9 Days: Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos

Tour overview:

This 9-day program combines visits to Classical Greece on land for 6 days and a 3-night Greek islands cruise. In the capital city of Athens, enjoy a city tour including the Acropolis high above the city. Travel towards Peloponnese with visits to Epidaurus and Mycenae. Visit Olympia, the home of the first Olympic Games and continue to what was at one time the most sacred spot in the world, Delphi. As you cruise the emerald waters of the Aegean, stops will be made to beautiful Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, and Santorini.

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Day 1 - Arrival / Athens

Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Athens.

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Day 2 - City tour / Athens

The day is dedicated to exploring the city of Athens. We begin with a panoramic tour to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann’s house, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament. Next we head for our guided visit to the Acropolis, including the Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion. Later, we continue with a guided visit to the Acropolis museum voted one of the best museums in the world. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, the picturesque old part of the city, and why not, some shopping at Ermou street. (B)

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Day 3 - Corinth canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae / Olympia

After our breakfast we depart towards the Peloponnese. First stop will be at the impressive Corinth canal and we continue to Epidaurus with its theater, famous for its acoustics. Our day continues as we will be arriving in Nafplion for a short stop. Our next visit will be to Mycenae «rich in gold» as Homer mentions, with the Cyclopean walls, and the tomb of Agamemnon with the famous Lion’s Gate. In the afternoon, we will be crossing the mountains of the Peloponnese to arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight. (BD)

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Day 4 - Olympia / Delphi

Built on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is beautiful, green, and placid. We will enjoy a tour through the remains of the Ancient Olympia Complex (home of the original Olympic Games), including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias’s Workshop. We continue to the local museum, one of the richest in Greece, with the impressive statue of Hermes of Praxitelis. In the afternoon, we will start heading north, driving around Patras, over the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, through Nafpaktos and Itea, to Delphi for dinner and overnight. (BD)

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Day 5 - Delphi / Athens

Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in the antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). We continue to the local museum with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer. In the afternoon we will be take the road back to Athens. (B)

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Day 6 - Athens – Mykonos / on cruise

Breakfast and transfer to Piraeus port to embark on «Celestyal cruises» for the three night «Iconic Aegean» cruise. Arrival in Mykonos in the afternoon. Free time to explore the bustling town of Mykonos until late in the evening. (BLD)

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Day 7 - Kusadasi – Patmos / on cruise

Early in the morning you will be arriving at the port of Kusadasi. Disembarkation for your included shore excursion to “Ancient Ephesus through the Ages”. Around mid-day, the ship will set sail again for a short trip to Patmos. Do no miss the optional excursion to the famous monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. (BLD)

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Day 8 - Heraklion – Santorini / on cruise

Arrival in Heraklion early in the morning. During your included excursion you will be visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos with the legendary Minotaur. Return on board an in the afternoon we will arrive at the unique island of Santorini. You can choose to take the cable car up to Fira town or follow an optional excursion to “Spectacular Oia village perched on the caldera rim”. (BLD)

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Day 9 - Piraeus / Departure

Arrival at Piraeus port early in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to the Athens airport for your departure. (B)

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