day 1: arrival in athens

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Our odyssey begins in Athens’ colorful Plaka district at the base of the Acropolis. We'll gather in our hotel around 6 p.m. for a rooftop reception, with splendid views of the Parthenon. Afterward, we’ll dive into the meandering streets of Plaka, delighting in its vibrant shops, lively bars, and delectable tavernas en route to our first dinner together.

Athens is a 30-minute taxi ride from the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport.

Hotel: Central Hotel | Meals: D | Activity Level: Moderate

day 2: All things acropolis

Sunday, September 29, 2024

This morning is dedicated to the Acropolis, the religious center of ancient Athens. With the expertise of a local guide, we’ll scale the rocky outcrop where Athena’s gift of the olive tree made her the namesake of Athens. From the Parthenon’s iconic columns to the Erechtheion's graceful Caryatids, we’ll experience the zenith of Classical Greek civilization. Our descent finds us in the award-winning Acropolis Museum, built to showcase the Acropolis’ incredible sculptures. Your afternoon is free to explore Athens’ delightful shops, museums, and sites before we gather for our first of many mythical happy hours at our hotel.

Hotel: Central Hotel | Meals: B, L, HH (happy hour) | Activity Level: Strenuous

day 3: mystical delphi

Monday, September 30, 2024

We start our morning with a visit the to the National Archaeological Museum where we’ll experience an unparalleled collection of ancient marvels before boarding our coach for sacred Delphi. Nestled amidst the rugged slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was an ancient sanctuary revered as the center of the world. This mystical site was home to the legendary Oracle of Delphi who imparted enigmatic prophecies, drawing seekers from far and wide to decipher their destiny. After tucking into our hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner together in one of Delphi’s delightful tavernas and muse over our own destinies.

Hotel: Kastalia Boutique Hotel | Meals: B, D | Activity Level: Strenuous

DAY 4: ancient olympia

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

We start our day visiting the naval of the world at the ancient site of Delphi. We’ll take in its enigmatic history and stunning vistas as we scale the vertical site, exploring its temples, theater, and stadium, capping off our visit with its marvelous collection in its archeology museum. After lunch, the scenic drive from Delphi to Olympia awaits us. We’ll descend from Delphi to the Gulf of Corinth where we’ll hug the shimmering shoreline, past the Venetian fortress in Nafpakto, across the spectacular Rio-Antirro Bridge, and into the pastoral hills of Olympia where we’ll settle in for two nights. The evening is yours to explore Olympia’s charming shops and delectaable restaurants.

Hotel: Hotel Kronio | Meals: B | Activity Level: Light

Day 5: olympic spirit

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Lace up your running shoes because today we’ll visit the site of the ancient Olympic Games. Held in Olympia every four years, these games were a celebration of Greek culture and unity. The competitions included events such as running, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing. Beyond athleticism, these games held religious significance, honoring the Greek gods, especially Zeus, and fostering a temporary truce among warring city-states. We’ll run in the tracks of the ancient Greeks and reflect on the legacy of Olympic spirit that is still alive today. The evening we’ll enjoy another mythical happy hour before a free evening in Olympia.

Hotel: Hotel Kronio | Meals: B, HH | Activity Level: Moderate

day 6: nimble nemea, mighty mycenae

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Today we traverse the peninsula, making our way to the delightful archeological site of Nemea-home to the Nemean Oracle and the Nemean Games. We'll then enjoy lunch together at the base of the powerhouse city of Mycenae. Founded by the hero Perseus and made famous by King Agamemnon of Illiad infamy, it was believed this city was built by the Cyclopean giants. This afternoon we’ll settle into the delightful seaside town of Nafplio, where we’ll enjoy a slower pace for the next two nights.

Hotel: Hotel Agamemnon | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Strenuous

day 7: seaside bliss in nafplio

Friday, October 4, 2024

The day is yours to explore Nafplio. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town where Venetian and Ottoman influences blend seamlessly into a vibrant mix of cultures. Explore Syntagma Square, graced by elegant buildings and charming cafes, or wander along the waterfront promenade for breathtaking views of Bourtzi, a small fortified island. If you're feeling sporty, climb the 1000 steps to the Venetian fortress (or take a taxi directly to the back entrance) and be rewarded with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. After your day of exploring (or relaxing), we'll gather for a group dinner of sumptuous seafood!

