It’s all Greek to Me – Greece (2023)

Depart the United States, given the time difference, you will arrive in Greece on the following day

Arrive in Athens late afternoon and check into hotel

This morning after breakfast you will have the opportunity to take in the ancient history that is Athens! You will spend today on a guided tour of the city and will have a chance to see Athens most famous sites, including:

• City Center and Constitution Square
• House of Parliament
• Memorial to the Unknown Solider
• National Library
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
• Parthenon

Late this afternoon, we will have a chance to explore Athen’s Plaka area, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Dinner tonight will be at a traditional Greek restaurant. Opa!

This morning you will wake early and we will drive 30 minutes to the port and take the high-speed ferry to Naxos (3.5 hours).

After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we will go on a food tour of Naxos. Built by a Venetian explorer in the 13th century, Naxos’ Kastro castle is a highlight in the heart of old town. We will walk through nearby where you will have a chance to taste cheese at a local creamery, try traditional sweets and regional liquor. You will learn more about the Venetian influence here as we tour local shops and try new foods.

Today we will visit a nearby farm, where you will learn about local agriculture while picking seasonal vegetables. You will hear about the traditional food of the region while working with a local cook to create a dish made from fresh ingredients. You will then be able to enjoy the dishes you prepared for lunch.

After lunch, we will tour the Saint Anna Winery where you will have the chance to walk through their olive garden, vineyard and aromatic plants. Here you will also have a chance to admire a 9th century church as well as a 100-year-old Cycladic building which houses the winery itself. You will then have an opportunity to taste the wine, accompanied by local snacks including olives and regional cheese.

Tonight, you visit the Temple of Apollo, where you will have the opportunity to sit and watch the beautiful Greek sunset over the sea.

Today you will have a chance to experience more of the historical part of Naxos with a full tour. The tour will include visits to:

• Melanes Kouros Statue – 6th century BC
• Kinidaros – modern marble quarry
• Keramoti – view of both coasts, east + west
• Apeiranthos – time to stroll at the marble village! – walk and shop for souvenirs
• Filoti – lunch, visit the folklore museum
• Bazeos Tower
• Oldest olive tree at Adisarou springs (4000 years old!)
• Agiassos Beach – you can swim, sunbath or have a coffee by the seashore

This morning we will board a high-speed ferry for a transfer from Naxos to Santorini. Approximate transfer time is 2 hours.

As we approach the island, marvel at the natural beauty and whitewashed houses lining the coast. Explore the ancient town of Akrotiri and 18thcentury monastery. In the evening, watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea before dinner.

This morning you will enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and down time – perhaps a visit to the beach – before we head off to explore Santorini’s countryside in the late afternoon. We will start by visiting Mesa Gonia, which is home to majestic Byzantine churches. We will then continue to Pyrgos, a hilltop town that served as the island’s capital until the early 19th century. Here you will have a chance to see unbelievable, panaromic views and enjoy the medieval architecture. Lastly, we will travel to the village of Oia, where we will take in the sunset by the Kastro walls.

Today you will have an incredible opportunity to take an exclusive evening catamaran cruise. We will stop at one of Santorini’s famous beaches where you will have a chance to swim in the clear water. Afterwards, we will sail to the hot springs followed by a delicious local dinner on the boat before you take in the magnificent sunset.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotels, you will have one last chance to enjoy Santorini’s shops before we head to the ferry port.

We will board a ferry from Santorini back to travel back to Athens (4 hours). Back in Athens we will check into our hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Today you will have one last chance to immerse yourself in the monuments of classical Greece during a day trip to Delphi from Athens. You will explore the UNESCO-listed archeological site of Delphi and learn how the city was considered the ‘Center of the World’ in ancient Greece. On the way back to Athens, we will visit the handicrafts towns of Arachova and Levadia.

This evening you will have a special Greek Dinner Show Farewell Dinner this evening.

Depart Athens to travel back to the US.