Athens & Peloponnese Tour 2011 

We depart from St Pancras International in the morning by Eurostar for Paris. During our journey in Standard Premier Class, a complimentary light meal and drinks are served on board. On arrival in Paris we cross the city by coach, and continue by high-speed train into Switzerland, to Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here we stay overnight at the 4-star Continental Hotel. (E,D)

From Lausanne we travel by train along the shores of Lake Geneva, and through the Alps into Italy. Our journey continues past Lake Maggiore as we make our way to Milan, where we change trains and continue to Florence. We stay for two nights in Florence at the Anglo American, situated in a quiet but central location just a short walk from the city's historical attractions. On Day 3 you are free to explore this splendid Renaissance city, with its wealth of palaces, churches and wonderful art galleries. The unique Ponte Vecchio, is well worth a visit. (Day 2-B,D; Day 3-B)

We leave Florence this morning and travel by coach to Ancona, where we board the overnight ferry to Greece. Settle into your comfortable two-berth outside cabin for the journey down the Adriatic, cruising past Croatia and Albania towards the Greek port of Patras in the Peloponnese. Your dinner and breakfast on board are included. By lunchtime on Day 5 we reach the Ionian Sea and cruise past the islands of Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Ithaka, before we reach Patras. On arrival in Patras, we leave the ferry and transfer by coach to Olympia for a three-night stay at the Best Western Hotel Europa, which is located on top of Drouvas Hill, at the foot of which are the  sacred Alti and the Stadium of the original Olympic Games. (Day 4-B,D; Day 5-B,D)

Today we visit the ancient site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. During our guided tour, we discover the history behind the ruins of the magnificent temples, the stadium and the sanctuary, where the flame of the modern Olympic Games is still lit to this day. Following the tour, you have some free time here to perhaps visit the Olympia Museum. (B,D)

Our full day coach excursion takes us to the dramatic Loussios Gorge, situated in the rugged Arcadia region of the Peloponnese. We take in visits to traditional hill villages such as historic Andritsaina, pretty Stemnitsa and Dimitsana, and we enjoy lunch together in a local taverna. (B,L)

We leave Olympia by train and travel along the coast to the Gulf of Corinth. Enjoy the beauty of the Peloponnese scenery with dramatic sea views as we ascend to Kalavrita, by narrowgauge railway through the dramatic Vouvaikos Gorge. We stay overnight at the Hotel Helmos. (B,D)

We descend from the mountain and rejoin the main line for the scenic coastal journey to Corinth. Here we see the Ancient Corinth archaeological site, and we also visit the impressive Corinth Canal. Later we continue by train to Nafplion, where we transfer by coach to Tolo. Here we spend three nights at the Hotel Apollon. On Day 10 we cruise through the islands to the unspoilt island of Hydra, where you are free to explore the port town. On our return cruise to Tolo we make a stop in Spetses, a pretty island of narrow streets and whitewashed houses. (Day 9-B,D; Day 10-B,D)

This morning we visit Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best known archaelogical sites in Greece. Mycenae was once the Kingdom of King  Agamemnon, the ruler of the Greeks in the war against Troy. We then visit Nafplion, the very first capital of Greece. As well as a harbour full of colourful fishing boats, Nafplion boasts two massive fortifications and the smaller Bourtzi Fortress, located on an island in the harbour. (B)

Today we leave Tolo and visit the ruins at Epidavros, which include the amazingly well preserved theatre, constructed in the 4th century BC, and the asclepieion at Epidavros, which was the most celebrated healing centre in the classical world. Our journey continues to the coast where we enjoy a relaxing lunch in a taverna overlooking the sea, before we join the train to Athens. We spend two nights in the Greek capital at the Divani Palace Acropolis, which is close to the Acropolis itself. (B,L)

On our first morning in Athens, we ascend the Acropolis to visit the awe-inspiring Parthenon, the iconic temple to the Greek goddess Athena, which has dominated the city of Athens for almost 2,500 years. You are free to relax in the Greek capital this afternoon, until our farewell dinner in a typical Athenian taverna. On the morning of Day 14, perhaps explore the Old Town of Athens, 'the Plaka', with its ancient cobbled streets and plenty of shops, cafés and tavernas. In the afternoon we make our way to the airport, for our short flight back to London. (Day 13-B,D; Day 14-B)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday