Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
ATHENS: Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Sweet Luck
PIRAEUS: Take a scenic ferry crossing to Mykonos.
MYKONOS: Walking tour includes the Church of Agia Kiriaki and an Amygdalota (traditional Mykonos dessert) tasting. Dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Traditional Greek Amygdalota cookies are often served at weddings as a gesture of new beginnings, prosperity, and good luck. It's our good fortune and happiness to share this delicious sweet almond confection with you on the magical island of Mykonos.
Mediterranean Magic
MYKONOS: Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited.
Aegean Gem
MYKONOS: Enjoy a free day on Mykonos. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEMS: Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
Sights & Sips
MYKONOS: High-speed express ferry to Santorini.
SANTORINI: Walking tour includes a picture stop at the cathedral and a glass of ouzo. Free time this evening. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Ouzo and Greek culture are perhaps linked more closely than any other beverage on the islands. The signature liquorice taste of this iconic aperitif is actually derived from anise herbs and remnants of winemaking grapes. It's wise to sip slowly when visiting any of the many ouzeries (ouzo bars) in Greece!
Sun, Sand & Sea
SANTORINI: Free time to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini's Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.
Bright & Beautiful
SANTORINI: Spend a free day exploring. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: There's lots of ways to spend your day in Santorini. Explore the Bronze Age. settlement of Akrotiri, meander the charming streets browsing the shops or laze on one of the island's idyllic beaches. All of this and much more awaits you on the spectacular island of Santorini.
Aloft to Athens
SANTORINI: Fly to Athens.
ATHENS: Enjoy free time in Athens this afternoon and evening. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
East meets West
ATHENS: Fly to Istanbul.
ISTANBUL: Visit the Spice Market and taste authentic Turkish Delight. Later admire the view during a cruise on the Bosphorus River. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITIONS: Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
The City on Seven Hills
ISTANBUL: This morning your guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. This afternoon and evening free time to explore more of this incredible city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ARCHITECTURAL WONDER: Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sofia hasn't had it easy. Since it was first constructed back in the 4th century, it has been destroyed by riots and damaged by an earthquake. Starting out as a Basilica during the times of the Roman Empire, it has also been a mosque and a museum.
Inspired Istanbul
ISTANBUL: Enjoy a free day to explore more of Istanbul. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” is the underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones,” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
ATHENS: Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Sweet Luck
PIRAEUS: Take a scenic ferry crossing to Mykonos.
MYKONOS: Walking tour includes the Church of Agia Kiriaki and an Amygdalota (traditional Mykonos dessert) tasting. Dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Traditional Greek Amygdalota cookies are often served at weddings as a gesture of new beginnings, prosperity, and good luck. It's our good fortune and happiness to share this delicious sweet almond confection with you on the magical island of Mykonos.
Mediterranean Magic
MYKONOS: Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited.
Aegean Gem
MYKONOS: Enjoy a free day on Mykonos. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEMS: Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
Sights & Sips
MYKONOS: High-speed express ferry to Santorini.
SANTORINI: Walking tour includes a picture stop at the cathedral and a glass of ouzo. Free time this evening. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Ouzo and Greek culture are perhaps linked more closely than any other beverage on the islands. The signature liquorice taste of this iconic aperitif is actually derived from anise herbs and remnants of winemaking grapes. It's wise to sip slowly when visiting any of the many ouzeries (ouzo bars) in Greece!
Sun, Sand & Sea
SANTORINI: Free time to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini's Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.
Bright & Beautiful
SANTORINI: Spend a free day exploring. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: There's lots of ways to spend your day in Santorini. Explore the Bronze Age. settlement of Akrotiri, meander the charming streets browsing the shops or laze on one of the island's idyllic beaches. All of this and much more awaits you on the spectacular island of Santorini.
Aloft to Athens
SANTORINI: Fly to Athens.
ATHENS: Enjoy free time in Athens this afternoon and evening. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
East meets West
ATHENS: Fly to Istanbul.
ISTANBUL: Visit the Spice Market and taste authentic Turkish Delight. Later admire the view during a cruise on the Bosphorus River. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITIONS: Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
The City on Seven Hills
ISTANBUL: This morning your guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. This afternoon and evening free time to explore more of this incredible city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ARCHITECTURAL WONDER: Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sofia hasn't had it easy. Since it was first constructed back in the 4th century, it has been destroyed by riots and damaged by an earthquake. Starting out as a Basilica during the times of the Roman Empire, it has also been a mosque and a museum.
Inspired Istanbul
ISTANBUL: Enjoy a free day to explore more of Istanbul. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” is the underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones,” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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