The Olympians

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday April 12: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Sunday April 13: Athens

Arrive in Athens, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this enchanting, ancient city. Perhaps stop for a plate of honey-soaked, cinnamon-spiced loukoumades while you stroll through the winding streets of this cradle of civilization. (D)

Day 3, Monday April 14: Athens

Greet the day with a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the glories of ancient Greece. Ascend to the top of the Acropolis and visit the iconic Parthenon. Then view the Agora, followed by a stroll through the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural jewel. The afternoon is free to explore more of Athens at your own pace and take snapshots from atop Mount Lycabettus. Later enjoy a Greek cultural evening in a traditional village setting. Taste freshly pressed olive oil, dine on authentic taverna cuisine and feast your eyes and ears on professional dancers moving to the traditional music. An expert also teaches you the steps of traditional Greek dances so that you can join in the fun! (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday April 15: Nauplia

Journey to the great Theater of Epidaurus and visualize 14,000 ancient spectators who sat here all day long, held spellbound by tragedies of Sophocles or comedies of Aristophanes. Dine on a traditional, countryside Greek BBQ lunch (included instead of dinner), then drive to Mycenae to see mainland Europe's oldest city, including the Lion Gate, Royal Tombs and Acropolis. (B,L)

Day 5, Wednesday April 16: Kalamata

Travel to Sparta and experience the history of this ancient city-state, once an Athens rival famous for its formidable warriors. Continue to Mystras, a UNESCO heritage site, and explore the captivating Byzantine ruins before driving through the spectacular Taygetos mountain range to Kalamata, famous for the olives that share its name. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday April 17: Patras

Explore Olympia this morning, the site of the first Olympic Games. In the afternoon arrive in colorful Patras and experience a vibrant slice Greek life as you relax in this beachside town. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday April 18: Athens

Today a local expert takes you on a guided tour of Delphi, where ancient Greeks asked for counsel from its fabled oracle. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, featuring artifacts unearthed during local excavations. Then return to Athens to enjoy a final night abroad in this beautiful country. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday April 19: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Discover the wonders of the Greek Isles on a two-night extension to Paros via ferry from Athens, including sightseeing and a hands-on marble sculpting workshop.

Discover destinations of rich classical heritage on a three-night Greek Island Cruise highlighting Mykonos, Patmos, Ephesus and more, plus an additional night in Athens. (B)