The Harbor of Nafplio
May 25 & 26, Days 1 & 2 – Arrival
Depart USA | Nafplio, Greece
Depart USA, arrive in Athens, and transfer to Nafplio, Greece. Check in to our seaside hotel steps away from the historic main square of Nafplio, Greece’s first capital, and stroll along the Aegean Sea waterfront. After a welcome reception, we gather for an authentic dinner at a local taverna. (D) Overnight Nafplio
The theater of Epidavros
May 27, Day 3 – Nafplio | Epidavros
In the morning, we begin with our welcome meeting and a cultural orientation to life in Greece. We explore the picturesque town of Nafplio, including the square where Greece declared independence from the Ottoman Empire, before touring the expansive ruins of the Venetian-built Palamidi Fortress, high above Nafplio.
We continue to the ancient healing center of Epidavros as we learn about medicine in ancient Greece. We test the acoustics in the magnificent theater of Epidavros, the best preserved from ancient Greece. Returning to Nafplio in the afternoon, feel free to swim in the blue waters of the Aegean Sea or meander through its winding streets. In the evening, we gather by the harbor for a festive dinner accompanied by local musicians as we learn about Greek folk music. (B, L, D) Overnight Nafplio
communion at corinth
May 28, Day 4 – Corinth | Mycenae | Peloponnesian Vineyard
We visit Ancient Corinth, where the Apostle Paul engaged in ministry for a year and a half. While in the Roman agora, we celebrate Holy Communion in the same place where the first-century Christians did so in remembrance of Christ’s death. Leaving Corinth, we make our way to Nemea, where we visit a countryside, family-run vineyard for a tour of the estate and a sumptuous feast as we enjoy lunch under an arbor and sample the local cuisine.
In the afternoon, we make one last stop at Mycenae and visit the palace citadel of King Agamemnon, leader of the Trojan War. We tour the Bronze Age site, including Clytemnestra's underground cistern and beehive tomb. Returning to Nafplio, enjoy a free evening with time to shop the boutiques and relax along the cafe-lined harbor promenade. (B, L) Overnight Nafplio
The Elegant Port of Spetses
May 29, Day 5 – Nafplio | Spetses | Hydra
Departing Nafplio, we set out on the most quintessentially Greek experience: sailing the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea.
Our first stop is the picturesque island of Spetses, home to the naval commanders who fought in the Greek War of Independence. After an elegant lunch at one of Greece’s most famous restaurants, we take carriages along the waterside to Spetses’ serene Old Harbor with its picturesque shipyard.
After a relaxing stroll, we set sail again, stopping for a swim in a hidden cove along an uninhabited island. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the unforgettable island of Hydra. We check into our hotel and gather along the picture-perfect harbor to watch the sunset and enjoy an evening of fresh seafood, plentiful wine, and good company late into the evening. (B, L, D) Overnight Hydra
the harbor of hydra
May 30, Day 6 – Hydra
In the morning, we are introduced to beautiful Hydra and learn about its impressive history on a walking town tour. Visit the beautiful cathedral and Orthodox Museum, the Historical Archives with their fantastic collection of 18th and 19th-century naval artifacts, and the preserved house of the Greek painter Panagiotis Tetsis. In the early evening, we gather for drinks as we watch the sunset over the endless waters of the Aegean. (B, D) Overnight Hydra
horse ride across hydra
May 31, Day 7 – Hydra
The day is at leisure to enjoy magical Hydra. For an unforgettable experience, sign up to take a horseback ride on ancient paths through Hydra town. After returning, spend the day shopping in the local boutiques, admiring the island’s famous art displays, or soaking up the sun on a pristine beach. Overnight Hydra. (B)
VIEW OF PARTHENON FROM OUR HOTEL
June 1, Day 8 – Athens
After lunch in a quaint harbor café, we quickly journey to Athens, the most fantastic city of ancient and modern Greece, as we check into our hotel. We gather for drinks in the evening before heading to the Plaka (traditional marketplace) for dinner. (B, D) Overnight Athens
the caryatids in the acropolis museum
LITTLE VENICE in mykonos
June 2, Day 9 – Athens
Our exploration of this city’s matchless heritage begins at the impressive Acropolis Museum, as we examine the world-famous Parthenon Marbles up close before ascending the dramatic rock of the Acropolis. We pass the Odeon of Herod Atticus, Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike before standing in the shadow of the architecturally stunning Parthenon. After admiring its optical refinements and the panoramic views of Athens, we continue to the Areopagus and hear the words of the Apostle Paul’s 1st c. sermon to the Greek pagans in its original setting. We continue to lively Monastiraki Square for lunch before free time to shop in the festive Plaka traditional marketplace. (B, L, D) Overnight Athens
June 3, Day 10 – Mykonos
Catching a quick flight to Mykonos, we check into our resort hotel with a spectacular view of the Aegean. Enjoying the afternoon at leisure at either the pool’s edge or with a deep in the sea. We gather for vespers in the evening. (B) Overnight Mykonos
aboard our ship
June 4, Day 11 – Mykonos | Delos | Rhenia
This morning, we board our private traditional Mykonian fishing boat for an unforgettable journey to the ancient island of Delos, the sacred sanctuary of Apollo. After our tour, we set sail to the uninhabited island of Rhenia. We join the third-generation Mykonian fisherman Panagiotis Faroupos, whose family was the first to bring livestock to the barren island of Rhenia in the 1800s. We drop anchor along the picturesque coast and have a barbeque lunch of grilled seafood caught and prepared by our captain. (B, L, D) Overnight Mykonos.
the windmills of mykonos
June 5, Day 12 – Mykonos
After a laid-back morning and following lunch, we make our way into the main town of Mykonos with its winding whitewashed streets and its main sites: the old windmills, main harbor, Little Venice, and the Church of Paraportiani. While in town, we watch the sunset from our waterside taverna as we enjoy Mykonian cuisine on this one-of-a-kind island. (B, D) Overnight Mykonos
June 6, Day 13 – Athens / USA
Depart Mykonos for Athens for an afternoon flight to the USA. (B)