Discover Athens in one weekend PROGRAMME OVERVIEW: Morning: Lunch: Arrival in Athens DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to Athens centre Museums and Galleries Visit Cruise to Aegina Lunch at the picturesque fish village Perdika Leisure time at Aegina town Breakfast Wine and traditional Greek cooking lesson at one of the oldest wineries in Attica at the hotel or Shopping Tour in Athens Afternoon: Orientation Tour of Athens Transfer to El. Venizelos Airport Departure Evening: Dinner at a traditional taverna in Plaka Dinner by a seaside restaurant in Mikrolimano 1
Discover Athens in one weekend GREECE Greece is the ultimate, timeless classic destination, the home of democracy and freedom. The land which gave birth to so many aspects of present day civilization: medicine, mathematics, philosophy, theatre, art and, of course, the Olympic Games; has a rich tradition of hospitality and friendliness ensuring a warm welcome for travelers from all over theworld. This is a country of immense natural beauty. Its multi-coloured greenery, the reds of its earth, the white of its marble and rock, the blue of its skies and the unbelievable blue, turquoise and emerald of its seas dotted with over a thousand iconic islands, provide a uniquely contrasting backdrop to Events on land and sea. Greece has an endless variety of scenery, architecture and vibrant activity day or night, inspiring artists, poets and writers over thousands of years. ATHENS Is the gateway to Greece, both ancient and modern. There couldn t be a better venue for a Conference or incentive at any time of the year. Sprawling at the feet of the holy rock of the Acropolis with its monuments symbolizing everlasting spiritual values, modern Athens, the country s capital city which as grown into a bustling metropolis, retains its unbreakable links with its glorious past and traditions. ATHENS today is a modern city with busy streets and squares, shop windows a riot of colours, as well as little alleys in quiet, peaceful neighbourhoods such as Plaka and Psirri. However, it still has its aura of ancient glory which becomes evident when one takes an evening stroll in the old city. In the countless shops, visitors will find whatever they may need. In the tavernas and restaurants they can enjoy an abundance of taste sensations and in the nightclubs, discos and bars they can drink and dance the night awaybecause in Athens, the fun never stops before daylight 2
A Few Good reasons for choosing Athens Unique Culture, Tradition & History Breathtaking Views & Wide Variation of Scenery from Mainland to Islands Impressive Modern & Classical Venues World Class Facilities Direct Access from most Airports Worldwide Outstanding Hotel Accommodation Friendly & Efficient Service Fabulous Weather 3
Pre-Dinner Orientation Tour of major illuminated landmarks in Athens Suggested before Dinner on DAY 1 Duration: 45 min.-1 hour Temple of Olympic Zeus Houses of Parliament Lycabetus Hill Our tour will cover the major landmarks of Athens, including the Temple of Olympic Zeus, a view of Lycabettus Hill and the Orthodox Chapel of St. George in the distance, Hadrian s Arch, National Gardens, Houses of Parliament, Tomb of the unknown Soldier, Evzones, Iliou Malathron, Nomismatic Museum, St. Dennis Roman Catholic Cathedral, Central Bank of Greece, The Academy of Arts & Letters. Athens Academy Athens University Syndagma Square 4
.Athens University, the National Library, Omonia Square, the Old Parliament Building and Statue of Kolokotronis, Syndagma S quare, St. Paul s Anglican Church, Lord Byron s Statue, Zappeio Congress & Exhibition Hall, Panathenian Stadium, Harry Truman s Stat ue, the National Picture Gallery, the Glass Runner and an opportunity to take photos of the Acropolis. Omonia Square Panathenian Stadium The Acropolis 5
Dinner at Plaka Suggested for DAY 1 6
Museum & Gallery visit Morning Tour Option Suggested for DAY 2 Duration: Depending on final choice of museums. Athens has a plethora of museums, all with extraordinary and interesting exhibits. We mention the most important ones: the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, the Cycladic Art Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the Museum of Ancient Agora of Athens, the National Gallery, the virtual reality exhibits at the foundation of Hellenic World, the Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, etc. 7
New Acropolis Museum visit Morning Tour Option Suggested for Day Two Duration: 1 ½ hours We will be making our way to the New Acropolis Museum that just opened its gates on the 20th of June 2009. Its construction started during 2004, and from the opening day it was described as one of the best museums in the world. With over 4.000 artifacts for the public to enjoy, the museum provides 14,000 sq.m. of exhibition space, and is a modern architectural masterpiece located in the historical area of Makrigianni, only 300metres from the Acropolis. There are four floors, in w hich the guests can be introduced to the history of the Acropolis from Ancient times until the very latest findings. Also in the museum one will have the opportunity to see the excavations that are still going on underneath the museum, through a glass floor. An experience one should not miss!!! 8
