Venture back to a time when great philosophers roamed the halls of the Agora and gods competed for mythical supremacy. Your journey delving into the treasures of Greece begins in its vibrant capital, which you'll have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. Kick off your in-depth discovery of what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilization' this evening, when you meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.
Journey to a land of legends this morning as you travel through the scenic northeast Peloponnese, passing the Corinth Canal, which links the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs. Stop at the ancient theater of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of Medicine, where you can step onto the stage and experience its remarkable acoustics. Continue to Stemnitsa for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a family-run organic beekeeping facility, where you’ll discover the vital role of bees in the local ecosystem, before arriving in the seaport town of Nafplion. Wander its neoclassical streets or relax over a traditional meal by the bay.
Continue your journey inland and join a Local Specialist for a guided visit of Mycenae, whose ruins remains a testament to what was once a major palatial center of the late Bronze Age in Greece. Stroll through the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Royal Palace before seeing the tomb of this fearless Greek leader who commanded the Greeks in their battles against Trojan forces. This afternoon, Dive into Culture and sample delicious local vintages, gaining insights into wine production in the Nemea region. You'll have free time to stroll through the seaside retreat of Nafplion, perhaps with a delicious Greek ice cream in hand. This evening, you could choose to join an Optional Experience exploring Nafpilio further before dinner at a traditional local taverna.
Crossing the Peloponnese and head towards the famous village of Olympia, where sacrifices were once made to the gods, and athletes competed for supremacy in the ancient Olympic Games. Join the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm for a traditional Be My Guest experience including lunch and dancing. Then head to Ancient Olympia to visit the ruins of temples, the museum and the stadium, with your Local Specialist, imagining agile runners racing in honor of Zeus.
Leave the Peninsula and return to mainland Greece, continuing north past Amphilochia and Preveza, before arriving in Nikopolis to see where the Battle of Actium took place. Board a ferry and cross to the beautiful island of Corfu, where you'll have time at leisure to admire its splendid architecture, arcades and Spianada, one of the largest and most impressive squares in Greece.
Begin your day with an orientation tour of the island, followed by a visit to the Venetian Castle and the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. Later, stop at the Phaeacian-styled Achilleion Palace, built by Elizabeth 'Sissi' Empress of Austria and Hungary, who so admired Greece and its culture that she decided to build an enchanting summer retreat. Stroll through its Imperial Gardens and enjoy magnificent views of the lush valley and glistening Ionian Sea beyond before returning to your hotel for an evening on your own terms.
Bid farewell to island living on Corfu and sail back to the mainland, continuing to the lively lakeside city of Ioannina, where you'll spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the tranquil lakeshore and through the Old Town to admire its Ottoman and Byzantine treasures, including the imposing castle that overlooks Lake Pamvotis.
Start your day with the rich, smoky flavors of Metsovone cheese before heading to Kalambaka. Here, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Meteora rock formations, where your Local Specialist shares the history of these towering pillars and the monasteries that have stood atop them for centuries. This evening, choose an Optional Experience to Trikala, a town steeped in history and legend. Walk along the riverside before settling in for a Greek family-style dinner, where delicious local dishes and free-flowing wine promise a night to remember.
Traversing the peaks of Parnassos and Giona, stop in Thermopylae, the mythical entrance to Hades and the site where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought bravely against the invading Persians. Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to Delphi, the seat of the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo and ramble through what remains of this ancient sanctuary, once the site of the Pythian Games, a precursor of the modern Olympics. travel towards the Corinthian Gulf and stop in the harbor village of Galaxidi for the night.
Return to cosmopolitan Athens for a day of delving into antiquity, coming face-to-face with the treasures of Ancient Greece. Ascend to the Acropolis and join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with magnificent views of Athena's Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus. See Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and view the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. On our final evening together, join your fellow travelers for dinner to celebrate the millennia and miles explored together on this epic voyage of discovery.
Bid farewell to Athens and newfound friends as you prepare to depart Greece.
