Day 1 - 3 Arrive Athens Airport - Drive to magnificent Delphi in the mountains - Famous for the Oracle of Delphi. Located about one hundred miles northwest of Athens is the ancient site of the panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi. The complex of buildings, which includes the Temple of Apollo where sat the famous oracle, The sacred Corycian Cave, and the Castalian Spring, is nestled in the forested slopes and rocky crags on the south side of the sacred mountain called Parnassus.
The site had been sacred since at least the Bronze Age. According to legend, the shrine was originally guarded by the she-dragon Pytho. She was killed by Apollo who then took over the oracle. In antiquity, Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. (from this site). Visit the Ancient Temples of Apollo & Athena, amphitheatre & gymnasium. Gods & goddesses to be explored here - Apollo, Athena, Gaia & Python 2 nights here.
Day 3 - This afternoon, we will drive west & then south, over the new bridge over the Gulf of Corinth, to the Peloponneses (island south of mainland of Greece) to Napflion area & stay nearby, on the beach in Tolo for a change of pace.
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7 - While here we will visit Napflion - a city of Venetian fortresses with an ancient harbor, harbor walk, restaurants, cafes and serenity.
We also will visiit Mycenae, written of by Homer, with its magnificent archaeological site (dating back to 16th century B.C.) containing tombs, palaces, aqueducts, and the famous Lions Gate.
While here, we also will expore Epidaurus, home of Asclepius, god of healing & famous for its incredible amphitheatre. It was the health spa and religious center of its time and maintained a bath, hotels and dwellings for the priest-physicians as well as a temples, gymnasium, stadium and a theater. The theater is one of the best preserved ancient structures in Greece & is now used for modern presentations of ancient Greek drama. The Asklepieia (athletic and dramatic festival) was held every 4 years. Epidauros is claimed as the birthplace of Asklepios. Gods & Goddesses to be explored here - Aphrodite, Hera, Asclepius, Chiron.
We also will have free time for the beach in Tolo and also optional boat trip (extra) to nearby Hydra & Spetses Islands (day trip).
Day 8 - Travel north, back to Athens, viewing the Corinthian Canal along the way Afternoon flights to Santorini. Overnight for the next 4 nights
Day 9 - Santorini is known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world famous for its imposing landscape; the volcanic cliffs & the magnificent caldera with its impressionistic contrast of colours; the beautiful black sand beaches; the incredible white-washed houses, breathtaking sunsets, deep blue sea, & so much more. The light is magnficent here. The eruption of Santorini in Greece in 1,650 B.C. was one of the largest in the last 10,000 years Sightseeing around Santorini to Akroteri (if open), ancient Minoan Village excavated from under the volcano ash - destroyed in approximately 1500 BC after earthquake & volcano. Akroteri, a Minoan city on the south part of Thera, is being excavated. About 3-6 feet (1-2 m) of ash fell on the city which had a population of about 30,000. The residents appear to have been successfully evacuated prior to the eruption. No bodies have been found in the ash like those at Vesuvius. Time here for swimming; shopping & sightseeing.
Day 10 & 11 - more of the above
Day 12 - Flights back to Athens airport area, for overnight
Day 13 - Flights home, or optional extension to Spa/Hot Springs, north of Athens, or staying longer on your own.