|
12 Days ~ Greece ~ Turkey ~ Greek Islands
The Grecian Delights is the perfect coach and cruise combination, punctuated with restful stays in Athens - an excellent, well balanced introduction to touring for first time travellers. Highlights include the Parthenon atop of the Acropolis, the Meteora Monasteries and the other archeological sites of Olympia & Delphi. However, for some, the highlight might be a Greek salad and cold drink at an outdoor taverna, or the sunset from cliff-top Santorini!
DAY 1 – ATHENS AT LEISURE
After being met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, there is time to relax or explore before a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Metropolitan. (D)
DAY 2 – ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
Your sightseeing tour this morning delves deep into the glorious history of Athens. Highlight of the tour, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis. Admire the Parthenon, built to the honour of the goddess Athena and still amazing in its grace, despite the loss of the Elgin Marbles. Then see the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Why not join your fellow travellers for a night out with dinner and entertainment? (BB)
DAY 3 – ATHENS – OLYMPIA
Cross the breathtaking Corinth canal and continue to the ancient ruined city of Mycenae. Walk through the Lion Gate, see the ‘Cyclopean’ stones used to build the city walls and visit the Beehive Tombs. Cross the Arcadia Mountains to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Hotel: Antonios. (BB,D)
DAY 4 – OLYMPIA – DELPHI
Tour Olympia, seeing the sites of the ancient temples, Olympic Stadium and Gymnasium. Cross to the mainland and follow the coast to Delphi, clinging to the side of Mount Parnassus at 2,000 feet. Ascend the Sacred Way, past the Treasury of the Athenians to the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words’. Hotel: Amalia. (BB,D)
DAY 5 – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA
Cross fertile Thessaly, the ‘bread basket of ancient Greece’, and head for the amazing monasteries of Metéora, incredibly perched on pinnacles of rock. Visit one of the monasteries and enjoy stunning views of the Pindos Mts. Hotel: Divani. (BB,D)
DAY 6 – KALAMBAKA – ATHENS
A scenic drive along the coast brings you to Thermopylae, site of the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians. Now back to Athens. Hotel: Metropolitan. (BB)
DAY 7 – CRUISING – MYKONOS
Board your cruise ship in time for lunch and set sail for the lovely island of Mykonos. See the white-washed windmills guarding the harbour and spend the night exploring the welcoming shops, narrow lanes, and outdoor tavernas. (BB,L,D,S)
DAY 8 – CRUISING – KUSADASI – PATMOS
Call in at at Kusadasi, where you can explore the bazaar or perhaps visit the world famous ruins of ancient Ephesus. Cruise on to the island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the book of Revelations in the celebrated Grotto of the Apocalypse. Tonight enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment. (B,L,HD,S)
DAY 9 – CRUISING – RHODES
Spend a full day on Rhodes, former headquarters of the Knights of St. John, and home of the mighty Colossus. Unfortunately it has disappeared, but there’s a great deal left to enjoy on this beautiful island, including the Old City and the golden beaches. Meet the Captain at dinner tonight. (B,L,D,S)
DAY 10 – CRUISING – HERAKLION – SANTORINI
Sail to Heraklion, site of the ruins of King Minos’ Palace and lair of the legendary Minotaur. Later, anchor beneath the cliffs of Santorini, an island famous for its sunsets, cuboid white houses and domed churches. (B,L,D,S)
DAY 11 – ATHENS AT LEISURE
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to your hotel. Later, there is time to shop in the Monastiraki flea market or watch the costumed soldiers guarding the Royal Palace? Hotel: Metropolitan. (B)
DAY 12 – ATHENS
Your memorable tour ends this morning with a transfer to Athens airport. (BB)
|
|
