This trip is managed and organized by Sofia Travel and offers Salem Academy & College alumnae and friends a chance to explore Greece together. The trip is not sponsored by Salem Academy & College. Travelers personally assume all risks and responsibilities associated with their participation in the trip.

3 NIGHTS NAFPLIO | 3 NIGHTS ATHENS | 3 NIGHT GREEK ISLAND CRUISE

• Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the 2,400 year old Parthenon
• Cruise to the stunning blue and white islands of Mykonos & Santorini
• Hear the words of the Apostle Paul in their original context in Corinth
• Gaze at the golden death masks and royal diadems of Homeric kings
• Dine seaside in the picturesque, Venetian-build town of Nafplio
• Walk the unbelievably preserved streets of ancient Ephesus, Turkey
• Sample ancient wine varietals at a countryside, family run vineyard
• Admire the world’s greatest bronze and marble statues from antiquity
• Test the acoustics of the world’s best preserved ancient Greek theater
• Step inside the cave where John received his Revelation on Patmos
• Enjoy a leisurely paced itinerary and a matchless culinary experience

YOUR TOUR LEADERS

With a mother from Verea, Greece and a father from Dallas, Texas, Adam Sparks is the perfect ambassador to show you the beautiful country of Greece. With a focus on engaging guiding, relevant lectures, and unique cultural experiences, Adam and his wife Blake delight in showing you the country they love. By personally answering all of your questions before the tour, planning every activity and menu, and accompanying you 24/7 during the trip, you’ll enjoy a bespoke travel experience beyond the standard tourist-track. Come enjoy the difference of boutique travel!

11 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 and 2 - Arrival | Nafplio
Depart USA, arrive Athens and transfer to Nafplio, Greece. Check in to our seaside hotel steps away from the historic main square of Nafplio, Greece’s first capital, and enjoy the stunning sea views from every room. After a welcome reception, gather together for an authentic dinner at a local taverna. (D) 

Day 3 - Nafplio | Epidavros
Your journey begins with a walking tour of Nafplio, Greece’s most beautiful mainland town. After admiring the remains of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture in the main square, join the locals at a tree-shaded cafe for an orientation to life in modern Greece. Departing Nafplio, visit the ancient healing center of Epidavros, home to the magnificent Theater of Epidavros, the best preserved theater from the ancient world. After learning about the origins of Greek drama, explore the adjoining Asklepion healing complex where doctors like Hippocrates first established western medicine. Enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch in a sleepy seaside village before a visit to the haunting Palamidi Fortress perched high above Nafplio. Built by the Venetians, this ruined fortress offers stunning views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Nafplio before gathering for a festive seaside dinner to the accompaniment of traditional musicians. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Mycenae | Peloponnesian Vineyard
Today, explore the 3,500 year old history of the Homeric kings at the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae. Famous as the home of the legendary King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, the excavations at Mycenae have exposed mainland Europe’s first great civilization. After admiring the ancient frescoes in the museum, walk through the imposing Lion’s Gate, visit the King’s throne-room, and enter into the monumental beehive tombs. In the afternoon, visit a countryside, family-run vineyard for a tour of the complex, a sampling of the wines, and a sumptuous feast. Enjoy a free evening in Nafplio with time to shop in the designer boutiques and relax along the cafe-lined harbor promenade. (B,L) 

Day 5 - Ancient Corinth, Athens
Departing Nafplio, visit the biblical site of ancient Corinth and explore the expansive ruins of the important Roman city where the Apostle Paul lived for eighteen months. From the 2,500 year old Temple of Apollo to the impressive statuary in the museum, Corinth provides a matchless look at life during the age of Imperial Rome. Hear the words of the Apostle Paul in the very place where he was dragged before the Roman authorities in the Book of Acts, and learn about his missionary journey to Greece that forever shaped the course of Western Civilization. After lunch along the Corinth Canal, continue to the legendary city of Athens. Check in to our hotel at the base of the Acropolis and enjoy the stunning views of the Parthenon from your rooftop bar before dinner out in the traditional Plaka marketplace district. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Athens | Acropolis, Parthenon, Areopagus, Plaka
Begin exploring Athens at the wonderful Acropolis Museum and marvel at the legendary Caryatids and Parthenon Marbles. Then, visit the Acropolis itself, beginning at the Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of all drama and comedy. Ascending the dramatic rock of the Acropolis, pass the Odeon of Herod Atticus, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike before standing in the shadow of the architecturally stunning Parthenon. After admiring its optical refinements and the panoramic views of Athens, continue to the Areopagus and hear the words of the Apostle Paul’s 1st c. sermon to the Greek pagans in its original setting. Continue to lively Monastiraki Square, the heart of the bustling Plaka marketplace district, for a traditional kebab lunch and free time to shop for local wares. The afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring this cosmopolitan city. (B,L)

