Best of Greece with Santorini Extension

Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you'll have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.

Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilization'. Along our journey into antiquity, you'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.

Depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. Continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where you'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theater and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, you'll dine in our hotel this evening.

Travel through the Arcadian mountains towards the Peloponnese and the historic site of Olympia. En route, visit a family-run honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste thyme-infused honey straight from the hive and hear how traditional beekeeping is helping protect the region’s biodiversity. In Olympia, explore the ancient athletic grounds where the Olympic Games began in 776 BC. Walk among the ruins of temples dedicated to Zeus and Hera and imagine the roar of the crowd in the original stadium. This evening in Olympia is yours to enjoy at leisure—consider exploring the quiet village center, visiting a local taverna or simply relaxing at your hotel.

Join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. You'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Later, connect with the Karabelas family for your Be My Guest experience at their olive and wine estate. Enjoy a homecooked meal, traditional dancing and warm Greek hospitality. Leaving Olympia, skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.

Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks who once journeyed to Delphi to seek guidance from the most influential oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. See the statues that honor the strength of athletes who competed in the Pythian Games, held in Apollo’s name. Later, enjoy a scenic drive to Thermopylae, where Leonidas and his Spartans famously held the line against the Persians. Continue across the fertile Thessaly plain, known as the breadbasket of Greece, before arriving in Kalambaka.

The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are your first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. After a scenic drive back to Athens, settle in for a final dinner with your travel companions to reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.

Board a fast ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini, your home for three nights. Transfer to your hotel with an orientation on arrival and spend free time exploring. Comprising a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is all that remains of an enormous volcanic explosion. The island's spectacular physical beauty coupled with its dynamic nightlife makes it one of Europe's most popular hotspots.

Santorini offers a wealth of exciting things to do. You might like to spend your time relaxing in the sun or wander down winding cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses. Admire breathtaking views across the caldera and witness a stunning sunset.

Spend the day exploring Santorini at your own pace. Wander through the charming streets of Fira, browse local boutiques, or relax on one of the island’s unique volcanic beaches. You could also visit a winery to sample Santorini’s famous Assyrtiko wines. Alternatively join one of our Optional Experiences, set sail on a catamaran cruise, gliding across the caldera and stopping for a swim in the Aegean. Or, board a caique to Nea Kameni, hike an active volcano, then unwind in the island’s hot springs before enjoying a casual dinner with wine on board as the sun sets over Oia.

Take a short flight back to Athens this morning. Say goodbye to Greece as your trip ends at Athens airport, please do not book flights prior to 13:00.