Itinerary

Day 1      Athens

Upon arrival in Athens today, you will be met and transferred to your hotel near the old Plaka district, within walking distance of the Acropolis. Plaka is the oldest part of Athens, an area now packed with restaurants and shops. This afternoon, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the neighborhood, ending at a restaurant in Plaka for dinner, where you can hear Greek folklore and traditional music.
    
Meals: Dinner    

Day 2      Athens / Nafplion

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Athens, including Constitution Square, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the House of Parliament, which was the royal palace until 1935. You will also visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and Panathinaiko Stadium, the venue for the first Olympic Games. Explore the Acropolis, which offered protection to the ancient city-state and was the center of ancient Athenian religious and commercial life. Finally, stop at the National Archaeological Museum on the Acropolis, before departing Athens midday. After a light lunch, stop for some photos at the Corinth Canal, the six-kilometer waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Then continue on the scenic drive to Nafplion. Considered one of the prettiest towns in Greece, Nafplion was the first capital after independence and has been a major port since the Bronze Age. After settling in for a two-night stay at a lovely hotel, travel by bus into the old town of Nafplion for dinner at an outdoor tavern. If you have kids, they may want to kick around a soccer ball with the locals.
    
Meals: Breakfast    

Day 3      Nafplion / Mycenae / Epidaurus Theater

This morning, climb the 999 stairs to the Palamidi Castle, an old Venetian fortress built between 1711 and 1714 that has marvelous views of the city. Next, drive to Mycenae, a place intrinsic in the works of Homer, the 9th century BCE poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion's Gate and wander through the remaining ruins. Then visit the 3rd century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures and renowned for its superb acoustics. Enjoy lunch near Mycenae and later, return to your hotel in Nafplion. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch    

Day 4      Nafpaktos / Delphi

Today you will drive to Delphi via the coastal road. On the way to Delphi, you will stop at a quiet fishing village, just outside the historical town of Nafpaktos, where you will enjoy lunch and have the opportunity to take a swim. Nafpaktos, with its famous natural limestone fortifications, was developed into an impressive citadel by a string of conquering groups. The views from the top are splendid! Then you will continue on to your final stop for the day, Delphi. Walk to a local tavern for dinner and stay overnight at a lovely hotel.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner    

Day 5      Delphi Ruins / Meteora Rock Forest

In the morning, a professional guide will accompany your visit to the awe-inspiring archaeological site and museum at Delphi. Considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks, Delphi is best known for its oracle, believed to be the mouthpiece of Apollo, the god of light and truth. Then travel farther north to the "rock forest" at Meteora, a fascinating site of rock pinnacles, caverns, and monasteries.  Dine at a tavern in Meteora and then settle into your chalet-styled hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner    

Day 6      Meteora Monasteries

Spend this morning exploring the famous rock outcroppings capped with monasteries built in the 10th to 14th centuries. You may hike the trails to the monasteries or opt for vehicle transport. Visit two of the monasteries, Moni Megalo Meteoro and Moni Varlaam and enjoy lunch today at a scenic picnic spot by the woods. After eating, visit a workshop to see and learn how painters make Byzantine icons. Late in the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
    

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch    

Day 7      Rafina Port / Tinos Island

After breakfast, set out on the 5-hour drive to Rafina, Greece's second-largest port. En route, visit a nearby sandy beach at the historical village of Marathonas, famous for its naval war in ancient times. Spend time swimming and having lunch in a tavern by the port before setting out on the 1 1/2-hour high-speed catamaran ride to the island of Tinos. Many Greek Orthodox make pilgrimages to Tinos' religious sites, but the town also has a bustling waterfront with many shops. Dine at a tavern in the main town this evening and stay overnight at Tinos Beach Hotel (or similar).
    

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner    

Day 8      Tinos Trek / Mykonos Island

After an early breakfast in the morning, travel  to the village of Falatados, where the trekking starts. Head uphill to Exomburgo, to admire the stunning view of the Aegean. Continue onwards to the village of Koumaros, where you'll make a short break and try the traditional Greek coffee, before continuing to the village of Volax and Agapi, which is the finishing point of today’s trek.  The bus takes you back to the port for the short trip to Mykonos Island. Dine in Little Venice at a tavern by the sea and settle in for a two night stay at a lovely hotel.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner    
Day 9      Delos Island/Mykonos Free Time

After breakfast, you will depart by boat for the Cycladic Island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The word Cyclades derives from the Greek word kyklos, which means “circle.” The five islands of Mykonos, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, and Syros form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. You will see the famous Lion Avenue, the three temples of Poseidon, the stadium, and the old gymnasium. View artifacts from the 6th century BCE in the museum. You will return to Mykonos in the early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring or relaxing at the beach.
    
Meals: Breakfast    
Day 10      Athens Farewell

Midday you will depart Mykonos and return to Athens by high-speed catamaran. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Have a farewell dinner in the Plaka area.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner    

Day 11      Onward

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward international flight.
    
Meals: Breakfast

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