• Greece
  • Turkey

Overview

This 12-day tour takes you to ancient archaeological sites across Greece & to the world-renowned ruins site, Ephesus, in neighboring Turkey. You’ll discover history, ancient temples, medieval architecture, sunny beaches, charming towns, & much more as you travel on foot, by motor vehicle, & by ship. 

Highlights

  • Acropolis – World-famous archaeological site in Athens. Features the Parthenon & the Temple of Zeus.
  • Greek Islands Cruise – Sail to Patmos, Mykonos, & Rhodes. Also features a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey.
  • Delphi – Home to the ancient theatre with the best, scenic location.
  • Meteora Monasteries – Greek monasteries situated on steep pinnacles.
  • Olympic Sites – See where the Olympics began in Greece during the 8th century BC. Visit the 19th-century & 20th-century Olympic venues.

Itinerary

Day 1: Athens

Arrive at the airport in Athens, & transfer to the hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. 

Day 2: Athens

See where the Olympics were held in Athens during the late 19th century & the newer Olympic complex, where the Summer Olympics took place in 2004. Afterward, head to the city’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. Here you will visit the Museum, admire the great columns of the Parthenon, see the Temple of Zeus, & much more. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Athens.  

Day 3: Athens – Nauplia

Travel to Nauplia today. Along the journey, you will cross over the Corinth Canal, & explore the archaeological sites of ancient Corinth & Mycenae. At Corinth you will see the Temple of Apollo & visit the Museum. You will learn about Mycenae’s role in Greek mythology, explore its museum, & walk through the legendary Lion Gate. Upon arrival in Nauplia, check in to the hotel. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in this charming, coastal town.  

Day 4: Nauplia – Olympia

The late 19th-century Olympic stadium you visited on day one of the trip is not the oldest Olympic site in Greek history. Today you will visit ancient Olympia to explore the site where the Olympics began in the 8th century BC. Afterward, transfer to the hotel, & enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Day 5: Olympia – Delphi

Journey to Delphi this morning. The trip includes a ferry ride across the Gulf of Corinth. Enjoy a guided tour of the Delphi archaeological site, which features an ancient theatre with a truly breathtaking backdrop. Spend the evening in Delphi. 

Day 6: Delphi – Meteora – Kalambaka

You will certainly be amazed today as you approach the steep pinnacles that make the foundations for the Meteora Monasteries. Head up into two of the six monasteries for guided tours. Afterward, head to nearby Kalambaka for dinner & an overnight stay. 

Day 7: Kalambaka – Athens

Today you will head back to Greece’s capital. After checking into the hotel, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. 

Day 8: Athens – Mykonos – Rhodes

Cruise to the sunny island of Mykonos after breakfast this morning. Here you can relax on the island’s sandy shores, & take a swim in the cool, blue coastal waters. After dinner, hop back on the boat for an overnight sail to the island of Rhodes. 

Day 9: Rhodes

See the medieval walls & the many legendary gates of Rhodes’ Old Town. After lunch, head to Lindos for a scenic drive through the town & a visit to its ancient archaeological site. Return to this ship this evening, & begin cruising to Patmos.  

Day 10: Patmos – Kusadasi – Athens

In the morning, hop off the boat & onto the Greek island of Patmos. The shore excursion features a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. Enjoy lunch before boarding the ship & cruising to Turkey. You’ll get off the boat in Kusadasi, & head to one of the most famous, ancient archaeological sites in the world, Ephesus. Highlights include the Library of Celsus & the theatre, which can accommodate a crowd of 25,000 people. Sail to Athens overnight.

Day 11: Athens

Enjoy the day at leisure after disembarking the ship this morning. 

Day 12: Athens – USA

Transfer to the airport, & board return flight home. 

Optional Add-ons

Available upon request.