Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Greece! Discover the highlights of Athens with a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a first venue of the modern Olympics games, and ponder the state of the world like an ancient philosopher at the Acropolis overlooking Athens. Embark on a train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece, then set your sights high in Olympia—the site of the first Olympic games. Explore the ancient military city of Sparta and hear the stories of legend and lore. And from a Greek honey farm to olive groves, wine cellars, and constellations above the sea, we thank your lucky stars to be exploring modern-day Greece with you to discover the very civilized custom of rest and relaxation that wins the day on your Small Group Discovery tour of Greece.Continue your Greek adventure with a 7-night cruise amid the spectacular Cyclades Islands! Embark from Athens to discover the islands of Poros where pine, olive, and lemon trees paint the landscape green. Cruise the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean to explore the mythological isles of Poliegos and Folegandros. Even more beauty to behold beckons you to Santorini, where white and blue houses are rivaled only by the legendary sunsets that paint the volcanic island landscapes. Sail on to Paros and Delos for more delights on your course for Mykonos—the birthplace of Greek mythology. These incredibly inspiring island gems are just a few to be discovered before sailing back to Athens.
Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. 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. Ride the Odontotis rack railway train and take a ferry to the island of Aegina. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!And that’s not all! Board your small-ship cruise to sail around the stunning Cyclades Islands.
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 9Cruise details:The cruise portion of your vacation is operated by Variety Cruises. Rotation of ports of call may vary with or without prior notice, due to adverse weather conditions, port authority instructions, or other extraordinary conditions.There may be changes to the meals offered depending on weather conditions. Cabin category C - other cabin types are available for a supplement. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the MS Galileo, operated by Variety Cruises.
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Legend says that both Athena and Poseidon competed to have this city named after them. The god who gave its inhabitants the best gift would be the patron. Athena came out the victor when she planted an olive tree on the site where the acropolis now stands; a sign of peace and prosperity, so the city became known as Athens. Your Local Guide shares many stories and brings ancient Athens to life during your visit to the Acropolis
Day 2
EPIC RIDE All aboard for an unforgettable historic train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece. Built over 120 years ago, this short local railway is an engineering feat that follows the Vairaikos Canyon, with some of its open-sided tunnels being carved into it, providing impressive views as it climbs. On arrival, spend some time in Kalavryta, a lovely little-known town with a big place in history
Day 3
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Getting closer to local experiences is a big advantage for a small group! Enjoy a visit to Androusa Castle overlooking the olive groves; learn about the world famous kalamata olives, the traditions of olive oil production; then enjoy tasting it, together with a lunch of home-made dishes prepared with fresh, local produce
Day 4
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION After a busy day of sightseeing, your small group deserves to live large with the 5-star, personalized hospitality of the Kyniska Palace Hotel. Located in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, this boutique hotel combines luxury and charm with the relaxation you crave. This evening, unwind far from the crowd to stretch out by the pool and soak in the stunning views of this idyllic location
Day 5
ANCIENT TRADITIONS According to myth the god Dionysis introduced wine to Greece, and it is an art that has been practised there for thousands of years. The Nemea winemaking region is renowned for the Agiorgitko grape, which has been cultivated there for over 3000 years. During the wine-tasting experience, gain insight into this and other local winemaking traditions
Day 6
CULTURAL GEMS Poros consists of two islands, Sferia and Kalavria, connected by a bridge. It is a verdant green island with pine, olive and lemon groves surrounding Poros Town, built on the volcanic rock of Sferia. It is said that Kalavria was once dedicated to the god Apollo, but he swapped it for Delphi with Poseidon!
Day 7
PICTURE PERFECT Even though it is one of the smaller and lesser-known islands, Folegandros is bursting with beauty. The stunning main town of Chora is like a perfect postcard with its white buildings dramatically poised on a cliff. Stroll around Castro the oldest part of the town and admire the Panagia church perched on top of a hill overlooking Chora
Day 8
NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters
Day 9
MYTHS & LEGENDS Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, the island of Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited
Day 10
TASTY TREATS Syros is famous for its culinary offerings, especially its sweets and cheeses. It is particularly proud of its loukoumi, the flavored gummy sweets that are known elsewhere as “Turkish Delight.” The loukoumatzides can often be found selling their wares to ferry passengers arriving in the port
Day 11
MYTHS & LEGENDS
On the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, not too far from Athens, Cape Sounion was emotionally important for Athenians, as the last landmark in view for the ancient Athenian seafarers and warriors sailing away. The Temple of Poseidon on the cape served as the first sight of land for Attica sailors upon their return home from ocean voyages or war. It was also here, according to mythology, that the founder of Athens, King Aegeus, threw himself into the waves which would come to bear his name - the Aegean Sea.
Accommodations
Athens
Athens
Olympia
Kalamata
Mystras
Amalia First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
10.Amalias Ave. Athens Greece
"Centrally located in Syntagma Square, Amalia Hotel Athens is right across the National Gardens. It features comfortable 97 guest rooms with satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi internet access.The modern guest rooms are all fitted with air conditioning and either face the National Gardens and the Parliament or the Lycabettus Hill.
The Hotel offers a rich American buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch or dinner which are the proud mark of the Amalia's in-house bistrot restaurant. Light snacks and drinks are avaialble throughout the day at the Chrysalis Lobby Lounge bar.The property is just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis and Plaka, next to the commercial district of Ermou providing easy access to the main metro and tram terminals. The hotel has been awarded with the Green Key eco-label due to its environmentally friendly policies."
Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Michalacopoulou Street 50 Athens Greece
The Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre is a modern 193 room property, in the heart of Athens' commercial district offering Free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a choice of dining options including the roof garden restaurant where during summer months, guests can dine under starry skies whilst enjoying a spectacular view of Lycabettus hill. The perfect place to unwind is at the roof-top bar where snacks and drinks can be taken al-fresco in the summer by the refreshing outdoor dipping pool. The lively lobby bar serves drinks and fruity cocktails year round and other leisure facilities include a gym and sauna.
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.
Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Navatinou street Kalamata Greece
Located at the foot of the spectacular Taygetos Mountains, this 188-room beachfront hotel lies on the outskirts of Kalamata in the Peloponnese region. The property offers spacious air-conditioned guest rooms decorated in a contemporary Mediterranean style with satellite flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi, desk, safety deposit box and a private bathroom equipped with hairdryer and free toiletries. Dining options include two restaurants where Greek and Mediterranean flavors reign supreme and the signature breakfast buffet features a Fitness Food Corner and local specialties. For relaxation you can choose between the seasonal outdoor or indoor swimming pools, the beauty salon, sauna or the fitness room.
Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Parori, Mystras Mystras Greece
This delightful hotel offers Free Wi-Fi throughout and each of the 32 luxury guest rooms come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool as well as SPA services and a fully equipped fitness center. The hotel offers excellent cuisine with local and international foods served at the bistrot/bar.