If you watched the movie Mama Mia featuring the charming villages of the Greek Islands, at some point during the film, you probably moaned, “Oh, I want to be there… NOW!” Well, here’s your chance! This trip to ancient Greece and the idyllic Greek island of Crete is packed with everything Greek: sunshine and olive trees, Delphi and the Acropolis, soft-sand beaches, lavender-turquoise water, the island of Crete, and charming villages drenched with mythology, history, and charm.

Greece is a place so precious that the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology waged war over it. One writer eloquently described the magic of Greece best, "Of all the people on earth, the Greeks have best lived the dream of life."

Our dream adventure vacation in Greece and Crete begins on the Greek mainland, in Athens, where we explore this ancient Greek city and visit the Acropolis. Then we're off to Pelion, a peninsula with more than 20 charming villages—clusters of lovely houses particular to the region. Some of the villages are hidden in ravines, some are perched on a mountain, and others spread out along the beaches of Greece. And the Greek beaches, where Mt. Pelion drops into the Aegean Sea, are gorgeous! The sand is soft and creamy; the water swells lavender and turquoise. Here, we hike, swim, eat marvelous meals, and visit a village where Mama Mia was filmed.

Then we travel to Meteora, an impressive geological site. In the 14th century, 36 monasteries were built here. Only 6 remain, but they all overlook spectacular views. Next stop: Delphi, Greece once considered the center of the known world, home of the Oracle of Delphi, the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, Greece’s Castalian Spring, and the remarkable statue of the "Charioteer." Delphi's theater and stadium, situated on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, are sites of remarkable beauty and majesty.

For the last part of this wonderful journey, we fly to the Greek island of Crete to explore the magnificent ruins of the ancient Minoans, mountainous landscapes, beautiful beaches, and charming towns. The fabled Minotaur comes alive in Crete, the sun-drenched homeland of the Greek God Zeus and King Minos. The island’s monuments and ruins stand as a legacy to the genius of the ancient Greeks. And Crete’s cove-studded coastline caters to today's adventurous traveler who is looking for an active vacation that features comfortable accommodations.

Throughout this splendid adventure, we stay in the warm atmosphere of "un-touristy" and boutique Greek hotels. We dine in local restaurants patronized by local people. And our knowledgeable and personable Greek tour guide helps to make this an unforgettable AdventureWomen vacation.

Join us for sun, sea, archeology, great food, and a walk through Greek history—ancient and movie-modern—as we celebrate our 30th anniversary year in fabulous Greece and Crete!

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

• Stand in the Acropolis in Athens, where Plato and Socrates once debated politics and philosophy.
• Explore the Pelion Peninsula and visit one of its charming villages where the movie Mama Mia was filmed.
• Discover the World Heritage Site of Meteora and its ageless monasteries built one on top of the other.
• Walk through the ruins of Delphi, considered by Greeks to be the center of the known world and home to the famous "Delphi oracle".
• Enjoy a private Greek cooking class on Crete, and explore the fantastic Minoan ruins of Knossos.
• Stay in luxury and boutique Greek hotels throughout our journey.
• Share experiences and camaraderie with other AdventureWomen participants on this custom-designed trip.