Discover Classic Greece

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Athens, Greece.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. Flights should arrive by 4:00pm. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel Meal: D

Discovery of Classic Greece begins with a guided tour of this capital city. During a panoramic orientation, see Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the National Library and the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, guarded by soldiers in traditional Foustanella attire. Enroute to the Acropolis,see Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896. At the Acropolis, visit the architectural masterpieces of Athens’ Golden Age: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. In the Acropolis Museum, art, sculpture and historical pieces dating from the Mycenaean period, along with items from everyday life are all on display. Return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Meal: B

Depart Athens and journey along the scenic coastal road to the Corinth Canal. While witnessing the imposing landscape of the Canal’s protected waters, you’ll realize why this is one of the world’s engineering masterpieces. Enjoy a photo stop before continuing to Epidaurus with its 4th-century B.C. theater, famous for astonishing acoustics. Continue to Olympia where dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. Meals: B, D

History is brought to life while visiting the ancient city and archaeological site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of the Olympic Games. The extensive ruins show remains of athletic training areas, a stadium, and former temples, including those dedicated to Hera and Zeus. In the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, exhibits showcase finds from the ruins throughout the city, including the famous statue of Hermes by the sculptor Praxiteles. Other sculptures, statues, a large collection of bronze items, and religious items are all on display. Continue to the Magna Grecia olive oil farm for a tour and class on the making of olive oil from the pruning in spring to the harvesting in autumn. See the equipment and tools used during the process. While in the olive mill area, witness the stages of processing, extraction, and storage of the oil. A tasting and lunch conclude the experience before returning to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. Meals: B, L

Today’s adventure begins with a journey through Achaia and Rio-Antirio enroute to Delphi. In Patras, experience Achaia Clauss Winery, the oldest in Greece, in a superb location overlooking the sea. Learn the history of the winery, see their collection of massive, beautifully decorated barrels, and sample their vintages, including the ‘black wine’ Mavrodaphne, produced from a black-wine grape indigenous to the area. Continue to the picturesque town of Nafpaktos where colorful boats moor in the harbor. See the statue commemorating Cervantes, who lost his arm in a nearby naval battle during Medieval times. The day ends with arrival in Delphi and an included dinner. Meals: B, D

Located in a magnificent natural setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and believed to be the ‘navel of the world’ by the ancient Greeks, the Sanctuary of Delphi is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. These well-preserved ruins and temples are a legacy of the God Apollo and the high priestess of the temple, Pythia, who delivered her famous prophesies here. Legend has it Apollo slew the serpent Python, the Pythian Games were held in the theater and stadium, and four sacred wars were fought over the Delphic oracle on this site. It was truly the religious center and unity of the ancient Greek world. During a visit to the Treasure of the Athenians and Delphi Museum, see valuable pieces of art, including the famous Bronze Charioteer, excavated from the site. This afternoon, visit the quaint village of Arachova. Famous for its colorful textiles, handicrafts, and wooden art objects, the village is nestled in the heart of nature, boasting wonderful views of the mountainous landscape. Return to the hotel in Delphi for an evening at leisure. Meal: B

Journey to Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Enroute, visit the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on huge rock formations, they seem suspended between the earth and sky, creating a unique, surreal landscape and the perfect place to find spiritual peace. Of the initial twenty-four monasteries, only 6 remain active today. During the visit to 2 of these, priceless historical and religious treasures will be found inside. After the mystical visit to Meteora, continue to Thessaloniki and check in to the hotel. Meal: B

This morning, depart for Veria, a town well-known for its religious history due to the preaching of St. Paul. See the Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches and stroll through the old quarters, of which the Jewish and Christian are the most famous to have survived. Continue to Vergina, the first capital of Ancient Macedonia, for a visit to the new Polycentric Museum of Aigai. This museum houses changing exhibits and a permanent collection of sculptures. See the stunning veiled marble statue of Queen Eurydice I of Macedon, who was “the woman who changed history”. Visit the Royal Tombs of Vergina, an underground museum housing the burial cluster of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great; Philip III of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s half-brother; and Philip IV of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s son. See the extraordinary golden treasures dating back to the 4th century B.C., and other burial items. Return to Thessaloniki for some free time before the farewell dinner. Meals: B, D

Before returning to Athens, visit the upper town of Ano Poli to observe the impressive Byzantine walls that once surrounded and protected the city from invaders. During a walking tour, note the traditional architecture while visiting the Paleochristian Church of Saint Demetrios, patron saint of the city, and admire the Monument of Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius. Stroll through the oldest public market of Thessaloniki and end the tour by the sea with the city’s landmark, the White Tower and statue of Alexander, the Great King of Macedonia. Early this afternoon transfer to the Thessaloniki airport for the flight to Athens and a final overnight. Meal: B

Your trip comes to an end as you depart on your flight home after discovering the legends, lore, and myths surrounding the sites of classic Greece. Meal: B