|
THE
WONDERS OF GREECE
Country
visited: Greece |
 |
Greece – one
of the wonders of Europe and that of the ancient world.
Greece offers to us the background to the history and culture
that
has led to the current civilisation. Our 13-day Wonders
of Greece has been specifically tailored to bring out the
different
wonders that Greece is all about.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Athens |
|
02
|
Athens
- Corinth Canal - Epidaurus - Nafplion - Mycenae -
Olympia |
| 03 |
Olympia
- Delphi |
|
04
|
Delphi |
|
05
|
Delphi -
Kalambaka |
|
06
|
Dion
- Thessaloniki |
|
07
|
Pella
- Vergina - Berea |
|
08
|
Thessaloniki
- Athens |
|
09
|
Athens
city tour |
|
10
|
Piraeus |
|
11
|
Kusadasi
(Ephesus), Turkey - Patmos, Greece |
|
12
|
Heraklion
Crete, Greece - Santorini, Greece |
|
13
|
Piraeus
Arrival - Athens Departure |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| Greece |
|
|
Archaeological Site of Delphi (1987) |
The
pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo
spoke, was the site of the omphalos, the 'navel
of the world'. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape
and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century
B.C. was indeed the religious centre and symbol of unity of
the ancient Greek world. |
| Acropolis, Athens (1987) |
Illustrating
the civilizations, myths and religions that flourished in
Greece over a period
of more than 1,000
years, the Acropolis, the site of four of the greatest masterpieces
of classical Greek art - the Parthenon, the Propylaea,
the Erechtheum and the Temple of Athena Nike – can be
seen as symbolizing the idea of world heritage. |
| Meteora (1988) |
In
a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled
on these 'columns of the sky' from the
11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were
built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the
great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their
16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of
post-Byzantine painting. |
| Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
(1988) |
Founded in 315 B.C., the provincial capital and sea port
of Thessalonika was one of the first bases for the spread of
Christianity. Among its Christian monuments are fine churches,
some built on the Greek cross plan and others on the three-nave
basilica plan. Constructed over a long period, from the 4th
to the 15th century, they constitute a diachronic typological
series, which had considerable influence in the Byzantine world.
The mosaics of the rotunda, St Demetrius and St David are among
the great masterpieces of early Christian art. |
| Archaeological Site of Epidaurus (1988) |
In
a small valley in the Peloponnesus, the site of Epidaurus
sprawls out over several levels. The cult
of Asclepius first
began there in the 6th century B.C., but the principal monuments,
particularly the theatre - considered one of the purest
masterpieces of Greek architecture – date from the 4th
century. The vast site is a tribute to the healing cults of
Greek and Roman times, with temples and hospital buildings
devoted to its gods. |
| Archaeological Site of Olympia (1989) |
The
site of Olympia, in a valley in the Peloponnesus, has been
inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century
B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The
Altis - the sanctuary to the gods - has one of
the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient
Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains
of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games,
which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776
B.C. |
| Archaeological Site of Vergina (1996) |
The city of Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom
of Macedonia, was discovered in the 19th century near Vergina,
in northern Greece. The most important remains are the monumental
palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes,
and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which
date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the
Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered
all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander
and the expansion of the Hellenistic world. |
| Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns (1999) |
The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing
ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization,
which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th
to the 12th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development
of classical Greek culture. These two cities are indissolubly
linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which
have influenced European art and literature for more than three
millennia. |
| Historic
Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint John "the
Theologian" and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island
of Pátmos (1999) |
The
small island of Patmos in the Dodecanese is reputed to be
where St John the Theologian wrote both
his Gospel and the
Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the 'beloved disciple'
was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been
a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since.
