DAY    1            DEPARTURE FROM NORTH AMERICA
Enjoy full meal service on your scheduled wide-bodied flight to Athens.

DAY    2            ARRIVE ATHENS - ELEUSIS - NAFPLIO (3 NIGHTS)
We will be met at the airport by our tour manager/guide who will accompany us to the Greek Peloponnese. En route, we will stop for a visit to Ancient Eleusis, which was a center for religious devotion that culminated in the Annual Eleusian Mysteries. Existing from the Mycenaean period, thousands of people from around the world would come to be initiated. Our visit to the ancient sight will be highlighted by: the remains of the Greater Propylaia, built by the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius; the Ploutonion, the sanctuary of Hades; the Lesser Propylaia; the Telesterion, a 5th century temple; and the Anaktoron, the holiest portion of the sight. Our visit will also include a visit to the small Museum with artifacts from the ancient sight. We continue to Nafplio, our base for the next three evenings. Nafplio is one of the loveliest towns in all Greece, and the old city features neoclassic houses, picturesque streets, Turkish fountains, fascinating mosques and magnificent outdoor cafes.

DAY    3            MYCENAE, CORINTH & EPIDAURUS
We will make an early start, as we travel to Mycenae, a fortified Palace Complex uncovered by archaeologist Heinrich Schielmann in 1874. The complex is one of the earliest examples of sophisticated citadel architecture, and only the ruling class would have inhabited the hilltop palace. Highlights of our visit will include: the 13 century BC Lion Gate; Grave Circle A, with six royal family shaft graves; the Royal Palace situated at the acropolis summit; and the Secret Stairway, a flight of 99 steps dropping to a cistern deep beneath the citadel. We continue outside the palace complex, where will visit the Treasury of Atreus, the most outstanding of the tholos tombs. Dating from the 14th century BC, it is one of only two double-chambered tombs in Greece. We continue to Corinth, one of the largest and most prosperous cities in ancient Greece and the site of an important Roman colony. The ruins of the ancient city rare spread out for miles, but we will focus on the site known as the Acrocorinth, beyond the main city. We will explore the remains of the huge rock fortress, which could withstand lengthy sieges due to the presence of the upper Peirene spring on the southeast side of the ramparts. In addition to the fascinating remains of the Acrocorinth, we will also be afforded one of the most sweeping views in all of Greece. Our panoramic views stretch over 35 miles in all directions, from the Geraneia range in the northeast to the peaks of the Ziria in the southwest. We conclude our afternoon with a scenic drive to Epidaurus, an extensive therapeutic and religious center, dedicated to the healing god Asklepios. We will visit the Theater of Epidaurus, the most famous and best-preserved of all the ancient theaters in Greece. The theater could accommodate up to 14,000 spectators, and the acoustics are still a marvel of engineering. We return to Nafplio for the evening.

DAY    4            TRIPOLIS, MYSTRAS & SPARTA
This morning, we travel to Tripolis, where we will visit the Menelaion, the shrine honoring Helen of Troy's long-suffering husband, Menelaus. Our day continues to majestic Mystras, which occupies a panoramic site on a spur of the rugged Taygetos range. Founded by the Franks in 1249, it was later the seat of the Despots of Morea and became the last major Byzantine cultural center by the 15th century. Before exploring the site, we will stop for a fine view of the entire site from the Kastro (Castle). We will enter the site from the castle, and explore the monasteries, churches, palaces and houses that line the narrow, winding streets. We will visit the Despots' Palace, a rare example of Byzantine civic architecture, highlighted by the Throne Room of the rulers of the Cantacuzene and Palaiologgos dynasties. Our final stop today will be in Sparta, home of one of the most powerful of the Greek city-states. We will explore the remains of the Acropolis, including the cavity of the Roman Theater and the Artemis Orthia Sanctuary, where young Spartan boys were whipped to learn courage and endurance. Our afternoon concludes with a visit to the Archaeological Museum, highlighted by: a fine collection of Roman mosaics, a classical marble head of a warrior, possibly Leonidas I, and bas-reliefs from the Sanctuary of Apollo at nearby Amykles. We return to Nafplio for the evening.

