| Athens, the Cyclade Islands, Delphi, |
| and the Peloponnese - 10 Days |
Information on an optional excursion to Turkey included below.
Day 1
Board your overnight flight to Europe.
Days 2, 3
Arrive in Greece and begin your tour of Athens - the cradle of Western Civilization. Visit the ancient Acropolis and see the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, the Theatre of Dionysus, and tour the National Archaeological Museum. See Hadrian’s Arch, the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the sight where the first modern Olympic Games were held.
There will also be free time for shopping in the Plaka district and the Agora marketplace. You will also experience the popular Sound and Light show that will literally illuminate Athens past.
Day 4
Time to begin island hopping to some of the most beautiful islands of the world! Transfer to Piraeus for a 4 ½ hour ferry ride to Siros (Syros). Enjoy some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, along with Siros’s traditional food and music. Visit the archaeological museum, the Church of the Assumption, and ascend to Ano Syros, a medieval Catholic settlement on the island.
Day 5
Continue by ferry to the island of Mykonos (1 ½ hours). Walk to the Castro area and see the Paraportiani, the cluster of white churches that are so often photographed, and to Little Venice where Aegean sea washes along the sidewalk cafes. Next, it’s on to the picturesque island of Tinos. Legend has it that Tinos was home to the wind god Aeolus, due to the winds that keep the island cool. As the ferry arrives, you will see the ancient Venetian rock fortress rising above the town. Visit the museum at the Panayia Evanyelistria cathedral high on the hill.
Day 6
After ferrying back to Piraeus, we will make our way to Delphi, one of the most beautiful places in all of Greece.
Day 7
See the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi museum, and use the same road used for millennia as you walk along the marble Sacred Way. We will also see the Monastery of St. Luke, a beautiful 10th century monastery, and then see the spot where it is believed Oedipus slew his father. Next we will visit the mountain village of Arachova, where beautiful hand loomed rugs, bags, and blankets can be found.
Days 8, 9
From Patras, we will begin our two-day trek through the Peloponnese, and area filled with famous ancient Greek sites. We will visit Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic games, travel to Corinth to see its ancient temple and the remains of the Roman Agora, stop to see a spectacular Mycenaen palace, enjoy the Theater at Epidaurus, (classical play performance may be possible), along with other noteworthy stops. We then return to Athens for one last night there.
Day 10
After an unforgettable journey through Greece depart from Athens for home!
Revise the island cruise portion of this itinerary to include a trip to the Turkish port of Kusadasi, where you can take an excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, and also visit Patmos, primarily known as the place where St. John received the book of Revelations. Additional days and/or revisions to the above itinerary are necessary to add this option.
