|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day 1 |
|
DEPART US
|
|
Fly from the U.S. to Athens, Greece.
|
|
| |
|
| Day 2 |
|
ATHENS, GREECE
|
|
Upon arrival, transfer to the Divani Apollon Palace Hotel.
|
|
| |
|
| Day 3 |
|
ATHENS
|
|
Enjoy an afternoon excursion in Athens, which boasts a vast array of sites, both ancient and modern, including the cutting edgeOlympic Village. Visit the Acropolis to see the ruins of the majestic Parthenon and the Erectheion. Also visit the Acropolis Museum. Tonight, dine at a local taverna. B, D
|
|
| |
|
| Day 4 |
|
ATHENS | SOUNION | PIRAEUS | EMBARK
|
Visit the National Archaeological Museum, which exhibits Greece’s finest collection of antiquities, and continue to the 11th-century Kessariani Monastery. Alternatively, Young Explorers tour the Foundation of the Hellenic World, which presents a fascinating virtual reality experience of ancient Olympia. Then, tour Cape Sounion, noted for its Temple of Poseidon and magnificent view of the Aegean. Embark Corinthian II. B |
|
| |
|
| Day 5 |
|
SANTORINI
|
|
In the 2nd millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded Santorini in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many of the buildings in the town of Akrotiri. Adults will visit Phira’s Archaeological Museum while Young Explorers board a sailboat to Nea Kameni, the island in the center of Santorini’s caldera, and ascend to its volcano by donkey to learn about the area’s geology. Adults and children reunite for lunch and free time to explore Phira. B, L, D
|
|
| |
|
| Day 6 |
|
RHODES | LINDOS | RHODES
|
|
Arrive in Rhodes and ascend Monte Smith, the site of the ancient acropolis of Hellenistic Rhodes. See the restored 2nd-century B.C. stadium, the theater and the remains of temples dedicated to Zeus, Athena and Pythian Apollo. Enjoy lunch in Lindos at the acclaimed restaurant, Mavrikos. Then walk or ride a donkey up to the Lindos acropolis. Also visit the Archaeological Museum in Rhodes Town. B, L, D
|
|
| |
|
| Day 7 |
|
HERAKLION | KNOSSOS | RETHYMNON, CRETE
|
|
In Heraklion, visit the Archaeological Museum. An excursion leads to the Minoan Palace at Knossos, with its underground labyrinth of the legendary Minotaur. Savor lunch at the Agreco farm and continue to Rethymnon for leisurely exploration. B, L, D
|
|
| |
|
| Day 8 |
|
GYTHEION | MYSTRA OR DIROS | GYTHEION | KOTRONAS BAY
|
|
From Gytheion, adults tour Mystra’s abandoned buildings and churches containing medieval frescoes, while Young Explorers explore the haunting stalactite caves of Diros by gondola. Later, take a plunge off the ship’s stern in Kotronas Bay. B, L, D
|
|
| |
|
| Day 9 |
|
KATAKOLON | OLYMPIA | KATAKOLON
|
|
Travel to Olympia, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus and one of four sites where the Panhellenic games were held. Tour the sacred area, including the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Council House, the Treasuries and the stadium. B, L, D
|
|
| |
|
| Day 10 |
|
NAXOS BAY | TAORMINA | NAXOS BAY, SICILY, ITALY
|
Taormina offers a breathtaking view out to sea and the cone of Mount Etna. An 8th-century B.C. Greek colony prospered here throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Visit the Greek theater, which offers dramatic views of Etna and the Sicilian coastline, and enjoy time at leisure to admire Taormina’s architecture and gardens. Or, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beautiful beaches of Naxos Bay. B, L, D |
|
| |
|
| Day 11 |
|
SALERNO | POMPEII OR RAVELLO & AMALFI | SALERNO
|
|
Travel to Pompeii, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Tour highlights include the Forum; the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter; and the remarkably preserved Stabian Baths. Alternatively, visit Ravello, a small mountain-town filled with art and enchantment, and Amalfi, a prosperous maritime city in the 11th century that clings to the rugged limestone cliffs. Admire the frescoes and mosaics of its 9th-century Cathedral. B, L, D
|
|
| |
|
| Day 12 |
|
CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME | USA
|
|
Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport in Rome for return flights to the U.S. B
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
