Day 1 Meteora
For those continuing with the MDA extension, we’ll catch a morning flight to Athens. Departing the airport we will make the half day drive to Meteora. The name Meteora is derived from the Greek word meteoros, which means “suspended in air.” The soaring pinnacles and jutting cliffs make for one of earth’s most dramatic geological displays. The earliest inhabitants were 11th century hermits, seeking isolation from the profane world. By the 14th century, Turkish conquests forced the Byzantine church to seek ever more remote and isolated refuge. Meteora was a perfect sanctuary. Eventually 24 monasteries were built, of which 6 remain active today.
Hotel Kastraki (1 night)
Day 2 Delphi
Monasteries Tour
We’ll start our day with a guided tour of two of the more dramatically situated monasteries, perched precariously atop the amazing stacks of Meteora. Beautiful ikons, frescoed chapels, winching baskets for supplying the communities, and stunning vistas highlight our visit. In the afternoon we’ll make the winding drive to Delphi. After settling into our hotel we’ll have dinner together in a local taverna.
Hotel Leto (1 night)
Day 3 Athens
Delphi Museum & Archeological Site Tour, National Archeological Museum Tour
This morning our amazing guide Penny will give us a guided tour of the Archeological Site and new Museum of Delphi. Delphi was the “navel of the ancient world” and the location of the famous Delphic Oracle, whom all men great and small consulted before important decisions. In the afternoon we’ll drive back to Athens where we will check into our hotel in time to visit the National Archeological Museum for a guided tour. We’ll see the very best of Greece’s archeological treasures from Minoan to Hellenistic sculpture and artifacts. You’ll have a free evening to explore the Plaka.
Day 4 Athens
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tours
Our final full day begins with guided tours of the mighty Acropolis and the magnificent new Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, is a bucket list site that represents our historical and cultural connection to Periclean Athens and the foundations of the western paradigm. The decade old, state-of-the-art museum beautifully displays the archeological treasures of the storied hill. After a free afternoon, we’ll conclude the extension with a final dinner together.
Day 5 Extension over
Tour ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.
Hotel Attalos (2 nights)