The Acropolis of Athens
Dreams Really Do Come True...
Visiting Greece | September 19 - 27, 2025
I’ve been wanting to visit Greece for a long time. Finally I’ve decided to go and would love for you to come. Please join me for this 9 day / 8 night Mediterranean experience of a lifetime. Explore ancient Athens, soak up the beauty of Hydra’s enchanting harbor, and wander the historic streets of Nafplio. Together, let’s delve into the rich history of Olympia, marvel at the ruins of Delphi, and savor incredible meals with breathtaking views.
Even though my actual born day is in the spring, traveling to the Hellenic Republic in the fall, I’m told, definitely has its advantages. It's pleasant with comfortable weather conditions - no rain; and the region tends to have smaller crowds. If you’ve never been to Greece - like me - and want to get the most out of the experience, I think these conditions - along with the following itinerary - are ideal. Please join me as I celebrate with this amazing belated birthday adventure, and let’s create some lifelong memories.
Itinerary
Please Be Advised - Details Are Subject to Change
DAY 1: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN
A direct evening flight aboard Emirates Airline (EK) will depart Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Friday, September 19, 2025. There are a number of hotels nearby with room, long-stay parking, and airport shuttle accommodations. If interested scroll below ["Getting There"] to explore your options. Our group will meet at the International Terminal 3 hours before boarding. EK flight 0210 tentatively departs at 11:55 PM (EDT).
DAY 2: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 - WELCOME TO GREECE | καλωσόρισμα!
We arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH) tentatively at 4:05 PM (EEST). Upon arrival a transport vehicle will take us to the Royal Olympic Hotel, a 4-star establishment in the classical capital of Greece – Athens… the Cradle of Western Civilization… the Birthplace of Democracy. After checking in, the day can be spent at-your-leisure exploring the hotel’s accommodations, resting, or simply stepping out to discover the ancient wonders of the city. Our official tour experience begins this evening with an orientation meeting at the hotel with the Tour Manager. A light dinner at the roof-top restaurant follows.
Today…
Enjoy an overnight stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
Dinner is provided.
DAY 3: Sunday, September 21 - Athens City Tour
Our exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city. View the Panathenian Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian's Arch - built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. We’ll visit the Acropolis - the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum - a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is yours. Consider taking a walk to Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards outfitted in traditional Greek garb. Then take a stroll through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes.
Today…
Enjoy an overnight stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
Breakfast is provided.
DAY 4: Monday, September 22 - A Day On The Island Of Hydr
After breakfast, we’ll head to the ancient port of Piraeus and board a ferry to the Island of Hydra. With its bare hills, superb natural harbor, and elegant stone mansions, Hydra is considered the most strikingly beautiful of the Saronic Gulf islands. Enjoy a day of shopping, exploring and taking selfies in front of some of the most spectacular backdrops in the world. Before returning to Athens make sure to save some time for dinner. I understand the food is delicious here and there are many good restaurants to choose from.
Today…
Enjoy an overnight stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
Breakfast is provided.
DAY 5: Tuesday, September 23 - Grecian Road Trip
After breakfast it’s time to check out of the hotel and hit the road. First stop – The Corinth Canal. This stunning inland waterway – perfect for photo ops - connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea and divides the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland making the peninsula and island. Our journey continues to the coastal town of Nafplio a.k.a. Nauplio. Founded by Náfplios, the son of Poseidon, this quaint coastal city is famous for its historic centre, seafront promenade, Ottoman Fountains, medieval castles and Venetian-era monuments. Take your time exploring, shopping and/or participating in one of its famous local pastry workshops. In addition to home-made sweets and treats, Nafplio has a rich tradition in home-made pasta and trachanas. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the town’s numerous restaurants before ending the evening with a nightcap at a café or bar on the waterfront. Hotel accommodation will be made at the Amalia Hotel, a four-star establishment with wonderful views of the old town of Nauplio and Bay of Argolis.
Today…
Enjoy an overnight stay at the Amalia Hotel in Nafplio
Breakfast is provided.
