Bucket List
Greece
April 30- May 11 2025
Join us, Patricia & Manolis on this twelve-day journey
of not only the highlights of Greece,
but the hard-to-find spots that most travelers never see.
Starting in Athens, the birthplace of democracy
and ending on the breathtaking island of Santorini-truly a trip to remember.
of not only the highlights of Greece,
but the hard-to-find spots that most travelers never see.
Starting in Athens, the birthplace of democracy
and ending on the breathtaking island of Santorini-truly a trip to remember.
Day One
April 30 Wednesday
Athens
Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. In this famous city our journey begins. Our hotel is located near the New Acropolis Museum, rated one of the finest museums in the world (including awards for its unique architecture) with spectacular views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
You owe it to yourself to take your time visiting the museum, and we can get you skip-the-line tickets if you would like.
Be ready in the afternoon as we join our private guide in the rolling grounds surrounding the Acropolis. We will make our way up to the "historic rock” to take in a wonder of ancient architecture, the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will take all the time we need to explore this monument dating from 447 B.C., including sweeping views of Athens. We will walk together through the Ancient Agora and end up in the winding streets of Monastiraki, one of the oldest markets of Athens.
Leave some time for a short rest before joining us later for a drink and introductions. We have planned a special first night dinner at a nearby taverna.
Includes-Welcome Drink/ The New Acropolis Museum-tickets optional/ Private tour of the Acropolis with skip-the-line tickets/ Dinner Together/ Hotel with Acropolis view from Roof-top Bar and Jacuzzi/UNESCO World Heritage Site (Acropolis)/Overnight Athens.
April 30 Wednesday
Athens
Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. In this famous city our journey begins. Our hotel is located near the New Acropolis Museum, rated one of the finest museums in the world (including awards for its unique architecture) with spectacular views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
You owe it to yourself to take your time visiting the museum, and we can get you skip-the-line tickets if you would like.
Be ready in the afternoon as we join our private guide in the rolling grounds surrounding the Acropolis. We will make our way up to the "historic rock” to take in a wonder of ancient architecture, the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will take all the time we need to explore this monument dating from 447 B.C., including sweeping views of Athens. We will walk together through the Ancient Agora and end up in the winding streets of Monastiraki, one of the oldest markets of Athens.
Leave some time for a short rest before joining us later for a drink and introductions. We have planned a special first night dinner at a nearby taverna.
Includes-Welcome Drink/ The New Acropolis Museum-tickets optional/ Private tour of the Acropolis with skip-the-line tickets/ Dinner Together/ Hotel with Acropolis view from Roof-top Bar and Jacuzzi/UNESCO World Heritage Site (Acropolis)/Overnight Athens.
"5 Star Tour Guides - They put together and excellent trip with
just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
Day Two
May 1 Thursday
Nafplio
This morning our private driver picks us up and we head to the famous island of Pelops, the Peloponnese. On the way we will stop to see the Corinth canal a engineering wonder in its time when it was built in the 1870's. We will also have time for a coffee and a quick lunch before boarding our transport to take us to the town of Nafplio.
Nafplio was once the capital of Greece and is now one of the best preserved towns in Greece, with cobblestone streets and hanging bougainvillea gracing it's balconies.
After we check in, you can climb the 990 steps to the fort at Palamidi and Acronafplia for breathtaking views of the gulf, go for a swim at a nearby beach, or sit in the main square sipping a beer while you watch the locals.
Either way, we will be on hand to facilitate your exploration plus point out the best gelato place around.
We'll enjoy dinner together at one of our favorite tavernas amidst the cobblestone streets of this lovely town.
Breakfast/ Private Transportation / The Corinth canal / Dinner together/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ Overnight Nafplio UNESCO World Heritage Site Asklepios at Epidaurous
May 1 Thursday
Nafplio
This morning our private driver picks us up and we head to the famous island of Pelops, the Peloponnese. On the way we will stop to see the Corinth canal a engineering wonder in its time when it was built in the 1870's. We will also have time for a coffee and a quick lunch before boarding our transport to take us to the town of Nafplio.
Nafplio was once the capital of Greece and is now one of the best preserved towns in Greece, with cobblestone streets and hanging bougainvillea gracing it's balconies.
After we check in, you can climb the 990 steps to the fort at Palamidi and Acronafplia for breathtaking views of the gulf, go for a swim at a nearby beach, or sit in the main square sipping a beer while you watch the locals.
Either way, we will be on hand to facilitate your exploration plus point out the best gelato place around.