Day 7 - Athens | National Archaeological Museum, Cape Sounion
The morning is free to shop in the boutiques of the Plaka, admire the grandiose Temple of Athenian Zeus, watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or simply enjoy a coffee at one of the myriad streetside cafes. In the afternoon, visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s single greatest collection of ancient Greek antiquities. As evening approaches, drive along the Athenian Riviera for a festive, seaside dinner and a visit to unforgettable Cape Sounion. Admire the stunning Temple of Poseidon, located on a promontory at the edge of the Greek mainland, and watch the unforgettable sunset over the endless waters of the Aegean Sea. (B,D)

Day 8 - Greek Island Cruise | Mykonos
In the morning, transfer to Piraeus, both the ancient and modern port of Athens, and board our cruise ship to begin a fabulous three night cruise of the Greek Islands. The first stop is Mykonos, famous for its Cycladic blue and white chapels, winding whitewashed streets, and chic boutiques. Stroll along the picture-perfect old harbor, enjoy the sunset from Mykonos’ iconic windmills, and enjoy a waterside dinner overlooking Mykonos’ beautiful waterfront. (B,L,D)

Day 9 -  Greek Island Cruise | Ephesus, Patmos
Today, experience a new country and one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. After landing in Turkey, take a quick journey to Ancient Ephesus, one the principal cities of the Roman Empire. Walk down the central road of Ephesus and pass architectural masterpieces such as the Library of Celsus. After a visit to a Turkish rug workshop, return to the ship and journey to the island of Patmos. From the quaint harbor, transfer to the Cave of the Apocalypse, famous as the site where John received his Revelation and to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Greek Island Cruise | Crete, Santorini
In the morning, arrive to the capital city of the island of Crete: Heraklion. After a stroll down the main drag of the old Venetian city, visit the amazing Heraklion Archaeological Museum and discover the premier collection covering the Minoan Civilization. Famous from mythology as the land of King Minos and the Minotaur, this seafaring civilization was Europe’s first. In the afternoon, conclude your cruise on beautiful Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Lying on the interior rim of a dormant volcano, Santorini’s main town of Fira is accessible either by cable-car or mule ride. Wander the beautiful streets or gaze out at the endless sea view from a picturesque cafe. For those going on the Santorini extension, transfer to the town of Oia and settle in for three unforgettable nights. For those not going on the extension, return to the ship and sail to Athens. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Depart
Arrive to the port of Piraeus and transfer to the Athens airport for your return flight home. (B)

OPTIONAL POST TOUR EXTENSION

Santorini Island

Rightly considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet, the island of Santorini is the crown jewel of the legendary Greek islands. Enjoy three unforgettable nights in world famous town of Oia at your traditional cave-style accommodations perched high on the rim of an ancient volcano with breathtaking views of the Santorini’s famous chapels and the endless blue sea.

INCLUDES

Three night stay in Oia, Santorini at a 5-star hotel with caldera views from your room and terrace

One night stay at the 5-star Athens Airport hotel

Transfers from the cruise to Oia, Santorini and from Oia to the Athens Airport

Daily breakfast with stunning sea views

Details

June 12-16

$2,635 per person, double occupancy

Limited suite upgrades available, please inquire

Optional sunset catamaran ride through the caldera

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THIS TOUR

We'd love to travel with you! 

If you'd like more information about this tour, please contact us or give us a call at (214) 493-3027.

This trip is managed and organized by Sofia Travel and offers Salem Academy & College alumnae and friends a chance to explore Greece together. The trip is not sponsored by Salem Academy & College. Travelers personally assume all risks and responsibilities associated with their participation in the trip.

GREECE TOUR PHOTO GALLERY