Overview
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From Athens, fly to the Greek island of Crete. An expert guide will introduce you to Heraklion, its legendary history, architecture, and art, then ample time to explore further this fascinating island. Board a high-speed ferry to the charming island of Naxos—with a history dating back to the 4th-millenium BC. Visit the Archaeological Museum and sample the famed citrus dessert. Spend free time enjoying the fruits of the island—olives, figs, grapes, and citrus fruits—or take a dip in the sea. Next, stop to the island of Paros—known for its fine white marble and Church of a Hundred Doors. Your escorted vacation ends in Athens. A historic adventure!
Highlights
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis
CORINTH Guided visit
MYCENAE Guided visit of the excavations and museum
EPIDAURUS Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theater
OLYMPIA Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum; LF learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer
DELPHI Guided visit of the excavations, visit the Archaeological Museum; LF learn to dance the sirtaki and have a glass of Ouzo
METEORA AREA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries
THERMOPYLAE Guided visit
ATHENS-HERAKLIONBy Air
HERAKLIONCity sightseeing LF Bougata Tasting
HERAKLION-NAXOSBy Ferry
NAXOSSightseeing & Archeological Museum LF Spoon Citrus Dessert
NAXOS-PAROSBy Ferry
PAROSIsland Tour, visit Panagia Ekantotapiliani Church
PAROS-ATHENSBy Ferry
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 13 breakfasts, 7 dinners
ATHENS, GREECE.
Day1
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
ATHENS
Day2
. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps join an optional dinner outing to sample local fare.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Day3
Cross the spectacular Corinth Canal, and visit ANCIENT CORINTH, where St. Paul preached. Two highlights today: MYCENAE, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, known as the Treasury of Atreus; the Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument; the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace; the impressive fortifications of the Citadel and visit the museum. A short drive brings you to EPIDAURUS for a tour of its amazingly well-preserved 2,300-year-old open-air theater. Overnight in nearby Nauplia.
Today’s Distance: 132 mi / 212 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Day4
. Spectacular scenery abounds on the way through the Arkadian Mountains. Spend the afternoon in OLYMPIA, where athletes of antiquity competed in honor of the king of deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM that displays Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. Tonight, LF enjoy a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer.
Today’s Distance: 112 mi / 181 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI.
Day5
Pass by the busy seaport of Patras, proceed to mystic Delphi. The afternoon is devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. End the day with a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. A highlight this evening is LF a DANCE LESSON, where you’ll learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of Ouzo.
Today’s Distance: 149 mi / 239 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
DELPHI–METEORA AREA
Day6
Drive past Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its rock-top monasteries. Visit VARLAAM MONASTERY, famous for its frescoes, and ST. STEPHEN’S MONASTERY, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view.
Today’s Distance: 155 mi / 249 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Day7
. Today’s highlight is a guided visit to THERMOPYLAE, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas’ 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes’ huge Persian army. On the way back to Athens, your Tour Director will tell you about Thebes, the setting of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and Marathon, where 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders in 490 BC. Tonight, maybe join an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi / 380 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE
Day8
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Later, dinner at a local restaurant awaits!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
HERAKLION
Day9
Today, discover Heraklion on a walking tour and see the legendary churches, fountains, monuments, and the LION SQUARE. Stop in a typical bougatsa pastry shop to taste LF the traditional bougatsa. An optional excursion to Knossos, center of the 3000-BC Minoan civilizations and to the archaeological museum is available.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
HERAKLION–NAXOS, GREECE
Day10
Hop aboard a high-speed ferry this morning and cruise north across the Sea of Crete to the island of Naxos, inhabited continuously since the 4th millennium BC. Influenced over the centuries by the Greeks, Byzantines, Venetians, and Franks, the pretty port town is a showcase of cobblestone alleys lined with whitewashed houses and Venetian castles. Guided sightseeing shows you the highlights, including a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to see artifacts from all periods of Naxos’ long and fascinating history. Follow your guide to a local kafenio to LF taste the famous citrus spoon desert
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
NAXOS
Day11
The entire day is free to enjoy this lush, green island. You could spend time shopping for souvenirs; sampling the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit; checking out the ancient Greek ruins; or heading to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
NAXOS–PAROS
Day12
This morning, a short ride on a high-speed ferry delivers you to Paros. The island was historically known for its fine white marble. Visit the 4th-century PANAGIA EKATONTAPILIANI, the “Church of a Hundred Doors,” founded by Constantine the Great’s mother, St. Helen, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This evening, savor Greek specialties at a local restaurant.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
PAROS–PIRAEUS–ATHENS
Day13
After breakfast, board the ferry back to Athens. During your final day in this glorious city, you could catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city on your own. Tonight, how about an optional dinner at a local restaurant?
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS
Day14
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Zafolia
First-Class
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Location
87-89 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Gift Shop
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
Amalia Nauplia
First-Class
Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center.
Location
National Road Argos, Nauplia, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Television
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Non-smoking Rooms
Amalia Olympia
First-Class
This 147 room hotel is set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape filled with olive trees. The spacious white marbled lobby affords endless views of the surrounding green scenery along with the open air terrace of the lounge café. Amenities include a restaurant, large outdoor seasonal swimming pool, spacious lounges and a lobby bar with fireplace. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Location
Pyrgou-Olympias Main Rd, Olympia, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
Europa
First-Class
Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Location
Archaia Olympia - Drouva, Olympia, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Smoking Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Desk
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
Amalia Delphi
First-Class
At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery.
Location
1 Apollonos Street, Delphi, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
- Internet Access
Amalia Kalambaka
First-Class
Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings.
Location
National Road, Kalambaka, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Internet Access
Astoria Capsis
First-Class
Hotel Capsis Astoria Heraklion is the ideal accommodation choice thanks to its central location and its fully renovated facilities. This hotel is set in the historical center of Heraklion, right next to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum and within walking distance of the center's main services, landmarks, restaurants, and shops. It offers modern guestrooms with TVs and self-regulated climate control. Other amenities include a gym, two bars, and a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. Chilling by the rooftop swimming pool that overlooks Heraklion and the old Venetian port is not to be missed.
Location
Eleftherias Sq., Heraklion-Crete, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- ATM
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Climate Control
- Complimentary Toiletries
Naxos Palace
First-Class
Naxos Palace Hotel is located in a peaceful and panoramic spot, just a few steps away from the beach and within easy reach of the main town, the port, and the airport. This modern hotel, built in an environmental friendly way, provides guests with everything they need: a restaurant, two bars, a gym, a swimming pool, and even a Jacuzzi. The 77 air-conditioned guestrooms offer free Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, and safe deposit box.
Location
"Stelida Aghios Prokopios Naxos, Naxos Island, Cyclades Islands, ", Naxos, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Hot Tub
Room Facilities
- Television
- Complimentary Newspaper
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Wake-Up Calls
Narges
First-Class
Located just a 5-minute drive away from the airport and 8 miles from the main town and Paros port, this typical Cycladic-style hotel offers bright rooms with a balcony, satellite TV, mini fridge and safety box. Other amenities include a large seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a stylish poolside bar and a traditional restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout.
Location
Aliki Beach, Aliki, Paros Island, Cyclades Islands, Paros, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
