UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

Transcription

1 This tour includes visiting world-famous sites of Classical Greece and famous Greek Islands. Explore Athens and walk through a mix of flavors, cultures, and contrasts, and take the opportunity to admire the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. Discover the sacred ancient and Christian sites of Mycenae and the theatre of Epidaurus, ancient Olympia and Delphi, and the holy rocks of Meteora. Walk through the streets and immerse yourself in the architecture, art and history, learn about the life, traditions, and customs of Greek people, past and present. Whether you re looking to relax on picturesque islands with unspoiled sandy beaches or stimulate your senses in places that have marked ancient history, we can help you experience it all. Mykonos has hilltops studded with windmills, endless rolling hills and beaches that glitter a photogenic island from every angle. Gendary beaches and quaint fishing villages Milos Island is dramatic in every sense. Stepping foot on the island of Patmos you ll be bowled over by its ageless, touching presence villages appear undisturbed for centuries and its natural volcanic beauty captivates and absorbs all your attention. Patmos is also steeped in history: where architecture remains testament to Greek, Roman and Byzantine influences. And legends say that St John was inspired to write the Book of Revelations here. You have the opportunity to visit Heraklion the city of myths, ancient civilizations and worldrenowned artists Heraklion lives and breathes culture. Catch your breath and prepare to be seduced by Santorini. The island will greet you with its striking cliffs, promising adventure and legendary tales. The almost vertical towns of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches will rise above the blue Aegean like an oasis of beauty and calm. Gateway to one of Europe s largest open-air archaeological museum. Will reach Kusadasi port in Turkey. Visit ancient Ephesus, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the secondlargest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. N UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES Visit Meteora is the second most important monastic complex in Greece, after Mount Athos, and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will visit Olympia, which was the most glorious sanctuary of ancient Greece dedicated to Zeus and was the venue for the ancient Olympic Games.

2 You will visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus which is the most beautiful and best preserved of all the ancient theaters, renowned for its rare acoustics. Visit Mycenae archaeological site and Corinth Canal. Panoramic tour of Athens city center, photo stop at the Panathinaikon Stadium, a guided tour of Acropolis, Parthenon,and the Acropolis Museum, see the Erecthion with Caryatids. Walking Foodie Tour at Athens. Visit the archaeological site and the Museum of Delphi. Delphi, is an ancient Greek city in which the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world operated. Visit famous Greek Islands Myconos, Santorini, Patmos, Heraklion. Excursion Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellenistic and Roman and Kusadasi port(turkey). Includes Services of a professional and licensed guide 1 night accommodation at Kalambaka / Meteora at A Class**** / double occupancy A visit to Meteora and private tour guide on site 1 night accommodation at Delphi at A Class**** / double occupancy A visit to archaeological sites of Delphi guiding included /entrance fees 1 night accommodation at Olympia at A Class**** / double occupancy A visit to archaeological site of Olympia and private tour guide on site/entrance fees A visit to the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus guiding included /entrance fees 4 nights accommodation at Athens at 4*/ double for single use All transfer from/to airport and from/to excursions All transfer form/to port in Piraeus Breakfast each morning Dinner 10 days Lunch 3 days Cruise Tour Accommodation on board in IF - Interior Stateroom

3 Daily Activities (Yoga, dance, etc.)check daily schedule on board Excursion Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellenistic and Roman Port & Service Charges Athens city tours & Acropolis Museum Walking Foodie Tour at Athens. Not Included 7 days lunch Anything not mentioned above Tips/gratuites (optional) Drinks and beverages ITTINERARY DAY 1. ATHENS ARRIVAL Arrival and reception at the airport, transportation and check into hotel. Lunch and dinner depends on your arrival time. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Athens (Dinner) DAY 2. ATHENS ATHENS CITY TOUR & ACROPOLIS MUSEUM From the Acropolis to Omonia Square and with a half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour, you ll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens. The Athens half-day tour departs for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed and pass by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by the National Garden, Hadrian s Arc, St. Paul s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral,Old Parliament, Constitution Square,Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis.Visit Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon and Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. Continue the expert-guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour with a pleasant short walk, passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the Acropolis museum. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 3. ATHENS-CORINTH CANAL-EPIDAUROS-NAFPLION-MYCENAE-OLYMPIA Break for breakfast on our way and departure direction Peloponnese. First short stop for the Canal of Corinth then drive to Epidaurus and visit the

