ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink
Marvels & Myths Wake up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athens 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 SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic city-state 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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Greek History & Heroes Leave Athens and drive to Corinth. Stop to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, the famous Corinth Canal, before joining a guided walking tour of the ancient city. Continue to Mycenae, according to legend the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy some free time for lunch before entering the excavations for a guided tour, including a visit to the museum. 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)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematical 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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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)
LOCAL FAVORITE
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Digs & Dances Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast to reach Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Take a guided walking tour of the excavations and Archaeological Museum to discover more. 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)
LOCAL FAVORITE
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 anise-infused liqueur the locals are so fond of
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive north past Lamia and Trikala to reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES Perched atop huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful Holy Monastery of Varlaam and the Monastery of St. Stephen to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Grecian Battles & Beauty This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle, and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Beyond the Shore Today, board your Celestyal cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice. Browse the charming streets and stores and try some of the local delicacies. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene, is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Turkish Treasures Today, reach the coast of Turkey and disembark at Kusadasi. Perhaps take an optional shore excursion and head to the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus. Be captivated by stories as you follow a Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour to discover more about the city. This afternoon, sail to Patmos, known as “the Island of the Apocalypse,” as it is said to be where St. John the Evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation. Enjoy an afternoon call with free time to discover more. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Greek Mythology & Marvels This morning, reach Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, why not join an optional shore excursion to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Later, set sail and arrive at the iconic island of Santorini. Enjoy free time to stroll along the charming streets, marvel at the amazing views, browse the stores, and try local specialties. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Amazing Athens This morning, disembark from your ship. Enjoy a free day in Athens, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of Western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
