Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink
Marvels & Myths Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athens’ main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Later, board your flight to the island of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS 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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Saints & Sweets Start your Cretian discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multicultural influences. While walking along the narrow streets, see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa, one of the most popular Greek sweet treats
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Tempting Traditions This morning, board a high-speed ferry for a ride across the Aegean to the island of Naxos. Enjoy guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos town with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. Then, a really sweet treat! [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè). Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore more of the island. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Mediterranean Magic Enjoy a full day at leisure on this idyllic island, why not admire the stunning scenery of the pristine waters while you relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to explore further afield. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Sun, Sand & Sea Today, hop on a high-speed ferry to reach the island of Paros. Explore delightful Parikia, the capital of Paros, during a guided sightseeing tour which features a visit to Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” Enjoy some free time to browse. This evening, enjoy some authentic tastes with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Back to Future of Civilization Today, take a ferry back to Athens. Enjoy free time later this afternoon and evening, perhaps
visit a museum or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then
linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Safe travels until we meet again! Your Vacation ends with breakfast in the morning. (B)
