DAY 3: Athens, GREECE
Visit the principal monuments and sites of the city, including Athens Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Theater of Dionyssos. See the Ancient Agora, the hub of the city from the sixth century BC. Then walk through the picturesque Plaka before arriving at the Acropolis, the complex of monuments that most symbolizes Athens. Admire the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. ►For Athens hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 4: Athens / Cape Sounion / Athens, GREECE
Spend time exploring the renowned National Archaeological Museum, with its formidable collection of sculpture, pottery and jewelry from one of the world's preeminent ancient civilizations. After lunch, journey along the coast to Cape Sounion and the ruined Temple of Poseidon. ►For Athens hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 5: Athens / Delphi / Athens,
GREECE
Delphi was home to Apollo, and its position between the Phaedriades cliffs and Mount Ayios makes it one of the most enchanting sites in Greece. Here you observe the major ruins that include Athena's Sanctuary, the Pentelic marble Round Building and Apollo's Temple. Return to Athens via Ossios Loukas to admire the architecture and mosaics of the monastery, which is still inhabited to this day. ►For Athens hotel suggestions, see above.to this day.
DAY 7: Crete,
GREECE
Explore the eastern part of the island: the village of Kritsa, renowned for its traditional weaving, and the famous church of Panagia Kera with its beautiful frescoes. Take a scenic drive up to Lassithi, the island's largest upland plain, famous for its locally manufactured wind pumps. You may wish to climb up to the cave that ancient Greeks believed was the birthplace of Zeus. ►For Crete hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 8: Crete,
GREECE
The day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your hotel
.►For Crete hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 9: Crete,
GREECE / Depart for Home Drive to Mycenae and see the site hewn from a rocky hill and ringed
by barren mountains, where majestic "beehive" funerary chambers were
filled with treasures.