14 Day Athens, Peloponnese & Cyclades Islands

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Greece
Depart for Athens, Greece

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Athens and the Acropolis
Today, explore Athens. A panoramic drive takes you past the 4th century Panathenian Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Stand before the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens, crowned by the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, visit the Acropolis Museum housing the surviving treasures of the Acropolis. Afterward, head to lively Plaka for lunch. Free time to wander the cobblestone lanes of this charming neighborhood filled with quaint shops, restaurants and cafes. Return to your hotel with time at leisure
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Corinth Canal, Olympia Archaeological Site, Cooking Demonstration
Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games. Visit the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held. Proceed to Olympia's Archaeological Museum containing significant exhibitions of the ancient world and artwork. Attend a cooking demonstration, led by a professional chef, who shares his secrets of how to prepare Greek dishes. Enjoy lunch and listen to lively Greek music and watch dancers in original Greek costumes. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Honey Farm, Dimitsana & Stemnitsa Villages, Open Air Water Power Museum
Begin the day with a visit to a family-owned honey farm, to get a glimpse into the fascinating world of the honeybee. Afterward, explore the historic village of Dimitsana with its old stone houses and beautiful mountain scenery. Continue to Stemnitsa village wonderfully perched at an elevation of 3,444 feet above the gorge of Lousios. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys and stop for a lunch of regional dishes. In the afternoon, visit a monastery and conclude with a tour of the Open Air Water Power Museum. View displays of restored milling installations which used water as the source of energy
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Tuesday - Castle of Monemvasia, Wine Cellar Visit
Morning visit to Monemvasia Castle, perched on a massive rock in an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Stroll through the narrow-cobbled alleys, explore the fortress walls and learn about its history. Later, visit a family-owned wine cellar and sample some of the wines accompanied by light snack. Continue with a visit to the home of famous Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos, a source of inspiration for his works. Spend time at leisure before dinner tonight
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Sparta, Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, Mystras
Travel to historic Sparta, the birthplace of Leonidas and visit Keadas Cave, where the ancient Spartans threw their weak newborn children. Afterward, head to The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. Learn about the culture, history of olive oil production, and its uses. Later, proceed to the ancient city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this well-preserved Byzantine city built into a steep mountainside. View ruins of a fortress, palaces, monasteries, and churches. Return to Nauplion for dinner
Overnight: Nauplion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Nauplion, Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, Mythological Mycenae
Begin the walking tour of Nauplion, highlighted by ancient walls, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains and neoclassical buildings with unique architecture. According to mythology, the city was founded by Náfplios, son of Poseidon. Afterward, visit the 4th century BC Theater of Epidaurus, world-famous for its exceptional acoustics. Continue to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Enter through the famous Lion Gate to visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Treasury of Atreus. Following lunch, return to Nauplion
Overnight: Nauplion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - Flight to Mykonos, Ferry to Paros
This morning, transfer to the airport in Athens for your flight to the island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and trendy cafes. Savor lunch at a harborside taverna and gaze at the bustle of Cycladic island life. In the afternoon, board a ferry to the island of Paros, in the heart of the Cyclades. Arrive and check into your hotel
Overnight: Paros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Saturday - Paros Island Tour, Moraitis Winery
Embark on a tour of Paros Island. View charming mountain villages, and ancient ruins. Visit the 4th century church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a place of pilgrimage. According to legend the church was constructed by Emperor Constantine. Later, visit Moraitis Winery and gain insight into the process of winemaking. Tour the facility and sample some of the fine wines. Following a lunch of local dishes, head to the village of Marpissa for a rug weaving demonstration. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Frankish Castle of Paroikia, built by the Venetians in the 13th century
Overnight: Paros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Sunday - Ferry to Naxos, Explore Naxos Town
Depart Paros and board the ferry to the nearby island of Naxos with its Venetian heritage. Begin the exploration of Naxos Town. Walk through the charming cobblestone alleys, vibrant stalls, local eateries and taste some of Naxos famous cheeses. Gain insight into the history and local food culture. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Tour the Island of Naxos
Discover the island of Naxos and learn about its culture and history. Head to the small village of Damalas to visit a traditional ceramic workshop. Hear about the island's pottery tradition and watch craftsman shape the clay in creative ways. Afterward, proceed to the village of Halki and learn about the island's kitron liqueur production during your visit to a museum. View traditional tools and machinery used for distilling kitron. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel
Overnight: Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Tuesday - Ferry to Athens
Today, board the ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival at the port, transfer to the hotel. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager and to Greece
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Greece
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast