Grecian Explorer 14 Days
Tour overview:
Explore the best of Greece on this 14-day adventure. Start in Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities. Discover Olympia, built on the banks of River Alfios and the birthplace of the Olympics. Travel to Delphi to visit the temple of Apollo and walk the Sacred way. The tour continues with a cruise of the islands of the Saronic gulf, visit Hydra, a picturesque little “vehicle free” island and the island of Poros with its clock tower facing the Peloponnese. You will then board the Iconic Aegean ship, your home for the next 3 nights. Cruise through the emerald waters and marvel at the breathtaking Greek islands. Explore beautiful Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, and seductive Santorini.
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.
Day 2 - City tour / Athens.
A morning panoramic tour will take you around to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including: Panathinaikon stadium, Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, Parliament, tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, Academy, University, National Library, and old Parliament. You will then visit the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion; and the Acropolis Museum where findings from the area, like the Caryatides, have found their home. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, and the historical center at your own pace.(B)
Day 3 - Corinth canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae / Olympia.
Today you will depart on a 3-Day tour, heading first towards the Peloponnese. You will admire the impressive Corinth canal, and visit Epidaurus, the most important healing center in antiquity and today famous for the best-preserved ancient theater with the unique acoustics. You will then pass by Nafplio, and continue with visiting Mycenae, «rich in gold» as Homer mentions, with the Cyclopean walls, and the tomb of Agamemnon with the famous Lion’s Gate. The day will conclude in Olympia for overnight.(B,D)
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; and visit the local museum, with the impressive statue of Hermes of Praxitelis. In the afternoon, you continue your journey, to central Greece, driving over the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, to Delphi for overnight. (B,D)
Day 5 - Delphi / Kalambaka.
Built on the slopes of mount Parnassos overlooking the vast olive groves and the Corinthian gulf, Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, see the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle), and visit the local museum with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer, before continuing your drive to Kalambaka for overnight.(B,D)
Day 6 - Meteora / Athens.
This morning, you will be visiting Meteora, one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and part of UNESCO’s list of world heritage monuments.Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora and the view over the plain is breathtaking. Return drive to Athens in the afternoon, stopping on the way at Thermopylae, to see the statue of Leonidas, commemorating the battle of the 300, against the Persians. (B)
Day 7 - Day Cruise Aegina-Poros-Hydra / Athens
You will spend a whole day cruising to the islands of the Saronic gulf today. Take a donkey ride to explore the “vehicle free” Hydra, with its unique Mitropolis. Hike to the clock tower of Poros to see the views to yacht port and the Peloponnese. Join a horse-drawn carriage ride in Aegina and buy some pistachios, or join an excursion to the temple of Afea. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board and practice your Greek dancing skills on the way back to Athens.(BL)
Day 8 - Piraeus – Mykonos / Mykonos
Morning transfer to the port of Piraeus to catch the local ferry to Mykonos. Arrival in Mykonos, transfer to your hotel, and rest of the day at leisure.(B)
Day 9 - At leisure / Mykonos
At leisure to explore the famous island, a meeting point of the international “jet set”. Discover its amazing beaches, and enjoy the unique night-life.(B)
Day 10 - Mykonos – Santorini / Santorini.
Transfer to the port of Mykonos in time to catch the local ferry to Santorini. Arrival in Santorini, transfer to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure.(B)
Day 11 - At leisure / Santorini
At leisure to explore the magical island of Santorini. Discover Fira &Oia with the breathtaking views to the volcano, and enjoy one of the best sunsets in the Aegean. Explore the unique black-sanded beaches or take a boat tour to the islands of the caldera.(B)
Day 12 - Santorini – Heraklion / Crete
Transfer to the port of Santorini in time to catch the local ferry to Heraklion. Arrival in Crete, transfer to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure.(B)
Day 13 - At leisure / Crete
At leisure to explore the biggest of the Greek islands. Make sure to try the unique Cretan food, explore the Minoan civilization at Knossos, discover the beautiful beaches of Elounda, and enjoy a boat ride to historical Spinalonga. (B)
Day 14 - Departure
Morning at leisure until the time to transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight, connecting with your international return flight home.(B)