Day 1 Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight
flight to Athens, Greece, a city with a history that dates back
almost four millennia.
Day 2 Athens, Greece
Upon arrival, you'll be met by a
Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to
your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to begin
exploring this capital city. Your Tour Manager will be available
to offer suggestions and assist with your sightseeing plans.
This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. Meal: D
Day 3 Athens
It's no doubt that one of the highlights of
Athens is the Parthenon, standing tall on its perch atop the
Acropolis overlooking the city. During this morning's city tour,
enjoy a guided visit of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage
Site, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
A visit to the Acropolis Museum housing art, sculpture and
historical pieces dating from the Mycenaean period, is also
included. See a variety of items from classical sculptures and
marble slabs with relief representations from Greek mythology
to artifacts from everyday life in Athens, all excavated from the
nearby slopes of the Acropolis.
During the panoramic portion of the tour, see the historic ruins
of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Gate. While passing
Constitution (Syntagma) Square, see the Parliament Building
and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by Evzones -
soldiers in traditional Foustanella attire.
From mythology and history to spectacular views, you will be
awestruck at the amazing sites of Athens. Meal: B
Day 4 Athens - Mykonos
Today is the beginning of your
island-hopping adventure. Departing Athens by coach, transfer
to the port of Piraeus for embarkation of the high-speed ferry.
Enjoy the ride traversing the Aegean Sea, en route to the
island of Mykonos. Often called the "Jewel of the Aegean," it is
the most popular of the Greek Islands with its well-preserved
windmills, red-roofed churches and whitewashed buildings.
Upon arrival, a city tour will show you the highlights of the
island including some of its popular beaches, the traditional
village of Ano Mera and the typical village square surrounded
by small Greek tavernas.
During the walking portion, your local guide will take you
through the meandering alleyways and narrow streets of
the town, passing through the historic center and seeing
the windmills, Little Venice, Paraportiani Church and Kastro
area. After checking into the hotel, the remainder of the day
is at leisure until the included dinner at a local restaurant this
evening. Meals: B, D
Day 5 Mykonos
Enjoy cultural immersion as you are
introduced to the healthy secrets of olives and olive oils. At a
local venue, an olive expert will teach you about the different
types of oils, how they are categorized, and how to pair them
with food. You'll sample the various products along with small
crudites and create your own classification chart. The 'teacher'
will then see how you did! After this experience, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Browse in the boutiques, visit
the beach or simply enjoy people-watching and meeting the
locals at a sidewalk café. Meal: B
Day 6 Mykonos - Santorini
Departing the hotel by coach,
return to the port where the high-speed ferry to Santorini
awaits. Known as the "Black Pearl of the Aegean", Santorini
is the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. History and
nature combine to make this one of the most unforgettable
places in the world.
Begin discovering this paradise upon arrival during a tour of the
island and its villages, including the most famous village, Oia.
A quiet lifestyle, whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches,
winding lanes filled with boutiques and shops, tavernas, open air
cafés and beautiful sunsets make this village postcard-perfect!
Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. Meals: B, D
Day 7 Santorini
The day is free of planned activities for
your personal enjoyment of the island and immersion into the
local lifestyle. Sample traditional cuisine at a taverna, visit a
museum, the beach or the Santorini Brewing Company. Your
Tour Manager will be available to assist you with making
sightseeing or dining plans while on the island. Meal: B
Day 8 Santorini - Athens
Your island-hopping adventure
comes to an end with a late morning transfer to the port for
the return trip to Athens via high-speed ferry. Enjoy a farewell
dinner this evening with your traveling companions as you
recount your adventures from the week. Meals: B, D
Day 9 Athens / USA
This morning, transfer to the Athens
airport for your flight home. Having explored the ancient ruins
of Athens and visited the beautiful Greek Islands, your holiday
will come to an end but your memories will last a lifetime.
Meal: B