4 Ancient theatre, world famous for its outstanding acoustics. Proceed to Nafplion (shortstop) and through the plain of Argos, arriving at Mycenae. Our next stop will be at Mycenae for visiting the famous Palace, the Lions Gate and the Tomb of King Agamemnon. In the afternoon depart for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Olympia (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 4. OLYMPIA DELPHI Visit the archaeological site with the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the altar of the Olympic flame, the Stadium and the archaeological museum. Departure for Delphi through Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese. Cross by the bridge from Rio to Antirion and passing by Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and from there on, along the coastal road to Delphi, known in ancient times as the navel of the world. In the afternoon visit the picturesque mountain village of Arachova. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Delphi (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 5. DELPHI KALAMBAKA Delphi was truly a Pan-Hellenic site for the ancient Greeks; they all gathered here to celebrate Apollo and to get practical advice from the Pythia, the priestess. Aside from its historical importance, Delphi is a wondrously beautiful place. Morning visits the museum and the ruins of Delphi. Drive north direction the holly rocks of Meteora. Arrive afternoon. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Kalambaka (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 6. KALAMBAKA METEORA THERMOPYLAE ATHENS Meteora is a must-see on any trip to Greece. Here are some of the most ancient, active monasteries on all of Greece, perched miraculously atop the mountains along the Pinios River. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the Cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. They are veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes. Return to Athens, passing the heroic monument of Leonidas of Sparta at Thermopylae. The Battle of Thermopylae is one of the most important battles in Greek and world history. Dinner at the hotel.

5 DAY 7. PIRAEUS-MYKONOS Breakfast and transportation to the cruise pier and embark on your cruise ship for a 3 days magical cruise to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Heraklion, Santorini and Kusadasi(Turkey). In the afternoon reach the island of Mykonos and take some free time to walk around the town and observe one of the most characteristic Cycladic Islands. Sail off. Overnight on Board (Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch-Dinner on board). DAY 8. MYKONOS-KUSADASI-PATMOS Breakfast on board Early in the morning you will reach Kusadasi port in Turkey. A tour to the Ancient Ephesus will follow. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. It was the first and most significant city in the Roman province of Asia and one of its key ports. Millennia ago the Aegean receded west, stranding the city on its sunseared hillsides. It is believed the Virgin Mary lived and died here, and that Paul wrote his Letter to the Ephesians here. It was the most significant Christian city between Rome and Antioch Ephesus is rivaled only by the Forum and the Acropolis as one of the most complete classical cities in Europe, even though only 13% of the city has been uncovered! Sail-off with next destination the island of Patmos In Patmos you will visit the island s capital (Chora) then the Monastery of St. John and finally the cave where it was revealed tojohn the Evangelist the Apocalypse. Departure in the evening. Overnight on board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 9. PATMOS-HERAKLION-SANTORINI Breakfast on board Early morning arrival in Heraklion, the capital of Crete Island Have 3 hrs approximately, free in order to explore Heraklion. In the afternoon at Santorini, which differs from the rest of the Cycladic islands, due to its interesting geological structure, which was the result of eruptions of a now inactive volcano. Free time on your own to admire Greece s best known island, the beautiful town of Fira, the amazing sunset (optional tour to Oia Village) Around pm the ship will sail off. Overnight on Board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 10. SANTORINI-PIRAEUS-ATHENS-WALKING FOOD TOUR IN ATHENS

6 Breakfast on board. Early morning arrival at Piraeus port in Athens. Pick up at the port and transfer to your hotel. After you will have the opportunity to admire through a gastronomic excursion the incredible flavors and perfumes from the capital of Greece. In the evening you have time in Athens for shopping, strolling through the city discovering its hidden charms or choosing visit sightseeing tours. Dinner at hotel. Accommodation in Athens. (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 11. ATHENS-FLIGHT BLACK HOME Transportation to the airport for the flight back home. (Breakfast) Thank you for coming. Have a nice flight back home! KALO TAXIDI Description DAY 1.ATHENS ARRIVAL Arrival and reception at the airport, transportation and check into hotel. Lunch and dinner depends on your arrival time. Accommodation Athens (Dinner) DAY 2.ATHENS ATHENS CITY TOUR & ACROPOLIS MUSEUM DAY 3. ATHENS CORINTH CANAL-EPIDAUROS MYCENAE OLYMPIA Accommodation Olympia (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 4. OLYMPIA DELPHI Accommodation Delphi (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 5. DELPHI KALAMBAKA Accommodation Kalambaka (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 6. KALAMBAKA METEORA THERMOPYLAE ATHENS Day 7. PIRAEUS-MYKONOS Overnight on Board (Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch-Dinner on board). DAY 8. MYKONOS-KUSADASI-PATMOS

7 Overnight on board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 9. PATMOS-HERKLION-SANTORINI Overnight on Board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 10. SANTORINI-PIRAEUS-ATHENS-WALKING FOOD TOUR IN ATHENS Overnight in Athens. (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 11. ATHENS-FLIGHT BLACK HOME Transportation to the airport for the flight back home. (Breakfast) Thank you for coming. Have a nice flight back home! KALO TAXIDI

