EUROPE
Treasures of Ancient Greece 10 days from $7,990
Step back in time to an era of philosophers, oracles, and statesmen on a journey into the world of the ancient Greeks, from Athens and Delphi to the Peloponnese and the stunning isle of Mykonos. WHERE TO STAY Herodian Hotel A boutique hotel in the Plaka near the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum in Athens. Hotel Europa An elegant hotel just a short walk from central Olympia, featuring an outdoor taverna frequented by locals. Grand Sarai An intimate hotel with panoramic views of the Gulf of Argolis and Nafplio’s Old Town. Mykonian Korali An elegant haven perched on the hills above the historic harbor of Mykonos Town.
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HIGHLIGHTS �
Gain insights into ancient Greece while exploring the Acropolis and Agora of Athens and the temples of Delphi and Delos with a private guide.
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Listen to the acoustics of the remarkable theater of Epidaurus and dine with an Olympian athlete.
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Taste local specialties and wines at a Peloponnese winery, and visit an olive oil producer.
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Explore the charms of the Cycladic Islands during three nights on Mykonos.
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1–4 – Athens and Delphi, Greece Delve into ancient and modern-day life in Athens with a private guide as you explore the Acropolis and the Agora and take a panoramic tour of the city. Examine extraordinary artifacts in the Acropolis Museum and the Athens Archaeological Museum. Later, head to nearby Delphi with your private guide to learn about the powerful Oracle of Delphi. Day 5 – Olympia Travel to Olympia with your private driver. Meet an expert guide for a walking tour of ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic games were held in 776 B.C. This evening, join a local Olympian for dinner in her home.
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Day 6 – Mycenae and Nafplio Cross the Peloponnese Peninsula to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae and take a guided tour of this important archaeological site, including its legendary Lion’s Gate and the beehive tomb known as the Tomb of Agamemnon. Stop at a winery for a lunch of local specialties and wine tasting. Then continue to the historic port town of Nafplio, your home for the next two nights. Day 7 – Epidaurus Spend the morning in Epidaurus, once a mecca for healing dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, Asclepios. Here, you will find one of the most wellpreserved and acoustically perfect ancient theaters in Greece. Later, pay a visit to an olive oil producer and enjoy a tour and tastings. Days 8–10 – Mykonos and Delos Take a short flight to the island of Mykonos, one of the fabled Cyclades. The rest of the day is yours to explore Mykonos Town, stroll the beach, or relax by the pool at your hotel. Meet your guide the next morning for the short ferry ride to the sacred island of Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, the island was once a hub for trade, culture, and religion. Explore the vestiges of this once-grand city, including the famous Avenue of the Lions. Enjoy a final free day on Mykonos to go hiking, explore nearby villages, or unwind at the beach, then fly home via Athens the next day.