We'll enjoy dinner together at one of our favorite tavernas amidst the cobblestone streets of this lovely town.
Breakfast/ Private Transportation / The Corinth canal / Dinner together/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ Overnight Nafplio UNESCO World Heritage Site Asklepios at Epidaurous
"The trip to Greece with Olive Odysseys was exactly what I hoped it would be.
Our local guide of The Acropolis and The Parthenon was absolutely amazing.
We had relaxing time on three beautiful islands. Our trip was just the right blend
of cultural and historic sites and information as well as delicious food,
exercise and relaxation.
I would recommend it highly!!"
Mark E. Nashville, Tennessee
Day Three
May 2 Friday
Nafplio
Today we visit Mycenae, the mythical home of King Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. It was here where the explorer Heinrich Schliemann believed he had found the mask of Agamemnon. The approach takes us through low lying hills and valleys studded with shining olive groves- but once there, beehive tombs and cyclopean walls await us. After touring the grounds and the museum, we will make our way to Nemea, where Hercules was put to one of his labors, slaying the Nemean Lion.
We will tour the grounds, which once held games that rivaled those at Olympia. Afterward we will stop at an award winning winery to taste test their best wines. We will tour their vineyards, and enjoy a light lunch on the grounds.
In the afternoon, we will return to Nafplio where dinner will be on your own, but first join us in the courtyard of our hotel for a wine tasting of some of the best regional wines that Greece has to offer.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transportation/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Mycenae/ Entrance fee to Nemea and Stadium/ Wine tasting with Lunch/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ UNESCO World Heritage Site/ Overnight Nafplio
May 2 Friday
Nafplio
Today we visit Mycenae, the mythical home of King Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. It was here where the explorer Heinrich Schliemann believed he had found the mask of Agamemnon. The approach takes us through low lying hills and valleys studded with shining olive groves- but once there, beehive tombs and cyclopean walls await us. After touring the grounds and the museum, we will make our way to Nemea, where Hercules was put to one of his labors, slaying the Nemean Lion.
We will tour the grounds, which once held games that rivaled those at Olympia. Afterward we will stop at an award winning winery to taste test their best wines. We will tour their vineyards, and enjoy a light lunch on the grounds.
In the afternoon, we will return to Nafplio where dinner will be on your own, but first join us in the courtyard of our hotel for a wine tasting of some of the best regional wines that Greece has to offer.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transportation/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Mycenae/ Entrance fee to Nemea and Stadium/ Wine tasting with Lunch/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ UNESCO World Heritage Site/ Overnight Nafplio
"Best vacation ever!"
Linda & Jim H.
Ohio, U.S.A.
Linda & Jim H.
Ohio, U.S.A.
Day Four
May 3 Saturday
Nafplio
This morning is all yours. Sleep in, have a coffee overlooking the sea and castle, or go for an early morning swim. The shops will be open early so now might be the time to pick up that special something you saw the night before.
Join us in the afternoon as we take off for our exquisite visit to Epidaurus. This famous ancient theatre and healing center of Epidaurus, is here where many of the greatest singers of all time have performed, including Maria Callas. Still today, there are ancient Greek plays performed during the summer festivals.
Make sure you have a poem to recite so that you too can perform at this fantastic site.
After taking our time absorbing the museum and ruins, we will return to Nafplio, where dinner is on your own at any one of the fantastic tavernas on the back streets.
Breakfast/ The Peloponnese/ Private driver/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ Overnight Nafplio
May 3 Saturday
Nafplio
This morning is all yours. Sleep in, have a coffee overlooking the sea and castle, or go for an early morning swim. The shops will be open early so now might be the time to pick up that special something you saw the night before.
Join us in the afternoon as we take off for our exquisite visit to Epidaurus. This famous ancient theatre and healing center of Epidaurus, is here where many of the greatest singers of all time have performed, including Maria Callas. Still today, there are ancient Greek plays performed during the summer festivals.
Make sure you have a poem to recite so that you too can perform at this fantastic site.
After taking our time absorbing the museum and ruins, we will return to Nafplio, where dinner is on your own at any one of the fantastic tavernas on the back streets.
Breakfast/ The Peloponnese/ Private driver/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ Overnight Nafplio
"Great guides and itinerary!! We loved Greece!!
This was a bucket-list trip that we will remember forever!!
Thank you very much for all of your attention to detail!!"
Karen C.
Arizona U.S.A.
This was a bucket-list trip that we will remember forever!!