Cruise to Aegina including lunch at Perdika fish village Suggested for Day 2 Aegina town 9
The main town of the island is called Aegina Town. The locals refer to it simply as 'the centre' although it is positioned on the West coast. On arrival you are likely to notice two land-marks. Looking inland, and to the left, is the ancient 'kolona'. To the right is the pretty harbour and picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos. The kolona marks the remains of successive settlement remains on the island which date back to prehistoric times from the 5th millenium BC. The pretty harbour draws in visitors who can drink up the atmosphere of a traditional Greek scene. The open-fronted cafes and tavernas with their welcoming waiters tempting you to recline on a comfortable chair to watch the world go by whilst enjoying something to eat and drink at any time of the day or night. During the weekends you can admire the glamorous yachts moored along the harbour. Wander a little further and buy some fresh fruit from one of the floating boat shops. Enjoy the tinkling sound of bells from the colourful carriages pulled by the small horses along the sea front. And, of course, there is the sea... Glittering silver and blue with views of Agistri and Moni islands with the Peloponnese in the distance. The small streets behind the harbour are where you can while away many an hour exploring the shops which sell virtually anything you can think of. This is because the town is the main shopping area for the island and as such you can find household, garden and fishing items including electrical equipment and tools. As a visitor to the island you will find shops which will meet your need to buy souvenirs or something special for yourself whether that be a beautiful piece of jewelery, a unique item of clothing, or a designer pair of sunglasses. Once being at Aegina it is really worthwhile to visit the traditional fish village Perdika for fresh fish at a traditional taverna by the sea with view to Moni island. Optional for summer months: Weather permitting you could visit Moni island (just 10 minutes by boat) for swimming and sunbathing before or after lunch. Perdika village 10
Dinner by the sea at Mikrolimano coast Suggested for Day 2 11
Wine tasting and traditional Greek products cooking Suggested for Day 3 Duration: Approx 2,5 3 hours Greece is a wine producing country. Some important vineyards are in Attica, around Athens. On the way to the airport you may enjoy excellent wines at fine cellars and beautiful vineyards. Attika s eastern planes known as Mesogaia have for generations been a principal wine source for Athenians. Spata is a town in Mesogaia most famous for its wine producing potential. Fragou Winery is one of the oldest buildings in Spata with a history of over 230 years. Seven years ago, Asimina Fragou decided to renovate the ancient winery. Today, the visitor is captured by the atmosphere of old times. The recently restored old cellar, being a remarkable combination of utility and aesthetics, contributes greatly to this superb sensation. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled day at the oldest winery of Spata, immersing themselves in the culinary and cultural richness of Greece. Tour the facilities of the winery and the enchanting stone house and enjoy wine tasting and a presentation on Greek wine making. Meanwhile you can take part in a hands-on cooking class, preparing Greek Country or/and tasting Greek cheeses. Before leaving for the airport you could enjoy a relaxing al fresco lunch featuring the dishes you will have allready prepared in the wonderfull courtyard (weather permitting) of the winery.. 12
Shopping Tour in Athens Suggested for Day 3 Duration: From 1 hour and up to 2 ½ hours Downtown Athens is a shopper s paradise. Besides the areas of the Plaka and Monastiraki which are well known to travelers for their large variety of tourist shops all of central Athens is a shopper's Mecca. Streets that were once choked with traffic have now been closed to all motor vehicles and this diverse shopping area has become a walking shopper s paradise with every kind of shop you can imagine, and some you never imagined existed. There are street merchants selling everything from scarves to devices that make stuffed grape leaves or hollow out a zucchini. Special purchases include lace, jewelery, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, furs, rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the centre for luxury goods and local handicrafts. The flea market in Monastiraki below the Acropolis is crowded in high season. Regional specialties include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Skiros, Crete, Rhodes and the Ionian Islands, fur from Kastoria, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region. For those who want to indulge themselves in the expensive shopping, there is also the district of Kolonaki, where all big brands of haute couture are located. 13
