9 Days: Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos

Tour overview:

This 9-day program combines visits to Classical Greece on land for 6 days and a 3-night Greek islands cruise. In the capital city of Athens, enjoy a city tour including the Acropolis high above the city. Travel towards Peloponnese with visits to Epidaurus and Mycenae. Visit Olympia, the home of the first Olympic Games and continue to what was at one time the most sacred spot in the world, Delphi. As you cruise the emerald waters of the Aegean, stops will be made to beautiful Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, and Santorini.

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Day 1 - Arrive Athens

Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to your hotel in Athens.

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Day 2 - City tour / Athens

A morning panoramic tour will take you around to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including: Panathinaikon stadium, Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, Parliament, tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, Academy, University, National Library, and old Parliament. You will then visit the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion; and the Acropolis Museum where findings from the area, like the Caryatides, have found their home. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, and the historical center at your own pace. (B)

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Day 3 - Corinth canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae / Olympia

Today you will depart on a tour, heading first towards the Peloponnese.You will admire the impressive Corinth canal, and visit Epidaurus, the most important healing center in antiquity and today famous for the best-preserved ancient theater with the unique acoustics. You will then pass by Nafplio, and continue with visiting Mycenae, «rich in gold» as Homer mentions, with the Cyclopean walls, and the tomb of Agamemnon with the famous Lion’s Gate. The day will conclude in Olympia for overnight. (BD)

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Day 4 - Olympia / Delphi

Built on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is beautiful, green, and placid. We will enjoy a tour through the remains of the Ancient Olympia Complex (home of the original Olympic Games), including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias’s Workshop; and visit the local museum, with the impressive statue of Hermes of Praxitelis. In the afternoon, you continue your journey, to central Greece, driving over the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, to Delphi for overnight. (BD)

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Day 5 - Delphi / Athens

Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos overlooking the vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf, Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred Way, see the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle), and visit the local museum with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer, before continuing your drive back to Athens for overnight. (B)

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Day 6 - Athens – Mykonos / on cruise

Breakfast and transfer to Lavrion port, to embark on «Celestyal Discovery» for you «Iconic Aegean» cruise. Arrival in Mykonos in the afternoon. Free time to explore the bustling town of Mykonos until late in the evening. (BLD)

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Day 7 - Kusadasi – Patmos / on cruise

Early in the morning you will be arriving at the port of Kusadasi. You may join an optional “Ancient Ephesus through the Ages” excursion. Around mid-day, the ship will set sail again for a short trip to Patmos. Do no miss the optional excursion to the famous monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse.  (BLD)

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Day 8 - Heraklion – Santorini / on cruise

Arrive in Heraklion early in the morning. Explore the city or join an optional excursion by visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos with the legendary Minotaur. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the unique island of Santorini. You may choose to take the cable car up to Fira town or follow an optional excursion to “Spectacular Oia village perched on the caldera rim”. (BLD)

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Day 9 - Depart Athens

Arrival at Lavrion port early in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

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