Duration: approx. 4 hours

Journey into the heart of Greek identity as you learn about the history of olive oil production, which has influenced this country’s culture and commerce for centuries. A 45-minute coach ride through scenic ancient vineyards will take us to the town of Sparta, in the heart of Evrotas valley. Here we will visit a major olive oil museum, a showcase to this essential, beautiful product that is so integral to Greek and Mediterranean identity. Learn about olive oil production and importance of the olive in local culture; see how olive oil was produced as far back as the Byzantine era and discover today’s techniques. Our museum visit is followed with a drive through Sparta to admire the principal neoclassical buildings such as the Town Hall. Some leisure time scheduled before returning to the port.

Experience Hamburg on this tour of its most iconic sights. Your visit to Germany’s largest port and second-largest city begins at the late 19^th-century City Hall, then proceeds to Germany’s oldest stock exchange and goes on to the gorgeously Gothic, old red-brick warehouses in the Speicherstadt. The elegant Jungfernstieg shopping area is next, followed by the super-exclusive Außenalster district and the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, old jetties where sailing vessels docked in the past. You then head for Hamburg’s world-famous Reeperbahn, a “mile of sin” that is named after the rig-makers that used to ply their trade there in the 17^th century. The tour draws to a close with passing by St. Nikolai War Memorial Church and with a visit to St. Michael’s Church and finally the Krameramtsgasse, an old district that originated in the 17^th century as an early form of housing for widows.

A pleasant 1.5 hour drive on the coach will take you to discover the city of Lübeck – declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987. In mediaeval times, it was the capital of the Hanseatic League for a number of years and as you walk down the city’s many quaint alleyways, it is easy to get a feel for Lübeck’s trading past. Also on your tour itinerary are the stunning Holsten Gate, the town hall and St. Mary’s Church, home to the world’s largest mechanical organ, as well as the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, one of Lübeck’s oldest social institutions. Before having some free time to look around on your own, the tour is rounded off by visits to Buddenbrook House, the former home of the Lübeck-born authors Thomas and Heinrich Mann, and to Café Niederegger, known globally as a purveyor of fine marzipan.