Day notes
Welcome to Greece!
Receive an expected The Evolved Traveler VIP welcome on arrival with Fast-track assistance through Customs and Immigration. Once you have completed entry formalities, you will be greeted by your local host/guide who will be with you for the duration of your journey.
Transfer to your luxury hotel and settle in. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to rest and adjust after your international travel.
Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have had a culture fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.
Transfer from Athens International Airport [ATH] to Hotel Grande Bretagne
Transfer
Athens International Airport [ATH]
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Check-in to Hotel Grande Bretagne
Day notes
Depart this morning after breakfast for a full-day introductory tour of Athens, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, a curator-led tour of the New Acropolis Museum, and a special Athens Metro archaeological tour.
Athens'defining monument and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world is the Acropolis. It is a symbol and shrine to one of the influential cultures in human history. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, in acknowledgment of its significance and symbolic presence throughout history. The Acropolis is the site of four of the greatest masterpieces of classical Greek art, the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erectheum, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Parthenon is an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena. It is a Doric peripteral temple, which means that it consists of a rectangular floor plan with a series of low steps on each side and a colonnade (8 x 17) of Doric columns in the periphery of the entire structure. Each entrance has an additional six columns in front of it. The larger of the two interior rooms, the Naos, housed the cult statue, and the smaller room, the Opisthodomos, was used as a treasury.
Continue to The New Acropolis Museum. The museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with an exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters, ten times more than that of the old museum on the Hill of the Acropolis.
Lunch will be provided during the tour.
This afternoon brings one of Athen's most unique experiences. Start at the Syntagma Square Metro Station to begin the exploration of the Athens Metro – a living museum in-and-of-itself. The construction work undertaken on the city's metro system during the 1990s brought unprecedented archaeological finds to light. Very creatively, the metro stations were turned into virtual museums, in addition to their practical function, housing objects that were discovered nearnby. The exhibits include ancient gravestones, an aqueduct from the 5th century BC, pottery, a 2,000-year-old beehive, and a mosaic from the 5th century AD. Most interesting is the geological timeline on display; with each layer that was unearthed during the construction of the metro, a different historical period was discovered. An example of this would be the grave containing a skeleton from the 4th century BC lying a few meters below a 16th-century cistern.
Return to your beautiful hotel late this afternoon, having enjoyed a full day of historical wonders.
Included:
Breakfast and lunch
Excluded:
Dinner
Day notes
Today brings a culinary "moving feast" as you take an intimate walk through Athens' neighborhoods. Learn about each area's individual culture while enjoying samples of traditional Greek foods and drinks from hidden gastronomic gems along the way.
The journey begins, not far from the hotel, in the historic Plaka district, located directly in the shadow of the mighty Acropolis. It is one of Athens’ most popular destinations, but there’s also genuineness and allure to the Plaka that is undeniable.
Explore the Plaka’s culinary treasures while learning how the historic region helped shape the modern city. Along the way, stop in bakeries to sample treats that have been part of the Greek diet for centuries. Stop for Greek coffee and kollyva, a local delicacy traditionally served at funerals. Travel to the other side of the Acropolis to the neighborhood known as Anafiotika, where you'll sample meatballs from a famous taverna before visiting Syntagma, a market area since Roman times. Taste traditional Greek kabab before ending with a traditional sweet from the island of Hydra.
Return to the hotel early this afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Included:
Breakfast
Sampling lunch on tour
Excluded:
Dinner
Day notes
This morning, after breakfast, depart for ancient Delphi, home to the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. The Pythia was the name of the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, who also served as the oracle, commonly known as the Oracle of Delphi.
Delphi is situated about 180 kilometers northwest of the capital of Athens. This area consists of two separate sites: Delphi's modern village and the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient archaeological area, situated on the slopes of legendary Mount Parnassos, was once considered the center of the universe and retains a truly special atmosphere. The ruins and scenery are nothing short of stunning.
The first excavation in Delphi started in 1838 on a small scale, continued in 1860, then was elaborated by Greeks with the French Archaeological School of Athens' contribution and was concluded in 1935. Ever since, a well-appointed plan of restoring and preserving the site is taking place in the area. The Sanctuary in Delphi was the Amphictyonic League hub, a formation founded by twelve city-states of South Central Greece. The purposes of the league were originally religious but turned more political as the Amphictyonic League started controlling the Sanctuary's finances, enhancing and expanding its role and influence throughout Greece. During the 6th century BC, Delphi became an autonomous administrative center with immense political influence in Greece. After visiting the archaeological site, visit the fascinating museum featuring the priceless artifacts recovered from Delphi – including the famed bronze charioteer.
Check into your hotel for the evening mid-afternoon and enjoy some time to relax.
Check-out from Hotel Grande Bretagne
Transfer from Hotel Grande Bretagne to Elafivolia Arahova Suites
Transfer
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Elafivolia Arahova Suites
Check-in to Elafivolia Arahova Suites
Included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Excluded:
Dinner
Day notes
Today, drive to the beautiful, seaside town of Nafplio, whose history traces back to the prehistoric era. Today, it is one of Greece's most sought-after yacht havens.
