Greece
Sprawling across the shores of the Mediterranean, generously scattering islands into the sea, Greece is where romance and adventure come alive. The birthplace of democracy, philosophy and drama, this country has much beauty to share. The brilliant whites and blues of Santorini’s Cycladic seaside mansions. The majestic frame of the Acropolis. The dark quietude of ancient olive groves. And legends of the several warriors, gods and goddesses that have been carved for posterity into ancient temples. A few days in Greece will take you back in time.City Information
Athens
They say Athens is much like a woman – capricious, wilful and utterly irresistible. The city has seen the birth of civilisation, the rise to fame of philosophers and statesmen, and the rapid progress towards modernity. Its streets today resemble those of other modern cities, with a profusion of big brand outlets and smartly dressed people. Step away from the city and the past rises to greet you, in the ruins of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion.Mykonos
The playground for much of Europe’s jet-set, the island of Mykonos has an ethereal beauty that seems far removed from the sheen and glitter of its nightlife. Wide expanses of white beaches rimmed with deep sapphire waters thronged by happy holidaygoers during the day. At dusk, the nightclubs feature the world’s most acclaimed DJs, and the party spills over into the early hours of each morning.Santorini
A volcanic explosion a few thousand years ago resulted in the creation of the island of Santorini. Set in the Aegean Sea, it derived its name from St. Irene. The island’s white-washed cliff-top houses with gleaming blue domes catch the light of the magical sunsets, and are its most easily recognisable image. Santorini is justly proud of its vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine.
Tour of Athens and the Acropolis Museum
Spend a few hours in happy contemplation of the ancient city’s architectural marvels. Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the Presidential Palace, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament, and several other structures. At the Acropolis, you will visit the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon.
Cape Sounion tour
Drive along the coast, past the beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, with the marvellous vistas of the Saronic Gulf to Cape Sounion, where you will find the beautiful ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. Spend a while exploring the area.
Ancient Corinth tour
Set off from Athens to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Stop there briefly, and then continue your journey to Corinth, where you will explore the site of the ancient Port of Cehries.
A visit to Delphi
According to mythology, the Oracle of Delphi was said to be the most powerful of all the oracles of the ancient world. Today, the city has no secrets from its visitors. Set off through the Boetia plain, crossing Thebes (the setting of King Oedipus’s tragedy). Visit the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Treasury, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum, where you can admire Greek masterpieces like the bronze charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.
Sightseeing in Argolis
Drive to the Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides. Here, explore the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. After lunch, set off to Epidaurus to visit the fourth century theatre, still known for its excellent acoustics.
Island Hopping around Santorini
From Anthionio Port, sail to the volcano, where you will have enough time to take a stroll to the rim. Next, a ferry will take you to the hot springs, where you can take a dip in the sea. Set sail to the picturesque Island of Thirassia, where you can go shopping or sample the fare at the restaurants. Your next halt will be the port of Armeni, where the most glorious sunsets are to be experienced at Oia town.
ODE TO GREECE (8D/7N)
It’s a poetic journey. One that will take you from serene islands to steaming volcanoes. And from the ancient Acropolis, to equally cherished taverns. Ancient Greece was always a land that evoked drama, adventure and mystique. Modern Greece is no less.
YOUR ITINERARY
Athens 3 nights
Mykonos 2 nights
Santorini 2 nights
DAY 1
Arrive in Athens, where a private car awaits to take you to your hotel. Take a night tour through the capital, starting with a ride to the Port of Piraeus with a brief stop at Mikrolimano for a drink of potent ouzo and some meze (traditional appetisers). You will dine at a traditional Greek tavern, complete with bouzouki music and folk dances. DAY 2
Your half-day tour of the city begins after breakfast. This tour covers some of Athens’ best-loved and most revered sites. This includes visits to places like the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Arch of Hadrian, the Acropolis, the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896); and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, among many, many others. DAY 3
After breakfast, your private car will take you to Piraeus Port (Athens Port) from where you will embark on a ferry to Mykonos. A private car will meet you at your destination, ready to take you to your hotel. DAY 4
In the morning, travel to Delos, the fabled birthplace of Zeus. Return to Mykonos after you have taken in the wonders of what is known as Europe’s biggest open air museum. DAY 5
After breakfast, take a ferry to your next destination, the picturesque island of Santorini. DAY 6
Your day begins with the Caldera Cruise. A coach will drop you to Athinios Port where you will embark on a traditional boat that will take you to the site of Santorini’s active volcano. Climb right up to the crater. Your next activity offers a more soothing, albeit less adventurous dose of heat — a laze in the hot springs and terracotta mud baths of Palea Kameni. Next, cruise to Thirassia and lunch at one of its beachfront tavernas or stroll to the quaint village of Manolas. Then it’s off to the village of Oia via Armeni Bay. A donkey ride or stairs (if you choose to walk) will take you to the top. At the top, you may make your way through its many boutiques, art galleries and shops; or dine at the caldera’s cliff, watching the sun set. At the end of the evening, you will return to your hotel in Santorini. DAY 7
Your private car will drop you to the ferry that will take you to Piraeus Port in Athens where you will stay overnight. DAY 8
Bid goodbye to Greece and embark on your journey back home.
Arrive in Athens, where a private car awaits to take you to your hotel. Take a night tour through the capital, starting with a ride to the Port of Piraeus with a brief stop at Mikrolimano for a drink of potent ouzo and some meze (traditional appetisers). You will dine at a traditional Greek tavern, complete with bouzouki music and folk dances. DAY 2
Your half-day tour of the city begins after breakfast. This tour covers some of Athens’ best-loved and most revered sites. This includes visits to places like the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Arch of Hadrian, the Acropolis, the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896); and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, among many, many others. DAY 3
After breakfast, your private car will take you to Piraeus Port (Athens Port) from where you will embark on a ferry to Mykonos. A private car will meet you at your destination, ready to take you to your hotel. DAY 4
In the morning, travel to Delos, the fabled birthplace of Zeus. Return to Mykonos after you have taken in the wonders of what is known as Europe’s biggest open air museum. DAY 5
After breakfast, take a ferry to your next destination, the picturesque island of Santorini. DAY 6
Your day begins with the Caldera Cruise. A coach will drop you to Athinios Port where you will embark on a traditional boat that will take you to the site of Santorini’s active volcano. Climb right up to the crater. Your next activity offers a more soothing, albeit less adventurous dose of heat — a laze in the hot springs and terracotta mud baths of Palea Kameni. Next, cruise to Thirassia and lunch at one of its beachfront tavernas or stroll to the quaint village of Manolas. Then it’s off to the village of Oia via Armeni Bay. A donkey ride or stairs (if you choose to walk) will take you to the top. At the top, you may make your way through its many boutiques, art galleries and shops; or dine at the caldera’s cliff, watching the sun set. At the end of the evening, you will return to your hotel in Santorini. DAY 7
Your private car will drop you to the ferry that will take you to Piraeus Port in Athens where you will stay overnight. DAY 8
Bid goodbye to Greece and embark on your journey back home.