DETAILS
Revel in Greece’s cultural riches and tantalizing cuisine on this 10-night journey to Athens and the gorgeous island of Crete! Take in the majestic Parthenon in Athens and then embrace Mediterranean life at its best over five nights in Heraklion and two nights in Chania. With the sparkling Aegean Sea as your backdrop, bask in Crete’s colorful old towns, charming villages and tranquil beaches. You’ll tour the remarkable Minoan ruins of Knossos and Phaistos, enjoy a Cretan cooking lesson and soak up the enchanting scenery of Santorini!
- Pricing from
- $3,995
Call 800-323-7373 or click here to reserve.
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Tours
- Departure Dates
-
May 1, 2026 - May 10, 2026
NJV ATHENS PLAZA
Located directly on Constitution Square in the center of Athens, the deluxe NJV Athens Plaza is one of the most distinguished hotels in the city. Stop for a drink in the British-style Explorer’s Bar and enjoy all-day dining in The Parliament restaurant featuring a menu of Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. For more casual fare, there’s the Plaza Café. Travelers have privileged access to the nearby Athens Club and Spa. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Pharae Palace Hotel
Stay in the heart of Kalamata at the inviting Pharae Palace Hotel, situated along the Messenian Bay and with views of the Taygetos Mountains. Its central location is not only ideal for walking to the city center and nearby restaurants and shops, but for exploring the historic attractions of the region. The hotel also is just steps from the beach. In addition to warm Greek hospitality, experience delicious regional cuisine at the rooftop restaurant, and enjoy cocktails and a waterfront view at the Loft Lounge. Recently renovated guest rooms feature sea views and a host of amenities, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar, room service and more, to make your stay unforgettable.
Final Payment will be due 120 days prior to departure and the Cancellation Fee schedule will be updated to:
- CANCELLATION-All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
- Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $500 per person administrative fee.
- Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart home for Athens, Greece
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day 2
Athens, Greece
Arrive at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport and meet your AHI Travel Representative. Continue to the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city on Syntagma Square, “Constitution Square.” Just across the street is the Bouli, the Greek Parliament, where Greek soldiers guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every hour, crowds gather to watch the solemn changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
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day 3
Athens
Survey the beauty of Athens from atop the Acropolis. Take in the up-close sight of the Parthenon, the iconic temple that has watched over the city since the fifth century B.C. At the Acropolis Museum, view stunning artifacts from the Acropolis’ slopes and look through the glass floor to see the ruins of an ancient neighborhood. Enjoy some free time to wander through the markets or sip a strong Greek coffee at a neighborhood café.
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day 4
Mycenae | Kalamata
This morning, depart Athens and travel to the famed Peloponnese. Stroll through the vast ruins of Mycenae, which the Greek myths say was the center of Agamemnon’s kingdom. Continue to a nearby winery to sample fine Greek wines and enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, traverse the scenic countryside to Kalamata and check in to the Pharae Palace Hotel. Later, learn about Greece’s journey to becoming a republic.
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day 5
Kalamata | Messene
After learning about classical Greece’s far-reaching influence this morning, take a guided walk through Kalamata’s old town. Hear about the city’s tumultuous past and how it emerged as the first city to be liberated from Ottoman control in the Greek War of Independence. Stop along your walk to taste classic foods, like world-famous, fruity Kalamata olives and fresh seafood. Travel to ancient Messene, one of ancient Greece’s great fortified cities. Located off the beaten path, it is one of the country’s greatest collections of ancient ruins that most people never get to see.
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day 6
Sparta | Mystras
Walk in the footsteps of Leonidas, the valiant Spartan warrior king, in the ruins of the powerful ancient city-state. Then, go back in time to Byzantine Greece in the hilltop city of Mystras. Tour this medieval city and its spectacular ruins, which include monasteries, palaces and churches. After lunch, discover why Greeks prize the olive and its oil at a special museum dedicated to the tiny fruit.
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day 7
Ancient Olympia
Explore the site of the first Olympic Games, which were held in honor of the Greek god Zeus in 776 B.C. Discover what the earliest Olympic games were like and stand at the runners’ original starting line in the stadium! Tonight, join hands for a joyful Kalamatianos folk dance at a fun-filled farewell celebration featuring food, wine and music!
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day 8
Kalamata
Begin the day with a discussion about the modern Greek lifestyle and how it is intertwined with ancient traditions. The rest of the day is free to unwind on the hotel’s beach, savor a drink and lovely views at the rooftop lounge, take an optional cooking lesson or explore on your own. Tonight, glide across the Messenian Gulf on a sunset cruise. From the water, admire the breathtaking view of the coastline, with olive groves spread as far as the eye can see.
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day 9
Corinth | Athens
This morning, depart Kalamata for Athens and, along the way, stop in Corinth. Walk through the archaeological site of ancient Corinth with your guide. Admire the Temple of Apollo and ruins from the Roman era, when Corinth was a major colony. Then, see the Corinth Canal. First opened in 1893, this deep channel separates the Peloponnese from the mainland. Upon reaching Athens, check in to the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel and relish a final free evening.
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day 10
Depart for home city
Bid farewell to Greece and your fellow travelers. Depart for the airport for your flight home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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