Classical Greece 2019 with David Watts WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION

Tue, July 10 St. Louis, Missouri - Athens, Greece
Depart St. Louis for your international flight to Athens! Meal service on-board. 

Wed, July 11 Athens
Arrive in Athens and meet your courier for assistance and transport to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Athens with your tour leader. D

Thu, July 12 3-day cruise Mykonos
Transfer to the port of Athens. Board the ship of Celestyal Cruises and sail to the world-famous island of Mykonos. The town is a small architectural miracle, with its gleaming whitewashed buildings and windmills, and one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. B, L, D

Fri, July 13         Kusadasi & Patmos
In the morning, arrive in Kusadasi Turkey. You have the option to drive to Ephesus, where Apostle Paul spent three years during his ministry. The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsius, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”) and many more. Later, sail for the island of Patmos, where you may choose to visit the Monastery of St. John. From there, walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine. B, L, D

Sat, July 14 Crete & Santorini
In the morning, arrive at Heraklion, Crete. You may choose to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to king Minos and his legendary beast, the Minotaur. In the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, you can find the unbelievable works of art (pieces of sculpture and pottery, jewelry, arms (frescoes), that have been found in a number of Minoan sites all over Crete. Then, sail north to the isle of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The exquisite whitewashed villages, including the town of Fira, or Thira, cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible by cable-car, or mule. B, L, D

Sun, July 15 Cruise - Tour of Athens 
After breakfast, disembark and start a tour of Athens with your guide, including an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Panathenian Stadium. See vistas of the Presidential Palace. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia Square. In contrast, we see the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the crowning beauty and glory that was Athens. Visit the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. Proceed to the hotel. Enjoy a Greek traditional dinner in the Plaka district. B, L, D

Mon, July 16 Delphi & Tolo
Begin your 3-day classical tour of Greece! Travel to scenic Delphi, one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth, according to a poet. Drive through beautiful countryside, pass the cities of Thiva (Thebes) and Livadia. On to Arachova, well-known for its local industry of rugs, carpets and leather goods. Continue to Delphi and explore the archaeological site. Walk on the Sacred Way to see the Athenian Treasury, the Temple of Apollo and the Theater. Also, visit the Museum with its splendid collection of ancient works of art, including the Sphinx of the Naxians, the Silver Bull, the Column of the Dancers, the “Omphalos” and the pride of the museum, the 5th c. B.C. bronze “Charioteer.” Travel to Tolo for dinner and overnight. B, D

Tue, July 17 Olympia tour
Travel to Olympia, spending the day admiring the splendors of this unique place, where the ancient Greek ideas of unity, peace, and fair play flourished. See the impressive ruins of Hera’s and Zeus’s Temples, the Leonidaion, the Workshop of the sculptor Pheidias and the famous Stadium. Also, visit the Museum, with its new display of amazing pieces of sculpture and pottery and the architectural remains. Don’t miss the “Hermes” of Praxiteles, one of the most wonderful ancient statues ever made. Return to Tolo for dinner. B, D

Wed, July 18 Nafplion 
This morning, get acquainted with the lovely town of Nafplion, the first capital of Greece. Stroll around the promenade and explore the narrow streets and picturesque squares of Nafplion. Return to Tolo for a free afternoon to explore. B, D

Thu, July 19 Glyfada
Today transfer to Glyfada via the Corinth Canal.  Glyfada is one of the most famous and beautiful areas of Athens. Spend the remainder of the day on the beach and relaxing. B, D

Fri, July 20 Glyfalda - Athens - St. Louis
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home with many new memories of your adventures in Greece!  Or continue on the optional Rome 3-Day Extension (see below). B

Fri, July 20 3-Day Extension: Athens - Rome, Italy
Transfer to the airport for your one-way flight to Rome. Upon arrival, your  guide will meet you for a half-day guided tour of Ancient Rome including admissions to the Colosseum. B, D

Sat, July 21 Rome
Leave Rome behind as you enter the independent city-state of the Vatican. With your guide, view impressive works of art that make up the Vatican’s 500-year-old art collection, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo. B, D

Sun, July 22 Rome
Today is yours to continue discovering this ancient city. Perhaps walk the Spanish Steps, or explore the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and shop the quaint boutiques. B, D

Mon, July 23 Rome
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home with many new memories of your adventures in Greece!  B