Insider's Greece with Dimitra

Day 1, Thursday July 22: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday July 23: Athens

Arrive in Athens, meet your ACIS Tour Manager Dimitra and begin to explore this enchanting, ancient city. Enjoy an orientation walk around Plaka, continue up to the Parliament and see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After dinner we’ll enjoy a fabulous view of the illuminated Acropolis and sprawling city of Athens from atop Mars Hill, the ancient seat of the Athenian Supreme Court and spot where the Apostle Paul came in the 1st century AD. (D)

Day 3, Saturday July 24: 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, which dominates the city and stands as a powerful and impressive memorial to the remarkable civilization that built it. Then view the Agora, followed by a stroll through the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural jewel. In the afternoon you can explore more of the Plaka neighborhood after you have some lunch. Or you may choose an optional Segway ride around the base of the Acropolis to see the Agora and the Kerameikos Cemetery from a different perspective. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday July 25: Athens

Today 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 Athens for the overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Monday July 26: Chania

This morning take a short internal flight to Chania, one of Greece's most beautiful cities. You'll then spend time exploring this former Venetian port on a guided walking tour. This afternoon drive to a lovely nearby beach for a late swim and time for lunch on your own. Dinner tonight will be a traditional affair with local music. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday July 27: Heraklion

Today you will enjoy a true Cretan experience. This morning we drive through the White Mountains to Imbros Gorge, where we’ll commence our guided trek through this, one of Crete’s most impressive and historic gorges. Along the way we’ll learn of its WWII history as well as about the native flora that grow wild in this spectacular ravine. We’ll enjoy lunch at a taverna in Hora Sfakion, a small village overlooking the Libyan Sea, before driving back through the White Mountains and on to Rethymno. You'll have time this evening in Rethymno to find local cuisine for dinner as you uncover this ancient city’s aristocratic architecture and Venetian history. Then drive to Heraklion late this evening. Lunch is included today instead of dinner. (B,L)

Day 7, Wednesday July 28: Heraklion

Many believed that Santorini was part of the lost continent of Atlantis, and today you'll enjoy a full day excursion by ferry to this stunning island. Your excursion ashore on Santorini includes a guided tour of the beautifully presented archaeological site at Akrotiri and the island's capital Fira. In Fira there will be time for lunch and a walk before returning by ferry to Heraklion. After dinner in Heraklion, Dimitra will take you on a walk through the historic pedestrianized downtown area from historic Lion Square down August 25th Street with its gorgeous Venetian Loggia and church of St. Titos among other sights, ending at the picturesque old Venetian port. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday July 29: Heraklion

Today you'll explore more of Crete's capital with a guided panoramic tour, including a visit to the 5,000 year-old Minoan Palace of Knossos. After Knossos, visit the small, excellent Heraklion Archaeological Museum to view some of the Minoan finds made both at Knossos and the other Minoan sites on the island. 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 kafeneio. 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. Tonight, cap off an exceptional week with a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday July 30: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)