14D13N Classical Greece with Greek Island Adventure (RGN)

Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games

Greek History & Heroes CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth. MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum. EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing

Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains. OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 km LOCAL FAVOURITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki - a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.

Digs & Dances Drive by the busy seaport of Patras. DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (B,D) 149 mi / 239 km LOCAL FAVOURITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.

Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka. METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen's Monasteries. (B,D) 155 mi / 249 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen's to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora's spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.

Grecian Battles & Beauty THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site. ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 236 mi / 380 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognise this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatised in the film "300." Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.

Marvels & Myths  ATHENS Fly to the island of Crete. HERAKLION This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be - a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.

Saints & Sweets HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. (B) LOCAL FAVOURITE SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa-one of the most popular Greek sweet treats

Tempting Traditions Take a high speed ferry to the island of Naxos. NAXOS Guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafe). (B,D) LOCAL FAVOURITE LOCAL TASTES The "glyko tou koutaliou" or "sweet of the spoon" comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware.

Mediterranean Magic NAXOS Day at Leisure (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!

Sun, Sand & Sea Take a short ride on a high speed ferry to the island of Paros. PAROS Guided sightseeing of the highlights features a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani the "Church of a Hundred Doors". This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, which was used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches and surrounded by pristine waters.

Amazing Athens Return to Athens by ferry. ATHENS Later today enjoy free time in the city. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)