Day 1: Depart USA

Depart from the United States on an overnight flight bound for Athens, Greece. Meals & refreshments are served on board.

Day 2: Arrive Athens, Greece - Nafplion

Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of Western democracy! As you begin your journey, you'll arrive & make your way to the baggage claim area. Your tour director will be there to greet you. From here, begin your journey along Greece’s scenic coastal roads to the charming town of Nafplion, often called one of the most beautiful towns in the country. With its neoclassical architecture, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views over the Aegean, Nafplion is the perfect place to relax, stay for five nights, and begin your Greek adventure. Dinner tonight is served at the hotel.

Day 3: Nafplion - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olive Oil Tasting

Today, step into the cradle of Greek civilization and uncover the legacy of the Mycenaean world. Travel back to the Bronze Age as you explore Mycenae, a once-flourishing center of power from 1600-1300 B.C. Walk through the iconic Lion’s Gate, the monumental entrance to the city, and admire the imposing Cyclopean Walls-massive stone fortifications so grand they were believed to be built by mythical giants. Visit the remarkable Royal “Beehive” Tombs, a testament to the Mycenaeans’ sophisticated engineering and craftsmanship. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Epidaurus, home to one of the ancient world’s greatest theaters. Be amazed by its perfectly preserved 4th-century B.C. amphitheater, celebrated for its architectural beauty and flawless acoustics, with limestone seating rising over 65 feet.End your day with a “Journey of Discovery” at a local olive farm, where you’ll taste fresh oils and learn firsthand about traditional olive oil production from passionate local experts.

Day 4: Nafplion

Savor a relaxed day in picturesque Nafplion-wander the romantic old town, climb to the hilltop Palamidi Fortress, or enjoy a coffee by the sea surrounded by timeless beauty. Or, choose an unforgettable optional excursion to Sparta and Mystras. Explore the legendary warrior city of Sparta, home to King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. Visit the ancient acropolis, the Tomb of Leonidas, and the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. Then, journey to the awe-inspiring Byzantine citadel of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on Mount Taygetos, where frescoed churches and historic palaces evoke the glory of a bygone era. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch before returning.

Day 5: Nafplion - Diros Caves - Areopoli

Begin your day with a “Journey of Discovery”, joining fellow travelers and an expert guest speaker for a thoughtful discussion on Greek values and social culture. Then, set off on an excursion filled with natural wonders and hidden gems. Explore the mysterious Diros Caves, a spectacular subterranean waterway where you’ll glide by boat through chambers adorned with millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites-a setting worthy of Jason and the Argonauts. Next, visit Areopoli, the stone-built gem of the Mani Peninsula, known for its fierce independence and unique tower houses. Wander the cobbled alleys, admire Byzantine churches, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local taverna.  

Day 6: Nafplion

Enjoy a free day in Nafplion. Take a scenic boat ride to Bourtzi, the tiny fortress island nestled in the harbor, offering panoramic views of the town and sea. Or, opt for a full-day optional tour to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Journey across the Peloponnesian highlands to this sacred site, where history, athletics, and art converge. Walk the original stadium, explore ancient temples, gymnasiums, and visit the altar of the Olympic flame. The Olympia Museum features renowned statues and artifacts. Conclude the experience with a traditional lunch before returning to Nafplion.

Day 7: Nafplion - Corinth Canal - Athens

After breakfast, depart Nafplion and travel along the coastal route to Athens. En route, stop at the iconic Corinth Canal, a 19th-century engineering marvel that dramatically cuts through the isthmus, linking the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. Built between 1881 and 1893, it remains a testament to the excellence of civil engineering. Pause at a local tavern along the canal for a “Journey of Discovery”, where you'll sample traditional Greek ouzo and watch the boats pass by. Arrive in Athens, a city where ancient glory meets modern vibrancy, offering a rich and inspiring gateway to Western civilization. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 8: Athens - City Tour

Uncover the layers of history in Athens today, where mythology, empire, revolution, and modern life converge in one unforgettable story. Begin your day with a guided city tour, passing Constitution Square, the Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. View Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then visit the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games. Continue to the Acropolis, the crown jewel of classical antiquity. Marvel at the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion with its famed Caryatids. Conclude with the New Acropolis Museum, a striking modern venue housing ancient treasures. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours-perhaps to explore the charming Plaka District, where hidden gems, ancient ruins, and handcrafted keepsakes await around every corner.

Day 9: Athens - USA or extend with an optional Santorini Extension

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Athens airport for your return flight home. Happy travels!

Day 9: Optional Santorini Extension Athens - Santorini

This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Santorini, the top destination for American visitors to Greece. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Welcome to Santorini-a breathtaking Greek island in the southern Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago. Famed for its spectacular sunsets, white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and cliffside views of the deep blue caldera, Santorini is a destination of myth and beauty, long believed to guard the secrets of Atlantis. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, admire, and enjoy at your own pace.

Day 10: Santorini - Island Tour

Today, the splendor of Santorini is at your fingertips. Begin your day with a visit to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, the island’s highest point at 1,856 feet, offering panoramic views across the Aegean-on a clear day, even the mountains of Crete come into view. Continue to Pyrgos, a historic hilltop village that once served as Santorini’s capital. Known for its narrow winding streets, defensive walls, and fortified charm, Pyrgos is rich in tradition. Next, delve into the island’s heritage at the Wine Museum, the only cave-built wine museum in Greece, where you'll discover the story of Santorini’s winemaking since the 1600s and enjoy tastings of its finest vintages.End your day in Oia, the iconic cliffside village known for its white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow cobblestone lanes-a postcard-perfect setting that captures the essence of Cycladic architecture. Stroll through hidden courtyards, admire vibrant bougainvillea, and take in unforgettable views of the caldera.

Day 11: Santorini to the USA

Santorini to the USA Today transfer to Santorini airport for your flight to Athens & connection to your flight home.

Please note: Due to airline schedules and connection timing from Santorini, an additional night could be required in Athens before returning to the USA a day later.