Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Greece! Discover the highlights of Athens with a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a first venue of the modern Olympics games, and ponder the state of the world like an ancient philosopher at the Acropolis overlooking Athens. Embark on a train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece, then set your sights high in Olympia—the site of the first Olympic games. Explore the ancient military city of Sparta and hear the stories of legend and lore. And from a Greek honey farm to olive groves, wine cellars, and constellations above the sea, we thank your lucky stars to be exploring modern-day Greece with you to discover the very civilized custom of rest and relaxation that wins the day on your Small Group Discovery tour of Greece.
Continue your Greek adventure with a 7-night cruise amid the spectacular Cyclades Islands! Embark from Athens to discover the islands of Poros where pine, olive, and lemon trees paint the landscape green. Cruise the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean to explore the mythological isles of Poliegos and Folegandros. Even more beauty to behold beckons you to Santorini, where white and blue houses are rivaled only by the legendary sunsets that paint the volcanic island landscapes. Sail on to Paros and Delos for more delights on your course for Mykonos—the birthplace of Greek mythology. These incredibly inspiring island gems are just a few to be discovered before sailing back to Athens.
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Mystras
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Olympia, Greece
Olympia, Greece
Olympia is the great Panhellenic sanctuary. The site of ancient Olympia is situated at the foot of wooded Mount Kronos in an area of gentle hills; excavations began in 1875 and are considered one of archaeology’s great achievements. A direct consequence was the revival of Olympic Games by Baron Pierre de Coubertin; the first modern games were held in Athens in 1896. Today, visitors to Olympia are overwhelmed by the impact of ancient remains and their significance. The site’s most important excavations include numerous monuments, such as Temple of Zeus in the Sacred Precinct, Treasuries, and Stadium. There is an excellent Archaeological Museum with a large collection of bronzes, pottery and sculptures unearthed during the excavations.
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Destination Guide
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Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion is one of the most scenic places in Attica, Greece. Visitors and archeological enthusiasts come here to see the Temple of Poseidon and the temple dedicated to Athena the goddess of wisdom. Though the statue of Poseidon is on view at the Archeological Museum in Athens, much of the columns to his temple still stand on the bluff overlooking the Cape. This is also an excellent spot for viewing the spectacular Greek sunsets.
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Destination Guide
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Kythnos, Greece
Kythnos, Greece
There are many beautiful beaches on Kythnos, and visitors flock here for the relaxing mineral spring spas due to the proximity of Vesuvious. There are cafes, a few bars and clubs, but the main for of entertainment in Kythnos is dining. The best way to get to the beaches and explore the rest of the island is by motorbike.
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Syros
Syros
Syros (Siros) is an inhabited island in the South Aegean region of Greece. It is located just 144km south east of the famous island of Athens. Syros is one of the smaller islands belonging to Greece, one of the Cyclades Islands. It is a popular destination year round and attracts make visitors looking for amazing Mediterranean dining experience as well as it offers the best of everyday Greek living. Enjoy a day at one of the beautiful beaches, a tour of one of the many museums or visit the Saint Nicholas Church that is situated on the island.
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Destination Guide
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Mykonos
Mykonos
Mykonos's many captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated Greek holiday islands. Its main village is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined with white-washed houses, many with bright blue doors and shutters. As an attractive backdrop, famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind grain. Mykonos has churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a number of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over white-washed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water-skiing and surfing, visitors find endless shopping opportunities. Artists have relied on Mykonos' beautiful setting to inspire them. The most photographed site is the Paraportiani, a cluster of white-washed churches resting below windmills. Mykonos's museums include an Archaeological Museum, which houses relics from the Trojan War, a Folk Art Museum and a Maritime Museum. The best beaches are Aghios Stephanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Onros, Panormos and Elia.
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Destination Guide
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Delos
Delos
The uninhabited island of Delos is one of the finest archaeological sites in Greece. Considered a sacred island since the 7th century B.C., the famous Terrace of the Lions stands guard over the "sacred lake" and the remains of the Temple of Apollo.