Stop enroute to view the Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island.
Once on the 'peninsula,' visit one of the region's micro-wineries, which is considered to produce one of Greece's best wines. The winery sommelier will guide you through the facility before lunch is served on-site.
Arrive in Nafplio later this afternoon and have the remainder of the day to explore this charming seaside town.
The town is known for its remarkably scenic location, overlooking a picturesque harbor and presided over by two medieval castles, including the spectacular Palamidi fortress. At the center of Nafplio’s historical Old Town lies the large, marble-paved Syntagma Square, lined with quaint cafes. It features the Arsenal, a stately building occupied by a fascinating museum. Nafplio serves as a popular weekend getaway for Athenians eager to enjoy Nafplio’s excellent restaurants, boutique shops, impressive architecture, quayside cafes, fine beaches, and old-world atmosphere.
Check-out from Elafivolia Arahova Suites
Transfer from Elafivolia Arahova Suites to Amphitryon Hotel
Transfer
Elafivolia Arahova Suites
Amphitryon Hotel
Check-in to Amphitryon Hotel
Included:
Breakfast and lunch
Excluded:
Dinner
Day notes
Today provides an in-depth look into Greek history, beginning with a tour of the “golden" city of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of the legendary King Atreus and Agamemnon is one of Greece's most important and most famous archaeological sites. The Mycenaean citadel is a particularly fascinating place.
In the second millennium BC, Mycenae was one of Greek civilization's major centers, a military stronghold that dominated much of southern Greece. The period of Greek history from about 1600 BC to about 1100 BC is called Mycenaean in reference to Mycenae's influence. The stuff of legend and fantasy, Mycenae has been the focus of many archaeological excavations and investigations throughout the last several centuries, most notably the work of Heinrich Schliemann, a noted anthropologist whose desperate attempts to locate the legendary city of Troy helped to unearth a treasure trove of fortified palace complexes, burial tombs, and a cache of gold and bronze items comparable to the tomb of Tutankhamen. The Mycenaeans were Greece's first real military, and economic powerhouse, whose extensive trade network and military conquests were sadly short-lived, much like their influential predecessors, the Minoans.
Following your archaeological site visit, take some time to gain a deeper perspective at the adjacent Mycenae Museum. Lunch will be provided before continuing to Epidaurus, a short distance away.
Situated in a small valley in the Peloponnesus, Edipdaurus, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is likely the world's first health resort!
It was constructed as a sanctuary of healing, dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. People came to Epidaurus from all over Greece to make offerings to him and for health treatments. It served all the functions of a modern hospital, gym, hotel, and temple, with entertainment laid on as well – and ancient resort for certain. One building which is almost completely preserved is the theatre. When the site was abandoned, it was covered up and completely forgotten about until the 19th century. It was thought to be a hollow on the side of the mountain, but when excavated, it was found to be a complete amphitheater with seating for 14,000 people and perfect acoustics. A person standing at the orchestra's center-point can be heard clearly in every part of the theatre, providing they speak in a clear voice. The amphitheater is considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture.
Return to Nafplio late this afternoon and spend the evening mingling at leisure with the locals.
Included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Excluded:
Dinner
Day notes
Today brings a different, and what is sure to be a fun aspect of Greek culture with a private, traditional Greek cooking lesson—experience making real Greek home-cooked food, preparing everything from scratch, using the freshest ingredients available.
Enjoy the fruits of your efforts for lunch before returning to your hotel to enjoy a final afternoon and evening in Nafplio as you like.
Included:
Breakfast and lunch
Excluded:
Dinner
Day notes
Depart this morning for the Athens airport by private transfer for your flight to Mykonos, one of the most famous islands in the Aegean. It is known as “Queen of the Cyclades,” with its white mills, a labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways, and quaint little port where boats bob lazily at the foot of the terraces, Mykonos never fails to inspire.
Out of all of the Cyclades - the group of islands surrounding the sacred Greek island of Delos, one of the most important sites of Greek mythology - Mykonos is perhaps the most famous. It is known for its gorgeous green rolling hills, exquisite beaches, and the glamorous, cosmopolitan crowd that typically vacations here. While Mykonos makes an ideal base for archaeological day trips to the nearby islands, the island itself has plenty to offer. Days can be spent exploring the quaint winding alleyways strewn with iconic whitewashed houses, unwinding on the idyllic beaches, and dining in the numerous fine or casual tavernas. Mykonos is a wonderful blend of luxury, natural beauty, and an abundance of options to enjoy your days and evenings.
You will be greeted on arrival at Mykonos airport and transferred to your hotel, where you may relax and enjoy the breath-taking views from your suite or enjoy the afternoon exploring this enchanted island on your own.
