A TWO WEEK ESCORTED TOUR VISITING:
Athens, (Siros, Tinos, Santorini, Naxos, Sifnos) by a privately chartered sailing boat, Ioannina, Metsovo, Thessaloniki and Xanthi.
FEATURING A SPECIALLY CHARTERED CRUISE SHIP FOR THIS DEPARTURE ONLY
ONE DEPARTURE ONLY: APRIL, 2002
Our Spring journey “Greek Rhapsody” is a combination of Greece’s long history from ancient times, through Byzantium, to modern times. It also introduces you, by private means of transportation, to a group of Greek islands, most of which are not included in the usual 3, 4 or 7 day cruises available. This part of the Greek experience will be unique! We offer you a floating home that will carry you through this journey on the Cycladic Sea. Let’s dream of the food, the scenery, the company and the knowledge we will all share and gain. I assure you it will be much more than any dream can be. Let’s join a magical world that only Greece can offer!
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Toronto / Athens
Depart from Toronto on Olympic Airways flight to Athens.
Day 2:
Athens / Siros
Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to Piraeus to board your private sailing boat, the “Sea Crown”, a tall ship that was refurbished last year. A crew of 7 will be at your disposal at all times. The ship is air-conditioned, accommodates a maximum of 18 passengers and includes tender, water skis, windsurfers, fishing gear, snorkelling equipment, skeet shooting, TV, video and stereo. Breakfast, dinner and/or lunch are included on board (if not on shore). This evening, sail for Siros. (D)
Day 3:
Siros / Tinos
First stop will be Siros, the modern administrative, commercial and cultural centre of the Cyclades. The Hora, full of fine neoclassical buildings, old mansions, marble squares and magnificent churches, is built amphitheatrically up the hillsides around the port. The hills and the valleys produce quick changes in the scenery, alternating between cultivated fields, orchards and brush. Beautiful locations and scenic beaches sum up the island. Sail for Tinos. Shore excursion in Tinos - the holy island of the Virgin Mary. Numerous beaches can be seen from the peaks of the unending mountain range that crosses lengthwise. The dove-cotes on Tinos, made of white-washed native stone, are works of art in their own right. The island’s twenty exquisite villages are unique examples of folk architecture. This evening, sail for Delos. (B,D)
Day 4:
Delos / Santorini
This morning, stop in Delos – this ancient holy island is a vast archaeological site. For many centuries, it was the religious centre of Greece. It was the centre of the circle describing the Cyclades and the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Continue to Santorini - its geological particularities, its past, and its imposing scenery single out Santorini (Thira) in the Aegean next to the rest of the Cyclades. Bright, white, domed houses clinging to the cliff sides of the caldera formed by the volcano’s explosion in 1500 B.C. have an incredible view of Kamenes (burnt ones), the coal coloured islets in the middle. Some of the most spectacular beaches can be found on Santorini. A whole civilization comes to light at the archaeological sites of Akrotiri, the prehistoric city, and Messa Vouno, where the ruins of Ancient Thira lie. (B,D)
Day 5:
Santorini / Naxos
Morning excursion to Atlantis. Afterwards, sail for Naxos. (B,D)
Day 6:
Naxos / Sifnos
Morning excursion in Naxos - Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands. Byzantine churches and medieval towers abound. Boulders rise up from the deep blue of the sea. Fertile valleys, springs with rushing water and picturesque villages begin to give you an idea of this special place. Late this afternoon, sail for Sifnos. (B,D)
Day 7:
Sifnos / Athens
Morning excursion in Sifnos - a picturesque, amphitheatrically built, white-washed island. Grey trails line the rocks of Sifnos and white chapels lie between them. Here, green alternates with dazzling white. Rare beauty, spellbinding views. Yards, alleyways, workshops where the famous Sifnian pottery is made; 365 churches, chapels and important monasteries. This evening, sail for Athens.
Day 8:
Athens
Disembark in Piraeus this morning. Transfer to the Grande Bretagne Hotel for one nights accommodation. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Athens, through Constitution Square to Monastiraki and Plaka. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 9:
Athens / Ioannina
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ioannina. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, the Du Lac Hotel for 3 nights accommodation. In the afternoon, enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of the city. Return to the hotel and prepare for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 10:
Zagoria
Day excursion to Zagoria, one of the most picturesque village areas of Greece, central path of the “Ignatian” route, the route that flourished in Byzantine times with traders from the Middle East, targeting the Roma and Constantinopole markets. Lunch at the Monodentri Village, superb views of the Vicos Gorge. Return to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 11:
Ioannina
Free day to relax and enjoy a walking sightseeing tour of this very interesting old city. (B,D)
Day 12:
Ioannina / Metsovo
After breakfast, travel to Metsovo by bus. Arrive in Metsovo just before lunch. Check in at the Egnatia Centre in Metsovo for 2 nights accommodation; a very special place conveying the colour and history of the area. Dinner at the Centre. (B,D)
Day 13:
Metsovo
After breakfast, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this mountainous village, including Averof House, preserved as a local museum, a showcase of architecture, weaving and embroidery of the area. (B)
Day 14:
Metsovo / Thessaloniki
After breakfast this morning, drive to Thessaloniki, the capital of Macedonia. On the way, stop and visit Dion. Continue to Thessaloniki and check in at your hotel for 3 nights. An evening walking tour of the city. Also, a lecture and dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 15:
Thessaloniki / Vergina
After breakfast, you will be taken on a day excursion to Vergina, the sight of the tomb of the Macedonian King Philip, father of Alexander the Great. Return to your hotel to rest. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 16:
Thessaloniki
Full day sightseeing in Thessaloniki will include the Museum, the Old City and the churches of St. Demitri, Santa Sofia and St. Daniel. There are many interesting churches in Thessaloniki representing all periods of Byzantine Art with many beautiful mosaics. Return to the hotel. Evening at a local tavern in Panorama. (B,D)
Day 17:
Thessaloniki / Athens / Toronto
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. On arrival, you will connnect with your return flight flight to Toronto. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Price Includes: Return airfare via Olympic Airways; Transportation within Greece; Deluxe and first class hotel accommodation, incl. taxes; Private charter of the “Sea Crown” with five excursions; Breakfast daily plus lunches and dinners per itinerary; Sightseeing as outlined; Transfers and baggage handling; English-speaking guides.
Not included: Comprehensive Travel Insurance; Meals other than those specified above; Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes and alcoholic beverages.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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