Hotel: Hotel Agamemnon | Meals: B, HH, D | Activity Level: Your Choice

day 8: healing vibes in epidaurus

Saturday, October 5, 2024

If you’re feeling unwell, Epidaurus is good for what ails you. Dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius, this site was home to a healing center where pilgrims sought remedies and solace through sacred rituals and sacrifices to Asclepius’ father, Apollo. Renowned for its spectacular theater, an architectural marvel famed for its near-perfect acoustics, Epidaurus is a symbol of artistic and engineering mastery. After a sing-a-long in the theater, we’ll venture to the airport to catch our afternoon flight to Santorini, where our island odyssey continues. Overlooking the ocean, we delight in a meal soaking in the views.

Hotel: Volcano View Hotel | Meals: B, D | Activity Level: Moderate

day 9: stunning santorini

Sunday, October 6, 2024

There’s good reason Santorini is the most famous island in the world. Apart from its breathtaking sunsets, iconic blue-domed churches, and unique volcanic beaches, Santorini was home to a thriving civilization whose remains at Akrotiri, often referred to as the “Minoan Pompeii,” offer a glimpse into the ancient life of the island. Today we’ll dive into Santorini’s past with a visit to Akrotiri, savor lunch seaside at Kamari’s black sand beach, sample the fruit of the vine at a local vineyard, and toast to our first night in Santorini over sunset in seductive Oia.

Hotel: Volcano View Hotel | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Moderate

day 10: cruising the volcano

Monday, October 7, 2024

The morning is yours to meander Fira's serpentining walkways with their colorful shops, cafes, and sea views. We will gather mid-afternoon to descend the caldera by cable car, boarding our boat for an island tour. We’ll cruise along the volcano’s interior, swimming in the Aegean’s crystal waters, soaking in the volcanic hot springs, and exploring the most significant sights, including Red Sand and White Sand beaches. We’ll ready our cameras for Santorini’s famous sunset, paired with dinner and drinks on board.

Hotel: Volcano View Hotel | Meals: B | Activity Level: Your Choice

day 11: mykonos: island of the winds

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

This morning we bid Santorini farewell and ferry to Mykonos. Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades, Mykonos is known as the "Island of the Winds," welcoming us with its sun-kissed beaches, wave-lapped buildings, and iconic windmills standing sentinel over the azure horizon. Upon arrival we’ll take a tour of the island’s iconic beaches and wild interior, stopping at a local taverna for lunch together. This evening we’ll stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos town, where pristine white buildings with vibrant blue accents create a postcard-perfect backdrop. The evening is yours to explore the charming boutiques and open-air cafes.

Hotel: Porto Mykonos | Meals: B, HH | Activity Level: Moderate

day 12: delos: island of appollo

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

After a leisurely morning, we’ll travel by boat to “Apollo’s island." Delos was believed to be the birthplace of Apollo, the god of the sun, and his twin sister Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. As a result, it became a major religious center and a bustling hub of trade and commerce. Today, Delos stands as an open-air archaeological museum, showcasing the remnants of its rich past. We will explore well-preserved ruins of temples, sanctuaries, theaters, and intricate mosaics, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island's former grandeur. The evening is free for exploration, relaxation, or dancing the night away at one of the island's famous beach parties.

Hotel: Porto Mykonos | Meals: B | Activity Level: Strenuous

day 13: to beach or not to beach

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Our last day together is a choose your own adventure. Get lost with your camera in the town’s labyrinth, satisfy your souvenir list at the myriad boutiques, savor the day away in the open air cafes, or visit one of Mykonos’ stunning beaches. Whatever you choose to fill your cup, we’ll gather together to fill our collective cups over our final mythical happy hour at our hotel, followed by dinner together where we’ll toast to our odyssey and plan our next detours!

Hotel: Porto Mykonos | Meals: B, HH, D | Activity Level: Your Choice

day 14: detour over

Friday, October 11, 2024

Our odyssey concludes after breakfast. Mykonos is a quick, 45-minute flight to Athens, where you can catch your return flight home, or you may choose to continue your exploration of the Greek isles by ferry. Knowing this won’t be our last detour together, don't say goodbye; instead say tha se tho syntoma ("I'll see you soon")!