Globus Classical Greece Plus Island Hopper(RGM)
15 days from Athens to Athens
Some things are just better together—ouzo and ice, tzatziki and pita bread, Sun Gods, and pure sunshine. We combined our enlightening tour of Classical Greece with our rejuvenating Island Hopper vacation to create the ultimate Greek getaway. History and harbors, ruins and resorts, and wisdom and waves come together as you trace the steps of ancient philosophers and athletes in Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more before digging your toes in the sand at two of the most glamorous islands in the Aegean. Magnificent Mykonos, with its iconic 16th-century windmills, and serene Santorini, with its picture-perfect whitewashed villages, warmly welcome guests to experience the vibrant cuisine, fiery sunsets, calm waters, and pulsating nightlife. Pack your swim cap and your thinking hat for this tour of Classical Greece where cities and seas collide.
Itinerary (2024)| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN | | | ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. | | Day 2 | ATHENS | | | Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games. | | Day 3 | ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA | | | Greek History & Heroes CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. | | Day 4 | NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA | | | Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over. | | Day 5 | OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI | | | Digs & Dances Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (B,D)149 mi / 239 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of. | | Day 6 | DELPHI–METEORA AREA | | | Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries. (B,D) 155 mi / 249 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other. | | Day 7 | METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS | | | Grecian Battles & Beauty THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause. | | Day 8 | ATHENS–PIRAEUS/RAFINA–MYKONOS | | | Sweet Luck PIRAEUS Take a scenic ferry crossing to Mykonos.MYKONOS Walking tour includes the Church of Agia Kiriaki and [LF] Amygdalota (traditional Greek almond cookie) tasting. Dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Traditional Greek Amygdalota cookies are often served at weddings as a gesture of new beginnings, prosperity, and good luck. It’s our good fortune and happiness to share this delicious sweet almond confection with you on the magical island of Mykonos. | | Day 9 | MYKONOS | | | Mediterranean Magic MYKONOS Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Knowns as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited. | | Day 10 | MYKONOS | | | Aegean Gem MYKONOS Spend a free day exploring Mykonos. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above. | | Day 11 | MYKONOS–SANTORINI | | | Sun, Sand & Sea MYKONOS High-speed express ferry to Santorini.SANTORINI Free time to explore. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Hop on a ferry and cross the sparkling blue waters to the iconic island of Santorini. After a dinner of traditional specialties head to one of the island’s viewpoints to catch the breathtaking beauty of a Santorini sunset. | | Day 12 | SANTORINI | | | Sights & Sips SANTORINI Walking tour includes a picture stop at the cathedral and a [LF] glass of Ouzo. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Ouzo and Greek culture are perhaps linked more closely than any other beverage on the islands. The signature liquorice taste of this iconic aperitif is actually derived from anise herbs and remnants of winemaking grapes. It’s wise to sip slowly when visiting any of the many ouzeries (ouzo bars) in Greece! | | Day 13 | SANTORINI | | | Bright & Beautiful SANTORINI Enjoy a free day in Santorini. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT There are lots of ways to spend your day in Santorini. Explore the Bronze Age. settlement of Akrotiri, meander the charming streets browsing the shops or laze on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. All of this and much more awaits you on the spectacular island of Santorini. | | Day 14 | SANTORINI–ATHENS | | | Aloft to Athens SANTORINI Fly to Athens.ATHENS Enjoy free time in Athens this afternoon and evening. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure. | | Day 15 | ATHENS | | | Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Included Globus Meals Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily; 6 three-course dinners
Related Globus Tours RG - Classical Greece RGK - With Iconic Aegean 3-Night Cruise RGH - With Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise RGL - With Idyllic Aegean 7-Night Cruise RGM - With Island Hopper
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