Middlesex County Chamber Presents: Best of Greece-An Aegean Odyssey

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Overview

Middlesex County Chamber Presents: Best of Greece-An Aegean Odyssey
Athens, Greece
Oct 19 - 27, 2026
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Quest Voyager
$3,799
Deposit: $800

About this trip

Step into the soul of Greece, where gods once walked, warriors rose to legend, and sunsets melt into sapphire seas. Your journey begins in Nafplion, a jewel of neoclassical charm with bougainvillea-draped balconies and a seaside breeze that whispers of forgotten empires. Stand in awe at the ruins of Sparta, the birthplace of bravery, where tales of Leonidas and his 300 still echo through the stone. Wander the sacred grounds of Olympia and feel your heart race as you imagine competing in the very first Olympic Games. Explore a land where myth becomes memory, whether sailing through the shadowy underworld of the Diros Caves, walking beneath the marble majesty of the Acropolis, or savoring sunlit afternoons in Areopoli, surrounded by wild beauty and towering villages carved from stone. In Athens, history hums beneath your feet, from ancient temples to bustling cafés, uniting past and present in a single heartbeat. Greece is more than a destination; it’s a warm embrace, a burst of laughter over ouzo, and days kissed by sunshine and the Aegean breeze. And for those who wish to continue the dream, extend your journey to Santorini, where whitewashed villages crown volcanic cliffs and every corner looks like a painting that comes to life. Dive into the postcard-perfect world of this world-famous island, the perfect grand finale to your Greek odyssey. Join Quest Voyager on this unforgettable exploration of ancient wonders, mythical landscapes, and the timeless warmth of the Greek spirit.

Destination Highlights

Extended “cruise philosophy on land” stay in two locations, Nafplion and Athens • Rich cultural connections and Greek interactions • Picturesque Venetian town of Nafplion • Ancient Athens – the birthplace of Western civilization • World famous Acropolis and Parthenon • Acropolis Museum • Amazing archaeological sites • Corinth Canal • Ouzo tasting • Discussions with local expert speakers • Beautiful countryside of Greece • Bucolic villages • Ancient theater of Epidaurus • Archaeological site of Mycenae • Arched Tombs of Kings and Gigantic Lion’s Gate • Cyclopean Walls • Byzantine Mystras • Mysterious Diros Caves • Areopoli • Local olive farm plantation visit • Warrior town of Sparta • Archeological site of Olympia • Temples of Hera and Zeus • Santorini, the island of extreme beauty • Oia

Group Contact

For more details & reservations contact:

Haley Stafford at the Chamber

E-mail: haley@middlesexchamber.com  

Phone: (860) 347-6924 


Protect Your Travel Investment with Travel Insurance! For your peace of mind, travel insurance can be purchased either by clicking the link below or after securing your reservation through our booking engine. At Quest Voyager, we highly recommend travel insurance—whether standard coverage or Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)—to safeguard both yourself and your investment. Click below to explore your options and ensure a worry-free journey: https://www.travelinsure.com/questvoyager/    

What's included

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Air transportation from New York

FIRST-CLASS HOTELS

First Class hotel accommodations for 7 nights

MEALS

18 included meals consisting of 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners

DRINKS AT THE HOTEL

Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served each night at the hotel bar

TOUR PROGRAM

With local guides & entrances: tour of Athens & Acropolis, tour of Acropolis Museum, tour of Corinth Canal, tour of Epidaurus, & Nafplion & Mycenae, Diros & its caves, Areopoli. Opt. tours available

JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

Our program offers cultural immersion, local economy insights, and interactions/discussions with guest speakers, olive oil tasting at a local farm & sampling of the traditional Greek aperitif Ouzo

TOUR DIRECTOR

Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour upon arrival in Athens

FIRST CLASS MOTORCOACHES

Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motor coach

BAGGAGE AND TRANSFERS

Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport

What's not included

NOT INCLUDED

Olympia Opt. Tour

See the birthplace of the Olympic Games. See the Temple of Zeus, that held one of the 7 Wonders of the World, a vast gold & ivory statue of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, where the torch was lit. Lunch inc

Sparta Optional Tour

This was the most important religious & cultural site in ancient Greece. Pilgrims came to Delphi to seek advice from the Oracle, a priestess said to talk with the gods.

Optional Extension

Santorini is a beautiful Greek island in the southern Aegean. Part of the Cyclades it is known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed homes, blue-domed churches, & scenic cliffs overlooking the sea

Extra Expenses

Laundry, excess baggage fees, insurance, passport/visa fees, vaccinations, phone calls, laundry, items of personal nature & touring, services or meals, drinks other than indicated in the brochure

GRATUITY

Tips & Gratuity

Day 1 Depart USA

Day 1 Depart USA  image

Leave the USA

Depart from the United States on an overnight flight bound for Athens, Greece. Meals & refreshments are served on board.

Day 2

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Arrive Athens, Greece - Nafplion

Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of Western democracy! As you begin your journey, you'll arrive & make your way to the baggage claim area. Your tour director will be there to greet you. From here, begin your journey along Greece’s scenic coastal roads to the charming town of Nafplion, often called one of the most beautiful towns in the country. With its neoclassical architecture, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views over the Aegean, Nafplion is the perfect place to relax, stay for five nights, and begin your Greek adventure. Dinner tonight is served at the hotel. (D)

Day 3

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Nafplion – Epidaurus – Mycenae – Olive Oil Tasting

Today, step into the cradle of Greek civilization and uncover the legacy of the Mycenaean world. Travel back to the Bronze Age as you explore Mycenae, a once-flourishing center of power from 1600–1300 B.C. Walk through the iconic Lion’s Gate, the monumental entrance to the city, and admire the imposing Cyclopean Walls—massive stone fortifications so grand they were believed to be built by mythical giants. Visit the remarkable Royal “Beehive” Tombs, a testament to the Mycenaeans’ sophisticated engineering and craftsmanship. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Epidaurus, home to one of the ancient world’s greatest theaters. Be amazed by its perfectly preserved 4th-century B.C. amphitheater, celebrated for its architectural beauty and flawless acoustics, with limestone seating rising over 65 feet.

