[{"title":"Day 1: Arrive In Athens,Greece","name":"Athens","description":"At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE </SPAN><SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Welcome to Athens! </SPAN>At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>ATHENS-CARYATUD-PORCH.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.98381","lng":"23.727539"},{"title":"Day 2: Athens","name":"Athens","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=Location>ATHENS</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Marvels & Myths </SPAN>ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT</BR>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. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>ATHENS-ACROPOLIS.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.98381","lng":"23.727539"},{"title":"Day 3: Athens,Corinth,Mycenae,Epidaurus,Nauplia","name":"Athens","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Greek History & Heroes </SPAN>CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.</BR>MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.</BR>EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (B,D) </BR>132 mi / 212 km</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT</BR>CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>EPIDAURUS-THEATER.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.98381","lng":"23.727539"},{"title":"Day 4: Nauplia,Olympia","name":"Olympia","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Ruins & Recipes </SPAN>Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.</BR>OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) </BR>112 mi / 181 km</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=favorites>LOCAL FAVORITE </BR>LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>OLYMPIA-TZATZIKI.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.638459","lng":"21.62988"},{"title":"Day 5: Olympia,Patras,Delphi","name":"Delphi","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=Location>OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Digs & Dances </SPAN>Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.</BR>DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (B,D)</BR>149 mi / 239 km</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=favorites>LOCAL FAVORITE </BR>CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.</SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>DELPHI-TEMPLE.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"38.480057","lng":"22.494062"},{"title":"Day 6: Delphi,Meteora Area","name":"Meteora","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=Location>DELPHI–METEORA AREA</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Monasteries in Magical Greece </SPAN>Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.</BR>METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries. (B,D) </BR>155 mi / 249 km</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT </BR>SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>METEORA.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"39.782777","lng":"21.570679"},{"title":"Day 7: Meteora Area,Thermopylae,Athens","name":"Athens","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=Location>METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Grecian Battles & Beauty </SPAN>THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.</BR>ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) </BR>236 mi / 380 km</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT </BR>LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>THERMOPYLAE.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.98381","lng":"23.727539"},{"title":"Day 8: Athens (Embarkation)","name":"Athens","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>ATHENS (EMBARKATION)</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Beyond the Shore </SPAN>ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise. (B,D)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT</BR>PICTURE PERFECT Set sail from Athens for a captivating course on the blue Aegean Sea to explore the exquisite beauty of the Greek Islands and Turkey. Marvel at the beauty of the island of Mykonos, also known as the island of the winds, revel in the unspoiled panoramas of Patmos, the magic of medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>ATHENS-CRUISING.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.98381","lng":"23.727539"},{"title":"Day 9: Cruising: Thessaloniki","name":"Thessaloniki","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>CRUISING: THESSALONIKI</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Island Life & Times </SPAN>THESSALONIKI Free time to explore. (B,L,D)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=freetime>ENHANCED FREE TIME</BR>EXPLORE MORE in the Greek port city of Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea. You’ll find remnants of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history in this cultural capital of Greece. Dine on delicious Greek specialties and wander the lively streets, or simply stretch out on the shore to take it all in. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>THESSALONIKI.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"40.640063","lng":"22.944419"},{"title":"Day 10: Cruising: Kusadasi,Turkey","name":"Kusadasi","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY </SPAN><SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Turkish Treasures </SPAN>KUSADASI Visit the excavations of Ephesus. (B,L,D)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT </BR>HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.</SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>KUSADASI-EPHESUS.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.857913","lng":"27.261015"},{"title":"Day 11: Cruising: Heraklion,Crete","name":"Heraklion","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE </SPAN><SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Greek Mythology & Marvels </SPAN>HERAKLION Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. (B,L,D)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT</BR>MYTHS & LEGENDS Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.</SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>HERAKLION-PALACE-OF-KNOSSOS.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"35.338735","lng":"25.144213"},{"title":"Day 12: Cruising: Santorini,Greece","name":"Santorini","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE </SPAN><SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Sun, Sand & Sea </SPAN>SANTORINI Free time (weather permitting). (B,L,D)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT </BR>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. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>SANTORINI.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"36.393156","lng":"25.461509"},{"title":"Day 13: Cruising: Mykonos","name":"Mykonos","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>CRUISING: MYKONOS </SPAN><SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Mediterranean Magic </SPAN>MYKONOS Enjoy free time in Mykonos. (B,L,D)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT</BR>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. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>MYKONOS.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.44146","lng":"25.366722"},{"title":"Day 14: Milos","name":"Milos","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>MILOS</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Goddess of Love </SPAN>MILOS Enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=highlights>TOUR HIGHLIGHT </BR>NATURAL WONDERS Like love, Milos is both beautiful and dramatic in nature, with its enticing beaches and volcanic terrain. Here, an iconic statue was found hundreds of years ago – known as the famous Venus de Milo – a tribute to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. </SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>MILOS.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"36.691446","lng":"24.393566"},{"title":"Day 15: Athens (Disembarkation)","name":"Athens","description":"<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Amazing Athens </SPAN>ATHENS Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens. (B)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=freetime>ENHANCED FREE TIME</BR>EXPLORE MORE There are 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.</SPAN></BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>ATHENS-PLAKA-AGORA.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.98381","lng":"23.727539"},{"title":"Day 16: Athens","name":"Athens","description":"Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.<br/><SPAN CLASS=location>ATHENS</SPAN> <SPAN CLASS=subtitle>Safe travels until we meet again! </SPAN>Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)</BR></BR><SPAN CLASS=dayimage>ATHENS-STREET-SCENE.jpg</SPAN>","lat":"37.98381","lng":"23.727539"}]
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