka, past groves of gnarled ancient olive trees and enjoy dinner. Overnight: Delphi

Day 8: Meteora (B)

This morning, visit the intriguing monastic communities at Meteora. Built on top of gigantic pillars rising to 550 metres above sea-level, are the famous cenobitic monasteries known as the Meteora, which means “in the air”. Overnight: Kalambaka

Day 9: Meteora - Athens (B, D)

After breakfast, board your coach for your journey back to Athens. This evening, your farewell to Greece dinner is a Bouzouki Folklore show in the Pláka. After dark, the Pláka comes alive, and you will savour Greek cuisine, listen to Bouzouki music and watch Sirtaki dancing. Shops stay open until after midnight. Overnight: Athens

Day 10: Athens - Home (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Yassou Athinai!

Tour includes:

Air: Home - Athens / Athens - Home
Arrival transfer & departure transfers
8 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities - Participants in multiple bedded rooms. Chaperones in twin bedded room.
Breakfast daily
1 lunch
4 dinners (including Bouzouki show)
Bouzouki Folklore Show and Dinner
Guided tours of Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora
Saronic Cruise
Entrance to Parthenon
Entrance to Micynae
Entrance to Epidaurus
Entrance to Olympia
Entrance to Delphi

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