The fine monastic complex dominates the island. The old settlement
of Chora, associated with it, contains many religious
and secular buildings. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
DAY
1 WEDNESDAY-ATHENS ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival a private taxi will transfer to the hotel
for check in and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel Herodion or similar (1 night)
DAY 2 THURSDAY: ATHENS – CORINTH CANAL –
EPIDAURUS- NAFPLION- MYCENAE- OLYMPIA
In the morning we leave Athens by the coastal road to the Corinthian
Canal (short stop for pictures). We then drive Epidaurus and
visit the archaeological site and the best-preserved ancient
theater in all of Greece, famous for the harmony of its design
and the perfection of its remarkable acoustics, with a seating
capacity of 12,000 people. We then drive to Nauplia for a short
stop and then continue to Mycenae to visit the archaeological
site. We then drive to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic
Games and the most important Sanctuary of Zeus. Upon arrival
check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: 4 star hotel (1 night) (B, D)
DAY 3: FRIDAY: OLYMPIA – DELPHI
After breakfast we will visit the archaeological site and museum
of Olympia. The museum contains most interesting exhibits such
as the pediments and the metopes of the Temple of Zeus, the
statue of Hermes by Praxiteles. We then drive to Patras, the
third largest city-port of Greece, to Rion where we cross the
channel to Antirion on the “state of the art” new
suspended bridge considered to be the longest and most modern
in Europe. We arrive in Nafpaktos, and continue to Delphi, the
Sanctuary of Apollo and home of the oracle. Check into the hotel
for dinner and overnight
Overnight: 4 star hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 4: SATURDAY: DELPHI
In the morning we visit the archaeological site of Delphi. We
proceed onto the Sacred Way to the Athenian Treasury, the Stoas
(arcades), the Temple of Apollo, the Theater and the remains
of the Stadium. We then proceed to visit the archaeological
museum, in which we can see among other treasures, the unique
bronze Charioteer. We then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
in Delphi. Dinner and overnight in Delphi. (B, D)
DAY
5: SUNDAY: DELPHI-KALAMBAKA
In the morning we start our drive through central Greece passing
through the towns of Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a spectacular drive up to visit
Meteora. Colossal symmetrical gray and reddish boulders, as
though pushed upwards from the bowels of mother earth by an
invisible hand, sustain breathtaking beautiful monasteries
perched precariously high above the ground. First built in
the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation,
accessible only by ropes thrown from above. We will climb
through steps built since. They are veritable Byzantine museums
exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics
and frescoes. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kalambaka
Overnight: 4 star hotel (1 night) (B, D)
DAY 6: MONDAY: DION-THESSALONIKI
In the morning we will drive by Trikala and Larissa to the
famous sacred Macedonian town of Dion where we visit the archaeological
site. Then continue to Thessaloniki, the second largest city
of Greece. We will visit the most interesting museum of Thessaloniki
and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Check into the hotel
in Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: 4 star hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 7: TUESDAY: PELLA – VERGINA - BEREA
In the morning we drive to ancient Pella, the capital of ancient
Macedonia State and birthplace of Alexander the Great. In
the 4th century BC the city was laid out in the familiar «Hippodameian»
pattern of regular rectangular building blocks with impressive
broad streets and a first class water supply network. The
houses were of the typical Greek style dwelling with a central
courtyard surrounded by a colonnade and open galleries. On
the hill to the West stand the remains of the citadel of the
Hellenistic period. We visit the excavation sites. We then
drive on to Vergina to visit the most important tomb ever
discovered; that of King Philip II and the famous “Vergina
treasures” On to Lefkadia where you visit the excavations
and return to Thessaloniki via Berea for Dinner and overnight
at hotel. (B, D)
DAY 8: WEDNESDAY: THESSALONIKI- ATHENS
After breakfast at the hotel, we take the road back to Athens.
We pass through Katerini and gaze upon the snow-capped Mount
Olympus, the home of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses.
We go through the Valley of Tempe, Larissa and Lamia. We stop
at Thermopylae to see the statue of Leonidas. It commemorates
the historic battle between the 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas
and the Persian army of Xerxes in 480 BC composed of thousands.
We arrive in Athens in the evening. Check into the hotel for
overnight.
