THE WONDERS OF GREECE
A cultural tour of 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. This tour, starting from Kusadasi (Ephesus) in Turkey, allows you to combine this journeys with our Discover Asia Minor – another journey that covers the history of Europe at it’s best.

DAY 1 WEDNESDAY-ATHENS ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Stanley (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 to see the Sanctuary of Asclepeios, dedicated to the god of healing. We visit 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 remains of the pre-historic citadel fortified with the cyclopean walls, the Lionesses' Gate, the Mycenaean Palace and the Tomb of Agamemnon. We then continue to Olympia, drive to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the most important Sanctuary of Zeus.
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 by car-ferry to Antirrion. Driving through Nafpaktos, we arrive in Delphi, the Sanctuary of Apollo, home of the oracle. Check into the hotel.
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. After our visit, we see below the road the ruins of the gymnasium and of the Temple of Athena Pronoia with the famous 4thth c. BC Tholos. We then 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. (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.
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.
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 and especially the museum, which displays sculptures, relief and mosaics of Classical and Hellenistic times. Then we drive on to Vergina. Here we visit the most important tomb ever discovered--that of Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great; this tends to conform to the hypothesis that Vergina is the ancient Aigai, the first capital of Macedonia. Here we see the fabulous findings from the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Return to Thessaloniki passing by Berea (Acts 17:11) where the Apostle Paul arrived, and according to his custom went to the synagogue where, to his pleasant surprise, he discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessalonica. We see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. According to the local tradition, it was at this place where he stood and delivered his sermons (Acts 17:10-11). (B, D)

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY: THESSALONIKI- ATHENS
After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki before 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.
Overnight: Hotel Stanley (2 nights) (B)

DAY 9: THURSDAY: ATHENS CITY TOUR
In the morning we will be picked up from our hotel for our tour of Athens. Our tour begins with 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. Our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, Panathenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Academy, the University and the National Library. The rest of the day at leisure. (B)

DAY 10: FRIDAY TRANSFER TO PIRAEUS
At 8:30 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 11:00 a.m. In the afternoon (6:00 p.m.), call at Mykonos. It 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: Golden Star Cruise – inside D category (3 nights) (B, L, D)

DAY 11: SATURDAY: KUSADASI (EPHESUS), TURKEY – PATMOS, GREECE
At 9:00 a.m. we embark on the cruise ship in Kusadasi, We set sail for Patmos Greece at noon. At 4:00 p.m. we arrive at this beautiful mysterious rocky island in the Dodecanese, 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. Here we have an optional tour to visit the Monastery & Grotto and 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) where our optional excursion takes us from the lively bustling city to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, legendary home of the Minotaur (half bull and half man). Sail for Santorini at 11:30 a.m., where we arrive at 4:30 p.m. Take 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. 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)

---

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures May 14, Jun 11, Sep 03 & 18 Please see the Note for other information.

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned or similar Meals as mentioned (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) Golden Star Cruise (D cabin, inside category on full board starting with lunch and ending with breakfast). 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. Visa Support as required International Airfare Departure Taxes Travel Insurances Visa Fees Drinks/Beverages with meals Optional shore-excursion during the cruise. Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 US $ 3495 • CA $ 3495 US $ 1125 • CA $ 1125

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1800 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1600 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.

Notes

The above tour can also be done departing from Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey on May 10, Jun 07, Aug 30, Sep 13 & 27 and ending in Athens (13 days). The tour cost will be increased by $310.00 extra per person.

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.