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Trip Overview
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Walk in Zeus’s footsteps on this mythic journey! An illustrated itinerary of one of our many gay travel adventures. This information supplements our Treat yourself to a classic Greek holiday from Athens to Olympia to Delphi to Crete. From temples to tavernas, beaches to bouzouki music, we’ll enjoy a cultural feast of mythic proportions! Ponder the Parthenon, take a turn on the original Olympic track and then kick back and relax on the beautiful island of Crete. Enjoy eleven days of history and holidays in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
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Get ready to step back in history to the Golden Age of Greek Culture and Civilization. For the next eleven days we will walk in the footsteps of great figures from history and mythology. We will climb up to the Parthenon, stroll through Olympia, search for the oracle of Delphi and enjoy a first-class Greek holiday. It's not all history and ruins though. There will be plenty of delicious meals in traditional tavernas, seaside photo ops, beach time, and a chance to enjoy stunning Greek sunsets. 
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1-2: Athens
Upon arrival at Athens Airport you will be transferred to our hotel located near the Plaka. The Plaka is the oldest part of the city and distinguished by its narrow streets, winding lanes and authentic churches, shops and restaurants. You may want to take a stroll to shake off the jet lag and check out the colorful shops and vendors. Tonight we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner in a traditional Greek restaurant near the Parthenon. Toast the beginning of our journey with the famous Greek ouzo or perhaps another Greek favorite, homemade lemonade. The next morning, we will enjoy a half-day tour of the city's highlights. Our first stop will be the Parthenon, the famous Doric temple that crowns the Acropolis and dominates so many views of the city. We will also see the 1896 Olympic Stadium and the Parliament, and enjoy a visit to the National Archeological Museum. Dinner this evening is on your own, but our Athens guide will have suggestions for you.
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3-4: Nauplion & the Peloponnese
This morning, we depart Athens to explore the Peloponnese peninsula. We'll cross over the Corinth Canal, and our first stop will be Mycenae with its famed arch and the Palace of Agamemnon, and we will stop at the tomb of Atreus, Agamemnon's father. Our lodging for the next two nights is in Nauplia, a scenic port dominated by the Citadel of Acronauplia, a sturdy structure situated on the coast. There's plenty to explore including the fort, where a walk to the top of the site is rewarded with expansive views of the city. The seafront is a charming place to stroll. Constitution Square is nearby, and a visit to St. George Cathedral is a must. The next day we will take an excursion to Epidaurus. Set in the golden hills of Argolid, Epidaurus is the site of one of the finest classic Greek theaters. The setting is magnificent; the lines and proportions are poetic. The theater was restored in 1954 and many famous artists have performed here including Maria Callas. Our lodging in Nauplion is a lovely centrally located hotel. One night we will have a special dinner by the sea, and on the second night the evening is free to wander the quaint streets and sample one of the other fine restaurants.
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5: Olympia
Today we journey to Olympia, the birthplace of the famous games. Carved into the side of a wooded slope with olive trees covering the surrounding landscape, there is magic in the air as you step onto the track where the Games were first held. Every Olympic year (Winter and Summer alternately) the Olympic torch is lit at this very site. Legend says Hercules initiated gymnastic and athletic training and expositions in this area near the shrines of Pela, Hera, and Zeus. Today the town of Olympia remains a destination for pilgrims who wish to see the sacred sites and the hallowed ground of past athletic achievement. After our tour of the sacred grounds we will enjoy one night in the town of Olympia.
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6-7: Delphi
Our three hour drive from Olympia to Delphi will begin as we cross the Gulf of Corinth from the Peloponnese back to mainland Greece. We will cross the Rion-Antirion Bridge, the world's second longest cable-stayed bridge, a remarkable example of technology and a very impressive sight. Our destination is Delphi but we will be staying nearby in Arachova, a lovely village with services and accommodations not found in Delphi. Arachova is a traditional village perched on Mount Parnassus, with homes made out of stone, nice restaurants, bars and shops. It is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll or to stop and contemplate the history of the region. It is sometimes called the Mykonos of the winter, as nearby ski resorts attract many regional visitors. The next day will be devoted to touring the ancient sites of Delphi, the most important religious center of its time. Often considered the center of the world, Delphi was Apollo's dwelling place and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi. Situated on Mount Parnassus and overlooking the River Piesto with the Bay of Corinth in the distance, the views from Delphi are breathtaking. We'll follow the Sacred Walk up to the Temple, passing the Treasuries, the polygonal wall and several other buildings. Finally, we will reach the Temple of Apollo, dating from the 4th Century BC. This classic structure holds a commanding view over the sprawling agora and surrounding area. Within the confines of the Temple we will pay our respects to the Oracles of Delphi. The oracles were given a small chamber where a magical spring flowed and sent the oracles into a trance. We will pause for a moment to see if we will be touched by the ancient wisdom-giving spring. We'll visit the theater of Delphi, just above the Temple of Apollo, one of the best preserved in Greece. With 35 rows of seats, it could accommodate 5,000 people. Finally, no visit to Delphi would be complete without a tour of the museum. The museum houses many of the artifacts saved from the ruins. It also houses arguably one of the most famous and beautiful statues of early Greece, The Charioteer. This wonderfully preserved bronze statue from 478 BC is a remarkable example of the achievements of the Greek sculptors of their day. Dinner tonight will be on your own at one of the many fine choices in Arachova.
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8-11: Crete
Today we leave early to return to Athens and catch our flight to Crete. Upon arrival at the Chania Airport we will transfer to our hotel and relax until dinner. Chania is a beautiful coastal city famous for its Venetian Harbour, old port, narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants. There are also lovely beaches which beckon us to come and relax in the warm Mediterranean sun. Kick back and watch the waves, or stroll the harbor square with its old buildings, interesting craft shops and lovely seaside sights. Our time in Crete will be a combination of free time to enjoy the amenities of our resort hotel and the charms of Chania, and tours to nearby historical sites. We will visit Heraklion and Knossos, the most important and best known palace of Minoan civilization. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary King Minos. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus and Icaros. The site was continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period (7000-3000 B.C.) until Roman times. The huge complex has been restored to capture the grandeur of the early Minoan society. It is an exciting blend of history and mythology and worthy of serious exploration. Walking through its complex multi-storied buildings one can see why the palace of Knossos was associated with the mythological labyrinth. According to Greek mythology, the palace was designed by famed architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one placed in it could ever find its exit. Other excursions include a trip to the nearby Gonia Monastery, founded by the Venetians in the 17th century, and a visit to one of the mountain villages for a view into the "inner Crete". But we'll save plenty of time on Crete to be on Greek time, laid back and able to stroll on the beach or nap in the sun. In the evenings, enjoy the tasty seafood dishes popular on the island. A perfect finish for a satisfying trip!
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12: Departure Day
Our Greek holiday is complete. Transfers to the Chania Airport will be provided for those departing on this day.
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