Stay on the Aegean Sea at the foot of Mt. Olympus • Marvel at the 2,400 year old Parthenon • Sample ancient wine varietals at a countryside family vineyard • Follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul at a restored synagogue in Verea • Hike the sacred way to the Oracle of Delphi • Gaze at the golden death masks of Homeric kings • Dine seaside accompanied by folk musicians • Explore a 600 year old Orthodox monastery perched high on a towering crag • Embrace the land that has been the soul and inspiration of Western Civilization for over 5,000 years

INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR

• Get the insider’s experience with a Greek native and a former professor of Aegean Studies
• Centrally located hotels in vibrant locations
• The best in fresh, authentic greek cuisine at family run local restaurants with hand selected menus and wine
• Authentic experiences with native Greeks
• Attentive support in the States and while abroad
• Airport transfers within Greece for those on group flights
• No hidden fees guarantee: we include all taxes, fees,  and tips and meals and activities as indicated in the itinerary

13 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 and 2 - Arrival
Depart USA / Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece.
Check in to our hotel in the heart of downtown Thessaloniki in Aristotle Square and enjoy a complimentary Welcome Reception on the roof garden café with spectacular views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. (D)

Day 3 - Thessaloniki
We begin our time in Greece with a cultural orientation and basic Greek language lesson. We then set out on a tour of Thessaloniki including the ancient Roman Forum, 1,400 year old Church of St. Dimitrios, bustling outdoor food market, Arch of Galerius, White Tower, and the harbor promenade. Enjoy dinner out at a quaint taverna favored by the locals. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Philippi, Kavala
Following breakfast we depart for Philippi, a major Roman city on the Via Egnatia. At Philippi we tour the extensive archaeological site, visiting the theater, city walls, basilica, forum, and baptistry. A quick ride takes us to the picturesque port of Kavala where we see the impressive Ottoman aqueduct and enjoy lunch on our own along the fishing boat lined harbor. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 5 - Verea, Vergina
Today we visit the town of Verea where we enter the restored Jewish synagogue and hear about the Nazi occupation of Greece during WWII. Enjoy
drinks and the view at Verea’s classic hillside café before heading to Vergina and the tombs of Phillip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. We explore the museum and the Macedonian Tombs with their priceless artifacts, wall paintings, and royal treasures. We continue on to our beachfront hotel in Leptokaria on the foothills of Mt. Olympus where we enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening by the seaside. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Meteora
We drive to the stunning monasteries of Meteora, perched high atop towering
rock formations. We are introduced to Greek Orthodoxy and explore the still active 600 year old Grand Meteoron monastery. Departing Meteora, we continue to our hotel in the quaint mountain village of Delphi with spectacular views of the olive tree lined valley below. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Delphi
Delphi was the most important religious center of classical Greece, and our tour takes us up the ancient Sacred Way to the famous Oracle of Apollo. We then tour Delphi's impressive museum with its bronze Charioteer. Enjoy lunch and the quaint shops of the modern village of Delphi before heading to Athens, the greatest city of ancient Greece and the bustling modern capital. Check in to our hotel at the foot of the Acropolis and enjoy up close views of the Parthenon from our wonderful hotel roof garden. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Athens
No other city exemplifies ancient Greece like Athens, and we begin our tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum. From there we head to the Acropolis itself and visit the crowning achievement of ancient Greece: the Parthenon. We also visit the ancient agora as we examine the creation of Democracy. The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic marketplace district. (B,L)

Day 9 - Athens Free Day
The day is at leisure to enjoy Athens. Take an optional excursion to the National Archaeological Museum, home to the greatest treasures of Ancient Greece, shop in the cosmopolitan boutiques, or attend a Greek Orthodox service. In the evening we gather together for an elegant final dinner in Athens. (B,D)

Day 10 - Mycenae, Nafplio
Leaving Athens, we enter the beautiful Peloponnese Peninsula, known as the Tuscany of Greece. At Mycenae we tour the bronze age palace of King Agamemnon, leader of the Trojan War, and the monumental beehive tomb of his wife Clytemnestra. We then visit the Venetian-built Palamidi Fortress high above Nafplio, mainland Greece's most picturesque town and our home for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Epidavros
In the morning we visit the ancient healing center of Epidavros, known for its magnificent theater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Returning to Nafplio, the afternoon is free before a celebratory final group dinner along the romantic harbor promenade. (B,D)

Day 12 - Peloponnesian Vineyard Tour
In the afternoon, we conclude our tour at a charming, family-run
Peloponnesian vineyard for a slice of authentic Greek life in the countryside. Sample the local wines that have been cultivated in this region for thousands of years and dine on the rustic specialties of southern Greece. Travelers then either depart for the excursion to Santorini or return to Athens to prepare for their flights home. (B,L)

Day 13 - Departure / Santorini Excursion
Those travelers not on the Santorini excursion return home with unforgettable memories and as lifelong lovers of Greece! (B)

GREECE TOUR PHOTO GALLERY

OPTIONAL POST TOUR SANTORINI EXCURSION

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THIS TOUR

We'd love to travel with you! 

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