DAY 6: Wednesday, September 24 – Sightseeing en route to Olympia
After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and take a charter bus to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology and where Agamemnon of Homer’s Iliad ruled. Our excursion takes us through the famous Lion Gate to visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Treasury of Atreus. Then, we’ll make a stop at the magnificent 4th century BC Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, world-famous for its exceptional acoustics 2500 years after it was built! Next, we’ll drive through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. The tour concludes with a trip to Olympia - the birthplace of the first Olympic Games. Hotel accommodations will be made at the Europa Hotel, a 4-star establishment situated on top of a hill above the village of Ancient Olympia. The hotel provides a superb view of all the area around the Arcadian mountains and to the south. It also offers a panorama of the sea.
Today…
Enjoy an overnight stay at the Europa Hotel in Olympia
Breakfast and Dinner are provided.
DAY 7: Thursday, September 25 - Tour the Olympia Archaeological Site
In the morning our charter bus will take us to the archaeological site of Olympia and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. While there, we’ll visit the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. Our next stop is the Archaeological Museum which houses amazing Greek works of art such as the Nike of Paionios and terracotta statues dating back to the 5th century B.C. We’ll visit a local store for a taste of authentic regional olive oil and spices, then journey to our final destination – Delphi. Enjoy a scenic drive through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion, and passing through the town of Nafpaktos. When we arrive in Delphi, we’ll check into the Hotel Apollonia, a 4-star establishment located in a lovely location with views over the surrounding territory; enjoy a lovely dinner; and prepare for a new day of memorable experience.
Today…
Enjoy an overnight stay at Hotel Apollonia in Delphi
Breakfast and Dinner are provided.
DAY 8: Friday, September 26 - Archaeological Tour of Delphi
The Ancient Greeks considered Delphi to be the most important and holiest of all places. Mythology tells us that it was here that a temple was dedicated to Mother Earth and guarded by the serpent Python. Apollo killed the serpent and ordered a new temple aptly named the Temple of Apollo. We’ll Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos – a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece. We’ll walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century BC Temple of Apollo and gaze upon the ancient ruins of Tholos Temple. After a full day or excursions, we’ll journey back to Athens for a Farewell Dinner offering one of the most stunning, breath-taking views of Athens with a dining experience to match.
Today…
Enjoy an overnight stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
Breakfast and Dinner are provided.
DAY 9: Saturday, September 27 - GOODBYE GREECE | Αντίο!
Because of a late departure, we’ll check out of the hotel early and leave our bags with the hotel’s concierge. After breakfast, feel free to roam the streets of Athens and enjoy lunch at a local eatery one more time before leaving the country. A transport vehicle from the hotel will take our group to Athens International Airport (ATH) for the return trip to the States. Emirates flight 209, tentatively scheduled to depart at 5:35 PM (EEST) arrives in Newark at 9:20 PM (EDT). If a Newark hotel reservation is needed, please make your arrangements in advance.
Today…
Breakfast is provided.
Pricing
Cost Per Person Based on Two Adults Sharing Room
$2450 | Single Supplement - $700
Airfare will be confirmed this month, December - but is currently around $1.1K from EWR.
Anyone who is interested in going, can contact Colette [colette@getheretravel.com, 917-442-2011] She will be available for questions on the trip for all.
A deposit of $500 for land and air will be required of all participants to hold their spot, by January 15, 2025 The balance will be due by June 10, 2025. A payment plan will be available to all who would like to have one.
Required Travel Documentation
US citizens must have a valid passport to travel to Greece. No visa* is currently required. Travelers leaving the country should start the process of applying and/or renewing their passport 5-6 months in advance of their trip. In addition, passports must have 6 months of validity after the planned date of departure and a blank visa page for the entry and exit stamp.
*ETIAS is a new visa that visitors to Europe, who are planning a short stay, will have to acquire. To date, the ETIAS visa has not yet been enacted. Get Here Travel will keep us apprised of any changes and walk us through the process of securing the visa if it becomes a necessity.
