Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2024
DATES
May 16 - 26, 2024
PRICE
$5,480 per person in double room accommodations, land only
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Santorini Island | May 26 - 30
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE INVIGORATING SPIRIT OF THE GREEK PEOPLE
Custom designed for the Texas Exes Flying Longhorns, this one-of-a-kind itinerary was created to give you the true Greek experience. Rather than shuffle you through regimented cruise excursions, our Greek-Texan family invites you to soak up the life-giving culture, history, and cuisine that have made Greece a beacon to the world for over 3,000 years.
Go off-the-beaten-path as you spend three nights on the picture-perfect, car-free island of Hydra, wander the neo-classical streets of Nafplio with its Venetian and Ottoman roots, marvel at 3,000 year old golden burial goods and larger-than-life bronze statuary, enjoy hand-selected menus at our favorite local tavernas, and stand in the shadow of the brilliant Parthenon on this unforgettable journey to the heart of Greece. With personal attention and engaging guiding as our hallmark, this is an immersive trip through Greece like no other.
A NOTE FROM YOUR TOUR LEADERS
Yiasas! We are so excited to offer our ninth Authentic Greece tour for the Texas Exes. With a mother from Verea, Greece and a father from Irving, Texas, I take great pleasure in sharing my Greek heritage with my fellow Texans. Since our family started leading tours to Greece in 1984, our boutique company has been defined by one unique trait: personal attention at every stage of the tour. Rather than hand you off to a series of disjointed local guides, I look forward to personally guiding you through every site, creating a comprehensive narrative that will bring the 3,000 year history of the Greek people to life. My wife, Blake (UT ‘08), will answer every question you have before the tour and personally select every dish at every restaurant. We guarantee you the highest quality experience in Greece as we share with you the country and people that we love. Come travel with us!
- Adam and Blake Sparks
Traveler Testimonials
“Five gold stars for the Texas Exes in getting the Sparks on board. The best tour guides we have ever experienced.”
- Darlene and Wilson Cozby, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2013
“One of the few tours, and still fewer guides and leaders, that actually exceeds its billing. Blake’s personal attention to everything from food choice to travel comfort, Adam’s encyclopedic knowledge of the country’s culture and history, and their indefatigable patience, make the venture not only fun but educational—even inspiring.”
– Dan Flatten, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2022
“EXCELLENT. There is NOT enough space here to fully explain how wonderful Blake and Adam made this trip for us. Adam's knowledge of all things Greek was incredible. I know we could NOT have had a better tour guide than him. His knowledge of culture and history was only second to his passion for the places my husband and I were visiting for the first time.”
– Penny Green, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2022
11 DAY ITINERARY
THREE NIGHTS IN NAFPLIO
Mainland Greece’s most beautiful town, Nafplio is the perfect base to begin exploring Greece. The modern town, with its picturesque bougainvillea lined walkways, is an exotic mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Enjoy the stunning sea views from your hotel room, located just steps away from the charming main square of the quaint historical center of Nafplio.
Day 1 and 2 - Arrival
Depart USA, arrive Athens and transfer to Nafplio, Greece. After a welcome reception and introductory meeting, we walk into town and enjoy dinner al fresco at a family-run taverna for our first taste of authentic Greek food. (D)
Day 3 - Nafplio | Epidavros
In the morning, we begin with an introductory meeting and a cultural orientation to life in Greece while sipping Greek coffees in Nafplio’s main square. After a short walking tour and a visit to the local farmer’s market, we set out to 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 and comedy, we explore the adjoining Asklepion healing complex where doctors like Hippocrates first established western medicine. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch in a picturesque seaside fishing village. Then, return to Nafplio for free time for shopping and swimming in this idyllic town before gathering for a waterside dinner to the accompaniment of traditional musicians. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Mycenae | Nemea | Peloponnesian Vineyard
Our day begins with an optional visit to a portion of a Greek Orthodox church service. We then visit the palace citadel of King Agamemnon, leader of the Trojan War, at Mycenae. We tour the Bronze Age site, including the throne room and the remarkable underground beehive tombs, as we hear the words of the Athenian playwright Aeschylus who most famously told Agamemnon’s story. After a brief stop at ancient Nemea to walk inside the Temple of Zeus, we continue to a countryside, family-run vineyard for a vineyard tour, a sampling of the wines, and a sumptuous feast. Enjoy a free evening in Nafplio with an optional evening hike through the haunting ruins of Palamidi Fortress, high above Nafplio. (B,L)
THREE NIGHTS IN HYDRA
Hydra is like a dream. Nearly unchanged from its 18th and 19th c. heyday as Greece’s first modern naval port, Hydra maintains a remarkable authenticity and charm. With no motorized transportation on the island, most goods are still transported by donkey along the narrow, white-washed streets. Stay in the former home of an 18th c. shipping magnate as we soak up the relaxed culture of this one-of-a-kind island.
