Day : 1
Arrive Athens (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink.
Day : 2
Athens Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the Cradle of Western Civilisation. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures. We'll admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. 'Dive Into Culture' and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki - the choice is yours.
Day : 3
Athens – Corinth – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplion
Number of Days : 1
We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs, (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.
Day : 4
Nafplion – Olympia
Number of Days : 1
We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we 'Connect With Locals' joining the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm for a Be My Guest dinner, some traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Day : 5
Olympia – Patras – Delphi
Number of Days : 1
We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for the night.
Day : 6
Delphi – Thermopylae – Kalambaka
Number of Days : 1
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'bread basket of Greece', the travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.
Day : 7
Kalambaka – Meteora – Athens
Number of Days : 1
The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.
Day : 8
Athens – Santorini (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Take your transfer to the port where you'll board your ferry bound for the island's dramatic volcanic landscape. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the evening relaxing or consider heading out to one of the local bars or lounges.
Day : 9
Santorini Orientation and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Launch your island holiday with an orientation tour with your Trafalgar representative starting in Fira. You'll stroll through the town's narrow streets past the honey-coloured façades of the Cathedral of Ypapantis and admire magnificent view of the Caldera. Continue up the blue steps to the funicular to view the ancient path that has taken the island's residents and visitors to its port for centuries. The rest of the day is yours to explore the island on your own terms. Enjoy an iced coffee overlooking the caldera or stroll around Fira's narrow lanes shopping for souvenirs. You could also choose to head to Perissa Beach to swim in the warm waters of the Aegean or consider a visit to one of the island's wineries to taste the local Assyrtiko vintages for which Santorini is so famous. After a day exploring the island on your terms, you'll join your travel companions for an included dinner at a local restaurant to share stories about your island adventure. Indulge in the local Saganaki pastries that are filled with cheesy goodness, and a real Greek salad, among other Santorini specials.
Day : 10
Santorini Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Spend a leisurely morning enjoying the sights and sounds of Santorini. This afternoon, you'll embark on a half-day island tour with your newfound friends that will take you through the Santorini vineyards bound for the beautiful clifftop village of Oia, arguably the most scenic setting on the island. It's impossible to take a bad photograph in this exquisite spot at the edge of Santorini island. Sunsets in Santorini are the stuff of legends and you'll have a front-row seat to witness the magic that attracts visitors in their thousands. Make sure you book a restaurant with great views of the Aegean ahead of schedule, so you don't miss out.
Day : 11
Santorini – Athens
Number of Days : 1
Your Santorini sojourn at its end, take your transfer to Santorini port and board your return ferry to Athens, where you'll transfer to your hotel.
Day : 12
Depart Athens
Number of Days : 1
We bid farewell to Greece and our island encounter. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