Thank you very much for all of your attention to detail!!"
Karen C.
Arizona U.S.A.
Day Five
May 4 Sunday
Island of Paros
We are off the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, rivaling Athens in importance in the ancient world. It was his visit here that prompted Apostle Paul to write his letter to the Corinthians.
We will have a stop for coffee and lunch on your own.
Then our private coach will take us to the airport where we will hop a short flight to the island of Paros, in the heart of the Cycladic island chain.
We will settle into the seaside town of Naoussa known for its seaside tavernas and small quaint wharf. After checking in, we will offer a walk of this town, nipping in to see some churches and discovering the back streets.
You can return to the hotel and enjoy a drink around the pool in the afternoon. Join us later as we enjoy dinner together at a local taverna.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ancient Corinth / Visit to Corinth Canal/ Private Transportation back to Athens Airport/ Fights to the Islands of Paros / Walk of Naoussa/ Pool time/ Dinner together/ Overnight Island of Paros
May 4 Sunday
Island of Paros
We are off the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, rivaling Athens in importance in the ancient world. It was his visit here that prompted Apostle Paul to write his letter to the Corinthians.
We will have a stop for coffee and lunch on your own.
Then our private coach will take us to the airport where we will hop a short flight to the island of Paros, in the heart of the Cycladic island chain.
We will settle into the seaside town of Naoussa known for its seaside tavernas and small quaint wharf. After checking in, we will offer a walk of this town, nipping in to see some churches and discovering the back streets.
You can return to the hotel and enjoy a drink around the pool in the afternoon. Join us later as we enjoy dinner together at a local taverna.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ancient Corinth / Visit to Corinth Canal/ Private Transportation back to Athens Airport/ Fights to the Islands of Paros / Walk of Naoussa/ Pool time/ Dinner together/ Overnight Island of Paros
Day Six
May 5 Monday
Island of Paros
This morning we will set forth on our tour of Paros. On our way into the main town, we will make a quick stop at the marble mines where the famous Parian marble was used by artist to make some of the finest statues that we know today (the Medici Venus -Uffizi, Florence and the Nike of Samothrace -Louvre, Paris).
We will continue onto hilltop villages where we can stop for a coffee and see immaculate houses and stunning views. Those of us who want to, can also walk the Byzantine trails. These trails used to be the only way that the people of Paros could get from one village to another.
We will pick a village on the seaside for a taverna lunch on your own.
The afternoon is yours to sit poolside, watch the yachts as they dock for the evening or walk the back streets to partake in some excellent shopping. Dinner on your own, with many options seaside.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transportation Tour of the island of Paros/ Marble works/ Mountain villages/ Seaside villages/ Overnight Island of Paros
"Touring with Patricia & Manolis is the only way to go
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
Day Seven
May 6
Island of Milos
You will have a leisurely morning in Paros. Take one more stroll along the backstreets or have an early morning swim.
Sit back in the afternoon as our ferry sails along the Aegean to the island of Milos. Voted by Travel and Leisure Magazine ® as the best island in the world, we need to get you there before everyone else does :) You might not know it, but the Venus Di Milo, now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, was found on this island in 1820.
We will arrive the best village where you can let this island seep into you.
Milos is also famous for its beaches (Sykia Cave, Kleftiko, and Sarakiniko beach among many), cool vibe and its whitewashed houses.Before dinner together you just might want to have a dip in the sea.
In addition there is kayaking and snorkeling to be considered as activities to enjoy on this must-see island. Dinner together with local specialties.
Includes- Breakfast/ Ferry Tickets/ Transfer from Port to hotel / Seaside villages/ Dinner together/ Boutique hotel right in the heart of the action /Overnight Island of Milos
May 6
Island of Milos
You will have a leisurely morning in Paros. Take one more stroll along the backstreets or have an early morning swim.
Sit back in the afternoon as our ferry sails along the Aegean to the island of Milos. Voted by Travel and Leisure Magazine ® as the best island in the world, we need to get you there before everyone else does :) You might not know it, but the Venus Di Milo, now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, was found on this island in 1820.
We will arrive the best village where you can let this island seep into you.
Milos is also famous for its beaches (Sykia Cave, Kleftiko, and Sarakiniko beach among many), cool vibe and its whitewashed houses.Before dinner together you just might want to have a dip in the sea.
In addition there is kayaking and snorkeling to be considered as activities to enjoy on this must-see island. Dinner together with local specialties.
