Travel with UWL

Exploring Greece and Its Islands with Optional 3-Night Istanbul Post Tour Extension October 3 – 18, 2024

Travel MapGreece

Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday, October 3, 2024 Overnight Flight Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
Day 2: Friday, October 4, 2024 Athens, Greece - Tour Begins Your tour begins in the capital city of Athens. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring Greek specialties at a local restaurant in Athens. (D)
Day 3: Saturday, October 5, 2024 Athens Enjoy a panoramic tour of the highlights in Athens showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Next, ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis. Greek for “highest city,” the Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens. (B)
Day 4: Sunday, October 6, 2024 Athens - Thermopylae - Metéora - Kalambaka Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending the city against the Persians. Arrive in Metéora and visit two remote monasteries* situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. End your day at a family-owned taverna where you will savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations. (B, D)
Day 5: Monday, October 7, 2024 Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova This morning, continue to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. (B, D)
Day 6: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Arachova - Olympia Travel along the Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and meet with the owners to learn about everyday life in rural Peloponnese. Following the tour, enjoy a light lunch including a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades and sweets. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Olympia Your guided visit to ancient Olympia includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances with a delightful Greek dance class. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Thursday, October 10, 2024 Olympia - Tolo Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains on your way to the picturesque seaside village of Tolo. En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece’s signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869. (B)
Day 9: Friday, October 11, 2024 Tolo - Nafplio - Tolo Today head to the coastal city of Nafplio where it’s your choice! Journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by mythological King Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. Explore the excavations during a guided visit featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate -OR- linger in Nafplio, and join a walking tour of Greece’s first capital city. Nafplio’s mix of Venetian and neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece’s most elegant city. (B)
Day 10: Saturday, October 12, 2024 Tolo - Athens - Mykonos - Chora Early this morning, transfer to the port of Athens for the high-speed ferry** ride to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you cruise across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise. Spend time in Chora (Mykonos Old Town), where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. (B, D)
Day 11: Sunday, October 13, 2024 Mykonos Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. Or join an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos,*** the fabled birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. (B)
Day 12: Monday, October 14, 2024 Mykonos - Santorini - Oia Cruise to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels, and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found. (B, D)
Day 13: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 Santorini - Akrotiri - Wine Tasting Begin your day with a visit to the excavation site of ancient Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Known as the "Minoan Pompeii," the flourishing town was at once destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1450 B.C. End your morning with a tasting and light lunch at a local winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini. (B, L)
Day 14: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Santorini Your day is at leisure to relax or independently explore Santorini, considered one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Shop in Thira’s charmingtown center, take in the breathtaking scenery, visit a local museum or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Perhaps you’ll join an afternoon optional tour of Megalochori, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, followed by a dinner of flavorful regional cuisine. (B)
Day 15: Thursday, October 17, 2024 Santorini - Athens Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece with a delightful farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 16: Friday, October 18, 2024 Athens - Tour Ends Your tour ends today. (B)

Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Minneapolis St Paul Intl, Inter-flights from Santorini Thira Is., Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $449 per person

Tour Rates

Double $5,999 with discount

Single $7,199 with discount

Triple $5,949 with discount

For more in depth information about the trip or to register online, click the link below:

Click here for registration.

Inquire for more information by emailing alumni@uwlax.edu.