Day 1

Departure from New York. Take overnight flight.

9hrs 30min, nonstop

Details: Check-in in centrally located and highly rated hotel. (Electra Palace Athens, Athens Tiare Hotel). Explore ancient and modern Athens in an easy.

Details: This unique National Garden tour is a perfect way to explore a part of the city where antiquity meets the modern times. Visit the landmarks of the city, including the Arch of Hadrian, the gate to the city of Athens, as well as neoclassical jewels like the Zappeion and the first modern Olympic Village. Learn more about political life in Greece with a visit to the Presidential Mansion, once the Crown Prince's palace, the building of the Hellenic Parliament, and the former royal palace of Greece, where you can also watch the ceremonial change of the Presidential Guards. As you ride inside the National Garden of Athens, one of the biggest and most spectacular parks in Europe at 38 acres (15 ha). As you meander through the park, admire ancient ruins, tambourines, and Corinthian columns. Pass by the 12 palm trees planted by Amalia of Greece and hear about its history dating back to 1920.

Details: Lap up the breathtaking scenery and exquisite flavors of Athens during an unforgettable dinner from 164 feet (50 m) above the streets. Your evening begins on the ground, where a specially designed, open-air table is waiting to take you to the heavens. Strap yourself into your seat and slowly rise into the sky while the sun sets over the city.
Once you reach your height of 164 feet (50 m), your culinary experience begins. Savor mouthwatering Greek cuisine and locally made wine as the table rotates to reveal views of the Aegean Sea, the surrounding mountains, and the ancient ruins of the Acropolis lit beneath the darkening sky.

Details: Begin your day at the Syntagma metro station, where you can admire a collection of archaeological artifacts representing ancient Greek daily life. Follow your guide to see the changing of the guard at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier and pass by the Old Royal Palace, home of the Greek Parliament, and then continue toward the National Gardens. Pause for a photo and some stories from Greek mythology at the imposing Temple of Olympian Zeus. Walk the beautiful pedestrian path of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, and see the statue of Melina Mercouri on your way to the Acropolis. Visit a theater built in the 5th century BC to honor the Greek god Dionysus, and admire breathtaking views of the city as you reach the top of the hill. As your guide shares ancient stories and legends, see monuments like the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea, the Ancient Agora, and the Observatory.

Day 2

Details: Discover the history, culture, and vibrant modern life of Athens as you eat your way through the city with a savvy guide. Get an introduction to traditional Greek dishes, uncover off-the-beaten-path eateries in beautiful neighborhoods, and meet with vendors as you sample 15 gourmet delicacies during your tour. Bite into savory delights like stuffed tomatoes, rich moussaka, and magiritsa, a thick soup made
with lamb offal, rice, and citrusy avgolemono sauce. Scoop up sauce-drenched soutzoukaki, a spiced meatball dish, taste the most delicious pork chops ever & end on a sweet note with a sample of the
dessert once enjoyed by the winners of the ancient Olympic Games.
Visit the famous Acropolis Museum. Immerse yourself in history and art dating back thousands of years as your guide explains the site's construction and takes you to see its excavations and 4,000 exhibits.

Details: Watch a performance by the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre and discover a fascinating side of Greek heritage. With original costumes and traditional dances learned firsthand from villages throughout
Greece and beyond, this stunning production showcases the country's rich culture and history.

Details: Greek mythology comes to life as you walk the roads of Delphi, considered by the ancients to be the center of the world. As you ride away from Athens, gaze out at the colorful landscapes of Beotia and
Theva—birthplace of King Oedipus. According to Greek mythology, Delphi is the place where Zeus’ eagles clashed after flying from the end of the universe in search of the “navel of the world.” Arrive at the site and set off to explore its ruins, temples, and museums. At the Castalian Spring, see the fountains where pilgrims coming to see the oracle once stopped to wash and drink, and then stand before the columns of the Temple of Apollo, where the Pythia (high priestess) delivered her prophecies. Stop into the museum for a closer look at the archaeological treasures discovered throughout the ruined town, and pull out your camera at the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, a unique circular temple perched on a hill. On your way back to Athens, stop in the lively resort town of Arahova to browse shops peddling traditional wool rugs and gourmet foods.

Day 3

Details: Indulge in traditional food and blend with locals at The Byzantino Restaurant at the Hilton Hotel Athens—one of the best-known Mediterranean buffet restaurants in the city. Choose between a 2- course and 3-course meal. Enjoy a selection of cold and hot starters, main courses, and a variety of homemade desserts.