Includes- Breakfast/ Ferry Tickets/ Transfer from Port to hotel / Seaside villages/ Dinner together/ Boutique hotel right in the heart of the action /Overnight Island of Milos
"Our guides made the experience memorable.
A great amount of information was provided by two consummate professionals.
I doubt we’ll ever find a better trip."
Jean G.
Hudson, Ohio
A great amount of information was provided by two consummate professionals.
I doubt we’ll ever find a better trip."
Jean G.
Hudson, Ohio
Day Eight
May 7 Wednesday
Island of Milos
Boating, Exclusive Beaches, Another Day in Paradise.
Today we can recommend a day on a catamaran that will take you to some far beaches only accessible by boat.
You will have drinks and food on board as you take in the blue sea and sandy beaches-not to mention the unique features of this island.
We will help you pick the absolutely best charter for your day on the ocean.
Dinner recommendations for later when you return.
Breakfast/ Catamaran or sailboat reservations-weather permitting/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ Overnight island of Milos
May 7 Wednesday
Island of Milos
Boating, Exclusive Beaches, Another Day in Paradise.
Today we can recommend a day on a catamaran that will take you to some far beaches only accessible by boat.
You will have drinks and food on board as you take in the blue sea and sandy beaches-not to mention the unique features of this island.
We will help you pick the absolutely best charter for your day on the ocean.
Dinner recommendations for later when you return.
Breakfast/ Catamaran or sailboat reservations-weather permitting/ Boutique hotel right in the action/ Overnight island of Milos
An Immersion Tour!
Voyage the Mediterranean with us as we
Learn about ancient civilizations,
See the finest archaeological sites
Run through one of the first-ever stadiums,
Explore beehive tombs,
Taste the rich culinary tradition,
Swim the Aegean,
Experience out-of-this-world sunsets
Absorb the calm peacefulness
Visit never ending vineyards and taste their wines
Encounter ruins 1000 years older than the Parthenon
& Meet beautiful whitewashed islands
In 12 fantastic days
An Immersion Tour of Greece!
Day Nine
May 8 Thursday
Island of Santorini
After breakfast we will pack our bags and ready ourselves for our ferry to Santorini, one of the most singular places in all of the Aegean. Whitewashed houses sit clinging to the rim of the caldera, left after the large volcanic eruption of BC 1650.
Our private driver will be at the port to whisk us away to our caldera-view hotel.
After checking our bags at our caldera-view hotel, you can enjoy a drink and a swim.
Later, please join us for dinner together at a great local spot.
Includes-Breakfast/ / Private Transfer to the Port of Milos/ Ferry to Santorini Private Transfer to our hotel on Santorini/ / Caldera-View Hotel/ Orientation Walk/ Dinner together/ Overnight Santorini
May 8 Thursday
Island of Santorini
After breakfast we will pack our bags and ready ourselves for our ferry to Santorini, one of the most singular places in all of the Aegean. Whitewashed houses sit clinging to the rim of the caldera, left after the large volcanic eruption of BC 1650.
Our private driver will be at the port to whisk us away to our caldera-view hotel.
After checking our bags at our caldera-view hotel, you can enjoy a drink and a swim.
Later, please join us for dinner together at a great local spot.
Includes-Breakfast/ / Private Transfer to the Port of Milos/ Ferry to Santorini Private Transfer to our hotel on Santorini/ / Caldera-View Hotel/ Orientation Walk/ Dinner together/ Overnight Santorini
Day Ten
May 9 Friday
Island of Santorini
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you look out over the blue sea and islands in the distance.
We will offer two options to further explore this magnificent island. Either a shopping tour on your own of the two main villages on the island or a breathtaking walk along the caldera. We will end up in town, along winding paths and make our way to the Prehistoric Museum in Fira. Here we will see explore the finds discovered at the site of Akrotiri, some dating 1000 years before the Parthenon. We will learn of the ancient civilization that once lived here; which some people think was the lost City of Atlantis.
Lunch on your own at any one of the cafes in town.
We will have plenty of dinner recommendations for dinner tonight with local specialties.
Includes-Breakfast/ Shopping Tour/ Caldera Walk/ Tour of the Prehistoric Museum in Fira/ The Village of Fira/ Dinner recommendations / Overnight Santorini.
May 9 Friday
Island of Santorini
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you look out over the blue sea and islands in the distance.
