Day 1:ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2:ATHENS Marvels & Myths Discover the highlights of “the Classic City” during your included Guided Sightseeing. Stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympics games, before visiting the Acropolis, located on a hill overlooking Athens. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTWHAT 'S IN A NAME? Legend says that both Athena and Poseidon competed to have this city named after them. The god who gave its inhabitants the best gift would be the patron. Athena came out the victor when she planted an olive tree on the site where the acropolis now stands; a sign of peace and prosperity, so the city became known as Athens. Your Local Guide shares many stories and brings ancient Athens to life during your visit to the Acropolis.Day 3:ATHENS-CORINTH-DIAKOPTO-KALAVRYTA-OLYMPIA Heroes, Gods & Men Leave Athens and head for the Peloponnese peninsula, where heroic myths and legends of Hercules, the Argonauts, and Helen of Troy were born. Enjoy time en-route for a photo stop at the world 's deepest (and one of the most famous) canals, the Corinth Canal. Continue to Diakopto to board the Odontotis rack railway for a dramatic journey along the Vairaikos Canyon to the mountain town of Kalavryta. Later today, arrive in Olympia. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE All aboard for an unforgettable historic train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece. Built over 120 years ago, this short local railway is an engineering feat that follows the Vairaikos Canyon, with some of its open-sided tunnels being carved into it, providing impressive views as it climbs. On arrival, spend some time in Kalavryta, a lovely little-known town with a big place in history.Day 4:OLYMPIA-KALAMATA Ancient Wonders Start the day with a guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic games and the site of the Temple of Hera, from where the Olympic torch is lit. After this captivating visit, discover the sweeter side of Olympia with a [LF] visit to a honey farm. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Since the times of ancient Greece, honey has been a core ingredient of Greek gastronomy. According to myth, bees were the messengers of the gods, and their honey brought with it special powers and healing properties. Your small group enjoys a sweet experience at a local honey farm, passed down through the generations. Get up close to hear the buzz about bees, honey, and local rural life directly from the family beekeepers. Then taste local products that are fit for the gods! Day 5:KALAMATA-EXCURSION TO PYLOS & A LOCAL OLIVE MILL Liquid Gold This morning, enjoy a visit to Pylos a typical Greek seaside town. Stroll around the charming streets, see the castle perched above the town or relax in a local café and watch the world go by. Later this morning, join your small group for a special visit to a local family-owned olive mill and enjoy a lunch of local produce. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Getting closer to local experiences is a big advantage for a small group! Enjoy a visit to Androusa Castle overlooking the olive groves; learn about the world famous kalamata olives, the traditions of olive oil production; then enjoy tasting it, together with a lunch of home-made dishes prepared with fresh, local produce. Day 6:KALAMATA-SPARTA-MYSTRAS Land of Legends Enjoy an orientation tour of Sparta, one of the most important cities in Ancient Greece, famous for its military prowess and a beautiful lady called Helen. Later, head to Mystras for a guided sightseeing tour of the UNESCO nominated archeological site; a fortified town on the side of Mount Taygetus that was at its prime during the Byzantine era. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION After a busy day of sightseeing, your small group deserves to live large with the 5-star, personalized hospitality of the Kyniska Palace Hotel. Located in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, this boutique hotel combines luxury and charm with the relaxation you crave. This evening, unwind far from the crowd to stretch out by the pool and soak in the stunning views of this idyllic location.Day 7:MYSTRAS-NEMEA-ATHENS Yamas! En-route back to Athens, travel through the fertile plains to discover one of Greece 's most prestigious wine producing districts. Stop off at one of the wineries in the Nemea area to enjoy a wine-tasting. Continue your journey to Athens, with much more to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT TRADITIONS According to myth the god Dionysis introduced wine to Greece, and it is an art that has been practised there for thousands of years. The Nemea winemaking region is renowned for the Agiorgitko grape, which has been cultivated there for over 3000 years. During the wine-tasting experience, gain insight into this and other local winemaking traditions.Day 8:ATHENS. EXCURSION TO AEGINA Island Hopping! [LF] Take a short ferry ride to the idyllic Aegina, a small island that has so much to offer. A sightseeing tour of the island includes the monastery of Aghios Nektarios and the town of Aegina; a visit to a Fistiki farm and a mouth-watering lunch at a local restaurant. Later today return to Athens by ferry. