Ancient Greece with Mykonos & Santorini - 11 Days

Welcome to Athens, the capital city of Greece. Upon arrival at the airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to discover the city, home to an exquisite architectural history and an equally thriving modern society.

Today we embark on a coach tour of Greece's vibrant capital city, named after the goddess Athena and thought to be over 3000 years old. Sights include the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which lies at the heart of modern Athens. The highlight of our day is the Acropolis, considered by some to be the most important ancient site in the western world. Here we find masterpieces of classical Greek architecture, including the iconic Parthenon. We also enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Plaka, a historical and picturesque part of the city. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets or relax with a drink at one of the many tavernas in the area. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street.

Itinerary Alteration - please note: Monday and Friday departures from April to October - this Athens city tour will operate on day 6 after the four-day excursion to Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, which will commence today. For the departure 27 April 2025 the order of visits during the four-day excursion to Olympia, Delphi and Meteora will be reversed.

Athens - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. Today we depart Athens and head for the Peloponnese, a region which was the setting of many great myths and legends. Our first stop is the narrow Corinth Canal, a man-made waterway completed in 1893 after centuries of attempts. We then continue to the beautifully preserved theatre at Epidaurus, a sanctuary famed for medicine & healing in antiquity. Next we visit the World Heritage site of Mycenae, the early civilization excavated by Heinrich Schliemann. We'll see the Cyclopean walls, Tomb of Agamemnon, and Lion Gate. We continue across the Peloponnese mountains to Olympia for the evening.

Olympia - Delphi. Today we explore the home of the ancient Olympic Games. Situated along the longest river in the Peloponnese, the Alfios, Olympia is a fascinating step back in time to the birth of one of today's biggest sporting events. We visit the Temple of Zeus, the Palestra and Phidia's workshop.

Heading north this afternoon, we cross the impressive Rio-Antiro Bridge before heading for our final stop of Delphi.

Delphi - Kalambaka. The sanctuary at Delphi was revered in antiquity as a centre of pilgrimage, home to the Pythian Oracle in the Temple of Apollo. We'll walk up the Sacred Way, the path followed by ancient visitors through the sanctuary, to see the temple ruins, and visit the local museum, where we'll find the bronze Charioteer statue and mythical omphalos stone. Afterwards, we cross the mountains of central Greece back to the mainland, arriving in Kalambaka for the evening.

Kalambaka - Athens. This morning we visit Meteora, a stunning World Heritage site where a series of towering rock formations shelter several sacred Eastern Orthodox monasteries. We return to Athens for the night, briefly stopping at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a famous last stand against the Persians in 480 BC.

Athens - Piraeus - Mykonos. This morning, enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the port of Piraeus. From here, board the local ferry to the dreamy island of Mykonos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to explore this Greek wonder.

Today is a day at leisure to explore the jet-setting island of Mykonos. Enjoy its stunning beaches, where you can bask in the sun or indulge in water activities.

Consider wandering through the charming narrow streets of Mykonos Town, known for its white-washed buildings and iconic windmills. Visit the historic Church of Paraportiani, explore the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, relax at beachfront cafes, or venture to the lively beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise. As the sun sets, the island's unique nightlife awaits, offering vibrant clubs and bars for those seeking evening entertainment.

Mykonos - Santorini. Today, we leave behind the wonderous Mykonos, enroute for our next island adventure: stunning Santorini! Catch the local high-speed ferry bound for Santorini. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Today, explore the enchanting island of Santorini at your own pace.

There is no shortage of things to do around the island - from the charm of Fira and Oia's breathtaking views of the volcano to Santorini's unique, black-sanded beaches. Perhaps even consider a boat tour to the islands of the caldera, where you can witness the Santorini's captivating landscape from a different perspective. Come evening, make sure to catch one of the best sunsets in the Aegean, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.

Today, your Greek adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.