Greece - Best of Greece

BEST OF GREECE
09 DAYS FROM $1,825 US
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676

An 9 Day tour of Greece with highlights to include, Athens: Sightseeing featuring the Acropolis and Parthenon. Plus views of the Agora, Acropolis Museum, Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Olympic stadium.
Corinth: Cross the Corinth Canal and visit the ancient remains.
Mycenae: See the Treasury of Atreus, Beehive Tombs, Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace.

Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2 - Arrive Athens (2 nights)
Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director.

Hotel: Divani Palace Acropolis (2 nights)

Day 3 - Athens sightseeing & at leisure
We enjoy a morning walking tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon. We also see the Agora, Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and the stadium built for the first modern Olympics in 1896 before free time. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4 - Athens – Nauplia
We drive to the bridge across the Corinth Canal. Then we visit the remains of the ancient city of Corinth, en route to Mycenae, to see the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate and remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace. On to the Sanctuary of Aesculapius, God of Medicine, to visit the amphitheatre. Finally, we arrive in Nauplia. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Amalia

Day 5 - Nauplia – Olympia
Today we drive through the Mountains of Arcadia to Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. Next we stroll around the ancient Olympic Stadium and the Temples of Zeus and Hera on our visit of this archaeological site. Tonight we dine at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Olympia Palace Map Best of Greeced

Day 6 - Olympia – Delphi
We head to Patras and take the bridge across the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece. Then on to Delphi on the slopes of mighty Mount Parnassus, home of the Oracle. We walk the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo and visit this ancient archaeological site. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Delphi Palace

Day 7 - Delphi – Kalambaka
Today's drive takes us over the Pourmaraki Pass to Lamia, and on via Trikala to Kalambaka. Then, we take a trip to the monasteries of Meteora, perched above the town, where we can admire the beautiful Byzantine frescoes and the views. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Amalia

Day 8 - Kalambaka – Athens
This morning we enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to Thermopylae, site of the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians. We return to Athens for our final night in this fascinating city (Buffet Breakfast)

Hotel: Divani Palace Acropolis

Day 9 - Athens – USA
Farewell as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight to America (Buffet Breakfast)

Please note: Provisional Itinerary 2009
Prices, itineraries and tour content mentioned in this Preview are based on tours as featured in Europe & Britain 2008 brochure.

The exact final composition of your tour will be published in Europe & Britain 2009 Brochure, due for release in October 2008. By paying your deposit, you are agreeing to accept the finalised version of your tour itinerary, as published in Europe and Britain 2009 Brochure, In return the Tour Operator will honour the tour prices listed in this brochure, even should the final tour price listed in Europe & Britain 2009 Brochure, increase. In the event that your finalised tour price is lower, the Tour Operator will refund the difference to you.

This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or its agencies.

Sightseeing Highlights

    * Athens: Sightseeing featuring the Acropolis and Parthenon. Plus views of the Agora, Acropolis Museum, Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Olympic stadium.
    * Corinth: Cross the Corinth Canal and visit the ancient remains.
    * Mycenae: See the Treasury of Atreus, Beehive Tombs, Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace.
    * Epidaurus: See the amphitheatre.
    * Olympia: Visit the Olympic Stadium and this Archeological site.
    * Delphi: Visit the home of the Oracle.
    * Meteora: Visit two of the incredible rock monasteries.
    * Thermopylae: View the battle site.
    * Scenic drives through the rugged Mountains of Arcadia, scenic route from Mount Parnassus to Giona and along the coastal highway to Thermopylae.
    * Where the Tour Operator considers that our excellent audio system will enhance the commentary made by our local guides, making your tour of a city clearer and more entertaining, it will be included. (Audio equipment in Greece will be provided subject to government approval.)