DAY    5            NAFPLIO - OLYMPIA - DELPHI AREA (1 NIGHT)
This morning we will travel across the Peloponnese to ancient Olympia. Built on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is beautiful, green and placid and was the home of the original Olympic Games, begun in 776 BC. We will enjoy a tour through the remains of the Ancient Olympia Complex, including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra and Pheidia's Workshop. After participating in a few running events in the ancient complex, we conclude our time with a visit to the Olympia Archaeological Museum, one of the richest museums in Greece, which displays the treasures excavated from the area. We continue to our hotel in the Delphi area for the evening.

DAY    6            DELPHI AREA - THERMOPYLAE - KALAMBAKA (2 NIGHTS)
Today we explore Ancient Delphi, which to the Greeks was one of the most sacred spots in their world. Its setting is dramatic, a natural amphitheater that faces the sea and lies under the shadow of Mt. Parnassus. At the center of Delphi stands the Sanctuary of Apollo, for many centuries antiquity's largest center of pilgrimage. Our exploration of ancient Delphi will include the following: a walk up the Sacred Way, which winds up the hill to the Temple; the treasury buildings of the various ancient city-states; and the spectacular ruins of the Doric Temple of Apollo, the home of the Pythia, the oracle who would deliver the prophecies of the gods. After exploring the sacred site, we will visit the Delphi Museum, with a collection of sculptures and architectural remains of an importance second only to those of the Athenian Acropolis. This afternoon we will journey to Themopylae, where one of the most famous battles in history was fought in 480 BC, during the Persian King Xerxes's attempt to conquer Greece. We will stop to view the massive Statue of the Spartan King Leonidas, before continuing our scenic drive through the Pass of Thermopylae to our hotel in nearby Lamia.

DAY    7            DAY TRIP TO METEORA
This morning we will make an early start and journey into northern Greece for a visit to the natural sandstone towers of Meteora, which means "suspended rocks." Our day will include visits to: Megalo Meteoro, the first and highest monastery founded in the region; Varlaam, including its magnificent church, Katholikon, which features beautiful frescoes; and Rousanou, the most spectacularly located of all the monasteries. This afternoon we return to Lamia.

DAY    8            KALAMBAKA - ATHENS (1 NIGHT) (BIRTHPLACE OF
                          WESTERN CIVILIZATION)
Our morning commences with a visit to the Acropolis, which has dominated the skyline of Athens for over 2,000 years. A citadel was built on the rock in Mycenaean times, and was the first of a series of temples that honored Athena, the city's divine patroness. In 480 BC the Persians captured the Acropolis, and the Athenian leader Pericles rebuilt the site according to his plan of unsurpassed beauty and grandeur. During our tour of the Acropolis, we will view: the Propylaia, the monumental entrance to the complex; the Temple of Athena Nike; the Parthenon, the temple to Athena which crowns the Acropolis; the Erectheion, dedicated to Poseidon and Athena; and the Theater of Herodes Atticus, originally built in AD 161. Our time on the Acropolis concludes with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, featuring a superb collection of treasures excavated from the area. Our day continues as we view Hadrian's Arch, an enormous triumphal arch built by the Roman Emperor, which is still a symbolic entrance to Athens. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is the largest temple in Athens, and we will get a sense of its enormous size on our visit when we view the 15 columns that remain of the original 104. This evening we will explore and dine in the lively Plaka Area, the historic heart of Athens.

