Greece – ancient temples, great philosophers, crystal clear blue seas, white sandy beaches and fabulous grilled meat gyros. Whilst the legacy of western style democracy and modern civilisation is probably more noteworthy than the humble souvlaki, travelling in Greece is all about experiencing the ancient with the new.
We marvel at the Acropolis in Athens, retrace the steps of long-gone athletes in Olympia and discover the secrets of the Oracle in Delphi. Our Grecian adventure would not be complete without sampling one of the picture-perfect Greek islands.
"Girls, guys and gyros + perfect weather = the trip of a lifetime"
Day 1 Athens
Welcome to Athens, one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. Our hotel is located a short walk from Syntagma Square, so we are close to all the sights and sounds of Athens. In the evening we meet up with our fellow Topdeck passengers and Trip Leader. Following our briefing it's time to head out for our first taste of the Greek nightlife.
Day 2 Athens
After breakfast, we explore Athens with a walking tour. Our Trip Leader shows us the major sites in town, including the vibrant Plaka area and its markets, the world famous Acropolis and Syntagma square. We also see the changing of the guards. Free time this afternoon before we join the locals for traditional Greek dancing and local cuisine.
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Day 3 Athens to Paros
It's an early start today as we take a private transfer down to the port of Piraeus to catch the ferry to the first of the beautiful islands. As we pass many small islands that are so famous in the Aegean Sea we see why this part of Greece is so popular. Our beach front Hotel in Paros is a short walk from the port. A walking tour around the harbour and through the narrow streets of the town gets us orientated. The afternoon is free to explore the island on your own.
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Day 4 Paros
Relax on the beach and top up the tan, visit the church of Ekatantapiliani, or visit Naousa, Kolimbithres and the important sites on the island - choices, choices! Or a short bus ride to the village of Lefkes is well worth it for the views and the photos.
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Day 5 Paros to Mykonos
A short ferry ride to stunning Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Cycladic Islands. The afternoon is free, to discover the island at our leisure. In the evening we watch the famous sunset over the windmills in the part of Mykonos town known as little Venice. Then the nightlife, for which Mykonos is justly famous, is ours to enjoy.
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Day 6 Mykonos
A free day on the island. Why not kick back and relax on one of the many superb beaches of the island or check out the sights such as Kastro, the complex of churches. There is an optional half day excursion to the nearby island of Delos, the traditional birthplace of the sun god Apollo.
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Day 7 Mykonos to Santorini
Today we catch the ferry past many small islands and arrive at the island of Santorini and its remarkable volcanic caldera. Our hotel has amazing views over the plain to the sea. In the afternoon we have a tour visiting some of the interesting and important sites of the island. The sunset at Oia makes for some memorable photos with the sun reflecting on the white houses like snow against the dark volcanic stone cliffs.
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Day 8 Santorini
A free day on the island. We can discover Thira - the capital, Kamenes, Ancient Thira or take a boat trip to the volcanic crater and swim in the warm sea.
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Day 9 Santorini to Athens
In the afternoon we depart Santorini for Athens, arriving late evening and transfer to the hotel in downtown Athens.
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Day 10 Athens
Our journey ends after breakfast as we bid farewell to Greece and our new found friends
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