Classical Greece and Cyclades
Duration: 11 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ATHENS
Welcome to Greece! The birthplace of Western civilization! Upon your arrival, you will meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Your adventure in the historic city of Athens has begun.
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DAY 2: HALF DAY ATHENS CITY TOUR
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis with the famous Parthenon and Erechthion Temples. From the Acropolis Hill we will also get a glimpse of the Theatre of Dionysos and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, that still host concerts to this day. Continue with a tour of the Acropolis museum and a panoramic tour of the city highlights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Optional: Watch a theatrical production and then enjoy making our own ancient Greek masks!
Optional: Watch a theatrical production and then enjoy making our own ancient Greek masks!
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DAY 3: FULL DAY ATHENS TOUR
Today’s visits will begin with the National Archaeological Museum, the largest in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. Then head to Lycabettus Hill, a limestone rock reaching 300m (908 feet) above sea level. Reached by funicular railway or on foot, it offers a superb panoramic overview of Athens. We will reach the top by foot (approx. 40 min.) and have free time to enjoy the wonderful views or to have a coffee/refreshment at the cafe/restaurant. Return to the hotel for dinner.
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DAY 4: TOUR TO ELEUSIS
We drive 20 km (12,4 miles) out of Athens to reach the archaeological site of Ancient Eleusis (Elefsina in modern Greek); home of the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries. This was the biggest religious centre during antiquity, and continues to hold the secret of the mysteries, which were attended by slaves, children and women – a great show of democracy for the time. The figures of Demeter, Persephone and Cronus and the rites for the coming of spring, continue to enchant visitors today and it is even said that spring’s first wildflowers appear in Elefsina before any other part of Greece! Following the site visit, return to Athens.
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DAY 5: FULL DAY DELPHI
After breakfast we depart for our full day tour to Delphi, the centre of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle and the Treasury of the Athenians. We also visit the archaeological museum that contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight stay.
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DAY 6: PIRAEUS – NAXOS
Morning transfer to Piraeus port for the ferry to Naxos, the largest and most fertile Cycladic Island. Arrive in the early afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure; stroll around the old part of Chora (town) with its old style houses, little shops, small tavernas and bakeries. Dinner provided at the hotel.
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DAY 7: NAXOS
Today we depart for a walking tour. Visit the Castro (old walled city), on its elevated ground overlooking the harbor, providing some of the quietest and most photogenic alleyways in town. Continue to the most recognizable landmark of Naxos: the 'Portara', an iconic 6th century BC marble gate on the islet of Palatia in the harbor. It is the only remnant of a temple dedicated to Apollo. Afternoon at leisure to explore the nearest beaches or other villages. Enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.
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DAY 8: NAXOS - SANTORINI
This morning we check-out of the hotel and transfer to the port for our ferry to Santorini. This island is famous for one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world that destroyed an ancient civilization, but left behind the most spectacular landscape with breathtaking views and romantic sunsets. Arrive late afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy some free time to walk around the capital of the island, the town of Fira, and enjoy fantastic views from the cliffs of the caldera at your own leisure. In the evening, meet with the rest of the group for dinner at a local restaurant.
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DAY 9: SANTORINI
Entire day at leisure to explore this amazing and unique island!
Optional: VOLCANO BOAT TOUR
From Athinios port, we board our small boat and set sail to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where we will stop and have the opportunity to walk up the ascending soil path and approach the crater of the still active volcano. Return to the boat and continue to the second lava covered island 'Palea Kameni' with its hot springs. Take this opportunity to swim in the tepid waters of the hot springs or just enjoy the view. Return to Athinios port and transfer to the hotel.
Optional: VOLCANO BOAT TOUR
From Athinios port, we board our small boat and set sail to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where we will stop and have the opportunity to walk up the ascending soil path and approach the crater of the still active volcano. Return to the boat and continue to the second lava covered island 'Palea Kameni' with its hot springs. Take this opportunity to swim in the tepid waters of the hot springs or just enjoy the view. Return to Athinios port and transfer to the hotel.
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DAY 10: SANTORINI - ATHENS
Check-out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for an early-afternoon flight to Athens. Upon arrival, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy rest of the day at your own leisure. Farewell group dinner with Greek show.
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DAY 11: DEPARTURE
As you reflect on your visit to the ancient sites that brought history to life and the beautiful islands, a smile of satisfaction will accompany your transfer to Athens International Airport, for your departure flight back home.
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