4* Hotel Suggestions Amalia hotel (Website: www.amaliahotelathens.gr) Amalia Hotel Athens part of Amalia Hotels, one of the oldest hotel chains in Greece, opened for the first time in the early 60s and immediately became a favorite for Athens visitors. Its central location right in the heart of the city, overlooking the Greek Parliament and the National Gardens, makes Amalia Hotel an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers. A four-star superior hotel, landmark of the city, has reopened after a complete renovation in 2007, offering all latest facilities and services to its guests. The Hotel extends 98 guest rooms including an Executive Suite offering 4 different categories: 12 Classic, 48 Superior, 30 Deluxe and 7 Executive. Beyond accommodation, the Chrysalis Lounge on the ground floor is a welcoming place with its friendly staff throughout the day, while the restaurant on the mezzanine floor is the perfect venue to begin the day with its generous buffet breakfast. Internet corner, meeting and conference rooms are also available in the premises. Amalia Hotel Athens is a green hotel as it has been recently awarded with the International Green Key Αward by the Foundation for the Environmental Education ( FEE ). As an affirmation of the group s efforts for a cleaner environment, Amalia Hotels are committed to implement eco-friendly technologies for energy saving purposes and to improve the quality of services offered to its customers. 14
Crowne Plaza (Website: www.cpathens.com) The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Athens is the newest hotel in the city of Athens, built according to the strict safety specifications of the Crowne Plaza hotel chain and specially designed to provide travelers with excellent accommodation and high-quality hotel facilities and services during their stay in Athens. Crowne Plaza hotel belongs to the internationally renowned InterContinental Hotels Group, having one of the highest reputations in the world. Now, both leisure and business travelers to Athens can enjoy the style and comfort that they are ensured by the luxury chain of Crowne Plaza Hotels in the city of Athens Greece. The interior decoration of the rooms is modern, with state-of-the-art technology and support, making them ideal for a pleasant stay in a relaxing environment. Most superior rooms can accommodate up to 2 persons, except for the family superior rooms, which can accommodate from up to 4 persons (2 adults and 2 children). At the Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre Hotel, guests are provided with a wonderful selection of organized hotel facilities and services that are designed to cater to their every need and to make their stay a carefree and enjoyable experience. Indeed, the Crowne Plaza lives up to its expectations as one of the finest hotels in Athens Greece. 15
Metropolitan hotel (Website: www.chandris.gr) The Metropolitan hotel with its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, combines traditional hospitality and luxury in Athens. With a view to Saronic gulf, Metropolitan hotel is ideally situated in front of the Faleron Olympic Coastal Park for both leisure and business travelers. It is located only 10 minutes away from Syntagma square and Acropolis, the centre of Athens and the port of Piraeus. The Faleron Olympic Coastal Park is now hosting exhibitions, conferences and events. The Metropolitan Hotel has 374 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 10 spacious Suites, 14 Executive rooms and 1 Penthouse suite in Athens. In addition to the guest room facilities below, the spacious Executive rooms and Suites, offer separate dressing rooms, comfortable living rooms. The luxury accommodations. signature toiletries, hi-fi stereo music, speaker phone, plasma TV's and balconies with spectacular view of the Saronic Gulf aim to make guest feel comfortable and enjoy their stay in Athens. 16
3 DAYS ATHENS Price: 549.00 EURO Include: Rates per person per double room / per night in 4* category hotel Rates are inclusive of full buffet breakfast Rates are inclusive of legal taxes Tours mentioned in the proposal Meals indicated as per proposal Personal Travel Insurance Boat tickets to Aegina Transfer for tours and restaurants for minimum 20 people participation Not include: Air tickets Notes: Οffer is upon availability This offer can be used also by individuals Check-in after 2PM and check-out until 12AM