BEST OF GREECE WITH 3-DAY SPECIAL AEGEAN CRUISE
11 Days -
Posted at 17/10/2018
Day 1 | Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink. |
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Day 2 | ATHENS SIGHTSEEING Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient hilltop complex that was once the Cradle of Western Civilisation and today overlooks a sprawling cityscape below. Along our journey into antiquity we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures. We'll admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. We'll see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own terms. Meander through the cobbled lanes of Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki - the choice is yours. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES Cape Sounion Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea. |
Day 3 | ATHENS – CORINTH – MYCENAE – EPIDAURUS – NAFPLION We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in the ancient city of Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the charming Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening. |
Day 4 | NAFPLION – OLYMPIA We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, past quaint mountain villages into a land of myths and legends, and the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening we join the Karambellas family on their 30-acre olive and wine farm for an unforgettable Be My Guest dinner, some traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia. |
Day 5 | OLYMPIA – PATRAS – DELPHI We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for tonight. |
Day 6 | DELPHI – THERMOPYLAE – KALAMBAKA Tread in the footsteps of ancient Greeks who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th century Temple of Apollo and view the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'bread basket of Greece', and travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka. |
Day 7 | KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ATHENS The breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece. |
Day 8 | EMBARK – MYKONOS We depart Athens, boarding our ship to cruise the azure waters of the Aegean en route to the charming island of Mykonos. Spend the evening getting lost in its labyrinthine lanes lined by white- washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. |
Day 9 | KUSADASI (TURKEY) OR SAMOS (GREECE) – PATMOS Today's choice of sightseeing could see you visit the Turkish shores of Kusadasi for a Complimentary Shore Experience to ancient Ephesus, or visit the Greek island of Samos, renowned for its wine tradition. We continue to Patmos, the site where the Book of Revelation was written by St. John whose Cave of the Apocalypse and Monastery you could choose to see as an Optional Experience. MEALS -Buffet Breakfast -Lunch -Dinner OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora And Grotto Of Apocalypse We visit Patmos a UNESCO “World Heritage Monument” and enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. We reach the medieval town of Hora to enjoy a leisurely walk, marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and culminate our tour at Scala the port of Patmos where we enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment. |
Day 10 | HERAKLION – SANTORINI We arrive in Heraklion this morning and have the opportunity to explore Crete's Minoan culture and heritage at the Palace of Knossos. Continuing to the Cycladic island of Santorini with its enchanting clifftop towns we enjoy a Complimentary Shore Experience passing quaint villages and vineyards en route to spellbinding Oia. |
Day 11 | DISEMBARK – DEPART ATHENS This morning, disembark from your cruise ship for your transfer to the airport. |
Included
- Transportation with A/C Luxurious bus
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast and meals as mentioned
- The guided tour as it is in the program
- Licensed English speaking guide
- Ferry tickets
- All taxes
Non Included
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