From Athens to Mykonos, Greece is a haven for the intellectually cultured and lovers of history. The rich history of Greece and the vibrant culture you'll find today give it an exciting quality you'll not soon forget.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city. This evening your tour director will give a tour briefing before you and your fellow delegates enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant near the hotel.
Discover the rich heritage of Greece’s capital with your expert local guide. This morning’s tour introduces you to the complex of monuments that most symbolize Athens—the Acropolis. The highlight of your tour to the Acropolis is the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western World, which was dedicated to the Goddess Athena 2,500 years ago. Later explore the old Plaka district below the Acropolis before taking the funicular, a cable railroad, to the top of Mount Lycabettus to enjoy the best views in Athens at 900 ft. Lunch follows at the Orizontes restaurant. Afterwards, visit a humanitarian institution to learn about their work amongst some of Athens’ most vulnerable citizens.
Spend a full day exploring the area to the north-east of Athens, beginning with a visit to the Penteli Monastery (founded 1578 AD), the largest and wealthiest in the country. Later proceed to Marathon, scene of the famous battle in 490 BC when 11,000 Greeks defeated a force of 100,000 Persians. You will see the tomb of the 192 Athenians killed in the battle and visit the small archaeological museum. Afterwards, continue to a winery in time for lunch, followed by a tour of the vineyards before returning to Athens.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Santorini. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Santo Winery for lunch with a selection of their excellent wines. Due to the island thriving in arid volcanic ash-based soils, the conditions are ideal for producing wine. This particular winery also boasts beautiful views of the caldera, a vast volcanic crater. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.
This morning’s tour begins with a visit to Fira, the capital of Santorini, where you can walk to the edge of the caldera for a spectacular view. This is followed by a fascinating visit to the Prehistoric Museum, which houses frescoes and artifacts from the Akrotiri excavation dating from 1700 BC. Then ride north to Oia, the island’s most picturesque village, and view white-washed houses, windmills, and caves perched along rugged cliffs. Stroll through the charming narrow streets with your guide as he or she tells you about the history of the blue-domed churches and introduces you to a selection of shops, art galleries, and tavernas.
Depart on a full day island tour which begins with a visit to Akrotiri, one of the most important and well-preserved archaeological settlements in the Aegean – it was inhabited from Neolithic times until its destruction in 1500 BC. Afterwards drive to Perivolas Beach, famous for its black lava sand, and have lunch at the Seaside restaurant. This afternoon head up to the monastery of Prophet Elias, which dates from 1711 AD, which sits atop the highest point in the island at 1850 ft. From here you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views across the island. This evening enjoy dinner at a charming nearby restaurant.
Transfer to the port to take the hydrofoil to Mykonos and then head to Mykonos Town, which is famous for its whitewashed buildings. Your guide will provide an introductory tour through its labyrinth of cobbled streets. See the 16 iconic windmills, visit the Panagia Paraportiani church in Chora, and explore the area known as Little Venice where colored balconies adorn white facades and hang above the lapping waves. Later transfer a few miles north to your hotel and have dinner at a nearby beachside restaurant.
Mykonos has a second traditional settlement called Áno Merá situated around the historic monastery of Panaia Tourliani; it offers a taste of what life is like in a typical Cycladic village. After savoring an authentic Greek coffee, head to a family-run organic farm in time for lunch. Next, take a cycling tour that will include a visit to a less well-known beach before returning to the farm to sample some of the family’s wine. This evening we will gather for a farewell dinner and cocktails at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to board your departure flight.
Greek, English
Euro
Spanakopita, Baklava, Moussaka, Souvlaki
Parthenon, Caldera of Santorini, Sanctuary of Delphi, Mykonos
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