WONDERS OF GREECE ITINERARY:
1. Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Electra Palace Hotel. A transfer from
the Thessaloniki International Airport is included upon your
arrival to the exclusive Electra Palace Hotel, overlooking
Aristotle Square in the heart of Macedonia’s capital city. Join
us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight as you meet your
fellow travelers. Meals D
2. Old Town Thessaloniki
Northern Greece entices with stunning natural beauty and
rich cultural treasures that make exploring this region a true
pleasure. Nowhere is this more true than in Thessaloniki, where
views of the sea, tree-lined streets and striking Byzantine
churches are always nearby. Walk into the heart of this seaside
town as we introduce you to daily life, past and present. Visit
a local market before viewing the city’s most famous landmark,
the 16th-century White Tower; the Arch of Galerius, built around
305 A.D.; and the massive Rotunda. Your exploration of Old Town
takes you to Agia Sofia, magnificently restored to take its
rightful place as one of the most significant Byzantine
structures in Greece, and to the impressive Museum of Byzantine
Culture – its exhibits span the 1,100 year development of
Byzantine culture. Spend the remainder of the day at your
leisure and enjoy dinner tonight at a popular local restaurant
specializing in fresh fish and game dishes. Meals BD
3. Byzantine Veria / Fruits of Vergina
More than 45 Byzantine churches welcome you to Veria with
extensive frescoes that make the town an important center of
ecclesiastic architecture. Legend has it that St. Paul preached
his gospel from the “Steps of St. Paul.” In addition to its
wonderful churches and ancient Jewish quarter, Veria is renowned
for its fruits and vegetables, as is nearby Vergina, abundant
with almond, peach, kiwi and pear orchards, and home to an
acclaimed royal burial ground. A visit to the Royal Tombs, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the stunning gold funerary
box containing the remains of Greek conqueror Philip II.
Continue on your journey through bucolic farmland to Kalambaka,
ideally located near the unique Meteora monasteries. Meals BLD
4. Monasteries of Meteora
Legend has it that St. Athanasios, who built the first of
the 24 monasteries that sit atop these sheer, seemingly
unscalable rocks back in the 10th century, was carried here by
an eagle. Rope baskets ferried monks to the monasteries of
Meteora in centuries past but today steep steps provide access
to these rocky sanctuaries. You’ll have the opportunity to go
inside two active centuries-old monasteries to see how Greek
Orthodox monks and nuns live today and to view the ancient
frescoes and beautiful gardens that adorn these serene retreats.
Stay tonight in the tiny mountain village of Arachova, clinging
to Mount Parnassus near Delphi. Meals BLD
5. Oracle of Delphi
Ancient Delphi was regarded as the center of the world in
Greek mythology and the magical spot where Apollo established
his most famous oracle. An early morning tour of this fabled
city avoids crowds and the hot sun of midday, enabling leisurely
exploration of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the stadium, the
4th-century gymnasium and the Castalian Spring. The
archaeological sites of Delphi come to life at the Delphi
Museum, a great way to conclude your fascinating morning
excursion. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the amenities
of your exclusive spa resort or join us for an optional
afternoon sightseeing trip to the Monastery of Osios Loukas.
Meals BD
6. The Peloponnese
Drive south along the coastline of the Gulf of Corinth past
vast groves of olives and seaside villages en route to your
beach resort in Kyllini. Cross over the Strait of Corinth on the
modern Rio-Antirio suspension bridge, linking the Peloponnese
with the mainland, and indulge in traditional Greek hospitality
during lunch at the Achaia Clauss winery in Patras. Your journey
continues along the western coast of the Peloponnese to the
Olympia Riviera Resort, inspired by the thermal springs of
Kyllini and nestled on the shores of the Ionian Sea. Meals BLD
7. The Sanctuary of Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympic games in 776 B.C. and
dedicated to the father of Olympian gods, Zeus, the sanctuary of
Olympia astounds with scenic beauty that is equally as inspiring
as the important antiquities that are found here. Begin your day
at the Museum of the Olympic Games, followed by a walk through
time at the ongoing archaeological site. From the ancient
training center for the athletes at the Palestra to the Doric
temples, council houses, and treasuries of the ancient city to
the culturally rich Archaeological Museum, this day is rife with
unforgettable cultural treasures in a truly magical setting.
Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the pampering amenities
of your spa resort. Meals BD
8. The Majestic Peloponnese Mountains
Mysterious civilizations cloaked in dramatic landscapes of
mountain peaks and azure seas left their mark throughout the
northern Peloponnese, a region blessed with natural beauty.
Depart Kyllini and follow the beautiful coastal route towards
Patra, before driving inland through forested mountains to
Kalavryta; the landscape provides dramatic vistas of Mount
Chelmos. After a poignant visit to the Holocaust museum,
continue to the Straits of Corinth, stopping for a photo at the
imposing Corinth Canal. Athens is the final destination on your
modern-day odyssey through Greece. One of the most famous
landmarks in Athens, your luxury hotel is ideally located
adjacent to the Parliament and Syntagma Square, and is within
walking distance of the Acropolis, Pláka and many classical
must-see attractions. Meals B
9. Archaeological Treasures of Athens
Celebrate the glory that was Greece today as you join us for
a sightseeing tour of the capital city of Athens. Modern-day
lifestyles and buildings co-exist with vestiges of the city’s
golden years from the 5th century, vividly chronicled during
your explorations today. Drive by Constitution (Syntagma)
Square, past the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace
and embassy row, stopping for a look inside of the Panathenaic
Stadium; this arena was the site of the greatest festivities in
ancient Athens in 330 B.C. and was also host to the first
Olympic games of the modern era in 1896. We’ll show you the
esteemed campus of the University of Athens, founded in 1837,
and point out the Kolanaki District, lined with elegant
boutiques, before taking you on a guided walking tour up to the
Acropolis. This is where the storied remains of one of the
greatest civilizations on earth have continued to reign in
unequalled splendor for more than two thousand years. View the
intricate details of the elegant caryatids (maidens) supporting
the porch of the graceful Ionic Erechtheion, dating back to the
Bronze Age, and let your imagination take you back through time
to 438 B.C. when the Parthenon was officially inaugurated and
dedicated to the goddess Athena at the Panathenaic Festival.
This architectural masterpiece still defies comparison anywhere
in the world. Meander through the Pláka at the foot of the
Acropolis at your leisure and join us this afternoon for a
guided tour of the National Archaeological Museum; highlights
include the rare Mycenaean collection, the Thíra frescoes and
major bronze sculptures. Join us for a gala farewell cocktail
reception and dinner tonight. Meals BD
10. Journey Home
Tour ends: Athens. A transfer is included from the King
George Palace to the Athens Airport. Allow a minimum of three
hours for flight check-in. Meals B
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