Old Auth Greece Itin
This one-of-a-kind journey will take you off the tourist track for a taste of the true Greek experience. Led by a Greek-American and a Greek history expert, you will be immersed in Greek culture and a Mediterranean way of life as you explore the people and places that gave rise to Western Civilization and have sustained it ever since.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR
Four and Five Star Hotel Accommodations
Flights and Transportation
Meals and drinks at local restaurants
Comprehensive guiding by Sofia Travel staff
Culture, history and language lessons
Site entrances
Authentic experiences with native Greeks
Attentive support in the States and while abroad
Taxes and Tips
13 DAY ITINERARY
Nafplio
Day 1 and 2 - Arrival
Depart USA / Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece.
Check in to our hotel in the heart of downtown Thessaloniki in Aristotle Square and enjoy a complimentary Welcome Reception on the roof garden café with spectacular views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. (D)
Day 3 - Thessaloniki
We begin our time in Greece with a cultural orientation and basic Greek language lesson. We then set out on a tour of Thessaloniki including the ancient Roman Forum, 1,400 year old Church of St. Dimitrios, bustling outdoor food market, Arch of Galerius, White Tower, and the harbor promenade. Enjoy dinner out at a quaint taverna favored by the locals. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Philippi, Kavala
Following breakfast we depart for Philippi, a major Roman city on the Via Egnatia. At Philippi we tour the extensive archaeological site, visiting the theater, city walls, basilica, forum, and baptistry. A quick ride takes us to the picturesque port of Kavala where we see the impressive Ottoman aqueduct and enjoy lunch on our own along the fishing boat lined harbor. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Church of St. Dimitrios
Day 5 - Verea, Vergina
Today we visit the town of Verea where we enter the restored Jewish synagogue and hear about the Nazi occupation of Greece during WWII. Enjoy
drinks and the view at Verea’s classic hillside café before heading to Vergina and the tombs of Phillip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. We explore the museum and the Macedonian Tombs with their priceless artifacts, wall paintings, and royal treasures. We continue on to our beachfront hotel in Leptokaria on the foothills of Mt. Olympus where we enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening by the seaside. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Meteora
We drive to the stunning monasteries of Meteora, perched high atop towering
rock formations. We are introduced to Greek Orthodoxy and explore the still active 600 year old Grand Meteoron monastery. Departing Meteora, we continue to our hotel in the quaint mountain village of Delphi with spectacular views of the olive tree lined valley below. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Delphi
Delphi was the most important religious center of classical Greece, and our tour takes us up the ancient Sacred Way to the famous Oracle of Apollo. We then tour Delphi's impressive museum with its bronze Charioteer. Enjoy lunch and the quaint shops of the modern village of Delphi before heading to Athens, the greatest city of ancient Greece and the bustling modern capital. Check in to our hotel at the foot of the Acropolis and enjoy up close views of the Parthenon from our wonderful hotel roof garden. (B,L,D)
Delphi view from hotel
Day 8 - Athens
No other city exemplifies ancient Greece like Athens, and we begin our tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum. From there we head to the Acropolis itself and visit the crowning
achievement of ancient Greece: the Parthenon. We also visit the ancient agora as we examine the creation of Democracy. The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic marketplace district.
Day 9 - Athens Free Day
The day is at leisure to enjoy Athens. Take an optional excursion to the National Archaeological Museum, home to the greatest treasures of Ancient Greece, shop in the cosmopolitan boutiques, or attend a Greek Orthodox service. In the evening we gather together for an elegant final dinner in Athens. (B,D)
Day 10 - Mycenae, Nafplio
Leaving Athens, we enter the beautiful Peloponnese Peninsula, known as the Tuscany of Greece. At Mycenae we tour the bronze age palace of King Agamemnon, leader of the Trojan War, and the monumental beehive tomb of his wife Clytemnestra. We then visit the Venetian-built Palamidi Fortress high above Nafplio, mainland Greece's most picturesque town and our home for two nights. (B,L,D)
Plaka
Day 11 - Epidavros
In the morning we visit the ancient healing center of Epidavros, known for its magnificent theater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Returning to Nafplio, the afternoon is free before a celebratory final group dinner along the romantic harbor promenade. (B,D)
Day 12 - Peloponnesian Vineyard Tour
In the afternoon, we conclude our tour at a charming, family-run
Peloponnesian vineyard for a slice of authentic Greek life in the countryside. Sample the
local wines that have been cultivated in this region for thousands of years and dine on the rustic specialties of southern Greece. Travelers then either depart for the excursion to Santorini or return to Athens to prepare for their flights home. (B,L)
Day 13 - Departure / Santorini Excursion
Those travelers not on the Santorini excursion return home with unforgettable memories and as lifelong lovers of Greece! (B)
GREECE TOUR PHOTO GALLERY
OPTIONAL POST TOUR SANTORINI EXCURSION
Rightly considered one of the most beautiful places
on the planet, the island of Santorini is the crown
jewel of the legendary Greek islands. Enjoy three
unforgettable nights in world famous Oia at your
traditional cave house perched high on the rim
of an ancient volcano with breathtaking views of
the picturesque whitewashed chapels, and take a
catamaran cruise over the crystal clear
INCLUDES
Traditional cave house with caldera views
Flights and airport transfers from Athens
Catamaran cruise with dinner
Daily breakfast delivered to your room balcony
INTERESTED IN JOINING US IN GREECE?
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