Best of Greece with Santorini Extension

Day 1
Welcome to Athens
Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you'll have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.

Day 2
Explore Amazing Athens Dive Into Culture
Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along our journey into antiquity, you'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.

Day 3
Journey to Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplion
Depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. Continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where you'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, you'll dine in our hotel this evening.

Day 4
Continue to Ancient Olympia Connect with Locals
Travel through the Arcadian mountains towards the Peloponnese and the historic site of Olympia. En route, visit a family-run honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste thyme-infused honey straight from the hive and learn how traditional practices are helping to protect the region’s biodiversity. Later, explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games, held here in 776 BC. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Karabelas family at their olive and wine estate. Enjoy homecooked food, traditional dancing and an evening of warm Greek hospitality.

Day 5
Onwards to Patras and Delphi
Join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. You'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.

Day 6
Off to Thermopylae and Kalambaka
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks who once journeyed to Delphi to seek guidance from the most influential oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. See the statues that honour the strength of athletes who competed in the Pythian Games, held in Apollo’s name. Later, enjoy a scenic drive to Thermopylae, where Leonidas and his Spartans famously held the line against the Persians. Continue across the fertile Thessaly plain, known as the breadbasket of Greece, before arriving in Kalambaka.

Day 7
Admire Meteora and Return to Athens
The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are your first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. After a scenic drive back to Athens, settle in for a final dinner with your travel companions to reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.

Day 8
Cruise to Sunny Santorini
Board a fast ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini, your home for three nights. Transfer to your hotel with an orientation on arrival and spend free time exploring. Comprising a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is all that remains of an enormous volcanic explosion. The island's spectacular physical beauty coupled with its dynamic nightlife makes it one of Europe's most popular hotspots.

Day 9
Discover Stunning Santorini
Santorini offers a wealth of exciting things to do. You might like to spend your time relaxing in the sun or wander down winding cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses. Admire breathtaking views across the caldera and witness a stunning sunset.

Day 10
Santorini Your Way
Spend the day exploring Santorini at your own pace. Wander through the charming streets of Fira, browse local boutiques, or relax on one of the island’s unique volcanic beaches. You could also visit a winery to sample Santorini’s famous Assyrtiko wines. Alternatively join one of our Optional Experiences, set sail on a catamaran cruise, gliding across the caldera and stopping for a swim in the Aegean. Or, board a caique to Nea Kameni, hike an active volcano, then unwind in the island’s hot springs before enjoying a casual dinner with wine on board as the sun sets over Oia.

Day 11
Fly to Athens and Journey Home
Take a short flight back to Athens this morning. Say goodbye to Greece as your trip ends at Athens airport, please do not book flights prior to 13:00.

Dining Summary
5 Dinner (D)
10 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
Olympia: Say "opa!" to a traditional Greek experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm. Join the family for dinner and dancing, and learn about their history on the land.
Dive into Culture
Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Iconic Experience
Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
Corinth: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Join a Local Specialist and gain insight into Corinth's eventful past.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Specialist.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: Join a Local Specialist to view the stadium of Olympia which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
Santorini: Enjoy an orientation of stunning Santorini upon arrival. 
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Delphi: Visit Axion Esti, a family-run organic beekeeping facility in Stemnitsa. Meet Sophia and Anthony and learn how their passion for bees has grown into an award-winning operation. Suit up to see the hives up close, explore the museum, and sample local honey while discovering the importance of pollinators to the ecosystem. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Athens, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora
View the Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the battle site at Thermopylae
See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace in Mycenae
Trafalgar Difference
Delphi: Designed by renowned architect Nikos Valsamakis in 1965, the Amalia Hotel Delphi is a notable example of postwar Greek architecture. It integrates seamlessly with the Delphic landscape, with rooms arranged to follow the terrain.