TREASURES OF GREECE & THE ISLANDS (CLASSIC GROUP)

• An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax.

Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 19:00

• Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece.
• Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian.
• Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world.
• Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city.
• See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
• Continue to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C.
• See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans.
• Then on to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner from a fresh, seasonal menu.

• With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning ‘in the air.’
• The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale.
• Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley.
• The rest of the day is at your leisure.
• Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum.

• Travel south, stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus.
• Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert.
• Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years.
• You’ll approach the Temple of Apollo.
• Your travels continue to Olympia, where dinner is served in your hotel.

• It’s all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus.
• See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honour the ruler of the gods.
• Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch.
• The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line.
• In the evening, join a local chef for an entertaining cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine.
• Experience authentic Greek flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your Highlight Dinner.

• Visit the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert.
• Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls.
• Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the artisans at a family-run pottery studio and view beautiful works of art.
• Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes.
• Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnesse and mainland Greece, and arriving in Athens.
• In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer.

• An early departure takes you to the port of Piraeus where your high-speed ferry awaits to whisk you over to the truly beautiful island of Santorini.
• On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel.

• With two more sun-drenched days on one of the most romantic islands on earth, you won’t ever want to leave.
• Relax in clifftop restaurants, laze on the sun-soaked beaches or observe history unearthed at the site of Akrotiri.
• In the evening, you’ll witness the first of the golden sunsets for which the island is famous.

• Another day to relax and unwind on the black, red and white beaches, or why not take a caique (traditional Greek fishing boat) over to the volcanic islands for a swim in the hot springs?
• The island’s delicious cuisine, whitewashed houses that gleam in the bright Aegean sun, narrow cobblestone streets and world-renowned sunsets all combine to make Santorini a truly unique holiday experience.

• Board the high-speed ferry bound for the island of Mykonos, playground of the rich and famous.
• You are met at the port and transferred to your hotel.

• This day is the first of two glorious days at leisure.
• Explore the town with its winding maze of walkways, white-washed houses, magnificent windmills and uninhibited nightlife.
•  Perhaps watch the sunset at Shirley Valentine Beach or take a short boat ride to Delos?

• Another day to explore or relax as you wish.
• Perhaps swim the endless array of dazzling beaches that surround the island? Or maybe enjoy a cocktail on the waterfront at Little Venice?

• In the morning, grab your final glimpse over the lustrous Aegean.
• You are transferred to the port for your return ferry to Athens.

• Bid farewell to Athens.
• Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.