Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Athens


You are met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant in the Plaka district. Overnight in Athens.
 
Day 2: The Parthenon and Cape Sounion


Other than the pyramids in Egypt, the Parthenon of Athens has probably received more attention from archaeologists, historians and architects than any structure from the ancient world.

Built in the 5th century BC during the Golden Age of Greece, the Parthenon was dedicated to the Goddess Athena. Today we see the highlights of Athens, the Acropolis, Constitution Square, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic games of the modern era were held in 1896.

After lunch we have some free time to enjoy the old district of the Plaka. Later this afternoon, drive to the most southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, to see the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon. For centuries, this temple acted as a landmark for boats sailing between Piraeus and the islands. Overnight in Athens.
 
Day 3: The Byzantine City of Mystra


After an early breakfast we drive to Mystras via Corinth and Sparta. Once in Mystras we take a light hike to the Byzantine Citadel.

After lunch continue via Gythio to Deep Mani, a region of rugged beauty. The area has been protected from many invaders, resisting sea threats from fortified villages and mansions on the hill for centuries. The history of the area speaks of pirates and vendettas, patriotism, pride and faith. Not only architecture, but also nature fits with this tradition. A combination of rugged hills and deep blue sea, rocky slopes, hidden gorges, olive groves and peaceful fishing villages makes this area an explorer’s paradise. Overnight in Stavros or Itilo.
 
Day 4: Cape Tainaro — Entrance to the Underworld


After breakfast we walk (approximately 3 hours) to the Lighthouse at Cape Tainaro, the southernmost area of continental Europe. Greek Mythology says that Cape Tainaro was the entrance to the underworld. On our walk today we enjoy the rugged landscapes of the Mani region. Overnight in Stavros or Itilo.
 
Day 5: Diros Caves, Kardamyli


This morning we travel to the picturesque village of Kardamyli. On the way we visit the Diros Caves, which were places of worship in Paleolithic and Neolithic times. They are part of a huge underground river system and filled with stalagmites and stalactites. On arrival in Kardamyli, we take a light hike (approx. 1-2 hours) to visit the ancient ruins of the old city.

After lunch you will have some free time to stroll around this seaside town or join your tour leader for an optional hike. Overnight in Kardamyli.
 
Day 6: Olympia — Birthplace of the Olympic Games


Today we drive through the Central Peloponnese before arriving in Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Here we visit the Temple of Zeus; the Stadium built in the 5th century BC; the Gymnasium; and the Temple of Hera.

The games began in 776 BC to honor Zeus and according to mythology, Pelops, the King of the Peloponnese was their founder. Overnight in Olympia.
 
Day 7: Delphi — the center of the Ancient World


We depart from Olympia this morning crossing over the newly constructed Rio-Antirio Bridge and drive along the Corinthian Gulf. On our way we stop at the picturesque fishing village of Galaxidi.

Upon arrival in Delphi, we are guided to the center of the Ancient World — the Omphalos (Navel) of the Earth. On the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo.

We visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum which contains masterpieces such as the Bronze Charioteer and the image of the famous athlete Aghias.

The rest of the afternoon will be free to explore the modern city of Delphi. Overnight in Delphi.
 
Day 8: The handmade textiles, olives and vineyards of Arachova


This morning we drive to the nearby village of Arahova famous for its traditional textiles, olives and vineyards from which a fine black wine is produced.

Today, Arahova’s women continue the tradition of the famous Arahovian handmade textiles, using looms and natural dyes. Women who follow the traditional ways of preparation make savories which are based on local recipes such as marmalades, sweets, drinks, chilopitas, trahana and many others. Arahova is also a great place to shop for the locally produced brightly colored shoulder bags and rugs.

Following our visit we drive north towards Kalambaka, arriving in the afternoon. Overnight in the Kalambaka region.
 
