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. 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.

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. 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. 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 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. Before exploring the site, we will stop for a fine view of the entire site from the Kastro (Castle). 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; a long, arcaded Stoa; 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 Thermopylae, 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 - MONASTERY OF OSIOS LOUKAS - THEBES -
                          ATHENS (3 NIGHTS)
This morning we begin our journey to Athens. We will stop en route for a visit to the Monastery of Osios Loukas, dedicated to the local hermit and healer, Holy Luke. Inside, we will be treated to some of Greece's most impressive and beautiful mosaics, highlighted by Washing of the Apostles Feet, as well as spectacular painted dome and the Crypt, which is a 10th century shrine with the sarcophagus of Holy Luke. We continue to nearby Thebes, which was the most powerful city of Greece in the 4th century BC. Today it is known for its spectacular collection in the Archaeological Museum, highlighted by the collection of Mycenaean sarcophagi similar to those found on Crete. After our visit to the museum, we will walk over the bridge to the site, which marks the traditional site of the Fountain of Oedipus. It is here that the legendary King Oedipus is said to have washed blood from his hands after unwittingly killing his father on the way to the city. We continue to Athens, the ancient and historic capital of Greece. Upon or arrival we will take a Walking Tour through the Monastiraki, the old area which takes its name from a sunken monastery. This section of Athens is highlighted by: the Fethiye Mosque, Tsistaraki Mosque, the Roman Agora, the remains of Hadrian's Library and the unique Tower of the Winds.

DAY    9            ATHENS (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    10            ATHENS
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. The vast remains of the ancient complex, which have been excavated since the 1930s, include 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 Walking Tour through the Anafiotika, one of the oldest settlements in Athens, nestled beneath the northern slopes of the Acropolis.

DAY    11            ATHENS - FLIGHT TO MYKONOS (2 NIGHTS)
This morning we begin with a visit to two of Athen's most interesting churches. First we visit Panagia Gorgoepikoos, a tiny 12th century church also known as the Little Cathedral. Built entirely of Pentelic marble, this domed, cruciform church is highlighted by its beautiful bas-reliefs and the Lintel Frieze, dating from the 4th century BC. We continue next door to Mitropoli, a huge cathedral made of marble from 72 demolished churches. Our morning concludes with a visit to the nearby Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments, which houses an impressive collection of over 1,200 musical instruments. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for a short flight to the Island of Mykonos.

DAY    12            DELOS & MYKONOS
This morning we will take an excursion to the small island of Delos, which was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the holiest of sanctuaries, the sacred center around which the other Cyclades circled. We will take a Specialist-guided tour of the ancient sight, which will include: the Sacred Harbor; the fascinating Maritime Quarter, a residential area with the remains of houses from the Hellenistic and Roman era (reminiscent of Pompeii); the massive Theatre, site of choral competitions during the Delian Festivals; the Agora of the Competialists; the Sacred Way, which leads north toward the Sanctuary of Apollo; the Propylaea; and the famous Avenue of the Lions. Our time on Delos concludes with a hike up to Mount Kinthos, the highest point on the island, which offers an overview of the site and a fine view of most of the Cyclades, including the neighboring islands of Rinia, Siros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos and Paros. On our way down, we will view the remarkable Grotto of Hercules, a small temple built into a natural crevice in the mountainside. We will return to Mykonos this afternoon, where we will take a Walking Tour through the labyrinthine alleys of Hora, an essential element of every Mykonian holiday. Hora is the quintessential Cycladic town, and during our walk we will view the remains of a small Venetian Kastro (fortress); the Panagia Paraportiani; the Alefkandra Quarter, better known as Little Venice, for its cluster of homes built overhanging the sea; and the famous Windmills of Kato Myli, where we can enjoy views back toward Little Venice.

DAY    13            MYKONOS - HYDROFOIL TO CRETE (2 NIGHTS)
This morning we continue our island-hopping as we take a Hydrofoil Speed Ferry to the island of Crete, which holds the glories of the Minoan culture. Upon or arrival, 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. Time permitting; we will visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the world's premier collections of art and artifacts from the Minoan civilization.

DAY    14            SAMARIA GORGE TOUR
Today we will take a guided excursion to explore the Samaria Gorge, one of the great natural splendors of Europe. This morning we will drive to the top of the gorge, followed by a Hike down the gorge. At the conclusion of our hike in the village of Ayia Roumeli, we will take a Boat Ride, which takes us from the end of the gorge to Khora Sfakion, where we will board our bus and return to Iraklion for the evening.

DAY    15            CRETE - HYDROFOIL TO SANTORINI (3 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. 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    16            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 across the caldera from Santorini. 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.

DAY    17            THE BEACHES OF SANTORINI
Today we will enjoy a relaxing day on the beaches of Santorini. We will begin the morning with some beach time at Kamari on the east coast of Santorini, which features the largest beach on the island. The natural setting, at the foot of cliffs rising sharply toward Ancient Thira, is excellent, and the beach itself features the island's unique black pebbles. Kamari's pebbles get very hot in the afternoon; therefore, we will transfer to the Red Beach, or Paralia Kokkini, at the end of the road to Ancient Akrotiri. This beach is unique because it is composed of small red volcanic pebbles. We return to Fira for the evening.

DAY    18            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    19            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.