BEST OF GREECE - AN AEGEAN ODYSSEY
With an Optional Santorini Extension
Air and Land 9 Days, 8 Nights Including Hotels, Meals, Day Trips. Airfare available from various gateways
Step into the soul of Greece, where gods once walked, warriors rose to legend, and sunsets melt into sapphire seas. Your journey begins in Nafplion, a jewel of neoclassical charm with bougainvillea-draped balconies and a seaside breeze that whispers of forgotten empires. Stand in awe at the ruins of Sparta, the birthplace of bravery, where tales of Leonidas and his 300 still echo through the stone. Wander the sacred grounds of Olympia and feel your heart race as you imagine competing in the very first Olympic Games. Explore a land where myth becomes memory, whether sailing through the shadowy underworld of the Diros Caves, walking beneath the marble majesty of the Acropolis, or savoring sunlit afternoons in Areopoli, surrounded by wild beauty and towered villages carved from stone. In Athens, history hums beneath your feet, from ancient temples to bustling cafés, uniting past and present in a single heartbeat. Greece is more than a destination, it’s a warm embrace, a burst of laughter over ouzo, and days kissed by sunshine and the Aegean breeze.
And for those who wish to continue the dream, extend your journey to Santorini, where whitewashed villages crown volcanic cliffs and every corner looks like a painting that comes to life. Dive into the postcard perfection of this world-famous island, the perfect grand finale to your Greek odyssey. Join Quest Voyager on this unforgettable exploration of ancient wonders, mythical landscapes, and the timeless warmth of the Greek spirit.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
Extended “cruise philosophy on land” stay in two locations Nafplion and Athens • rich cultural connections and Greek interactions • Picturesque Venetian town of Nafplion • Ancient Athens – birthplace of Western civilization • World famous Acropolis and Parthenon • Acropolis Museum • Amazing archaeological sites • Corinth Canal • ouzo tasting • discussions with local expert speakers • beautiful countryside of Greece • bucolic villages • Ancient theater of Epidaurus • Archaeological site of Mycenae • Arched Tombs of Kings and Gigantic Lion’s Gate • Cyclopean Walls • Byzantine Mystras • mysterious Diros Caves • Areopoli • local olive farm plantation visit • the warrior town of Sparta • Archeological site of Olympia • Temples of Hera and Zeus • Santorini, island of extreme beauty • Oia • Profitis • Pyrgos • Stunning sunsets and much, much more.
MAIN PROGRAM INCLUDED FEATURES
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AIR TRANSPORTATION Air transportation from various gateways
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS First Class hotel accommodation for 7 nights
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MEALS 18 included meals consisting of 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: tour of Nafplion, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Diros and its caves, Areopoli, the Corinth Canal and ancient Athens - the Acropolis, and Acropolis Museum. Optional tours available
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JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning on the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals such as a discussion on Greek Life presented by a local guest speaker, olive oil tasting at a local farm and sampling of the traditional Greek aperitif Ouzo
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour upon arrival in Athens
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FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO SANTORINI
INCLUDED FEATURES
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INTER GREECE ROUND TRIP AIR Round trip flight from Athens to Santorini
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS First Class hotel accommodation for 2 nights
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MEALS 2 included meals consisting of 2 breakfasts
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: Tour of Santorini including wine tasting
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour
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FIRST CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
Day 1 Depart the USA for Athens, Greece Your journey begins! Board your overnight flight to Athens and prepare to step into the land of myths, legends, and timeless beauty. Sit back, relax, and enjoy meals and refreshments served onboard as you cross the Atlantic to your Grecian adventure.
Day 2 Athens to Nafplion Welcome to Greece! Arrive at Athens International Airport and, after passing through customs and immigration, meet your Tour Director. From here, begin your journey along Greece’s scenic coastal roads to the charming town of Nafplion, often called one of the most beautiful towns in the country. With its neoclassical architecture, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views over the Aegean, Nafplion is the perfect place to relax, stay for five nights and begin your Greek adventure. Dinner tonight is served at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 Nafplion – Epidaurus – Mycenae – Olive Oil Tasting Today, explore the cradle of Greek civilization. Discover the thriving Mycenaean culture that flourished from 1600–1300 B.C. Mycenae, a prominent Bronze Age center, boasts the iconic Lion’s Gate, the city’s entrance, and the Cyclopean Walls, colossal stone fortifications named after the mythical Cyclops. These walls stand as a testament to the extraordinary engineering skills of the Mycenaean civilization. Explore the Royal “Beehive” Tombs, showcasing the civilization’s advanced craftsmanship and engineering. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. Onwards to Epidaurus, home to the awe- inspiring ancient theater famed for its flawless acoustics. Marvel at this magnificent amphitheater, its towering white limestone terraces soaring over 65 feet high, dating back to the 4th century B.C. On your way back to the hotel, experience a “Journey of Discovery” on an olive farm visit, where you’ll indulge in tastings and engage with knowledgeable staff to learn about olive oil production. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Nafplion Enjoy a leisurely day in charming Nafplion. Stroll its romantic old town, climb the steps to Palamidi Fortress, or simply sip coffee by the sea as history and beauty surround you. Or opt for an unforgettable excursion to Sparta and Mystras. Step into history at ancient Sparta, the legendary warrior city that inspired the film 300, where tales of King Leonidas and his brave 300 Spartans still echo among the ruins. Visit the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the legendary Tomb of Leonidas, and the sacred sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. Then continue to Mystras, a hauntingly beautiful Byzantine citadel perched on Mount Taygetos and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at its preserved palaces, monasteries, and frescoed churches, remnants of the final flourishing of Byzantine glory. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch before returning. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Nafplion – Diros Caves – Areopoli Begin your day as you join fellow travelers and an expert guest speaker on a “Journey of Discovery” to discuss Greek values and the social culture of Greece. Embark on a day of natural wonder and hidden gems. Venture deep into the mysterious Diros Caves, a breathtaking subterranean waterway, an adventure worthy of Jason and the Argonauts themselves. Glide through the subterranean waters by boat, marveling at the dazzling formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have been forming for millennia. Continue to Areopoli, the stone- built heart of the Mani Peninsula, known for its fierce independence and captivating architecture. Explore the town’s tower houses, Byzantine churches, and cobbled alleys before savoring lunch at a local taverna. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Nafplion Free day in Nafplion. Take a short boat ride to the tiny fortress island of Bourtzi, set like a jewel in the harbor, offering panoramic views of the town and sea, or choose a full-day optional tour to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Cross the scenic Peloponnesian highlands to reach this sacred site, where history, athletics, and art converge. Stand on the ancient grounds of Olympia, where you can walk the original Olympic stadium and imagine the thrill of competing where the world’s first athletes once raced for glory. Explore ancient temples, gymnasiums, and the original stadium, and witness the altar where the Olympic flame is lit for each modern Games. The adjacent museum showcases world- famous statues and artifacts. Afterward, enjoy lunch before heading back to Nafplion. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Nafplion – Corinth Canal – Athens After breakfast, depart Nafplion and follow the coastal route to Athens. En route, stop at the Corinth Canal, a stunning feat of 19th-century engineering that dramatically slices through the isthmus. The Corinth Canal is a marvel of engineering, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Construction began in 1881 and was completed in 1893, marking a significant achievement in civil engineering. After your visit, stop at a local tavern on the banks of the canal for a “Journey of Discovery” to sample the traditional Greek drink, Ouzo and to watch boats go by. Arrive and welcome to Athens, a city where ancient wonders and modern spirit collide, promising a deeply moving journey through the heart of Western civilization. The evening is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 8 Athens Uncover the layers of history in Athens today, where every step weaves together mythology, empire, revolution, and modern life in one unforgettable story. Begin with a morning guided city tour, passing Constitution Square, the Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. See Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then visit the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first modern Olympics. Continue to the Acropolis, the crown jewel of classical antiquity. Stand in awe before the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion with its iconic Caryatids. End your tour with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum, an architectural marvel showcasing ancient masterpieces in a striking modern setting. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend the remainder of the day exploring Athens at your own pace. Maybe wander through the Plaka District, where every twist and turn reveals hidden treasures, from handcrafted souvenirs to ancient secrets tucked behind colorful shopfronts. (B,L)
Day 9 Athens to the USA or Optional Santorini Extension After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight home, or continue the adventure with a breathtaking two-night extension to Santorini, where whitewashed villages, volcanic cliffs, and unforgettable sunsets await. (B)
OPTIONAL SANTORINI EXTENSION
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Day 9 Athens – Santorini This morning, enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for an inner Greece flight to the Island of Santorini, the number one visited destination for Americans in Greece. Upon arrival in Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Welcome to Santorini, a breathtakingly beautiful Greek island in the southern Aegean Sea. Part of the Cyclades archipelago, it is renowned for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the deep blue waters of the caldera. Rising proudly from the sea, the island guards the well-kept secrets of Atlantis. The remainder of your afternoon is leisurely to admire, relax and enjoy. (B)
Day 10 Santorini – Island Tour Today the splendor of Santorini is at your fingertips. Begin your tour by visiting the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, the island’s highest point at 1,856 feet. Here, you can see across the sea to far-off lands. On a clear day, see the mountains of Crete, more than 60 miles away. Continuing to Pyrgos, a town with a rich history and was once the capital of Santorini until the early 19th century. The village was built on a hilltop to protect against pirate invasions. As a result, it features intact narrow labyrinthine streets, defensive walls, and a fortress-like character. Afterward, you will visit the wine museum. It is the only one of its kind in Greece and built in a cave. Here you witness the history of wine and the life of growers in Santorini since the 1600s. Here you will taste some of the best wines the island produces today. Then you will visit Oia, a traditional village north of Santorini. The beauty of Oia is unparalleled. Oia features the iconic, white-washed houses, blue- domed churches, and narrow cobblestone streets characteristic of Cycladic architecture. The traditional buildings create a postcard- perfect ambiance with their distinctive Aegean design. As you wander the village, you’ll find charming alleys, hidden courtyards, and vibrant bougainvillea flowers adorning the buildings. (B)
Day 11 Santorini to the USA Today transfer to Santorini airport for your flight to Athens and connection to your flight home. (B)
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(B) - Breakfast, (L) - Lunch, (D) - Dinner.
Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. Quest Voyager reserves the right to make corrections or adjustments to the travel program as necessary.