Greece: Athens and Poros

From: $3,290.00

Intinerary

Day 1: Depart gateway city
Day 2: Athens, Greece
Day 3: Athens / Poros
Day 4: Poros
Day 5: Mycenae
Day 6: Hydra
Day 7: Epidaurus / Nafplio
Day 8: Poros
Day 9: Corinth / Athens
Day 10: Depart for gateway city

Highlights

• Athens: See Athens Academy, the University of Athens and the National Library, Athens’ famous trio of neoclassical buildings. At the Acropolis Museum, gaze down through glass flooring to see the ruins of an ancient neighborhood. Ascend the gleaming Acropolis and admire the classical architecture of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
• Poros: Stroll through streets lined with whitewashed homes in Poros Town and tiny St. George Square. Pass bustling shops along the sparkling waterfront to the Archaeological Museum of Poros for a tour.
• Mycenae: Explore the amazing ruins of Mycenae, a powerful Bronze Age kingdom. This wealthy city flourished in the second millennium B.C. It was a great naval power that extended Mycenaean influence throughout the Mediterranean and into Asia Minor. According to legend, Mycenae was home to Agamemnon, the king who conquered Troy.
• Greek Wine: Delve into the world of Greek wine at one of the country’s highly regarded wineries. Taste some of the wines produced here and relax over lunch.
• Hydra: Take a water taxi to the port to catch a hydrofoil to the nearby island of Hydra. Cruise to Hydra, gem of the Saronic Gulf. This car-free island is celebrated for its exquisite harbor and superb stone architecture. Visit the National Archives for a glimpse into the 18th and 19th century history of both Hydra and Greece.
• Epidaurus: Tucked amid pine-clad hills, Epidaurus is renowned for its ancient theater. Built in the fourth century B.C., the well-preserved theater is still in use today. The classical Greek structure seats up to 14,000 people and has phenomenal acoustics; a coin dropped in the theater center can be heard in the highest seat.
• Nafplio: Discover coastal Nafplio, situated on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Argolic Gulf. This historic city briefly was the first capital of Greece during the War of Independence after Greek forces wrested it from Ottoman control in 1822. Soak up the town’s charming, medieval ambience as you see ancient castles and neoclassical mansions. Witness yards adorned with bougainvillea trees, balconies and Turkish fountains. Admire the prominent profile of hilltop Palamidi Castle. After a walking tour, enjoy some time on your own to explore the city.
• Greek Night: Conclude an amazing week in Greece at a festive glendi, or party. Savor a wonderful dinner, listen to a live band play spirited folk music and watch dancers perform traditional routines. If you’d like, join in and learn the dances!
• Corinth Canal: See the Corinth Canal, which separates Peloponnese from the mainland, on the way back to Athens.