Insider's Greece

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, Monday June 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 2: 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, Wednesday June 3: 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. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the bustling Plaka at your own pace. 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. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 4: 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 5, Friday June 5: 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,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 6: 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 7, Sunday June 7: 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. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 8: Athens

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 a flight back to Athens. Tonight, you'll cap off an exceptional week in Greece with a final dinner. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 9: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)