We will offer two options to further explore this magnificent island. Either a shopping tour on your own of the two main villages on the island or a breathtaking walk along the caldera. We will end up in town, along winding paths and make our way to the Prehistoric Museum in Fira. Here we will see explore the finds discovered at the site of Akrotiri, some dating 1000 years before the Parthenon. We will learn of the ancient civilization that once lived here; which some people think was the lost City of Atlantis.
Lunch on your own at any one of the cafes in town.
We will have plenty of dinner recommendations for dinner tonight with local specialties.
Includes-Breakfast/ Shopping Tour/ Caldera Walk/ Tour of the Prehistoric Museum in Fira/ The Village of Fira/ Dinner recommendations / Overnight Santorini.
Day Eleven
May 10 Saturday
Island of Santorini
After breakfast on your balcony with sea views, you can have your choice of activities today. There is plenty of shopping to do in town, plus great views right from your hotel deck.
Some people have really liked a catamaran ride right in the caldera to distant beaches. A great catamaran ride will get you beverages and great food as you glide along. We can get you reservations-weather permitting.
You have many options to further explore this magnificent island. We will be on hand, to facilitate your day, any way you want it.
Join us later as we have our farewell dinner tonight to celebrate a wonderful immersive look at Greece and all its beauty!
Includes-Breakfast/ tickets and reservations for catamaran cruise-fee on you-weather permitting/ help with options for the day/ farewell dinner together.
Day Twelve
May 11 Sunday
Your tour ends today right after breakfast.
Also, remember you are a hop, skip and a jump away from many European destinations. Want to spend a few days in Florence, or how about a private skip-the-line tour of the Vatican in Rome? Or is there any other European city you want to explore?
Most of these places are an hour plane ride from Greece, not to mention they can be part of your connecting flights back the states. We have many ideas to share with you and we will put it together with you step by step!
Includes-Breakfast-Post Trip Planning
May 11 Sunday
Your tour ends today right after breakfast.
Also, remember you are a hop, skip and a jump away from many European destinations. Want to spend a few days in Florence, or how about a private skip-the-line tour of the Vatican in Rome? Or is there any other European city you want to explore?
Most of these places are an hour plane ride from Greece, not to mention they can be part of your connecting flights back the states. We have many ideas to share with you and we will put it together with you step by step!
Includes-Breakfast-Post Trip Planning
What is included?
Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Acropolis
The Parthenon
The Agora
Nafplio
Island of Paros
Island of Milos
Island of Santorini
Mycenae
Nemea
The Theater at Epidaurus
Visit to an award-winning winery
The Corinth Canal
Island Villages
Seaside Cafes and Tavernas
The Pre-historic Museum, Santorini
Caldera Walk
Wine Tastings
Welcome Drink
Meals:
10 full breakfasts
1 winery lunch with wine tasting
6 multi-course dinners including wine
1 winery lunch with wine tasting
6 multi-course dinners including wine
In Addition:
Comfortable transportation
All ferry rides as listed in itinerary (except return from Santorini)
Comfortable hotels centrally located
Two bi-cultural & bi-lingual guides who live here!
Packing checklist
Passport Page
Direct email access to tour leaders for any questions
Pre-tour phone calls for all participants to talk directly to tour leaders if desired
Comfortable transportation
All ferry rides as listed in itinerary (except return from Santorini)
Comfortable hotels centrally located
Two bi-cultural & bi-lingual guides who live here!
Packing checklist
Passport Page
Direct email access to tour leaders for any questions
Pre-tour phone calls for all participants to talk directly to tour leaders if desired
What is your responsibility?
Airfare to and from Greece (arrival Athens departure Athens—ATH)
Transportation to our starting hotel from the airport (we can help with this)
Transportation at the end of the tour (tour ends on Santorini)
Meals not together as indicated on the itinerary
Tourist or room tax at each hotel (from 5-10 euros per night per person)
Transport to and from activities during optional activities
Any medicinal or medical needs while on the trip
* Trip insurance should be bought or waiver signed if you choose not to buy it*
Expenses arising from personal needs such as medications, vaccinations, travel documents, communications such as mobile phone and internet charges or any other expenses incurred due to traveling.
Tour Cost:
12 people $7590 per person double occupancy
-Prices are per person which includes all of the above mentioned in the itinerary and is based on double occupancy. Single room rate is $1025 per person extra added to the cost of the trip.
Deposits are due by October 1, 2024. Until final payment is paid all deposits are fully refundable. Final payments are due by January 10, 2025. After final payment due date no refunds are available.
A payment of final trip payments mean that trip participants
agree to the Trip Terms.
