Athens and the Aegean

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 March 21: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Sunday March 22: Athens

Arrive in Athens, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this enchanting, ancient city. A guided afternoon sightseeing tour that reveals the glory of Greece. Ascend the Acropolis for a visit to the Parthenon see the Agora and stroll through the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural jewel. Then the afternoon is free to take snapshots from atop Mount Lycabettus. Tonight you'll be thoroughly entertained by a Greek cultural evening at a classic taverna in the Plaka area. Dine on authentic taverna cuisine, feast your eyes and ears on professional dancers moving to traditional live music, and have a smashing good time! An expert also teaches you the steps of traditional Greek dances so that you can join in the fun. (D)

Day 3, Monday March 23: Overnight Ferry

Travel to mythical Delphi, the hallowed site whose oracle once gave advice to statesmen and generals. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the Delphi Archaeological Museum, featuring artifacts unearthed during local excavations, and the stadium. You'll enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the valley below before returning to Piraeus to board an overnight ferry to Crete. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Tuesday March 24: Chania

Disembark in Chania, one of Greece's most beautiful cities and enjoy a typical Cretan breakfast. You'll then spend time exploring this former Venetian port on a guided walking tour. Dinner will be a traditional affair. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Wednesday March 25: Heraklion

This morning visit a local agricultural farm to take part in a variety of country Cretan traditions. Walk around the farm as you learn about the different native trees and garden plants, traditional uses for aromatic herbs, raising animals, how to thresh with a horse, and the art of cheese production—from the milking to the making, to the maturing. Sample some of the cheese and other local products before also enjoying a full authentic lunch at the farm. Continue into the heart of Crete, Rethymno, where a short stop uncovers this ancient city's aristocratic architecture and Venetian history. Tonight you arrive in Heraklion. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Thursday March 26: Overnight Ferry

Today you'll explore Heraklion, the capital of Crete with a guided panoramic tour, including a visit to the 5,000 year-old Minoan Palace of Knossos. In the afternoon, you'll learn some secrets of Greek cuisine during a cooking lesson, focusing on the authentic coffee and treats that you'd find at a local kafeneia. You'll learn to prepare a type of fried dough called loukoumades and coiled and fillled pies called sarikopites, as well as traditional coffee and mountain tea. Then bid farewell to Crete and board your overnight ferry back to Athens. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday March 27: Athens

Arrive back in Athens, disembark your ferry and depart for Sounion for a guided tour including the Temple of Poseidon. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday March 28: Departure

Depart for the USA.

Note regarding departure date: Saturday departures are required. (B)