7 Days from $1,170.00 USD
March 13 - 19, 2021
You've seen photos of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person on this escorted Greek vacation. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now’s your chance to walk among the ruins in Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC. You've eaten at Greek restaurants—now's your chance to enjoy an authentic Greek cooking demonstration, where you'll learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. All this and more awaits you on this Greek Escape.
History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theater in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people traveled to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience enjoy a sirtaki dance lesson.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- 6 nights accommodation in a Four Star premium deluxe hotel
- Airport transfers to/from airport at certain timings
- Daily breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Halal food provided for meals mentioned
- Stops for prayers
- Various suggestions for halal friendly restaurants for meals that are not included in the itinerary
- All transportation in a comfortable fully air-conditioned coach
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi
- All entrance tickets for attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Our staff will be with you throughout the tour to guarantee your comfort and to ensure everything goes smoothly
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrive Athens, Greece
Welcome to Greece! Your Tour Director will greet you at the airport and escort you to your Athens hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner.
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Day
2
Athens
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora, where Socrates taught, with the beautifully preserved Theseum. Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. After lunch on your own, visit the MOSQUE IN VOTANIKOS for afternoon prayers. Then continue to the MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART. Enjoy the remainder of your day at your leisure.
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day
3
Athens – Arachova - Delphi
Depart Athens after breakfast for Delphi with a stop in the pretty town of Arachova located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Enjoy panoramic views and stroll around the town to admire the picturesque architecture. Continue on to arrive in mystic Delphi for an afternoon devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. End the day with a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century-BC bronze statue. A highlight this evening is a DANCE LESSON, where you’ll learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek.
Hotel: Amalia Hotel Delphi or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day
4
Delphi - Olympia
This morning travel to Olympia to spend the afternoon, where the athletes of antiquity competed in honor of the King of Deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM displaying Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. Tonight, enjoy a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer.
Hotel: Hotel Europia or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
5
Olympia- Nauplia
Begin your tour at the ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF OLYMPIA where you will meet your local Greek guide at the entrance to the site. Olympia is mostly famous for being the venue of the Ancient Olympic Games and home to the Olympic flame. Today you will see the remains of a gymnasium, ancient temples, the stadium, housing structures, and just outside the site, the archaeological museum hosting findings from the ancient site and from other excavations in the surrounding areas with well labeled exhibits including the famous statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and Nike Paionios. The games held in Olympia, were actual athletic events with a religious element as they were dedicated to the god Zeus. The Temple of Zeus, located close to the stadium, was built in the 5th century BC by a local architect and made of limestone and marble. The site of Olympia also houses one of the oldest temples in Greece, The Temple of Hera. This was constructed in the 7th century BC and is the alter where the Olympic Flame is lit for today’s modern Olympic games. Then, take in the spectacular scenery on the way through the Arkadian Mountains to arrive in the coastal town of Nauplia. Enjoy a WALKING TOUR to learn the fascinating story of the town.
Hotel: Amalia Nauplia Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day
6
Nauplia – Epidaurus – Mycenae – Corinth Canal - Athens
Journey to EPIDAURUS for a tour of its amazingly well-preserved 2,300-year-old OPEN-AIR-THEATER. Afterwards, enjoy a vegetarian lunch before continuing to Mycenae, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, known as the Treasury of Atreus; Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument; the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace; and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Stop at the spectacular Corinth Canal to take a photo, before arriving in Athens for prayer at the MOSQUE IN VOTANIKOS. Spend an exceptional evening in Athens’ lively Plaka district ― the ancient “Neighborhood of the Gods” ― on this festive dinner outing. Tucked in the shadow of the Acropolis, this merry maze of streets is home to a wonderful collection of atmospheric restaurants and cafés. Relax at a typical taverna and delight in an authentic 4-course dinner of Greek specialties with drinks and folk entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek!
Hotel: Zafolia Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
7
Farewell Athens
Enjoy breakfast with newfound friends, then transfer to the airport and depart.
Meals: Breakfast
Passports & Visas
See worldwide Visa requirements for all countries.
World Weather Service
World Weather Service - Annual for travel
CDC Information
CDC for vaccination and other health requirements
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.