DAY    9            ATHENS & CAPE SOUNION - FLIGHT TO CRETE (2 NIGHTS)
Our morning commences with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, one of the world's most important museums, which houses treasures collected from many small museums in and around Athens. (Subject to Museum re-opening) Our day continues with a visit to the Ancient Agora, or marketplace, which formed the political heart of Athens from 600 BC. Socrates was indicted and executed here in 399 BC. The theater, schools and stoas filled with shops also made this the center of social and commercial life. We will explore the vast remains of the ancient complex, which have been excavated since the 1930s, including Hephaisteion, the best-preserved Temple, and the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed, colonnaded building, which houses a small museum with the finds from the Agora. This afternoon we will take a short excursion to Cape Sounion, on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Here we will visit the Temple of Poseidon, ideally positioned for worship of the powerful god of the sea, as it was built on a beautiful site set back from the sheer cliffs tumbling into the Aegean Sea. The present temple, built in 444 BC, stands on the site of older ruins. It features an Ionic Frieze made from Parian marble and 15 of the 34 original Doric columns survive. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for a short flight to the Island of Crete, which holds the glories of the Minoan culture.

DAY    10            IRAKLION (TREASURES OF THE MINOANS)
This morning we will explore the treasures of Iraklion, beginning with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, one of the great archaeological sites of the world. Using every possible clue and remnant, large parts of the palace have been rebuilt, including walls, floors, stairs, windows, and columns. During out tour, we will get a good sense of the structure's labyrinthine nature, as we will be viewing the remains of two major palaces plus several restorations that were made from about 2000 B.C. to 1250 B.C. This afternoon we will visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the world's premier collections of art and artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Many of its most spectacular objects are from the excavations at Knossos, and feature a variety of objects, styles, techniques, and materials.

DAY    11            CRETE - HYDROFOIL TO SANTORINI (2 NIGHTS) - ANCIENT
                            AKROTIRI
This morning we will take a Hydrofoil Speed Ferry from Iraklion to the spectacular Island of Santorini. Upon our arrival on Santorini, we will transfer to Ancient Akrotiri, where excavations have been in progress since 1967. This site has provided the world with a fascinating look at urban life in the Minoan period, and is sometimes nicknamed the "Minoan Pompeii." The elaborate architecture and vivid frescoes demonstrate the high level of culture, which was frozen in time around 1450 B.C. by a cataclysmic eruption of the island's volcano. We continue with a Donkey Ride to Fira, one of the most scenic towns in the world, with a spectacular location on the edge of the caldera. Fira offers unmatched views down and out to sea, and to the off shore islands. After checking into our hotel, we will take advantage of the emptying of Santorini's capital and explore the beautiful buildings, churches and windmills. After dinner we will take a Volta (stroll) Along M. Nomikou Street, one of the most exquisite in the Cyclades, which follows the edge of the caldera.

DAY    12            TOUR OF THE CALDERA ISLANDS
Today we will explore the tantalizing Islands in the Caldera, part of the glory of Santorini's seascape, and reminders of the larger island that existed before the volcano left the crescent in the sea. We will take a Full-Day Boat Excursion, departing from the port of Fira. Our first stop will be Thirassia, a small, inhabited island west across the caldera from Santorini, where we will have a bit of time to explore the cliff top village of the same name, a quiet retreat from Santorini's summer crowds. Our tour will also include stops at the two smoldering dark islands in the middle of the caldera. Palea Kameni ("Old Burnt") is the smaller and more distant, and Nea Kameni ("New Burnt"), which began its appearance sometime in the early 18th century. We will return to Santorini for the afternoon, where we will enjoy a bit of free to time to explore or shop at our leisure.

DAY    13            SANTORINI - ANCIENT THIRA - FLIGHT TO ATHENS
                            (1 NIGHT)
This morning we will visit the ruins of Ancient Thira, located on a high rocky headland called Mesa Vouna. This is an incredible site, with cliffs dropping precipitously to the sea on three sides, and dramatic views of Santorini and the neighboring islands. We will take a Tour of the Remains, of which most buildings date from the Hellenistic era, when Ptolemaic forces occupied the site. In addition, there are also extensive Roman and Byzantine remains. This afternoon we will take a short flight back to Athens for our final evening in Greece.

DAY    14            DEPARTURE FROM ATHENS
Our enjoyable and rewarding tour will come to an end as our guide accompanies us to the airport for the flight home.