Depart Chicago on flight to Athens. Meals: On Plane

Arrival Athens, Greece. Upon arrival, clear customs and meet the local driver and guide who will be with the group the entire stay. Transfer to hotel for checkin and a bit of rest. Explore the charming neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, where narrow alleys are lined with shops and vibrant markets. Welcome dinner included. 4* Hotel Zafolia or similar Meals: On Plane, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, visit the wholesale produce market that has served the city since 1876. Lunch included. Continue to visit the Acropolis, an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop looming above the city of Athens. This archaeological site represents the pinnacle of classical Greek art and culture, reflecting the grandeur of Athenian democracy during the 5th century BC. See the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and other impressive ruins that showcase the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilizations. Dinner on own. Overnight Athens. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, depart to airport. Flight to the island of Santorini (1 hr), with its iconic whitewashed buildings perched on cliffs overlooking the azure Aegean Sea. The architecture of Santorini is a harmonious blend of tradition and natural beauty, characterized by narrow, winding streets and vibrant, blue-domed churches that create a striking contrast against the stark white structures. These buildings often feature arched roofs and doors, designed to withstand the island's windy conditions. The use of natural materials, such as volcanic stone and local limestone, adds to the rustic charm and authenticity of the architecture. Today learn about traditional farming techniques passed down through generations, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Santorini's iconic caldera and azure Aegean Sea. The island's unique volcanic soil contributes to the rich flavors of its produce. Visit a vineyard and sample the renowned Assyrtiko wine, celebrated for its crisp and refreshing taste. Dinner included. 4* Blue Suites or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast and checkout. Visit Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement offering a glimpse into a sophisticated civilization that flourished over 3,500 years ago. Often referred to as the "Minoan Pompeii," Akrotiri was preserved under layers of volcanic ash following a massive eruption around 1600 BC. This has allowed modern archaeologists to uncover remarkably well-preserved buildings, frescoes, and artifacts that provide insights into the daily life, art, and architecture of the time. Flight to Athens (1 hr). Dinner on own. 4* Hotel Zafolia or similar Meals: On Plane, Lunch

After breakfast, continue by motorcoach northwards to Larissa. The cityscape gradually gives way to the rolling hills and vast plains of Central Greece. Pass through the fertile region of Boeotia, known for its agricultural bounty. Also pass the legendary Mount Parnassus, whose majestic peaks are frequently cloaked in mist. Lunch included. Visit a trout farm, where trout have been bred, smoked and processed since the mid-1960s. The pioneer of this farm worked in Denmark and learned the practices. Visit a sheep farm near Larissa. It is one of largest commercial production sheep farms in Europe with pastureland, crop production, fully automated feed and milking systems. They operate a fully organic cycle with nearly 3,000 head. Continue to Larissa, the fourth largest city in Greece, with 150,000 inhabitants. Dinner on own. 4* Park Hotel or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, visit cooperative that represents over 500 grape growers. The grapes are used for wine production and also distilled to produce their national drink: ouzo. Lunch included. Return to Larissa for afternoon on own. Perhaps you will visit the Pappas Flour Mill, which is now a museum, or the Ancient Greek theatre. Option: Greek Cooking Experience Return to Hotel. Dinner included. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart into the Antichosian mountains. Visit a beef stock producer. This area has many beef cattle farms due to its higher altitudes and cooler climate. Lunch included. Visit a large scale dairy farm. Most of their production is used for yogurt and cheese. Today’s final visit is to a halva factory. Halva is a Greek / Mediterranean delicacy that is made of sesame seed. Return to hotel. Dinner on own Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, depart southwards (4 hours) to view the Corinth Canal, a narrow, man-made waterway, that cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Completed in 1893, the canal stretches for about 4 miles and is approximately 70 feet wide at its base. The canal eliminates the long and treacherous journey around the Peloponnese peninsula, saving ships approximately 435 miles of travel. Lunch on own. Visit an olive farm and learn about this valuable commodity. Greece is third in world production behind Spain and Italy. Continue to Athens for our final evening. Farewell dinner included. 4* Hotel Zafolia or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast. Transfer to Athens airport for flight home. Arrive home on the same day. Meals: Breakfast, On Plane