Board your overnight flight to Greece!

Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; and catch a taxi to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM at your hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM

This morning is at leisure, or join the optional guided tour of the Acropolis. This architectural masterpiece was built during the Golden Age of Athens and today is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For passengers who opt not participate in the optional tour, transportation has been included to meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group at the Acropolis Museum. Visit the museum, built at the base of the famous monument, housing many of the precious original statues from the Acropolis. After lunch on your own, join the Tour Manager for a walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighbourhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes. Continue by bus to Syntagma Square. Upon arrival, you might catch a glimpse of the colourfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, consider joining the optional dinner in Athens. Begin the evening with a panoramic drive through illuminated Athens. Continue to the lively Plaka area under the Acropolis and enjoy a 3-course traditional Greek dinner, including wine and live music at a typical Greek taverna

Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue via Nauplion to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus, built around 1250 B.C. From here, drive through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games

Morning visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. At the Archaeological Museum view astonishing Greek works of art such as the Nike of Paionios and terracotta statues dating back to the 5th century B.C. Visit a local store, where you will have a chance to taste local olive oil and spices. Then, drive north through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion. Pass the town of Nafpaktos en route to Delphi, home of the ruins of the Tholos Temple

Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most important places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Afterward, travel south and arrive in Athens in late afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager for a drink to bid farewell

Make your own way to the airport in time to board the flight to Crete. On arrival, catch a taxi to the hotel and enjoy 7 nights in Chania, a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete.

Your time is free to explore Crete at leisure. Chania is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbour, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian and Ottoman influences. Opposite, the Nautical Museum has model ships and naval objects. The former monastery of St. Francis houses the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

Check out and make your own way to the airport for the domestic flight to Rhodes. Upon arrival, catch a taxi to your hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is free to begin exploring Rhodes.

Enjoy 7 nights in Rhodes to explore on your own. The largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is known for its beach resorts, ancient ruins and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. The city of Rhodes has an Old Town featuring the medieval Street of the Knights and the castle-like Palace of the Grand Masters. Captured by the Ottomans and then held by the Italians, the palace is now a history museum.

Check out of the hotel this morning and catch a taxi to the airport for your flights to Australia.