Additional Expenses
During this tour, several meals will be provided for you:
Breakfast 7 | Lunch 4 | Dinner 4
You will be on your own for additional meals. You can get a light breakfast and lunch for anywhere from 8 to 15 euros [$9.50-17.50], depending on where you you choose to eat and how much; nice dinners for 2 will run you 70 to 100 euros [$82-117.00], again, depending on the restaurant and what you choose off of the menu.
Souvenirs and other items you would like to purchase are also at your discretion and personal funds.
*Air fare will be the responsibility of each traveler and will be added to your total due
Getting There
For ease of logistics, we will be flying out of the New York City area [Newark Airport in Newark, NJ] as a group to Athens, Greece, roundtrip
As a group, airfare would be added to the cost of the land portion of the trip. Currently, RT fares are about $1199; this fare is expected to dip, and it will be adjusted on the total price of the trip [land, plus air. ] We will keep you posted on what the group air will be per person as reasonable fares become available. This will be added to your total amount due on June 10, 2025
**For travelers needing a convenient place to stay near Newark airports with parking options for their vehicle, you may click Park. Sleep. Fly. or see some of the best hotels and motels that offer both comfortable accommodations and parking services below:
Near Newark Airport
**While your travel package does include lodging and ground transportation in Greece, it does not include accommodations for the New York City area
Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott
Description: Located on the airport premises for ultimate convenience.
Amenities: Free airport shuttle, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Proximity: Within the Newark Airport grounds.
Parking: Offers on-site parking with park-and-fly packages.
Hampton Inn Newark-Airport
Description: A comfortable and affordable option close to the airport.
Amenities: Free airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Proximity: Approximately 1 mile from Newark Airport.
Parking: Provides parking options for guests, including long-term parking packages.
Hilton Newark Airport
Description: Offers a good mix of convenience and comfort with various amenities.
Amenities: Free airport shuttle, on-site restaurant, fitness center, and business center.
Proximity: About 1 mile from Newark Airport.
Parking: Available for an additional fee with park-and-fly packages.
Holiday Inn Newark International Airport
Description: Modern accommodations with convenient services for travelers.
Amenities: Free airport shuttle, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Proximity: Around 1 mile from Newark Airport.
Parking: Offers parking for guests with long-term options available.
Miscellaneous Notes
Cities like Athens are best explored on foot to fully appreciate the historic sites, markets, and local neighborhoods. Expect moderate to heavy walking.
Historic Sites: Many ancient ruins and archaeological sites require a significant amount of walking and climbing over uneven terrain.
Tips for Walking:
Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential. If planning to hike, consider hiking boots.
Hydration: Always carry water, especially during the summer when temperatures can soar.
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for coverage on health issues, accidents, or trip cancellations.
Local Health Facilities: Generally good in urban areas; more limited in remote locations and smaller islands.
US citizens must have a valid passport to travel to Greece. No visa* is currently required. Travelers leaving the country should start the process of applying and/or renewing their passport 5-6 months in advance of their trip. In addition, passports must have 6 months of validity after the planned date of departure from France (should there be a layover there) and a blank visa page for the entry and exit stamp.*ETIAS is a new visa that visitors to Europe, who are planning a short stay, will have to acquire. To date, the ETIAS visa has not yet been enacted. Get Here Travel will keep us apprised of any changes and walk us through the process of securing the visa if it becomes a necessity.
Disclaimer:
Get Here Travel and trip organizers act solely as intermediaries between clients and the suppliers of travel services (e.g., airlines, hotels, tour operators, transportation providers). We do not own, operate, or control any of the services provided by these suppliers and, therefore, are not responsible for any personal injury, loss, property damage, delay, or additional expenses arising from their actions or omissions, including but not limited to cancellations, natural disasters, strikes, or any other unforeseeable circumstances.
It is the client’s responsibility to obtain appropriate travel insurance to cover potential risks and losses. By booking with Get Here Travel, you agree to release us and trip organizers from any liability, claims, or demands resulting from your participation in the trip.
Explore
Tailored travel experiences and unforgettable cruises await.
Discover
colette@getheretravel.com
+1-917-442-2011
© 2024. All rights reserved.