Visit the principal monuments and sites of the city, including
Athens Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and
the Theater of Dionyssos. See the Agora, the hub of the city from
the sixth century BC. Then walk through the picturesque Plaka
before arriving at the Acropolis, the complex of monuments that
most symbolizes Athens. Admire the Parthenon, one of the most
important ancient monuments in the Western world.
Hotel Grande Bretagne or Hilton Athens B
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Athens, Greece
Spend time exploring the renowned National Archaeological
Museum, with its formidable collection of sculpture, pottery and
jewelry from one of the world's preeminent ancient civilizations.
After lunch, journey along the coast to Cape Sounion and the ruined
Temple of Poseidon.
Hotel Grande Bretagne or Hilton Athens B
Day 3: Athens
Delphi was home to Apollo, and its position between the
Phaedriades cliffs and Mount Ayios makes it one of the most
enchanting sites in Greece. Here you observe the major ruins that
include Athena's Sanctuary, the Pentelic marble Round Building
and Apollo's Temple. Return to Athens via Ossios Loukas to
admire the architecture and mosaics of the monastery, which is still
inhabited to this day.
Hotel Grande Bretagne or Hilton Athens B
Day 4: Athens/Cape Sounion/Athens
Fly to Crete and embark on a tour of the city. Visit the
Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos which belonged
to King Minos and was the center of the Minoan civilization.
Elounda Beach Hotel or Elounda Bay Palace B
Day 5: Athens/Delphi/Athens
Explore the eastern part of the island: the village of Kritsa,
renowned for its traditional weaving, and the famous church
of Panagia Kera with its beautiful frescoes. Enjoy the Cretan
countryside as you head toward Ierpetra's Archaeological Museum.
Arrive in Siteia, where you may wish to climb up to the Venetian
Fort for spectacular views across the bay. Continue along the coast
to Toplou to see the 14th-century fortified monastery that contains
61 scenic icons.
Elounda Beach Hotel or Elounda Bay Palace B
Day 6: Athens/Crete
The day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
Elounda Beach Hotel or Elounda Bay Palace B
Day 7: Crete
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
B
Day 8: Crete
Day 9: Crete/USA or Canada