Day 5 - Spetses | Hydra
Departing Nafplio, we set out on the most quintessentially Greek experience: sailing the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea. Our first stop on our private boat journey is the picturesque island of Spetses, home to the naval commanders that fought in the Greek War of Independence. After an elegant lunch on the veranda of one of Greece’s most famous hotels, we take carriage rides along the waterfront to Spetses’ serene Old Harbor with its picturesque shipyard. We then set sail again, stopping for a swim in a idyllic cove along the coast of Hydra. In the late afternoon, we arrive in the unforgettable port town of Hydra. We check into our hotel and gather together along the picture-perfect harbor to watch the sunset and enjoy a quintessentially Greek evening of fresh seafood, plentiful wine, and good company late into the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Hydra
In the morning we are introduced to beautiful Hydra as we learn about its impressive history on a walking tour of town. We visit the beautiful cathedral, its Ecclesiastical Museum, and the Historical Archives with its amazing collection of 18th and 19th century naval artifacts. In the early evening, we gather together for a waterside happy hour from a scenic overlook as we watch the sun set over the endless waters of the Aegean. (B)
Day 7 - Hydra
The day is at leisure to enjoy magical Hydra. In the morning, take an optional visit to the Kountouriotis Museum and the former house and studio of the Greek painter Panagiotis Tetsis. In the late afternoon, take an optional horseback ride across the island to enjoy the stunning views. The rest of this free day can be spent in the local boutiques, admiring the island’s famous art displays, or soaking up the sun on a pristine beach. Overnight Hydra. (B)
THREE NIGHTS IN ATHENS
Few cities on the planet have shaped the course of history like Athens. Its 5th c. BC Golden Age set the foundations for all of western history that followed. Now the capital and major city of Greece, we enjoy the quaint neighborhood feel of our hotel’s location at the base of the legendary Acropolis. Enjoy one of the city’s best Parthenon views from our hotel’s unforgettable rooftop garden and bar as we trace the unique legacy of this remarkable city.
Day 8 - Athens | Transfer from Hydra to Athens
After a morning at leisure in Hydra, we depart the island by fast ferry and arrive in the port of Piraeus, home to the main Greek naval fleet since ancient times. We then take a quick ride to Athens, the greatest city of both ancient and modern Greece, as we check in to our hotel at the foot of the Acropolis. In the evening, we gather on our hotel’s wonderful roof garden for drinks and the world’s best views of the Parthenon before heading to the Plaka traditional marketplace district for dinner. (B,D)
Day 9 - Athens | Acropolis Museum, Acropolis, Parthenon, Areopagus, Plaka
Our exploration of this city’s matchless heritage begins at the impressive Acropolis Museum, as we examine the world famous Parthenon Marbles up close. We then ascend the dramatic rock of the Acropolis, visiting the Theater of Dionysus (the birthplace of all drama and comedy), the Odeon of Herod Atticus, and the Temple of Athena Nike on the way. Walking through the grandiose, ancient Propylaea, we arrive to the top of the Acropolis and stand in the shadow of the architecturally stunning Parthenon. After admiring its optical refinements and the panoramic views of Athens, we continue to the Areopagus and hear the words of the Apostle Paul’s 1st c. sermon to the Greek pagans in its original setting. We continue to lively Monastiraki Square for lunch before free time to shop in the festive Plaka traditional marketplace. The afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring this cosmopolitan city. (B,L)
Day 10 - Athens | National Archaeological Museum, Cape Sounion
In the morning, we watch the unforgettable Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and admire the evzones in their traditional dress. We then visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s single greatest collection of ancient Greek antiquities. After touring this impressive collection, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Athens. We then head out to unforgettable Cape Sounion, where we enjoy a festive final dinner and closing meeting at a seaside taverna. We then visit the beautiful Temple of Poseidon, located on a promontory high above the Aegean Sea at the edge of mainland Greece, as we watch the stunning sunset over the distant waters of the Aegean Sea. (B,D)
Day 11 - Depart
Depart for stunning Santorini for an optional 4 day extension, or depart Greece as lifelong lovers of this legendary land!
OPTIONAL POST TOUR EXTENSION TO SANTORINI
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 the world famous town of Oia at our traditional cave-style hotel perched high on the rim of an ancient volcano with breathtaking views from your private terrace.
INCLUDES
• World-renowned 5-star hotel with stunning caldera views
• Cave-style suite accommodations with private terrace & jacuzzi
• Sumptuous daily breakfast and pool in a remarkable setting
• Private sunset catamaran cruise through the caldera
• Final group dinner from a terrace overlooking the sunset
• Three nights in the charming town of Oia, Santorini
• Flights and airport transfers from Athens
• One night at the Athens Airport hotel before return home
Details
May 26-30, 2024
$2,990 per person in double room accommodations
(+1,650 single room supplement)
Suite upgrades available, please inquire
Please note: Due to its unique location on the rim of an ancient volcano, our five star hotel in Santorini includes multiple flights of stairs between the hotel entrance, the rooms, and the breakfast area. In order to enjoy our Santorini hotel, a general comfort with stairs is required
“I have never had tour guides as wonderful, gracious, knowledgeable and friendly as the Sofia Travel team. They made the tour fabulous and I would definitely travel with them again.”
- Carolann Smith, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2013
“Greece is the foundation of so much of our culture. The scope is breathtaking. Sofia Travel touches every part and makes it understandable, from the most ancient expressions to the most recent. Putting several thousand years into perspective is what they do best and have fun at the same time!”
– Pat Cook, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2018
“Their depth of knowledge and attention to detail made this the best vacation we've ever had AND sold us on traveling with them again in the near future.”
- Monica Schiller, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2014
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.