8 This tour includes visiting world-famous sites of Classical Greece and famous Greek Islands. Explore Athens and walk through a mix of flavors, cultures, and contrasts, and take the opportunity to admire the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. Discover the sacred ancient and Christian sites of Mycenae and the theatre of Epidaurus, ancient Olympia and Delphi, and the holy rocks of Meteora. Walk through the streets and immerse yourself in the architecture, art and history, learn about the life, traditions, and customs of Greek people, past and present. Whether you re looking to relax on picturesque islands with unspoiled sandy beaches or stimulate your senses in places that have marked ancient history, we can help you experience it all. Mykonos has hilltops studded with windmills, endless rolling hills and beaches that glitter a photogenic island from every angle. Gendary beaches and quaint fishing villages Milos Island is dramatic in every sense. Stepping foot on the island of Patmos you ll be bowled over by its ageless, touching presence villages appear undisturbed for centuries and its natural volcanic beauty captivates and absorbs all your attention. Patmos is also steeped in history: where architecture remains testament to Greek, Roman and Byzantine influences. And legends say that St John was inspired to write the Book of Revelations here. You have the opportunity to visit Heraklion the city of myths, ancient civilizations and worldrenowned artists Heraklion lives and breathes culture. Catch your breath and prepare to be seduced by Santorini. The island will greet you with its striking cliffs, promising adventure and legendary tales. The almost vertical towns of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches will rise above the blue Aegean like an oasis of beauty and calm. Gateway to one of Europe s largest open-air archaeological museum. Will reach Kusadasi port in Turkey. Visit ancient Ephesus, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the secondlargest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. N UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES Visit Meteora is the second most important monastic complex in Greece, after Mount Athos, and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will visit Olympia, which was the most glorious sanctuary of ancient Greece dedicated to Zeus and was the venue for the ancient Olympic Games. You will visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus which is the most beautiful and best preserved of all the ancient theaters, renowned for its rare acoustics. Visit Mycenae archaeological site and Corinth Canal.

9 Panoramic tour of Athens city center, photo stop at the Panathinaikon Stadium, a guided tour of Acropolis, Parthenon,and the Acropolis Museum, see the Erecthion with Caryatids. Walking Foodie Tour at Athens. Visit the archaeological site and the Museum of Delphi. Delphi, is an ancient Greek city in which the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world operated. Visit famous Greek Islands Myconos, Santorini, Patmos, Heraklion. Excursion Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellenistic and Roman and Kusadasi port(turkey). Includes Services of a professional and licensed guide 1 night accommodation at Kalambaka / Meteora at A Class**** / double occupancy A visit to Meteora and private tour guide on site 1 night accommodation at Delphi at A Class**** / double occupancy A visit to archaeological sites of Delphi guiding included /entrance fees 1 night accommodation at Olympia at A Class**** / double occupancy A visit to archaeological site of Olympia and private tour guide on site/entrance fees A visit to the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus guiding included /entrance fees 4 nights accommodation at Athens at 4*/ double for single use All transfer from/to airport and from/to excursions All transfer form/to port in Piraeus Breakfast each morning Dinner 10 days Lunch 3 days Cruise Tour Accommodation on board in IF - Interior Stateroom Daily Activities (Yoga, dance, etc.)check daily schedule on board Excursion Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellenistic and Roman Port & Service Charges

10 Athens city tours & Acropolis Museum Walking Foodie Tour at Athens. Not Included 7 days lunch Anything not mentioned above Tips/gratuites (optional) Drinks and beverages ITTINERARY DAY 1. ATHENS ARRIVAL Arrival and reception at the airport, transportation and check into hotel. Lunch and dinner depends on your arrival time. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Athens (Dinner) DAY 2. ATHENS ATHENS CITY TOUR & ACROPOLIS MUSEUM From the Acropolis to Omonia Square and with a half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour, you ll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens. The Athens half-day tour departs for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed and pass by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by the National Garden, Hadrian s Arc, St. Paul s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral,Old Parliament, Constitution Square,Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis.Visit Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon and Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. Continue the expert-guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour with a pleasant short walk, passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the Acropolis museum. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 3. ATHENS-CORINTH CANAL-EPIDAUROS-NAFPLION-MYCENAE-OLYMPIA Break for breakfast on our way and departure direction Peloponnese. First short stop for the Canal of Corinth then drive to Epidaurus and visit the Ancient theatre, world famous for its outstanding acoustics. Proceed to Nafplion (shortstop) and through the plain of Argos, arriving at Mycenae. Our next stop will be at Mycenae for visiting the famous Palace, the Lions Gate

