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Splendor Greece Tour
Day 1
Athens
Upon arrival, embark on a half day city tour to see Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by Evzones in their traditional uniforms. Visit the Pan Athenaic Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. Explore the archaeological site of the Temple of the Olympian Zeus before you continue to the world famous Acropolis, an architectural masterpiece built between 447 and 438 B.C., which towers above a marketplace on a white rocky platform. Here, you will see the Parthenon, as well as the museum which holds some ruins of the ancient city.
Day 2
Athens/ (2h30min; 140km) Epidaurus/ (1h30min; 50km) Mycenae/ (3h; 160km) Olympia (total: 7h; 350km)
Today, head west along the coastal highway and stop to see the amazing Corinth Canal, which separates the Aegean and the Ionian Seas. Continue to the well-preserved ancient Theater of Epidavros that is famous for its acoustics. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, the theater is able to seat 12 000 people. Live performances still take place here today from July to September. Move on to see Nafplion, the old capital of Greece, and visit Mycenae, one of the oldest ruins discovered by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1876. Pass through the Lion Gate, the oldest stone carving in Europe that was created from a single stone circa 1250 B.C. The gate also marks the entrance to the fortress leading to the remains of the Royal Palace and graves where Schliemann found 15 kilogram's worth of gold treasures, which are now on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. Other sites not to be missed include the Treasury of Atreus, a large domed tomb with an arching roof formed by 33 superimposed courses of joined stone blocks. From here, continue your journey across the Peloponnese, passing the towns of Tripoli and Megapolis before arriving in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.
Day 3
Olympia/ Delphi (total: 4h30min; 250km)
This morning, visit the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. It was here some 2 000 years ago that Greek athletes met to honor Zeus and where the Olympic Games were held every four years. Even up to today, the Olympic flame is lit every 4 years in this ancient sanctuary during the Olympic Games. Continue your journey North to Patras and cross the new bridge over the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass through the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos before you arrive in Itea for an overnight stay.
Day 4
Delphi/ Kalambaka (total: 5h; 320km)
This morning, visit the grand archaeological site of Delphi. On the slopes of Mt Parnassos lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Surrounded by a wall, the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios is filled with monuments, statues and some 20 treasures of the Athenians. While Exploring the Sanctuary, admire the famous Castalia Spring, which is tucked into a ravine right under the Phaedriades. Apollo is said to have planted a laurel tree, which he brought from the Vale of Tempe, there. After your visit, depart for Kalambaka, and pass through the picturesque towns and villages of Central Greece.
Day 5
Kalambaka/ Athens (total: 5h40; 440km)
This morning, proceed to the Monasteries of Meteora, which stand amidst striking scenery and are perched on top of huge rocks that seem to be suspended in mid air. Inside, see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art, manuscripts and jewelery. In the afternoon, return to Athens via Trikala and Lamia. On the way, delight in the glory of the Leonidas Monument at Thermopylae. The monument which represents Leonidas in full armor is lined with 300 cypress trees and commemorates the heroic deaths of the Spartans who, led by Leonidas, fought the Persian army of Xerxes in 480 BC. You will stay overnight in Athens.
Day 6
Athens/ Mykonos Islands (total: 5h; 45km)
Early morning transfer to the port of Piraeus or Rafina for taking the ferry to the Island of Mykonos . Upon arrival in Mykonos, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free at leisure in Mykonos.
Day 7
Mykonos/ Santorini Island (total: 4h; 9km)
Morning free at leisure in Mykonos. At noon, transfer to the port for taking the high – speed boat to Santorini Island. Upon arrival, you may consider joining the optional tour to visit the famous sunset view in OIA Village, which attracts millions of tourists every year.
Day 8
Santorini/ Crete Island (total: 5h30min; 70km)
This morning, you may consider joining our half day optional tour to the volcano and hot spring excursions with the experience of the donkey ride and cable car ride for the most picturesque view of the town of Fira. Then we will continue our journey to another island with the largest population among the Cycladic Islands in Greece – Crete.
Day 9
Crete/ Athens (Overnight Cruise) (100 km)
Today's highlights include a visit to Knossos excavations, where Sir Arthur Evans archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. See the Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields, that houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen's Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Afternoon enjoy free time in the city to explore its beauties combining the facilities of a modern city with the unique Greek islands' ambience, then transfer to the port for embarkation back to Athens. Overnight.
Day 10
Athens/ Departure
If time permits, you can do some last time shopping before you transfer to the airport for your flight back home.