End your day with a “Journey of Discovery” at a local olive farm, where you’ll taste fresh oils and learn firsthand about traditional olive oil production from passionate local experts.. (B,L,D)

Day 4

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Nafplion

Savor a relaxed day in picturesque Nafplion—wander the romantic old town, climb to the hilltop Palamidi Fortress, or enjoy a coffee by the sea surrounded by timeless beauty. Or, choose an unforgettable optional excursion to Sparta and Mystras. Explore the legendary warrior city of Sparta, home to King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. Visit the ancient acropolis, the Tomb of Leonidas, and the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. Then, journey to the awe-inspiring Byzantine citadel of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on Mount Taygetos, where frescoed churches and historic palaces evoke the glory of a bygone era. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch before returning. (B,L,D) 

Day 5

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Nafplion – Diros Caves – Areopoli

Begin your day with a “Journey of Discovery”, joining fellow travelers and an expert guest speaker for a thoughtful discussion on Greek values and social culture. Then, set off on an excursion filled with natural wonders and hidden gems. Explore the mysterious Diros Caves, a spectacular subterranean waterway where you’ll glide by boat through chambers adorned with millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites—a setting worthy of Jason and the Argonauts. Next, visit Areopoli, the stone-built gem of the Mani Peninsula, known for its fierce independence and unique tower houses. Wander the cobbled alleys, admire Byzantine churches, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local taverna.  (B,L,D)

Day 6

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Nafplion

Enjoy a free day in Nafplion. Take a scenic boat ride to Bourtzi, the tiny fortress island nestled in the harbor, offering panoramic views of the town and sea. Or, opt for a full-day optional tour to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Journey across the Peloponnesian highlands to this sacred site, where history, athletics, and art converge. Walk the original stadium, explore ancient temples, gymnasiums, and visit the altar of the Olympic flame. The Olympia Museum features renowned statues and artifacts. Conclude the experience with a traditional lunch before returning to Nafplion.  (B,L,D)

Day 7

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Nafplion – Corinth Canal – Athens

After breakfast, depart Nafplion and travel along the coastal route to Athens. En route, stop at the iconic Corinth Canal, a 19th-century engineering marvel that dramatically cuts through the isthmus, linking the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. Built between 1881 and 1893, it remains a testament to the excellence of civil engineering. Pause at a local tavern along the canal for a “Journey of Discovery”, where you'll sample traditional Greek ouzo and watch the boats pass by. Arrive in Athens, a city where ancient glory meets modern vibrancy, offering a rich and inspiring gateway to Western civilization. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B,L,)

Day 8

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Athens – City Tour

Uncover the layers of history in Athens today, where mythology, empire, revolution, and modern life converge in one unforgettable story. Begin your day with a guided city tour, passing Constitution Square, the Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. View Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then visit the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games. Continue to the Acropolis, the crown jewel of classical antiquity. Marvel at the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion with its famed Caryatids. Conclude with the New Acropolis Museum, a striking modern venue housing ancient treasures. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours—perhaps to explore the charming Plaka District, where hidden gems, ancient ruins, and handcrafted keepsakes await around every corner. (B,L,)

Day 9

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Athens - USA or extend with an optional Santorini Extension

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Athens airport for your return flight home. Happy travels! (B)


Key: (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner


Please note: Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. This program is classified as a level 3 program - A Moderate activity tour. All optional Day tours and extensions require a minimum of 15 passengers. 



Opt Santorini Extension

Opt Santorini Extension image

Athens - Santorini

This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Santorini, the top destination for American visitors to Greece. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Welcome to Santorini—a breathtaking Greek island in the southern Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago. Famed for its spectacular sunsets, white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and cliffside views of the deep blue caldera, Santorini is a destination of myth and beauty, long believed to guard the secrets of Atlantis. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, admire, and enjoy at your own pace. (B)

Day 10

Day 10 image

Santorini - Island Tour

Today, the splendor of Santorini is at your fingertips. Begin your day with a visit to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, the island’s highest point at 1,856 feet, offering panoramic views across the Aegean—on a clear day, even the mountains of Crete come into view. Continue to Pyrgos, a historic hilltop village that once served as Santorini’s capital. Known for its narrow winding streets, defensive walls, and fortified charm, Pyrgos is rich in tradition.

Next, delve into the island’s heritage at the Wine Museum, the only cave-built wine museum in Greece, where you'll discover the story of Santorini’s winemaking since the 1600s and enjoy tastings of its finest vintages.

End your day in Oia, the iconic cliffside village known for its white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow cobblestone lanes—a postcard-perfect setting that captures the essence of Cycladic architecture. Stroll through hidden courtyards, admire vibrant bougainvillea, and take in unforgettable views of the caldera. (B)

Day 11

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Santorini to the USA

Santorini to the USA Today transfer to Santorini airport for your flight to Athens & connection to your flight home. (B)



Key: (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner


Please note: Due to airline schedules and connection timing from Santorini, an additional night could be required in Athens before returning to the USA a day later.  Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. This program is classified as a level 3 program - A Moderate activity tour. All optional Day tours and extensions require a minimum of 15 passengers. 

Location

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1. Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece

About your organizer

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