11 and the Tomb of King Agamemnon. In the afternoon depart for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Olympia (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 4. OLYMPIA DELPHI Visit the archaeological site with the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the altar of the Olympic flame, the Stadium and the archaeological museum. Departure for Delphi through Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese. Cross by the bridge from Rio to Antirion and passing by Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and from there on, along the coastal road to Delphi, known in ancient times as the navel of the world. In the afternoon visit the picturesque mountain village of Arachova. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Delphi (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 5. DELPHI KALAMBAKA Delphi was truly a Pan-Hellenic site for the ancient Greeks; they all gathered here to celebrate Apollo and to get practical advice from the Pythia, the priestess. Aside from its historical importance, Delphi is a wondrously beautiful place. Morning visits the museum and the ruins of Delphi. Drive north direction the holly rocks of Meteora. Arrive afternoon. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation Kalambaka (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 6. KALAMBAKA METEORA THERMOPYLAE ATHENS Meteora is a must-see on any trip to Greece. Here are some of the most ancient, active monasteries on all of Greece, perched miraculously atop the mountains along the Pinios River. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the Cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. They are veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes. Return to Athens, passing the heroic monument of Leonidas of Sparta at Thermopylae. The Battle of Thermopylae is one of the most important battles in Greek and world history. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 7. PIRAEUS-MYKONOS

12 Breakfast and transportation to the cruise pier and embark on your cruise ship for a 3 days magical cruise to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Heraklion, Santorini and Kusadasi(Turkey). In the afternoon reach the island of Mykonos and take some free time to walk around the town and observe one of the most characteristic Cycladic Islands. Sail off. Overnight on Board (Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch-Dinner on board). DAY 8. MYKONOS-KUSADASI-PATMOS Breakfast on board Early in the morning you will reach Kusadasi port in Turkey. A tour to the Ancient Ephesus will follow. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. It was the first and most significant city in the Roman province of Asia and one of its key ports. Millennia ago the Aegean receded west, stranding the city on its sunseared hillsides. It is believed the Virgin Mary lived and died here, and that Paul wrote his Letter to the Ephesians here. It was the most significant Christian city between Rome and Antioch Ephesus is rivaled only by the Forum and the Acropolis as one of the most complete classical cities in Europe, even though only 13% of the city has been uncovered! Sail-off with next destination the island of Patmos In Patmos you will visit the island s capital (Chora) then the Monastery of St. John and finally the cave where it was revealed tojohn the Evangelist the Apocalypse. Departure in the evening. Overnight on board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 9. PATMOS-HERAKLION-SANTORINI Breakfast on board Early morning arrival in Heraklion, the capital of Crete Island Have 3 hrs approximately, free in order to explore Heraklion. In the afternoon at Santorini, which differs from the rest of the Cycladic islands, due to its interesting geological structure, which was the result of eruptions of a now inactive volcano. Free time on your own to admire Greece s best known island, the beautiful town of Fira, the amazing sunset (optional tour to Oia Village) Around pm the ship will sail off. Overnight on Board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 10. SANTORINI-PIRAEUS-ATHENS-WALKING FOOD TOUR IN ATHENS Breakfast on board.

13 Early morning arrival at Piraeus port in Athens. Pick up at the port and transfer to your hotel. After you will have the opportunity to admire through a gastronomic excursion the incredible flavors and perfumes from the capital of Greece. In the evening you have time in Athens for shopping, strolling through the city discovering its hidden charms or choosing visit sightseeing tours. Dinner at hotel. Accommodation in Athens. (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 11. ATHENS-FLIGHT BLACK HOME Transportation to the airport for the flight back home. (Breakfast) Thank you for coming. Have a nice flight back home! KALO TAXIDI Description DAY 1.ATHENS ARRIVAL Arrival and reception at the airport, transportation and check into hotel. Lunch and dinner depends on your arrival time. Accommodation Athens (Dinner) DAY 2.ATHENS ATHENS CITY TOUR & ACROPOLIS MUSEUM DAY 3. ATHENS CORINTH CANAL-EPIDAUROS MYCENAE OLYMPIA Accommodation Olympia (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 4. OLYMPIA DELPHI Accommodation Delphi (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 5. DELPHI KALAMBAKA Accommodation Kalambaka (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 6. KALAMBAKA METEORA THERMOPYLAE ATHENS Day 7. PIRAEUS-MYKONOS Overnight on Board (Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch-Dinner on board). DAY 8. MYKONOS-KUSADASI-PATMOS

14 Overnight on board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 9. PATMOS-HERKLION-SANTORINI Overnight on Board (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner on board) DAY 10. SANTORINI-PIRAEUS-ATHENS-WALKING FOOD TOUR IN ATHENS Overnight in Athens. (Breakfast-Dinner) DAY 11. ATHENS-FLIGHT BLACK HOME Transportation to the airport for the flight back home. (Breakfast) Thank you for coming. Have a nice flight back home! KALO TAXIDI