Overview
Greek Escape plus 2 nights in Santorini
You've seen photos of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person on this escorted Greek vacation. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now’s your chance to walk among the ruins in Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC. You've eaten at Greek restaurants—now's your chance to enjoy an authentic Greek cooking demonstration, where you'll learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. All this and more awaits you on this Greek Escape.History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people journeyed to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a sirtaki dance lesson and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets. You’ll also be treated to two wonderful nights in Santorini to explore the history and beauty of this Mediterranean jewel! From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, the Greek Escape has it all!
Highlights of Greek Escape plus 2 nights in Santorini
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis• Photo opportunity at the Corinth Canal• Guided visit to the excavations and museum in Mycenae • Guided visit to the open-air auditorium in Epidaurus • Guided visit to Olympia’s archaeological site• Tzatziki cooking demonstration • Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi• Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo• Guided walking tour in Santorini plus a complimentary Kolouri pastry• Return flight between Athens and Santorini
Product Group
Greek Escape
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $780*18 guests in a party: $204*
Notes
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Services of the Tour Director end on day 6. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
UNESCO Sites
Acropolis Athens|Archeological Site of Delphi|Archeological site of Mycenae|Archeological Site of Olympia|Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2
ATHENS Marvels & Myths Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT 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.
Day 3
ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA Greek History & Heroes Leave Athens and drive to Corinth to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal. Continue to Mycenae, where according to legend, the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy a guided tour of the excavations and museum, plus some free time for lunch. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL 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.
Day 4
NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 kmLOCAL FAVORITE 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.
Day 5
OLYMPIA–ARACHOVA–DELPHI Traditional Steps Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast before heading inland to visit the picturesque mountain town of Arachova. Enjoy some free time to browse before continuing to Delphi. This evening, step into the culture when you [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)149mi/239kmLOCAL FAVORITE 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 love.
Day 6
DELPHI–ATHENS–SANTORINI Mountains & Islands This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Delphi’s excavations and Archaeological Museum. Discover more about the location once considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world, and where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Continue to Athens and take a flight to Santorini. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Santorini is recognized throughout the world for its postcard-like scenery. The lofty volcanic footprint of Oia’s caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands and sets the scene for some of the most beautiful sunsets.
Day 7
SANTORINI Spectacular Sights This morning, get acquainted with the island during a walking tour of Fira, the island’s capital, perched on the cliffs of the Caldera that includes a photo stop at the Cathedral and [LF] a complimentary kolouri pastry. Free time this evening to explore more and see one of Santorini's famous sunsets. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SIGHTS & BITES Stroll through the vibrant cobbled streets of Fira, painted in the traditional blue and white colors of the Greek flag, where old-world charm meets modern-day comforts. Stand in awe at the breathtaking views of the Caldera and the blue dome church. Join the locals and taste a Koulouri one of the most popular Greek street foods.
Day 8
SANTORINI–ATHENS Volcanic Discoveries The spectacular landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity, have turned Santorini into one of Greece’s most famous islands. During your day at leisure why not visit Oia one of the most famous villages on the island or take in more culture with a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Later, take a flight back to Athens. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE of Santorini. Visit the artisan workshops and boutique stores of Fira or discover the settlement of Akrotiri which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1650; buried in ash and preserved until the excavations of the 1960s.
Day 9
ATHENS Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Zafolia | Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport. | Athens | 87-89 Alexandras Avenue | First-Class |
| 2 | Amalia Nauplia | Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center. | Nauplia | National Road Argos | First-Class |
| 3 | Europa | Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games. | Olympia | Archaia Olympia - Drouva | First-Class |
| 4 | Amalia Delphi | At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery. | Delphi | 1 Apollonos Street | First-Class |
| 5 | Albatros Santorini | Albatros Hotel is set in a blooming garden in Karterados and features a pool and a pool bar on the terrace, and local cuisine at the restaurant. All 38 guest rooms have a balcony and include air conditioning, fridge and flat screen TV with international channels. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The city center of Fira with its bars restaurants and shops is just a 10-min walk away. | Santorini | Karterado | First-Class |