Check-out from Amphitryon Hotel
Transfer from Amphitryon Hotel to Athens International Airport [ATH]
Transfer
Amphitryon Hotel
Athens International Airport [ATH]
Scheduled Flight from Athens International Airport [ATH] to Mykonos Island National Airport [JMK]
Scheduled Flight
Athens International Airport [ATH]
Mykonos Island National Airport [JMK]
Transfer from Mykonos Island National Airport [JMK] to Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Transfer
Mykonos Island National Airport [JMK]
Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Check-in to Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Included:
Breakfast
Excluded:
Lunch
Dinner
Day notes
Today, enjoy a private tour to the ancient and sacred site of Delos aboard a chartered sailboat. The boat trip is 45 minutes.
Delos is one of Greece’s most renowned and important archaeological sites. The Delos archaeological sanctuary, the birthplace of Greek mythology's Apollo and Artemis, is listed by UNESCO as one of mankind's most important cultural and historical sites. Delos was the sacred island for Ancient Greeks and became the holiest place in the Aegean with a flourishing commercial town & harbor, large population, temples, and an open-air theater.
Delos was mostly the spiritual focus of the Ancient Greeks' ethnic identity: it was a holy island dedicated to the god Apollo. The religious festivals grew in the ancient world into a huge trade fair and city with public buildings and a cosmopolitan banking and trading center. Today, Delos constitutes the best-preserved ancient city in Greece.
Continue the day aboard your private sailboat, enjoying this truly luxurious experience of sailing through the Greek isles! Sail back to Mykonos at sunset. The evening is at leisure.
Included:
Breakfast and lunch
Day notes
The day is at leisure to enjoy Mykonos on your own.
Included:
Breakfast
Excluded:
Lunch
Dinner
Day notes
You will be met at your hotel this morning and transferred to the hydrofoil port in Mykonos. Embark the “Flying Cat” to Santorini for the 2. 5-hour hydrofoil trip. You will be accommodated in the VIP Section. You will be met on arrival in Santorini for a private transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Classically known as Thera and officially Thira, the picturesque island of Santorini lies in the middle of the Aegean. Some Greek Isles are renowned for breathtaking natural landscapes, extraordinary ancient cities, and excellent restaurants and cafes. The popular Greek island of Santorini is blessed with all of these attractive features and one of the most beautiful views in the world. Built along the edges of a caldera, the towns and villages of Santorini are well known for their strikingly white cliff-side homes with their pretty deep blue rooftops. Visitors are treated to dramatic ocean views, traditional Grecian architecture, fascinating historical sites, fine dining, and numerous, excellent local wineries. With all of this on offer, it is little wonder that this remarkably romantic island has become one of the world’s most popular island getaways.
Check-out from Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Transfer from Cavo Tagoo Mykonos to Mykonos Port
Transfer
Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Mykonos Port
Cruise from Mykonos Port to Athinios Port Santorini
Cruise
Mykonos Port
Athinios Port Santorini
Transfer from Athinios Port Santorini to Astra Suites
Transfer
Athinios Port Santorini
Astra Suites
Check-in to Astra Suites
Included:
Breakfast
Excluded:
Lunch
Dinner
Day notes
Today, visit the ruins of Santorini’s celebrated archaeological site, Akrotiri, an excavation site of a Minoan Bronze Age settlement. This community was destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BC and buried in volcanic ash. As a result, like the Roman ruins of Pompeii after it, it is remarkably well-preserved. Frescoes, pottery, furniture, advanced drainage systems, and three-story buildings have been discovered at the site.
After visiting Akrotiri, take some time to stroll through the village of Pyrgos, stopping for a traditional coffee and sweet.
At the end of the tour, return to Thera, where you will be able to enjoy the remainder of the day exploring on your own and return to the hotel at your leisure.
Included:
Breakfast
Excluded:
Lunch and dinner
Dinner
Day notes
The day is at leisure to enjoy your surroundings in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.
This afternoon you will be met and escorted to your semi-private* sunset cruise through Santorini's caldera with the opportunity to swim and snorkel in one of the most unique and beautiful locations in the world. Once back on board, a delicious BBQ dinner will be with dinner served while cruising through the Caldera of Santorini watching the sunset.
At the evening’s end, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
*The sunset cruise is a shared experience with a maximum of 12 guests. Arrangements can be made for a fully private sailboat.
Included:
Breakfast
Dinner
Excluded:
Lunch
Day notes
Tour journey comes to an end today after experiencing so much of Greece's rich history, culture, and beautiful locations.
Your guide will meet you this morning to assist you at the Santorini airport for your domestic flight to Athens. You will be met in Athens and assisted with transferring and checking in for your international flight.
Check-out from Astra Suites
Transfer from Astra Suites to Santorini National Airport [JTR]
Transfer
Astra Suites
Santorini National Airport [JTR]
Scheduled Flight from Santorini National Airport [JTR] to Athens International Airport [ATH]
Scheduled Flight
Santorini National Airport [JTR]
Athens International Airport [ATH]
Included:
Breakfast
