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Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Cross the spectacular Corinth Canal. Your highlight for today is 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; Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument; the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Also visit the museum. Later, arrive in Olympia and enjoy a LF COOKING DEMONSTRATION and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi / 280 km
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Sightseeing with a Local Guide will give you the insights of the town where the 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. In the afternoon a pleasant drive will take you to mystic Delphi. A highlight this evening is a LF DANCE LESSON, where you’ll learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of the traditional Ouzo.
Today’s Distance: 137 mi / 220 km
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This morning is devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. Visit the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. Leave fascinating Delphi behind you and head back to Athens. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 118 mi / 190 km
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This morning, head for Piraeus, where you will sail into the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Later dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander through narrow paved streets before returning on board.
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Two ports of call today: First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. Visit the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of EPHESUS. Next, you may wish to join an optional excursion to discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation, and see the Grotto of Apocalypse.
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All day is dedicated to the island of RHODES. Explore the sites in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Next is LINDOS with the fabulous Temple of Athena. Sail from Rhodes around dinner time.
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First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”. The optional shore excursion takes you to the clifftop village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas.
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After breakfast on board, disembark at Piraeus and return to Athens. 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, the Temple of Athena Nike, and enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum. Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in 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 is your chance to join an optional dinner outing to try the local fare.
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Located in Athens city center and just few steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, this hotel offers 380 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony. The hotel features a roof garden with a nice pool area, an open-air lounge bar and a restaurant, from where guests can also enjoy lovely views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf. Among its amenities you can also find a well-equipped fitness center and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
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.
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.