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 10-day Wonders of Greece has been specifically tailored to bring out the different wonders that Greece is all about.

DAY 1 WEDNESDAY-ATHENS ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival a private taxi will transfer to the hotel for check in and overnight.   Check in time starts from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Hotel Herodion or similar (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 and visit the archaeological site and 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 archaeological site. We then drive to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the most important Sanctuary of Zeus. Upon arrival check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
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 the channel to Antirion on the “state of the art” new suspended bridge considered to be the longest and most modern in Europe.  We arrive in Nafpaktos, and continue to Delphi, the Sanctuary of Apollo and home of the oracle.  Check into the hotel for dinner and overnight
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.  We then proceed to 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. Dinner and overnight 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kalambaka
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 for dinner and overnight.
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. We then drive on to Vergina to visit the most important tomb ever discovered; that of King Philip II and the famous “Vergina treasures” On to Lefkadia where you visit the excavations and return to Thessaloniki via Berea for Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, D)

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY: THESSALONIKI- ATHENS
After breakfast at the hotel, 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. Check into the hotel for overnight.
Overnight: Hotel Herodion or similar (2 nights) (B) 

DAY 9: THURSDAY: ATHENS CITY TOUR
In the morning we enjoy a tour of Athens, combining most of the city’s modern and classical sights. This tour includes an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square, The Panathenaikon Stadium, and site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896. See views of the government buildings and elegant homes. Drive alongPanepistimiou Avenue and view theCatholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia Square. In contrast, visit the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus and the crowning beauty of ancient Athens, the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheum with its porch of maidens.  We enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

DAY 10: FRIDAY: DEPART ATHENS
This morning you will be transferred to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for your departure flight.   Check out time is by 1100 hrs.  (B)

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Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Please call for details - 1-800-663-0844 / 1-604-264-7378
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned or similar Meals as mentioned (B-breakfast, D-dinner) Sightseeing and transfers mentioned by seat-in-coach. Services of local English speaking guides. Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary. Any airfares Insurance & Visas Tips & Grauities
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 Please call for details - 1-800-663-0844 / 1-604-264-7378
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1300 USA - West Coast US $ 1100 Canada - East Coast US $ 1100 USA - East Coast US $ 900
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.
Notes
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.