GREECE - A LAND OF GODS AND HEROES | Greece

Description

The Peloponnese is home to an extraordinary collection of archeological sites as well as stunning mountainous scenery and charming villages where a traditional way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. On this splendid cultural journey, trace 5,000 years of Greek history while exploring the country’s archeological treasures. Walk in the footsteps of Socrates on the Acropolis and examine artifacts of Athens’ Golden Age at the outstanding Acropolis Museum, sail through the scenic Corinth canal, and enjoy the insights of the local guest speaker on the contemporary Greek economic and social scene.

Highlights

Extended stay in one location
Cultural connections and Greek interactions
Ouzo tasting
Discussions with local guest speaker
Local olive farm plantation visit
Beautiful countryside of Greece
Astounding archaeological sites
Bucolic villages
Ancient Athens – birthplace of Western civilization
World-famous Acropolis & Parthenon
Acropolis Museum
Corinth Canal

Ancient theater of Epidaurus
Archaeological site of Mycenae
Arched Tombs of Kings & Gigantic Lion’s Gate
Cyclopean Walls
Picturesque Venetian town of Nafplion
Oracle & Museum of Delphi
Archeological site of Olympia
Temples of Hera and Zeus
Santorini, island of extreme beauty
Stunning sunsets and much more...

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Depart USA

Depart from the United States on an overnight flight to Athens, Greece. Meals and refreshments served on board.

Day 2 | Arrive Athens, Greece - Kinetta

Arrive Athens, the Cradle of Western Democracy, and proceed to baggage claim. After clearing customs, you will be met by your tour director and transferred to your Kinetta hotel, located between Athens and Corinth Canal, amidst green hills overlooking the crystal blue Aegean Sea. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Relax and take it easy before your welcome dinner tonight. (D)

Day 3 | Kinetta - City Tour of Athens

Begin your day with our Cultural Discovery Series and join our local guest speaker for a discussion on Greece and its relations with European Union. Following lunch at the hotel, depart for an afternoon tour of Athens. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continuing you will pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis, visit the Architectural Masterpiece – Parthenon, built in the 5th century B.C. as a temple to the goddess Athena. There will be time to explore Athens on your own before returning to the hotel late in the afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 4 | Kinetta - Ancient Sites & Mountainside Villages of the Peloponnese Peninsula

Following your breakfast, depart for a full day excursion to the heart of Peloponnese Peninsula and enjoy a ride through a beautiful mountainous Arcadia. Morning will be dedicated to exploring the great Mycenaean culture that flourished in this area between 1600-1300 B.C. Visit the impressive archeological site and its majestic Lion's gate, the Cyclopean Walls, and the Royal Tombs. Following lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Epidaurus to see a majestic amphitheater with its white limestone tiers rising over 65 feet above the ground. Built in 4th century B.C., the Amphitheatre seated, and still seats, some 14,000 spectators. Continue to Nafplion, a charming port town with stepped streets overhung with balconies dripping with bougainvillea, handsome neoclassical buildings, enticing shops, restaurants, and cafes. Explore this lovely seaside town on your own, and as part of our Cultural Discovery Series - enjoy an olive oil tasting at a local farm, before returning to your hotel late in the afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 5 | Kinetta - Crossing Corinth Canal

Begin your day with our Cultural Discovery Series and join our local guest speaker for a discussion on Family Values and Social Culture of Greece. After lunch, drive the scenic coastal road to Corinth, and marvel the Corinth Canal, one of the 19th Century world's engineering masterpieces with history that starts as early as 602 B.C. Board the ship and enjoy the crossing through the Canal. Conclude your day with a visit to a local tavern for sampling of a traditional Greek aperitif, Ouzo, served with local delicacies - Cultural Discovery Series. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Kinetta

Enjoy a day at leisure and relax at the hotel, or take an optional tour to Delphi, Greece's most breathtaking ancient site. Famous in antiquity as the home of the oracle of Apollo, it is here where the Oracle representing the revered god Apollo presided over the ancient world. Perched on a mountain slope overlooking olive trees and the sea, Delphi continues to radiate as you marvel at the impressiveness of the site even in ruins. Visit the Delphi Museum, which houses valuable pieces of art including the bronze Charioteer, one of antiquity's greatest statues. Following lunch at a local restaurant, there will be free time to explore. Return to the hotel late in the afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Kinetta