Overnight: Hotel Herodion or similar (2 nights) (B)
DAY 9: THURSDAY: ATHENS CITY TOUR
In the morning we enjoy a tour of Athens, combining most of
the city’s modern and classical sights. This tour includes
an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the
remains of its glorious past. Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square,
The Panathenaikon Stadium, and site of the first modern Olympic
games in 1896. See views of the government buildings and elegant
homes. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic
Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia
Square. In contrast, visit the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus
and the crowning beauty of ancient Athens, the Acropolis with
its many monuments atop its rocky base including the Parthenon,
the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheum
with its porch of maidens. We enjoy the rest of the day at
leisure. (B)
DAY
10: FRIDAY TRANSFER TO PIRAEUS
At
8:00 in the morning we transfer to the port of Piraeus for
our 3-Day Cruise to the Greek islands and Turkey. Embarkation
and sail for Mykonos at 10:30 a.m. In the afternoon (6:30
p.m.), call at Mykonos, an island that combines international
jet-set atmosphere and a very active nightlife. Stroll at
leisure through the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways,
climbing to the sculpture church of Paraportiani or along
the waterfront of «Little Venice» to the well-known
windmills. Set sail for Kusadasi at 11:00 p.m.
Overnight:Louis
Cruise or similar - inside IB category (3 nights) (B, L, D)
DAY
11: SATURDAY: KUSADASI (EPHESUS), TURKEY – PATMOS, GREECE
At 7:00 a.m. we arrive to Kusadasi Turkey. You can enjoy the
time at leisure in Kusadasi port or enjoy an optional excursion
to the A.ncient city of Ephesus, to tour the spectacular ruins
where excavations still continue in this once great and important
city, which was founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through
history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings,
among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus,
the Temple of Hadrian and the Theater, or to the house of
Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus or to the Turkish Baths
after your tour you will have some time for souvenir shopping
before sailing for Patmos, Greece at noon. At 4:30 p.m. we
arrive at the beautiful mysterious rocky island in the Dodecanese,
Patmos reputed to be where St John the Theologian wrote both
his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the
'beloved disciple' was founded there in the late 10th century
and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning
ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island.
The old settlement of Chorá, associated with it, contains
many religious and secular buildings. Enjoy your time exploring
Patmos on your own or join one of the optional tours: to either
visit the Monastery & Grotto or a Scenic Tour of Patmos
island. After your tour you will have some free time for browsing.
Return to the ship for an evening sailing to Crete at 9:00
p.m. (B, L, D)
DAY
12: SUNDAY: HERAKLION CRETE, GREECE – SANTORINI, GREECE
At 7:00 a.m. we call at Heraklion Crete, (Acts 27:7-13) Enjoy
free time at the port or take one of the optional to visit
the Minoan Palace of Knossos, legendary home of the Minotaur
(half bull and half man) or a Cretan Lifestyle tour (panoramic)
which takes you to the village of Archanes and Vathypetro
(location of the oldest farmhouses of Crete and then to a
wine factory. Sail for Santorini at 11:00 a.m., Upon our arrival
at 4:30 p.m. you can explore the island on your own by taking
a mule or the cable car up to the white-washed town of Thera,
perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. The eruption
of which (1,600 BC) literally buried a flourishing Bronze
Age town which has now been excavated at Akrotiri. You can
also chose to join one of the optional tours visiting Oia
Village & Fira town or a boat tour to the Volcano &
hot springs. We sail for Piraeus at 9:00 p.m. (B,
L, D)
DAY 13: MONDAY: PIRAEUS ARRIVAL – ATHENS DEPARTURE
At 7:00 a.m. arrive at Piraeus. Disembark after breakfast
and transfer with our representative to Athens International
Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for your departure
flight.. (B)
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2010
May
12, Jun 23, Sep 08, 22
& Oct 06
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2010 |
3495
|
1125 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Hotels
as mentioned or similar
- Meals
as mentioned (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,
D-Dinner)
- Louis Cruise (inside cabin on full board
starting with lunch and ending with breakfast) or similar
- Port
taxes
- Sightseeing
and transfers mentioned by seat-in-coach.
- Services
of local English speaking guide
- Entrance
fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary.
|
- Any
airfare
- Airport/Departure/Security
taxes
- Travel
Insurances
- Visa
Fees
- Drinks/Beverages
with meals
- All
optional shore-excursion during the cruise.
- Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of N/A
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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