Greece
My All Time Favorite Tour

(CANCELED)

Sept 2 - 14, 2021

These complete 13 day adventures are priced at only $2872 per person

"When asked what was my all-time favorite tour I have to say it was my trip to Greece.  In fact, I loved it so much I have decided to go back.

I don't know if it's the ancient history of Greece that I find so appealing, the Christian heritage, the Democratic heritage, the resilience of the Greek people, the gorgeous landscapes or the fabulous food. Put it all together and I just love Greece. I know you will, too.

My trip includes an 8 day tour of Classical Greece followed by a 3 night Aegean Sea cruise to my favorite ports (12 days on tour-13 days total travel time). Take a look at the day to day itinerary below to read about exactly what we will see and experience, as well as inclusions such as meals, hotels, etc.. This adventure offers everything you expect from a trip to Greece, as well as a few local opportunities that will enhance your experience even more.

I hope you will join me and allow me to introduce you to Greece. I promise you it will be the trip of a lifetime."

Joy

Our price of $2872 per person includes the 8 day Classical Greece tour and the 3 night Aegean cruise.  

Airfare, tips, port fees and travel insurance are not included in this price.  Air travel can be arranged from any gateway and Joy will take care of it for you or you are welcome to arrange your own air travel taking advantage of any Airmiles you may have accumulated or airline reward services you may have access to.  

Pre-paid onboard gratuities are available for $32 per person.  Travel insurance through Trip Mate is $249 per person.  Port fees are $129 per person. 

For additional information please contact Joy at - 405-885-8900 or email her at Joy@thejoyoftravel.net

Here is the day to day itinerary. Can't you just imagine yourself on this fantastic adventure?

Day by Day

Day 1   ATHENS, GREECE

Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director.

Day 2   ATHENS

Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps join an optional dinner outing to sample local fare. 

Day 3   ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA

Cross the spectacular Corinth Canal, then visit ANCIENT CORINTH, where St. Paul preached. Two highlights today: MYCENAE, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, known as the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument, remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Also visit the museum. Then, a short drive to EPIDAURUS for a tour of its amazingly well-preserved 2,300-year-old open-air theater. Overnight in nearby Nauplia. 

Day 4   NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA

Spectacular scenery on the way through the Arkadian Mountains. Then, spend the afternoon in OLYMPIA, where athletes of antiquity competed in honor of the king of deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM that displays Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. Tonight,  enjoy a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. 

Day 5   OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI

Via the busy seaport of Patras, proceed to mystic Delphi. The afternoon is devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. End the day with a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. A highlight this evening is  a DANCE LESSON, where you’ll learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of Ouzo. 

Day 6   DELPHI–METEORA AREA

Drive past Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its rock-top monasteries. Visit VARLAAM MONASTERY, famous for its frescoes, and ST. STEPHEN’S MONASTERY, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view. (Ladies should pack one long skirt, as shorts or trousers may be inappropriate when visiting the monasteries.) 

Day 7   METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS

Today’s highlight is a guided visit to THERMOPYLAE, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas’ 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes’ huge Persian army. On the way back to Athens, your Tour Director will tell you about Thebes, the setting of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and Marathon, where 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders in 490 BC. Tonight, you may wish to join an optional dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 8   ATHENS–LAVRION/PIRAEUS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS.

Arrive in Lavrion/Piraeus, and sail into the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Later, dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander through narrow paved streets before returning on board. 

Day 9   CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE

Two ports of call today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. Visit the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of EPHESUS. Next, join an optional excursion to discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, and see the Grotto of the Apocalypse. 

Day 10   CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI, GREECE

First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. A few miles away is KNOSSOS, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” The optional shore excursion takes you to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. 

Day 11   LAVRION/PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)–ATHENS

After breakfast on board, disembark at Lavrion/Piraeus and return to Athens. The rest of the day is free. 

Day 12   ATHENS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.