You've seen photos of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person on this escorted Greek vacation. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now’s your chance to walk among the ruins in Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC. You've eaten at Greek restaurants—now's your chance to enjoy an authentic Greek cooking demonstration, where you'll learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. All this and more awaits you on this Greek Escape.History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people journeyed to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a sirtaki dance lesson and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets. Continue your Greek Escape with two fantastic nights in Crete with guided sightseeing in Heraklion as well as the free time to discover on your own or with an optional excursion. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, this Greek Escape has it all!
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, plus return flights between Athens and Heraklion. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes: This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Services of the Tour Director end on day 6. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 ATHENS
Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the Acropolis. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire 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 Breakfast
Day 3 ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA CORINTH CANAL
Greek History & Heroes CORINTH CANAL Photo stop.
MYCENAE Guided visit of the excavations and museum.
EPIDAURUS Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theatre before continuing to Nauplia. (B,D) 132mi/212km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic 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 BreakfastDinner
Day 4 NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Ruins & Recipes Scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. Attend a [LF] cooking demonstration this evening and learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES 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 BreakfastDinner
Day 5 OLYMPIA–ARACHOVA–DELPHI
Traditional Steps RIO-ANTIRRIO BRIDGE photo stop.
ARACHOVA Visit the picturesque mountain town.
DELPHI This evening [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki in a dance class while sipping a glass of Ouzo. (B,D) 149mi/239km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION 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 anice-infused drink the locals love BreakfastDinner
Day 6 DELPHI–ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE
Mountains & Islands DELPHI Join a guided visit of the excavations and Archaeological Museum.
ATHENS Fly to Heraklion. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches Breakfast
Day 7 HERAKLION
Cultural capital HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a Greek Koulouri. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a Koulouri one of the most popular Greek street foods Breakfast
Day 8 HERAKLION–ATHENS, GREECE
Myths & Legends HERAKLION Free day.
Return flight to Athens. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE of Heraklion, a place of myths and legends; known as the birthplace of Zeus and epitomised by the legends of Daedalus and Icarus, the Minotaur, and the labyrinth at the incredible Minoan Palace of Knossos Breakfast
Day 9 ATHENS
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Athens
Nauplia
Olympia
Delphi
Heraklion
Zafolia First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
87-89 Alexandras Avenue Athens Greece
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Amalia Nauplia First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
National Road Argos Nauplia Greece
Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center.
Europa First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Archaia Olympia - Drouva Olympia Greece
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.
Amalia Delphi First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1 Apollonos Street Delphi Greece
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.
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio Deluxe
Hotels as shown or similar
Leof. Dimokratias 75 Heraklion Greece
This Hotel is centrally located in an upscale and convenient area of Heraklion. The 127 contemporary and elegant guest rooms are equipped with anatomic mattresses, espresso machines, USB sockets, flat screen TV and complimentary bathroom amenities. Two restaurants, a cafè and a lounge bar are at Guest's disposal. A gym, hammam and seasonal outdoor swimming pool are available free of charge, there are power banks in the public areas and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.