ATHENS – Day 1
Arrival – (Finally!)
I’ll meet you at the airport for a Reception to answer your many questions. As the group gathers, we will have a small Greek Coffee at the outside Kafenion (may sound silly now – you’ll be glad we did). I suggest you plan a flight that arrives in the very early afternoon or morning. It will help your jetlag, give you time to acclimate, and allow you to settle into your hotel prior to an overview tour (Bring your Camera) of the city and port – this will be followed by a very tasty local’s favorite “Paradosiakos” neighborhood restaurant.
3 ISLAND TOUR – Day 2
Get Ready for a BIG Day of Fun!
Our transportation meets us at the hotel – and then we are off! Aegina – Poros – Hydra! Upon arrival at the cruise ship we will be welcomed by the Officers and Hostesses who will assist us with boarding on our Luxurious ship. The Main Lounge, generally features a Live Orchestra that will put us in the mood with its international music repertoire. Spacious open decks are also available for viewing as the ship leaves the port.
Our first stop is Hydra Island. Nothing disturbs the peace and quiet that surrounds the old traditional stone houses. 500 hundred years of history will unfold before you as you stroll around the little stone paved streets by foot or on the back of a donkey! We will stop by one of the few cafes anywhere that serve fresh hot loukoumades and a Greek Coffee on the sea front dock.
Next stop, Poros Island, a tiny beautiful island. On the way, we will be served an sumptuous buffet in the main lounge for a lively chat with your fellow travelers! Then visit the enchanting town of Poros Island and walk by the citrus trees and windmills.
The last port of call is the Island of Aegina! The independent traveler who yearns to experience the reality of a real living and working island will be rewarded.
After staying on Aegina we sail back to the port of Pireaus. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze on one of the open decks or head to the main lounge at the bar with live traditional music, dances and a showman’s imaginative surprises.
From there we will find our way to our restaurant in Flisvos, where the Naftikos location offers an out-of-the-way fisherman’s dinner with local wines!
Acropolis & Museum – Day 3
Bring your Walking Shoes!
Today will be historical for us in every sense of the word. We will walk the pathway heretofore trod by a millenia of predecessors.
What’s more… energy allowing us – we will walk the historical pathway through one of the world’s most ambitious architectural achievements… the Acropolis Museum. Walkways literally made of glass that allow you to look down into the old city ruins! Acrophobics… Hold onto your guide’s hand.
Lunch will be at one of the myriad shops alongside the agora area. Dinner will be ontop of Restaurant 360. Do Not Forget your Camera today.
Corinth – Isthmus & Castle – Day 4
Bring Great Walking Shoes today!
Our transportation meets us at the hotel – We will be visiting the Isthmus Canal (one of man’s great achievements). Hungarian and Greeks got together and virtually by hand created this famous crossing. We’ll also take a look under the bridge and view something few will ever attempt in their lives.
We will nosh on souvlaki and gyros with possibly the best Freddo in all of Greece.
Then a hike up to the top of the Acrocorinth. Past my mother’s old home, a visit to the Temple of Apollo, a sip from an ancient natural water spigot and photographs to rival National Geographic.
We will build an appetite for tonight’s outdoor dining and wine.
Nafplion Epidauras Mycenea – Day 5 & 6
Bring Great Walking Shoes today!
Ultimately, driving into Nafplio is deceiving. It seems a bit like entering a suburb of Athens, with congested traffic, too many buildings and a feeling of disorder.
Enroute to Nafplion, The Day 5 tour will start in the Mycenae (Unesco Site), alegedly the home of Agamemnon. The museum features a death mask ‘stolen’ by Schliemann and purported to be that of Agamemnon. However, the mask in fact predates his death. In any case, it is considered by some to be the Mona Lisa of artifacts.
After our Mycenea Sojourn, and once we are finally down by the harbor waterfront you’ll discover that Nafplio is like a bigger version of the Plaka in Athens, only more beautiful and clean. The harbor square it one of the best preserved 19th Century platias in Greece. It is a very festive town square that often has vendors selling hot nuts, roast corn and cotton candy. Grab an ouzo and enjoy! Note: *Harbor photos by Matt Barrett.
Day 6 tour will be the wonders of Epidaurus. This amphitheater is miraculous in that the skills and maths of the day put to use the Pythagorian Theory to create this analog sound machine in such a large scale. Take a friend… One of you in the last top row… and one of you on the stage… then speak in a normal voice and be blown away.
Athens – Day 7
Put Your Chef’s Hat On Today.
Today we travel back to Athens from Nafplio. An Optional Cooking Class for those that desire to learn the tricks from seasoned chefs. Or follow my recommendations on sights to visit while some of us cook up a storm.
This will be a pretty laid back day for you to walk the Athens Market, shop and view the Monastariki Flea Market, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, discover a street gyro (the real deal), or savor a mouthwatering souvlaki and a light ice-cold Fix beer.
Lunch will be in the Athens Open Air Market – home to the ‘Local’s Secrets‘ and best hidden cafe’s.
Meteora – Day 8 & 9
Geological & Architectural Wow!
Today we travel from Athens to Kalabaka- Meteora. this is a long and beautiful ride. We’ll stop along the way for a village nosh. Once there we will see the geological structures that have boggled scientists world wide. No explanation has yet been accepted for how these spire features were created.
What’s more, you’ll be agog at the ability of the Greek Monks and the perched Monastery Masterpieces they’ve created. We’ll hike our way up vs riding the rickety woven basket that is winched up from the ground to the peak.
Athens – Day 10
Time to Find Your Soul
This is your day to try out the Greek that you have learned. Drop over to negotiate for that special Souvenir. Take a last nosh on your favorite gyro or souvlaki and a cafe’ Freddo.
Then it’s off to your flight back home and memories of Greece.
DISCLAIMERS AND TERMS OF TRAVEL
INCLUDED ITEMS
Schedule is subject to unforeseen change without notice as elements of the tour are not certain. Substitution may be made unilaterally by Nicholas Varzos.
10 Days and 9 nights include: Double Occupancy room (unless single supplement is paid). 2 Complete Meals per day with 2 glasses of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverages per meal. Extra beverages will be at traveler’s own expense.
Small group size – 10 or less.
All entrance fees to museums, tours, trains, taxis, internal country airfare and coaches are included. Private guide or Nicholas Varzos.
Fresh bottled water while touring. Airport transfers.
NOT INCLUDED
Tips, gratuities for waiters, drivers, porters, and guides.
Souvenirs, gifts, personal expenses.
Extra beverages or food beyond meal inclusions.
No Drugs are allowed to be carried by travelers unless prescribed by their physician and traveler should carry such prescriptions with their valuables.
Individual Personal Travel insurance for trip interruption, medical and accident issues is required. Each traveler should purchase insurance through their airline, insurance agent, credit card company or other source of their choice at their own expense. Repatriation for any reason is the responsibility of the traveler.