Dining Highlights

    * 7 Buffet breakfasts
    * 4 three-course dinners
    * 1 Welcome drink with your Tour Director in Athens

11 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

    * The services of top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
    * Chauffeur driven on luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats.
    * Athens Airport Transfers will be provided on Days 2 and 9.
    * You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
    * All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
    * A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

Airport Transfers

    * London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour your transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that simple. The Tour Operator has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
    * Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
    * You are staying at a London hotel on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
    * Flights are either booked by the Tour Operator or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
    * Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by the Tour Operator. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
    * Heathrow Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-21.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by coach. Gatwick Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-12.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by express train and coach. Transfers outside these times will be at the passengers own expense.
    * In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) the Tour Operator will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
    * No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service
    * Why not upgrade to a Hotelink transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your London hotel? (please ask your travel agent of the additional upgrade price per person when booking)
    * European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
    * Tour Operator Bonus - Passengers who book Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
    * Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through the Tour Operator providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from the Tour Operator. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
    * Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to the Tour Operator not less than 21 days before the flight departure.

Best of Greece 2009 Optional Excursions

EP80 - ARCHAEON GEFSEIS. Ancient Tastes
One cannot leave Greece without relishing what the Ancients used to savour. A unique opportunity to compliment your “Hellenic Experience”. A restaurant, which recreates the ancient Greek symposium, with all its romance and picturesque interest. Dine in a torch-lit atmosphere, on the most extraordinary dishes. Waiters in togas, archaic eating and drinking utensils, air scented by essential oils, as well as music with rhythms and sounds of antiquity are a few of the many pleasures enjoyed here.
60 (€)

EP79 - ATHENS. Traditional Greek Show Taverna Meal
This is an evening excursion to a taverna in Plaka, which is within walking distance from most of the central Athens hotels. Excellent Greek food in a lively atmosphere, entertained through dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the show does have an official ending time, clients are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)
52 (€)

EP119 - Athens. Walking tour & Dinner in Psiri
This is an evening excursion including a stroll around Acropolis at the finest pedestrian street in Athens centre and a memorable dinner in a restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many modern Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Psiri is within walking distance from Plaka area. (Casual dress)
49 (€)

EP14 - 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, there by giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
37 (€)

EP120 - Cape Sounion & Seafood Dinner
Take a relaxing drive along the Apollo coast to the southernmost point of Attica and visit the splendid 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon. The area steeped in Classical Greek history is where King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice, a 197 ft drop in to the sea below, thereby lending his name to the Aegean Sea. A unique opportunity to enjoy famous view of the temple high above the Aegean Sea! Do not forget your cameras to capture the moment. Afterwards, we will drive just a few minutes from Sounion where we will have the chance to enjoy a real Greek fish-seafood dinner in one of the most popular fish-tavernas in the area, frequented by the local people. Delicious seafood starters, Greek Salad, fish for the main course and local wine are just what we need in order to start our lovely tour in Greece.
67 (€)

EP22 - KOROPI. “Old Stables” Greek Folklore Evening
A 40 minutes drive out of Athens in small village called Koropi, situated in the wine district of Attica, is the ‘Old Stables’ Taverna. Renowned as an excellent Greek folklore taverna, also frequented by the local residents, you will dine on typical Greek food & wine, whilst enjoying a professional floorshow. And if, after a few glasses of Ouzo & wine you are over come with the desire to join in, then we’ll happily teach you a few steps! (Casual dress).
65 (€)

EP116 - Olympia by Night
Enjoy a simple evening of Greek Folk Dancing, while enjoying the fresh country air of Olympia (weather permitting). The dancers are dressed in local folk costume and perform our traditional dances, from the various regions of Greece which have been in our culture for over 150 years. While watching the show you can try the local wine and fresh fruits of the region (included). Not too late an evening and a great way to finish your day. (Casual dress).
27 (€)

EP108 - PLAKA. Greek Dinner in "Daphne's" restaurant.
Discover original Greek recipes with a touch of Chef’s inspiration in a relaxing atmosphere with soft music in a restaurant in Plaka, which is within walking distance from most of the central Athens hotels. (Evening dress).
60 (€)
Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.

Departures:
April - October

PRICES:
From approx $1,825 US per person double occupancy