Myths of Northern Greece
Mama Mia Experience
30s - 40s -50s & Active 60s Singles Vacation
August 1 - August 9 2012
$2295*
    
Already been to the Greek Islands? Then you know what a beautiful country Greece is, now you have the chance to visit the North. Haven't been to the Islands yet, then add the Greek Islands as an extension.
   
This singles vacation to Northern Greece has it all: ancient ruins and battlefields, mountain of the Gods,
wine tasting, Greek cooking, beautiful beaches and more. 

Myths of Northern Greece Vacation Itinerary 

Day 1: Depart from Home

Depart from your hometown on an overnight flight to Athens. Plan to arrive the next morning so you will have time to explore Athens.

Day 2:  Athens, Greece

Your singles vacation begins when your plane lands at Athens Airport and you are transferred to the group's hotel,  located by the Plaka, shopping and near all the ancient sites, so arrive early and spend the day discovering Athens.

Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00 pm for our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant in the Plaka.

Day 3: Athens - Delphi

This morning we take a scenic drive to the World Hermitage site of Delphi, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. The ancient Greeks believed Delphi to be the center of the earth and universe.

Walk up the Sacred Way to see the Treasuries, the Theater and the Temple of Apollo. Visit the Museum of Delphi and marvel at the splendid collection of artifacts from the excavation, including the bronze “Charioteer”, one of the best preserved ancient works of metallurgy.

Continue to the port town of Itea where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Mt Olympus

We start the day by traveling toward the ancient city and archaeological site of Dion, located at the foot of Mount Olympus. Archaeologists have found the extensive ruins of the Macedonians' sanctuaries to the Gods.  Just before the ascent to Olympus, you can see the ruins of the temples, two theatres and a stadium. To the north the remains of the ancient city of Dion stretch out. Closely associated with Zeus, thousands of Macedonians used to flock here for festivities and games dedicated to the God.

Next we stop at Rapsani, a small town at the foothills of Mount Olympus where we get acquainted with the world of Greek quality wines. We visit one of the medium sized renowned Greek vineyards and taste some of the best wines in Europe. Discover a new generation of Greek wine makers that are dedicated to making new and exciting products.

We continue to the town of Katerini for our overnight stay.

Day 5: Skiathos

After breakfast we travel to Volos, the 5th largest city in Greece to board our ferry to Skiathos. Enjoy the fresh air while we cruise for 2 1/2 hour to Skiathos, considered one of the most beautiful islands of Greece and the most cosmopolitan of the Sporades. There are over 60 beaches on the island.  Hora, the capital and only village has crossing narrow alleys with whitewashed pavings.  Many churches, chapels and traditional whitewashed houses with their colorful gardens and yards fill the town.

This afternoon we have our walking tour of Skiathos. Its seafront is dotted with souvenir shops, taverns, ouzeries and nightclubs and sailing yachts and motorboats crowd the quay. Best known for its long golden sand beach the Koukounaries is overlooked by pine tress and nearby there is ruins of a Venetian castle at Kastro. 

Day 6: Skopelos (Mama Mia Island)

Today we travel to Skopelos, the Mama Mia Island, known for its beautiful beaches with clean crystalline waters and surrounded by pine trees forests.  Upon arrival we begin our walking tour of Skopelos Town which is built on the steep hillside ascending from the waterfront. The streets are cobbled and narrow and many of them are stepped which creates a sense of peace and timelessness. Many of the houses are built in Pelion style and have old grey slate roofs and wooden balconies. Flowers and shrubs abound, so there are splashes of bright color and beguiling scents of jasmine and honeysuckle on just about every corner.

In the afternoon we attend a Greek cooking class in a local tavern in Skopelos. We will be introduced to the preparation process of a local traditional meal with the help and instructions of the restaurants’ chef. Of course, we get to taste the dishes that we have confected, with a glass of exquisite wine.
Afterwards a wonderful day in Skopelos we return to our hotel in Skiathos.

Day 7: Skiathos

Sleep late, enjoy the beach or explore the town today is a day of leisure in Skiathos

Day 8: Skiathos Athens

Time to leave the beautiful islands and take our afternoon ferry to Agios Konstantinos on the mainland. 

We travel back to Athens via the Thermopylae pass, a small narrow pass only 4 miles in length but figured in numerous invasions. In 480 BC, during the second Persian invasion, a small Greek force under the Spartan king Leonidas held the pass for three days. Sending the majority of his troops to safety, Leonidas remained to delay the Persians with 300 Spartans,  all of whom died in battle. We will stop in Thermopylae to see the statue of King Leonidas and climb a small hill to see where the battle was fought.

We arrive back in Athens in time to relax at our hotel before our farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the Plaka.

Day 9: Athens - Tour Ends

Sad to say but the Northern Greece singles tour has comes to and end. After breakfast transfer to the Athens airport for your flight home or join the Greece Island Hopping group and continue your tour (3 options available).