Enjoy a day at leisure and relax at the hotel, or take an optional tour to Olympia. A full day excursion will take you to the majestic site of Olympia, where the first Olympic Games took place 2800 years ago. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Olympia is also home to the ancient Sanctuary of Zeus - a vast expanse of well-preserved altars, temples, theaters, and marble statues. Highlights of the site include the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Council House and the Treasuries, while the Archaeological Museum houses exquisite sculptures such as the statues of Praxiteles and Hermes. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Kinetta - Acropolis Museum Tour

This morning you tour the Acropolis Museum, an award-winning collection of artifacts from excavations of the Acropolis, housed in a modern building specially designed for the purpose. After lunch in the city you will have free time to shop, explore independently, or pull up a chair and relax, watching the many moods of the Acropolis as the light changes and the clouds cast their ever-changing shadows. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner to Greece. (B,L,D)

Day 9 | Athens to USA or extend your stay with an optional Santorini extension

After breakfast, transfer to Athens airport for your return flight home. (B)

SANTORINI EXTENSION

Day 9 | Athens - Santorini

Enjoy your breakfast and transfer to the airport of Athens for a flight to the volcanic Island of Santorini. Upon arrival on Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Remainder of your afternoon is at leisure to admire the spectacular caldera with white washed houses perched on the edge, created by the eruption of the islands'volcano in ancient times. (B)

Day 10 | Santorini - Island Tour with wine tasting

Begin your tour after breakfast by visiting the Monastery of Profitis Ilias which is at the highest point on Santorini and spans to 1,856 feet at the summit. From here you can see the surrounding islands and, on a clear day, the mountains of Crete, more than 100 km (66 mi) away. Continue to Pyrgos, which can be found at the highest point of Santorini, with panoramic views of the whole island all the way to the village of Oia. This hillside village was declared a protected settlement in 1995. Afterwards you will visit the Koutsoyannopoulos wine museum. Being the only one of its kind in Greece, the museum occupies a natural cave. It is eight meters below ground, 300 meters long and has a labyrinth-like shape and presents the history of wine and the life of vine growers in Santorini since the 1600s. You will have the opportunity to see representations of the history of wine and to taste four of the best wines that winery produces today, in a specially designed wine tasting area. Then you will visit Oia, a traditional settlement in the north of Santorini. The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed. In fact, it is almost impossible to describe in words. Small white houses tier the hillside, interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece. It has inspired artists, poets and every visitor who visits Santorini. Oia is best known for breathtaking sunsets; if truth be told, sunrise in Oia is also magical. That afternoon there will be leisure time to relax or shop until you drop. (B)

Day 11 | Santorini to USA

After breakfast transfer to Santorini airport for your flight to Athens, connecting to your return flight home. (B)

(B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Hotel and itinerary are subject to change.

Photo Gallery

Parthenon, Athens

Delphi

Lion's Gate, Mycenae

ancient Olympia

Santorini

Fishing Village

Greek cuisine

Kinetta Beach

Parthenon, Athens Delphi Lion's Gate, Mycenae ancient Olympia Santorini Fishing Village Greek cuisine Kinetta Beach

Includes

ROUND TRIP AIR TRANSPORTATION - Air transportation from New York
FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS - Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
SUPERB CUISINE - 20 included meals consisting of 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners. Wine included with lunch and dinner at the hotel
COCKTAILS - Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served nightly in the bar
SIGHTSEEING TOUR PROGRAM - Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: City tour of Athens including the Acropolis, Tour of the Acropolis Museum, Crossing Corinth Canal, Full day excursion to Ancient Sites & Mountainside Villages of the Peloponnese Peninsula including a visit to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplion. Optional tours available
CULTURAL DISCOVERY SERIES - Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning on the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals such as a discussion presented by a local guest speaker, olive oil tasting at a local farm and sampling of the traditional Greek aperitif Ouzo
PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR - Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour upon arrival in Athens
DELUXE MOTORCOACHES - Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS - Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport

Optional Extension Includes

DOMESTIC AIR TRANSPORTATION - Round trip flight from Santorini to Athens
FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATION - Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
SUPERB CUISINE - 2 included meals consisting of 2 buffet breakfasts
SIGHTSEEING TOUR PROGRAM - Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: Tour of Santorini including wine tasting
PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR - Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour
BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS - Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport