Tripology

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Greece Odyssey

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Detailed Trip Description

Explore Greece, a land where pure blue skies and sparkling waters provide the backdrop for breathtaking scenery. Take a walk through olive trees, explore rocky formations and lose yourself among ancient ruins. Learn about the country's rich history, inextricably intertwined with a rich tradition of mythology, as you visit Delos and Delphi. See remnants of modern man's first societies at the Acropolis in Athens. Travel through the past, and through paradise, with Journeys.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Athens

 
Hotel

Upon arrival in Athens today, you will be met and transferred to your hotel near the old Plaka district, within walking distance of the Acropolis. Plaka is the oldest part of Athens, an area now packed with restaurants and shops.

Athens Hotel picture Athens Hotel picture
Sightseeing

This afternoon, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the neighborhood, ending at a restaurant in Plaka for dinner, where you can hear Greek folklore and traditional music.


Day 2 - Athens

 
Athens/Nafplion.
Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Athens, including Constitution Square, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the House of Parliament, which was the royal palace until 1935.

Historical and Educational Tours

You will also visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and Panathinaiko Stadium, the venue for the first Olympic Games.

Sightseeing

Explore the Acropolis, which offered protection to the ancient city-state and was the center of ancient Athenian religious and commercial life.

Museums

Finally, stop at the National Archaeological Museum on the Acropolis, before departing Athens midday.

Sightseeing

After a light lunch, stop for some photos at the Corinth Canal, the six-kilometer waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Sightseeing

Then continue on the scenic drive to Nafplion. Considered one of the prettiest towns in Greece, Nafplion was the first capital after independence and has been a major port since the Bronze Age.

Hotel

After settling in for a two-night stay at a lovely hotel, travel by bus into the old town of Nafplion for dinner at an outdoor tavern.

Sporting Events

If you have kids, they may want to kick around a soccer ball with the locals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.


Day 3 - Greece

 
Nafplion/Mycenae/Epidaurus.
Sightseeing

This morning, climb the 999 stairs to the Palamidi Castle, an old Venetian fortress built between 1711 and 1714 that has marvelous views of the city.

Greece Sightseeing picture
Sightseeing

Next, drive to Mycenae, a place intrinsic in the works of Homer, the 9th century BCE poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion's Gate and wander through the remaining ruins.

Sightseeing

Then visit the 3rd century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures and renowned for its superb acoustics.

Hotel

Enjoy lunch near Mycenae and later, return to your hotel in Nafplion.

Relaxation

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.


Day 4 - Greece

 
Nafpaktos/Delphi.
Sightseeing

Today you will drive to Delphi via the coastal road. On the way to Delphi, you will stop at a quiet fishing village, just outside the historical town of Nafpaktos, where you will enjoy lunch and have the opportunity to take a swim. Nafpaktos, with its famous natural limestone fortifications, was developed into an impressive citadel by a string of conquering groups. The views from the top are splendid! Then you will continue on to your final stop for the day, Delphi.

Greece Sightseeing picture
Hotel

Walk to a local tavern for dinner and stay overnight at a lovely hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.


Day 5 - Greece

 
Delphi/Meteora.
Museums

In the morning, a professional guide will accompany your visit to the awe-inspiring archaeological site and museum at Delphi.

Sightseeing

Considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks, Delphi is best known for its oracle, believed to be the mouthpiece of Apollo, the god of light and truth.

Sightseeing

Then travel farther north to the "rock forest" at Meteora, a fascinating site of rock pinnacles, caverns, and monasteries. Stop for a swim and lunch along the way.

Hotel

Dine at a tavern in Meteora and then settle into your chalet-styled hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.


Day 6 - Greece

 
Meteora.
Hiking

Spend this morning exploring the famous rock outcroppings capped with monasteries built in the 10th to 14th centuries. You may hike the trails to the monasteries or opt for vehicle transport.

Greece Hiking picture
Sightseeing

Visit two of the monasteries, Moni Megalo Meteoro and Moni Varlaam and enjoy lunch today at a scenic picnic spot by the woods.

Arts, Crafts and Antiques

After eating, visit a workshop to see and learn how painters make Byzantine icons.

Hotel

Late in the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.


Day 7 - Rafina

 
Meteora/Rafina/Tinos.
Bus

After breakfast, set out on the 5-hour drive to Rafina, Greece's second-largest port.

Rafina Bus picture
Beach

En route, visit a nearby sandy beach at the historical village of Marathonas, famous for its naval war in ancient times.

Sailing

Spend time swimming and having lunch in a tavern by the port before setting out on the 1 1/2-hour high-speed catamaran ride to the island of Tinos. Many Greek Orthodox make pilgrimages to Tinos' religious sites, but the town also has a bustling waterfront with many shops.

Food and Dining

Dine at a tavern in the main town this evening.

Hotel

Stay overnight at Tinos Beach Hotel (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8 - Mykonos

 
Tinos/Mykonos.
Historical and Educational Tours

This morning, visit the convent of Moni Kechrovouni. Supposedly, this is where Pelagia the nun had a vision telling her where to find a sacred icon. As you tour small chapels dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, your guide will tell you this story and the stories of the dovecotes, windmills, and 860 churches of the island.

Sightseeing

After visiting the convent, you will explore two villages, Pygros and Panormos. In Pyrgos, learn about the green marble of Tinos and see small marble workshops as well as the museum and cemetery of the island.

Sightseeing

In Panormos, have a light lunch and enjoy a swim before the bus takes you back to the port for the short trip to Mykonos Island.

Food and Dining

Dine in Little Venice at a tavern by the sea.

Hotel

Settle in for a two night stay at a lovely hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9 - Mykonos

 
Delos/Mykonos.
Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will depart by boat for the Cycladic Island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The word Cyclades derives from the Greek word kyklos, which means “circle.” The five islands of Mykonos, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, and Syros form a circle around the sacred island of Delos.

Mykonos Sightseeing picture
Sightseeing

You will see the famous Lion Avenue, the three temples of Poseidon, the stadium, and the old gymnasium.

Museums

View artifacts from the 6th century BCE in the museum.

Relaxation

You will return to Mykonos in the early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring or relaxing at the beach. Meals: Breakfast


Day 10 - Athens

 
Mykonos/Athens.
Sailing

Midday you will depart Mykonos and return to Athens by high-speed catamaran.

Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Food and Dining

Late this afternoon, head to a final party at a Greek house with the owners and their friends. Enjoy your final evening in Greece sampling local wine and traditional recipes!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.


Day 11 - Athens

 
Athens/Onward.
Airport Transfer

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward international flight. Meals: Breakfast.


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