Essential Greece - First Class

On arrival transfer from Piraeus port or Athens airport to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Optional Cape Sounion tour recommended if time permits.

This morning pick up from hotel for the half day sightseeing tour of Athens. First a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, and finally climb the ACROPOLIS Visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. Continue with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the ACROPOLIS museum. Skip the lines and admire main attractions such as votives, artefacts of every day life, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze. Afternoon free. (B)

Morning transfer to the port. Enjoy a day on the sea and discover the beauty of the Saronic Islands. Sail to the islands of Hydra, Aegina and Poros. First stop island of Poros, where you’ll have free time for strolling and shopping . Next stop on to the island of Hydra. You will have about 1 hour and 45 minutes at leisure to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. From the decks, you will be able to admire the very special architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently stand witness to a long and turbulent history. Lunch and entertainment on board included. Upon arrival in Egina (Aegina) either join an excursion to the Temple of Aphaia (cost not included) or take a walk around the main town. Aegina is the lovely island only 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Athens, and a popular getaway for Athenians during the summer months. After sailing back to the port you’ll be transferred to Athens and drop off at your hotel. (B, L)

Pick up from hotel for a four day coach tour, which Includes visists to the most fascinating sights in mainland Greece. Morning departure to Epidaurus via the Corinth Canal (short stop). In Epidaurus visit the acoustically superb amphitheatre and then drive to Nafplio to charming town, first capital of Greece. Afternoon explore the archaeological site of Mycenae, the Kingdom of King Agamemnon and then drive to Olympia for dinner and overnight . (B, D)

See Olympia, home of the first Olympic Games and visit the Sanctuary of Zeus, the Museum and the Olympic Stadium. Depart via Patra (short stop) to Rion, cross the Corinthian Bay by the famous bridge to Antorion. Pass through the picturesque town of Nafpaktos before arriving at Delphi. (B, D)

Morning, visit the archaeological site of Delphi, the site of the celebrated oracle of the God Apollon. See the Museum featuring the bronze statue of the Charioteer. Drive through the Central Greece towns of Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka. Continue to Kalambaka. (B, D)

Visit the breathtaking Monasteries of Meteora built by the monks hundreds of years ago on the top of the rocks. See the exquisite treasures of the Byzantine Art inside. Afternoon return to Athens passing the monument of the heroic Leonidas - the Spartan king of the 5th century BC who sacrificed his life and his army defending the pass of Thermopylae from the Persians. (B)

Services end after breakfast. (B)