Day 9: The Monasteries of Meteora


The name Meteora, meaning “suspended in air” encompasses the 24 monasteries set in the canyons of the Eastern Pindus Mountains. The Byzantine Monasteries dating back to the 14th century were constructed on the tops of huge rock pillars, and are one of the most memorable sites in northern Greece.

This morning we will hike the trails (approx. 1-2 hours) to the monasteries or opt for vehicle transportation. We visit two of the monasteries then have lunch at a scenic picnic spot by the woods. After lunch we visit a workshop to see and learn how painters make Byzantine icons. Later this afternoon we return to Athens. Overnight in Athens.
 
Day 10: Ferry (catamaran) from Rafina to the island of Tinos


This morning we set out to the port of Rafina, Greece’s 2nd largest port, to board our catamaran to the island of Tinos. Many Greek Orthodox make pilgrimages to Tinos’ religious sites. The town of Tinos also has a bustling waterfront with many shops.

Tonight we dine in a local restaurant in the main town. Overnight in Tinos.
 
Day 11: Tinos — trekking from Falatados to Volax and Agapi


After an early breakfast, we depart for the village of Falatados where our hike begins. We hike up to an overlook behind a monastery with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. We continue hiking on trails through small villages where we can stop for a Greek coffee. Next, it’s on to the village of Volax, almost hidden in the middle of rounded, granite boulders.

Volax is noted for its traditional handmade woven baskets. A footpath winds down the valley to Agapi. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon, and have free time to explore the seaside near our hotel and go for a swim or relax by the pool.

Optionally, you may visit Tinos town, where you may spend some time shopping and visit Our Lady Church, one of the most important churches of Greece, to view the miracle-working icon. Overnight in Tinos.
 
Day 12: Ferry to Mykonos


This morning we leave Tinos by local ferry to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. According to Greek Mythology it’s said that both Poseidon and Hercules had a hand in destroying some of the Giants that opposed Zeus on this very island. Later, as the story goes, the island was named in honor of Apollo’s grandson Mykonos. Depending on time of arrival we may do a short walking tour of Chora (main town). Overnight in Mykonos.
 
Day 13: The Sacred Island of Delos — the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Lake


Today we take a small boat over to the sacred Island of Delos, which is believed to be the birthplace of Apollo, the son of Zeus.

With the arrival of the Mycenaeans around 1500BC and the Ionians in 1100BC, Delos was recognized as a place of worship. In order to acquire spiritual and political status, various Ionian Leagues began to compete by building elaborate shrines and temples to Apollo. In 425BC the Athenians decreed a purification of the island by removing all graves and passed a law that no one would be allowed to die or be born on Apollo’s Island.

Exploring the island by foot, we will visit the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Lake, and the houses of wealthy merchants, which still have the original mosaic floors. We also have time to visit the Archeological Museum before taking our boat back to Mykonos. This afternoon is free. Overnight in Mykonos.
 
Day 14: Ferry to Naxos, seaside village of Agia Anna


In the morning we transfer by highspeed ferry to Naxos Island, the biggest and most fertile island of the Cyclades. The word Cyclades derives from the Greek word “kyklos” (circle). The five islands of Mykonos, Tinos, Paros, Naxos and Syros form a circle around the sacred island of Delos.

Upon arrival we settle into our traditional hotel in the seaside village of Agia Anna. Overnight in Naxos.
 
Day 15: Naxos — trekking from Koronida to Apollonas


This morning we start our trek in the village of Koronida. Our hike today is approximately 3 hours and will end up in the village of Apollonas where we admire the famous 7th-century BC kouros (male statue) which still lies unfinished in one of the ancient rock quarries.

After lunch we head back to the hotel and get ready for our late afternoon departure back to Athens.
 
Day 16: Exploring Athens


This morning we visit the National Archeological Museum. Afternoon is free to visit the Temple of Zeus or take the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill for views of Athens and the Aegean Sea. We have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the Plaka. Overnight in Athens.
 
Day 17: Depart Athens


Today we transfer to the airport for our departure flights.

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