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Destination Guide
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Paros, Greek Isle
Paros, Greek Isle
Paros is a pristine escape among the Cyclades, with terraced hills inland accented by windmills and a coastline rich with relaxed, comfortable and traditional Greek towns, of which Paroikia is the central port. This island capital is a labyrinth of white houses clustered around the extraordinary Ekatontapyliani - the Church of a Hundred Doors. Legend says there are 99 doors already discovered and upon finding the hundredth, Constantinople will be reunited with Greece. From antiquity, Paros has been known for its famed, translucent marble; such famous statues as the Venus de Milo was made from it. Also visit the Venetian castle, built on the site of an acropolis and steps away from the sea. From Paroikia you can also go to Naoussa, the Monastery of St John and Prodromos.
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Destination Guide
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Antiparos
Antiparos
Antiparos, Greece, one of the Cyclades islands, is located 100 mi/160 km southeast of Athens. It is often seen as a day trip from the island of Paros. Known as the octopus capital of Greece, Antiparos offers good snorkeling, a nice little village and a cave filled with stalactites.
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Destination Guide
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Santorini
Santorini
Santorini is everything that has made the Greek islands legendary. The world famous island of Santorini is the southern most island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, and is located north of Crete. Its population is distributed among thirteen villages and just exceeds nine thousand. The marvelous dry climate and unbroken sunshine create year around conditions which are perfect for observation, photographs and videos under an extraordinary variety of natural lights and colors.
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Destination Guide
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Folegandros
Folegandros
The small Island of Folegandros is a peaceful and relaxing island in Greece. In springtime and early summer the island is rich with caper flowers, thyme and oregano, which make it a wonderful time to walk around and enjoy the island's picturesque nature. The island boasts a variety of unique cafes and traditional restaurants that won't leave visitors disappointed. You can also find some lovely, quiet beaches including Karavostasi, Vardia, and Livadi with its camping area.
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Poliegos, Greece
Poliegos, Greece
Poliegos, which is largely unpopulated, is perfect for hiking and exploring, or circling the island by boat to visit secret coves and larger, soaring sea caves such as the Galakterini or the Macry Cave, which seems to have a natural ocular window peering up to the sky. Caves like these provide sanctuary for sea mammals such as the monk seals, as well as a variety of bird species like the Eleanora's Falcon and the sea raven. Poliegos is widely recognized for its untouched ecosystem and geological significance.
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Poros
Poros
This Saronic island, located 35 mi/55 km southwest of Athens, is known for its wine and unique architecture. As most cruise tours give visitors about 90 minutes to see it, you'll have to choose from among the following: the Panagia Monastery; the ruins of Poseidon's Temple (the climb up takes an hour); a hike through the pine trees; secluded tree-shaded beaches (take shoes—the shores can be rocky); or just a leisurely stroll around the picturesque town. If you have time, we recommend staying two or three nights. Cross the channel to the mainland to see the ruins of Troezene (next to a ravine with a natural rock bridge) or the miles/kilometers of lemon groves near the town of Galatas.
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Destination Guide
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Kalamata
Kalamata
Kalamata, as the name implies, is famous for its olive trees. Visitors will find a variety of restaurants featuring kalamata olives and kalamata honey. The city offers splendid cultural museums, a railway museum-park, modern cafes and a beautiful Frankish Castle. The city is also home to an International Dance Festival in July, with widely celebrated participants from all over the world.
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Athens
Athens
Even though you've probably come here to see the "glory that was Greece," perhaps best symbolized by the Parthenon and the superb statues and vases in the National Archaeological Museum, allow some time to make haste slowly in Athens. Your best moments may come sitting at a small cafe, sipping a tiny cup of the sweet sludge that the Greeks call coffee, or getting hopelessly lost in the Plaka -- only to find yourself in the shady courtyard of an old church, or suddenly face to face with an ancient monument you never knew existed. With only a little advance planning, you can find a good hotel here, eat well in convivial restaurants, enjoy local customs such as the refreshing afternoon siesta and the leisurely evening volta (promenade or stroll) -- and leave Athens planning to return, as the Greeks say, tou chronou (next year).
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Destination Guide
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