Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Athens, Greece, a city with a history that dates back almost four millennia.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Flights should arrive by 4:00pm. The remainder of the day is free for you to begin exploring this capital city. Your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions and assist with your sightseeing plans. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. Meal: D
It’s no doubt that one of the highlights of Athens is the Parthenon, standing tall on its perch atop the Acropolis overlooking the city. During this morning’s city tour, enjoy a guided visit of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
A visit to the Acropolis Museum housing art, sculpture and historical pieces dating from the Mycenaean period, is also included. See a variety of items from classical sculptures and marble slabs with relief representations from Greek mythology to artifacts from everyday life in Athens, all excavated from the nearby slopes of the Acropolis.
During the panoramic portion of the tour, see the historic ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate. While passing Constitution (Syntagma) Square, see the Parliament Building and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by Evzones - soldiers in traditional Foustanella attire.
From mythology and history to spectacular views, you will be awestruck at the amazing sites of Athens. Meal: B
After breakfast, depart by coach for a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Delphi. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a spectacular landscape of beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the most famous oracle of the ancient world. See the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the ‘Omphalos’ - a stone monument marking what was thought to be the center of the ancient world. In the museum, see masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture including the bronze Charioteer, the famous athlete Aghias, and the Sphinx. Lunch is included in the town of Delphi before returning to Athens. Meals: B, L
Today is the beginning of your island-hopping adventure. Departing Athens by coach, transfer to the port of Piraeus for embarkation of the high-speed ferry. Enjoy the ride traversing the Aegean Sea, en route to the island of Mykonos. Often called the “Jewel of the Aegean,” it is the most popular of the Greek Islands with its well-preserved windmills, red-roofed churches and whitewashed buildings. Upon arrival, a city tour will show you the highlights of the island including some of its popular beaches, the traditional village of Ano Mera and the typical village square surrounded by small Greek tavernas. During the walking portion, your local guide will take you through the meandering alleyways and narrow streets of the town, passing through the historic center and seeing the windmills, Little Venice, Paraportiani Church and Kastro area. After checking into the hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure until the included dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Meals: B, D
Enjoy cultural immersion as you are introduced to the healthy secrets of olives and olive oils. At a local venue, an olive expert will teach you about the different types of oils, how they are categorized, and how to pair them with food. You’ll sample the various products along with small crudites and create your own classification chart. The ‘teacher’ will then see how you did! After this experience, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Browse in the boutiques, visit the beach or simply enjoy people-watching and meeting the locals at a sidewalk café. Meal: B
Departing the hotel by coach, return to the port where the high-speed ferry to Santorini awaits. Known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”, Santorini is the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. History and nature combine to make this one of the most unforgettable places in the world. Begin discovering this paradise upon arrival during a tour of the island and its villages, including the most famous village, Oia. A quiet lifestyle, whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, winding lanes filled with boutiques and shops, tavernas, open air cafés and beautiful sunsets make this village postcard-perfect! Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. Meals: B, D
The day is free of planned activities for your personal enjoyment of the island and immersion into the local lifestyle. Sample traditional cuisine at a taverna, visit a museum, the beach or the Santorini Brewing Company. Your Tour Manager will be available to assist you with making sightseeing or dining plans while on the island. Meal: B
Your island-hopping adventure comes to an end with a late morning transfer to the port for the return trip to Athens via high-speed ferry. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening with your traveling companions as you recount your adventures from the week. Meal: B
This morning, transfer to the Athens airport for your flight home. Having explored the ancient ruins of Athens and visited the beautiful Greek Islands, your holiday will come to an end but your memories will last a lifetime.
Meal: B
