DAY 1 – TRAVEL TO ATHENS

Sparkling azure seas and endless golden skies appear on the horizon as the overnight flight transports us back to the origins of civilization, ancient Greece.

DAY 2 - ATHENS

Free time to wander amid fascinating temples and shrines to pagan gods, as well as Byzantine monasteries. See for yourself why Greece is often referred to as the world’s greatest outdoor museum. No other place can match the beauty and significance of its archaeological sites. Become acquainted with your fellow travelers at our welcome orientation and dinner of Greek specialties.

DAY 3 – ATHENS – CORINTHIA –EPIDAURUS – ISLE OF POROS

Today we board our motor coach for a trip on the coastal National highway to the Isle of Poros. Stop at the Corinth Canal where the Ancient Greeks had slaves drag boats across the narrow spit of land that separated the Aegean Sea from the Adriatic Sea. Modern man has since then created a canal to allow ships to pass and the Corinth Canal is a wonder of modern engineering. Continuing along the coast, we come to Epidaurus, an UNESCO world heritage site, reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asklepios. Epidaurus is most famous for its ancient amphitheater from the 4th century B.C., one of the best preserved classical Greek buildings and still used today due to its amazing acoustics. Enjoy lunch at a local taverna before we continue to Galatas and arrive on the Island of Poros after a short boat ride. Kick off your shoes and get ready for some fun in the sun.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome cocktail, Dinner

DAY 4 – ISLE OF POROS * Cooking school

On this free morning you might consider visiting the picturesque Monastery from 1726, a white jewel in the pine forests set in the rugged mountainside. Then venture to the highest point of the island and the ruins of the Sanctuary of Poseidon from 500 B.C. There’s more time for living like a Greek god or goddess—swim and sunbathe at the pool or beach, or take part in optional activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, banana-boating or tubing. We will also have bicycles available for you to use during this free day of exploration. In the late afternoon, you’re invited to create and taste traditional dishes of Greek cuisine during our cooking lessons featuring fresh Mediterranean ingredients such as local olives, herbs, fruits and vegetables. We’ll dine on the delectable dishes we’ve created including tzatziki dip, souvlaki and more. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the harbor quay past colorful fi shing boats and jet-setter sailing yachts from around the world or explore cafes, shops and waterfront tavernas which are alive with traditional Bouzouki music.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional activity: Water sports

DAY 5 – ISLE OF POROS * Excursion to the Isle of Hydra

Enjoy a free morning at your leisure. After lunch this afternoon, join us on an excursion to the island of Hydra. This island is considered the Saronic diva and locals like to tell of movie stars who make regular visits as ritzy yachts tie up in the harbor. No cars allowed here either, donkeys are the main means of transportation. Walk the stone-paved narrow alleys lined with red-tiled houses rising majestically from the steep harbor, bustling with life. Sip on a cocktail while taking in the panoramic views and breathtaking sunset from a cliff bar overlooking the glistening sea. After leisure time, we meet for dinner at a local taverna before returning to Poros under starlit skies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 – ISLE OF POROS * Excursion to Mycenae and Nafplio

This morning, we travel to Mycenae, former kingdom of Agamemnon, leader of the Greek army during the Trojan War. We visit the remains of the ancient city; see the ‘Lion’s Gate’ part of the great Cyclopean Wall and the palace complex on the summit of the citadel, where Agamemnon was slaughtered by his wife, Klytemnistra, and Agamemnon’s Tomb.
We continue our drive to Nafplio, once the capital of Greece. This beautiful town on the Argolic Gulf features a small port beneath the Palamidi fortress. Venetian homes and neoclassical mansions line narrow streets. After lunch, explore the town on your own, sip on a coffee at one of the quayside cafes, or shop at craft stores and boutiques. Back in Poros we invite you to a wine and olive oil tasting followed by a Greek-themed party on the last island night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 – ISLE OF POROS - Athens

In the morning we board our boat to Athens. See the 2,400-year old Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square. In the afternoon, we visit the remarkable Acropolis museum followed by some free time for us to try our bargaining skills at the markets of Monastiraki. Enjoy a leisure evening in Athens then follow the sounds of traditional bouzouki music and join our farewell taverna dinner in the Plaka District – Athens’ oldest neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8 – Travel Home

Our Grecian Odyssey ends with breakfast this morning. Even Ulysses had to return home eventually, so wrap up your memories of sun-filled Greek Isles.

Meals: Breakfast,

6 nights at superior tourist class hotels or better, 2-share rooms with private bath/shower
Daily continental breakfast
6 specialty dinners 3 lunches
Welcome cocktail
Bike rental on Poros
Greek cooking class
Excursions:
- Corinth & Epidaurus
- Excursion to Hydra
- Excursion to Mycenae & Nafplio
Wine and olive oil tasting
Guided tour of the Acropolis led by a local historian
Admission:
- Archeological site in Mycenae
- Acropolis
- Acropolis museum

Flight and airport transfers
Passport and visa fees
Tipping of tour guide and driver (suggested $4-5 per day for tour director, $2-3 per day for driver);
Beverages with meals unless indicated otherwise;
Laundry; room service; telephone charges; all items of a personal nature;
Personal insurance