Travel 2

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Europe - Classical Journey through Greece

Explore this magical, mythical land where much of our cultural heritage was born. This vibrant country of sun-drenched islands, whitewashed villages, rugged mountains, peaceful olive groves, bustling tavernas, and friendly people continues to enchant, to exhilarate, to inspire. Discover the classical sites of mainland Greece, and cruise Greece's stunning Cycladic Islands.

ITINERARY: 10 DAYS

Days 1—New York/Athens, Greece

Depart for Athens.

Days 2—Athens

Arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel. Meet your traveling companions at tonight's welcome reception, and enjoy dinner in the hotel's rooftop dining room overlooking the city.
St. George Lycabettus Hotel (D)

Day 3—Athens

Explore the Acropolis temples, including the masterpiece of Periclean Athens, the Parthenon. Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympics of the modern era were held in 1896. Join a local archaeologist on a guided tour of the agora, the marketplace of ancient Athens. (B, L, D)

Day 4—Athens

This morning, visit the National Archaeological Museum, the most important archaeological museum in Greece. This afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure to stroll through the plaka,
S.V. Panorama or S.V. Pantheon (B, D) Athens' oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. Board our ship and depart for the crown jewel of the Cycladic island chain, Santoríni.

Day 5—Santoríni

Only a crescent of this island survived one of the world's most destructive volcanic explosions. Ride a donkey or a cable car up to Thíra, then continue to the excavation site of Akrotiri and learn about life in this Bronze Age settlement. Afterward, visit the picturesque town of Oia and then enjoy time to explore Thíra on your own. (B, L, D)

Day 6—Náxos

The mountainous isle of Náxos was dubbed the most beautiful by both Herodotus and Byron. Visit the village of Apíranthos, which has streets paved in marble, and explore the narrow alleys of 13th-century Kastro, a fortified Venetian district overlooking the modern harbor. Later, visit a private Venetian home with its stunning antique collection. (B, L, D)

Day 7—Delos/Míkonos

The Cyclades Islands take their name from the Greek word kyklos, meaning "ring" or "circle." This string of islands forms a circle around the sacred isle of Delos—birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Today, this uninhabited island is strewn with archaeological remains. Spend the remainder of the afternoon on the nearby resort island of Míkonos. Enjoy dinner on the ship or on your own in one of Míkonos's lively restaurants. (B, L, D)

Day 8—Tínos

Tens of thousands of pilgrims come to Tínos to pray before the miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary. Tínos is also known for its marble carving; traditional villages; and hundreds of picturesque dovecotes, masterpieces of folk art. Following a tour of the island, enjoy a gourmet lunch of Tíniote specialties at a family taverna in the village of Pyrgos. (B, L, D)

Day 9—Aegina/Piraeus

Aegina retains the neoclassical charm of a 19th-century town. Drive around the island to see life in small villages, and visit one of Greece's best preserved temples. Stop at Eleni's home for a delicious lunch of Greek specialties. Sail to Piraeus and bid farewell to this ancient land at tonight's festive dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 10—Athens/New York

Disembark and transfer to the airport for the return flight to New York. (B)

Courtesy from National Geography.