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE IN A NUTSHELL One of Aegina 's most famous, and appreciated products is the pistachio nut. Being on a Small Group Discovery gives you the advantage of being able to visit a local Fistiki farm to see the pistachio orchard and sample some of the delicious pistachio specialities. Your day in Aegina gives you the real taste of Greek island life, a sweet conclusion to an unforgettable Greek vacation.Day 9:ATHENS (EMBARKATION)-POROS Fair Winds and Following Seas This afternoon board your small cruise ship and join your fellow passengers for a welcome drink. Set sail for your cruise of the Cyclades islands. Arrive in Poros this evening in time to explore with a relaxing stroll. Later, depart for an overnight journey to Poliegos. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Poros consists of two islands, Sferia and Kalavria, connected by a bridge. It is a verdant green island with pine, olive and lemon groves surrounding Poros Town, built on the volcanic rock of Sferia. It is said that Kalavria was once dedicated to the god Apollo, but he swapped it for Delphi with Poseidon!Day 10:POLIEGOS-FOLEGANDROS Sun, Sand & Sea This morning wake up to the turquoise waters and spectacular beaches of Poliegos, the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean. Enjoy a swim in the pristine waters before diving into a delicious BBQ lunch. Later sail to Folegandros and uncover one of the Cyclades 's best kept secrets. Time to explore the town and Venetian castle before trying some local specialities. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Even though it is one of the smaller and lesser-known islands, Folegandros is bursting with beauty. The stunning main town of Chora is like a perfect postcard with its white buildings dramatically poised on a cliff. Stroll around Castro the oldest part of the town and admire the Panagia church perched on top of a hill overlooking Chora.Day 11:FOLEGANDROS-SANTORINI Bright & Beautiful This morning, arrive in Santorini and explore Fira, the capital. Meander the charming streets lined with white and blue houses, browse the shops or laze on one of the island 's idyllic beaches. This evening from the ship 's deck you can admire a world-famous Santorini sunset. (B,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini 's Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. During an optional excursion visit the best bits of Santorini, including a guided visit of Oia and the archaeological site of Akrotiri, often referred to as the “Greek Pompeii.”Day 12:SANTORINI-ANTIPAROS-PAROS Masterpiece Material This morning set sail for Paros, before arriving stop at the neighbouring island of Antiparos for a swim stop in the beautiful bay. Explore delightful Parikia, the capital of Paros, or join an optional excursion to see more of the island. This evening a delicious dinner awaits in a local tavern. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters.Day 13:PAROS-DELOS-MYKONOS The Heart of the Action Stop for a few hours on the island of Delos, considered the sacred island and center of the Cyclades Islands. Set sail for Mykonos, stopping first at one of the charming bays for a spot of swimming before continuing to the port. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice before rubbing shoulders with the jet-set in the lively bars. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTMYTHS & LEGENDS Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, the island of Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis- rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited.Day 14:MYKONOS-SYROS Sweet Greek Delights Time for a morning swim before sailing to Syros, the capital of the Cyclades islands. Relax on one of the sandy beaches or join an optional excursion to discover more of this island that has been inhabited for about 7000 years. Taste authentic Cycladic cuisine with a meal in a small family-run taverna. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTTASTY TREATS Syros is famous for its culinary offerings, especially its sweets and cheeses. It is particularly proud of its loukoumi, the flavored gummy sweets that are known elsewhere as “Turkish Delight.” The loukoumatzides can often be found selling their wares to ferry passengers arriving in the port.Day 15:SYROS-KYTHNOS-CAPE SOUNION-ATHENS What 's in a Name? A last dip in the sea at Kolones Bay, Kythnos before heading back towards Athens. From the ship, admire the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. This evening, in Athens, join the captain and your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTMYTHS & LEGENDS On the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, not too far from Athens, Cape Sounion was emotionally important for Athenians, as the last landmark in view for the ancient Athenian seafarers and warriors sailing away. The Temple of Poseidon on the cape served as the first sight of land for Attica sailors upon their return home from ocean voyages or war. It was also here, according to mythology, that the founder of Athens, King Aegeus, threw himself into the waves which would come to bear his name - the Aegean Sea. Day 16:ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Disembark your ship. (B)
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