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Greek Escape plus 2 nights in Crete 2027
9 days from Athens to Athens
Tour Description:
You've seen photos of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person on this escorted Greek vacation. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now’s your chance to walk among the ruins in Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC. You've eaten at Greek restaurants—now's your chance to enjoy an authentic Greek cooking demonstration, where you'll learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. All this and more awaits you on this Greek Escape.History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people journeyed to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a sirtaki dance lesson and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets. Continue your Greek Escape with two fantastic nights in Crete with guided sightseeing in Heraklion as well as the free time to discover on your own or with an optional excursion. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, this Greek Escape has it all!
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Saturday 23 Jan 27 — Monday 01 Feb 27 | Starting at $1,763 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 25 Jan 27 — Wednesday 03 Feb 27 | Starting at $1,763 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 30 Jan 27 — Monday 08 Feb 27 | Starting at $1,973 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Feb 27 — Monday 15 Feb 27 | Starting at $1,973 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 08 Feb 27 — Wednesday 17 Feb 27 | Starting at $1,973 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 13 Feb 27 — Monday 22 Feb 27 | Starting at $1,973 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 20 Feb 27 — Monday 01 Mar 27 | Starting at $1,973 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 22 Feb 27 — Wednesday 03 Mar 27 | Starting at $1,973 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 27 Feb 27 — Monday 08 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,143 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Mar 27 — Monday 15 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,143 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 08 Mar 27 — Wednesday 17 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,143 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 13 Mar 27 — Monday 22 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,143 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis• Photo opportunity at the Corinth Canal• Guided visit to the excavations and museum in Mycenae • Guided visit to the open-air auditorium in Epidaurus • Guided visit to Olympia’s archaeological site• Tzatziki cooking demonstration • Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi• Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo• Guided walking tour of Heraklion plus a complimentary Kolouri pastry• Return flight between Athens and Crete
Notes:
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Services of the Tour Director end on day 6. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Services of the Tour Director end on day 6. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 ATHENS
Marvels & Myths Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Greek History & Heroes Leave Athens and drive to Corinth to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal. Continue to Mycenae, where according to legend, the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy a guided tour of the excavations and museum, plus some free time for lunch. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B,D)
132 mi / 212 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast
DinnerDay 4 NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D)
112 mi / 181 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 OLYMPIA–ARACHOVA–DELPHI
Traditional Steps Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast before heading inland to visit the picturesque mountain town of Arachova. Enjoy some free time to browse before continuing to Delphi. This evening, step into the culture when you [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)
149mi/239km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals love
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 6 DELPHI–ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE
Mountains & Islands This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Delphi’s excavations and Archaeological Museum. Discover more about the location once considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world, and where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Continue to Athens and take a flight to Heraklion, Crete. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 7 HERAKLION
Cultural capital Start your Cretan discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional kolouri pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multicultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a Koulouri one of the most popular Greek street foods
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 8 HERAKLION–ATHENS, GREECE
Myths & Legends Enjoy a free day to explore more; perhaps visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, or stroll the charming streets, browse the shops, and try local specialties. Later, take a flight back to Athens. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of Heraklion, a place of myths and legends; known as the birthplace of Zeus. Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 9 ATHENS
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Athens | Nauplia | Olympia | Delphi | Heraklion |
Zafolia
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
87-89 Alexandras Avenue Athens Greece
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
87-89 Alexandras Avenue Athens Greece
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
