Best of Greece

Greece, the cradle of western civilization. For westerners, there is no other place on earth that better represents, symbolically and practically, our roots and history. Around every bend in the road, at every stop along the way, the stones and earth of Greece carry our story. But this celebrated land offers more than rich history: great food, great wine, beautiful landscapes and vistas, colorful traditions, music, and dance to name but a few. Join Imprint Tours for a sampling of the best this country has to offer. The treasures of Athens - the iconic Acropolis and National Archeological Museum, Delphi - navel of the world, Meteora - mystical monasteries on dramatic spires, charming Naphlio, restful Stoupa, stunning Santorini, plus the ancient sites of Mycenae, Epidavros, Olympia, Akrotiri, and much more.

Day 1 Athens
Meeting
Our hotel is near the pedestrian-friendly and centrally-located Monesteraki Square and the Plaka neighborhood. At the end of the afternoon we'll meet on the roof-top terrace for a quick "Welcome to Greece" get-together. Afterward, we’ll spend more time getting to know one another and having dinner together in a traditional Greek taverna.
Hotel Attalos (2 nights) https://www.attaloshotel.com/

Day 2 Athens
Acropolis; Acropolis Museum; Agora|
Our morning begins with guided tours of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Athens’ many museums and the Plaka's labyrinth of inviting streets, squares, shops and cafés.

Day 3 Naphlio
National Archeological Museum; Corinth Canal; Greek Music
The National Archeological Museum is our first stop today. We’ll see the famous Mask of Agamemnon and treasures from early Cycladic to Hellenistic sculptures from all across Greece. Then we’ll depart Athens and head for the Peloponnese, stopping for a photo op at the Corinth Canal. We’ll continue to beautiful harbor-side Naphlio in time to explore before dinner, where we’ll be accompanied by live music.
Victoria Hotel (3 nights)

Day 4 Naphlio
Ancient Mycenae; Traditional Pottery
After breakfast we’ll visit nearby Mycenae with our ace guide where we’ll tour the ruins and walk in the footsteps of Agamemnon. The museum houses a veritable treasure trove of artifacts from the site and we’ll tour a classic “Beehive” tomb. We’ll enter the site through the famous Lion’s Gate. Afterwards we’ll visit a pottery factory/institute where the next generation of Greek masters are being trained in the five traditional styles. We’ll return to Naphlio for a free afternoon and evening to relax or explore. Climb the 999 steps to the mighty Palamidi Fortress ruins that overlook Naphlio or take a boat out to tiny Boursi Fort in the harbor.

Day 5 Naphlio
Epidaurus; Wine Tasting
This morning we’ll explore the nearby Sanctuary of Asclepius and the ancient amphitheater at Epidaurus. This was a primary hospital site for the ancient Greek world. We’ll learn about their approach to medicine and health before finishing at the famous theater. The acoustics here are simply splendid - an amazing accomplishment of ancient building technology. After a free afternoon we’ll indulge in a wine tasting.

Day 6 Kardamyli
Medieval Monemvasia
Today we’ll head into the heart of the Peloponnese, stopping at the town of Monemvasia. Often referred to as Greece’s Gibraltar, this fortified Medieval gem hugs the side of the great rock surrounded by the Aegean Sea. After our explorations we’ll return to the modern world and settle in idyllic Kardamyli, a tiny seaside hamlet on the Mani Peninsula.
Vardia Hotel (2 nights)

Day 7 Kardamyli
Free Day
After some orientation, the day is all yours. Kardamyli is an ideal place to enjoy a “vacation from your vacation.” Options include relaxing on the beach, hiking in the nearby gorge, and enjoying some grilled seafood at a seaside taverna.

Day 8 Delphi
Ancient Olympia; Museum
We'll make an early departure today and drive north through the mountainous western Peloponnese, often along the coast of the Ionian Sea. It is mostly a travel day but we’ll squeeze in one amazing sight. We’ll break up the drive with a visit to Ancient Olympia. Our guide will make these ruins come alive with tales of the world’s most famous athletic competition.
Hotel Leto (1 night)

Day 9 Meteora
Ancient Delphi; Museum
After breakfast we’ll tour the evocative ruins of ancient Delphi and visit its museum. The dramatic location makes it obvious why it became a center of spiritual pilgrimage more than 25 Centuries ago. In the afternoon we’ll drive into the rugged heart of Greece, destination Meteora. We’ll arrive in time for happy hour and dusk views of the magnificent natural spires of this mystical destination.
Hotel Divani Meteora (1 night)

Day 10 Santorini
Meteora Monasteries; Santorini Flight
Our last day on mainland Greece will begin in spectacular fashion with a guided tour of several of the 14th century monasteries which grace the tops of the dramatically jutting pinnacles and cliffs of this unique geological area. Our afternoon will be spent driving south through Attica, passing such historical sights as Thermopylae and Marathon before being dropped at the Athens Airport for our evening flight to Santorini (flight included).
Hotel Volcano View (2 nights) https://www.volcano-view.com/

Day 11 Santorini
Island Excursion - village visit; Akrotiri; Oia
This is our excursion day for Santorini but there is plenty of time to relax on your caldera-view terrace for the morning. We’ll depart in the morning for a visit to a village and learn about non-touristy everyday life on Santorini. Next up, Ancient Akrotiri, the Minoan era settlement. We’ll make a lunch stop at a classic Santorini beach enroute to art-oriented Oia with the best view on the island. In the evening we’ll gather for a final dinner together.

Day 12 Tour Over After Breakfast
The tour officially ends with breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport or port transfers.

[Itinerary specifics and hotels subject to change]

What’s Included:
11 nights accommodation; All breakfasts, 5 dinners, 1 lunch; All tour transport (bus, airplane); All tips (Imprint tour manager, local guides, meals, hotel staffs, drivers); Full-time services of a Imprint tour director, local guides; All entrances: National Archeological Museum, Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Olympia Museum, Delphi, Delphi Museum, Meteora monasteries, Akrotiri; All activities: Corinth Canal, Monemvasia, Santorini island tour - Oia, beaches, village; wine tasting, and more.

Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.