FROM
GREECE & MACEDONIA TO BLED VIA THE DALMATIAN COAST A cultural tour of Greece,
Macedonia, Albania, Croatia & Slovenia
A
spectacular journey that takes us into Europe - it’s history,
archaeology, incredible architecture and vivid culture. This is a journey that
covers that part of Europe that can best lay claim to, “where it all
began….” Enjoying also the spectacular urban and rural scenery,
we go into bygone days dating back to the times of Alexander to medieval Europe
and to the Balkans where history has always been in the making.
Day 01 (SAT): Arrive Athens Welcome to Athens the capital of Greece. We are
warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Tonight
we will enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional Greek
tavern in Plaka, the old part of Athens.
Overnight: Divani Palace Acropolis, Athens (2 days)
(D)
Day 02 (SUN): Athens
Our morning’s sightseeing takes us across Athen’s
highlights. This cosmopolitan and bustling capital city
is set amidst reminders of a long and glorious past:
graceful temples, centuries-old monasteries, and ornate
Byzantine churches. Later we visit the immortal Acropolis,
the Parthenon, and the Erectheion with the Porch of
the Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Wingless
Victory. Below the Acropolis lie the ancient Agora and
the Theaters of Dionysus and Herodus Atticus. (B)
Day 03 (MON): Athens / Delphi and Kalambaka
Our first stop this morning is Delphi, where the famous
oracle foretold the destiny of men. The Temple of Apollo,
in which the oracle functioned, was built in the 6th
century B.C. Also see the Sacred Way, the Stadium and
the Castilian Fountain, where pilgrims cleansed themselves
in preparation for consulting the oracle. Visit the
Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which contains an impressive
collection of finds from the site, including the beautiful
"Bronze Charioteer," before continuing on
to Kalambaka.
Overnight: Hotel Divani, Kalambaka (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 04 (TUE): Kalambaka / Ohrid
After breakfast, admire the fantastic landscapes of
Meteora, known as "the rocks that fell from the
sky." Here monks built their rock-top monasteries,
far away from civilization. Of the 13 large and 20 small
monasteries and hermit’s cells, only 4 are now
active. The most important is Megalo or Great Meteoro,
of peculiar architecture with its tall and intricate
dome, 12 sides and fine frescoes. Continue across the
border to Macedonia, and on to Ohrid.
Overnight: Hotel Metropol, Ohrid (1 night) (B,
D)
Day
05 (WED): Ohrid / Tirana
The lakeside resort of Ohrid is an important cultural
and spiritual center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage
site. Start our morning sightseeing tour with a walk
through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Visit
the Cathedral of St. Sofia, containing some magnificent
frescoes from the 10th century. In the early afternoon,
travel to Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Overnight: Hotel Sheraton, Tirana (2 nights)
(B, D)
Day 06 (THU): Tirana
On a morning sightseeing tour, see the Skanderbeg Square,
the Mosque of Et’hem Bey, the Clock Tower, and
the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national
hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance;
and the National History Museum, with a mosaic on its
facade portraying Albanian history. Our afternoon is
free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or just
relax. (B)
Day 07 (FRI): Tirana / Dubrovnik
After breakfast, depart Tirana and travel to the town
of Shkodra, a cultural center and one of Albania’s
oldest cities. See the ruins of Rozafa Castle, set on
a hill high above the city, then cross the border into
Montenegro and on to Croatia and beautiful Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Hotel Tirena or Argosy, Dubrovnik
(3 nights) (B, D)
Day 08 (SAT): Dubrovnik
There is a walking tour of "Old Dubrovnik"
this morning; the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock,
Orlando's Column and the Sponza Palace.
You will also see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan
Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the
world. Balance of the day is free to enjoy in the resort
city of Dubrovnik. (B)
Day 09 (SUN): Dubrovnik
Today, full day is at leisure to relax, shop or explore
on our own. (B)
Day
10 (MON): Dubrovnik / Split
We travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast,
past old fishing villages and new resorts, to Split.
Enjoy a city tour featuring the historic inner city,
built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace,
a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants
of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic
structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the
Cathedral.
Overnight: Hotel President/ Atrium, Split (1
night) (B, D)
Day 11 (TUE): Split / Trogir and Plitvice Lakes
After breakfast, head to Trogir, the center of artistic
activities. Scholars from around the world gather to
study and paint here. Then, turn inland and travel to
Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival we take a
walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy
the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16
terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains
and lush vegetation.
Overnight: Hotel Jezero, Plitvice (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 12 (WED): Plitvice Lakes / Opatija, Postonja
& Bled
Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay
of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. After some
free time, journey north to Postonja, home to one of
the largest caves in Europe. Tour the fantastic subterranean
World by miniature electric train. Afterwards, continue
to Bled, beautifully set amidst the Julian Alps
Overnight: Hotel Park or Golf, Bled (2 nights)
(B, D)
Day 13 (THU): Bled
A sightseeing tour of Bled features the charming town
with the lakeshore, and imposing Bled Castle,
perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance
of the day is at leisure for optional activities, such
as visiting the small island in the middle of the lake.
(B)
Day
14 (FRI): Bled / Ljubjlana and Zagreb
Our day starts with a walking tour of Ljubljana, the
capital of Slovenia. Visit the most significant sights
of the old city centre: the picturesque Central open-air
Market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous
architect Joze Plecnik, Baroque Town Hall and Robba's
Fountain. Then, continue to Zagreb, the capital city
of Croatia.
Overnight: Hotel Regent Esplanade, Zagreb (2
nights) (B, D)
Day
15 (SAT): Zagreb
This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic
Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s
Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government
Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore
the winding streets of the old town or to take an optional
excursion with dinner into the surrounding countryside.
(B)
Day 16 (SUN): Depart Zagreb
After an interesting journey through Greece, Macedonia,
Albania, Croatia and Slovenia - 5 Balkan countries we
bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for
our departure flight. (B)
Departure
Dates
2010
English Speaking Departures May 15, Jun
12 & 26, Jul 10, Aug
21-Closed,
Sep 04 & 18 & Oct
02 - Closed
Inclusions
Tour
Price Includes
Tour
Price Does Not Include
Accommodation
as mentioned (or similar)
International
airfares / Airport taxes
Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
D=Dinner)
Visa
fees & Insurance
All
transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
Tips
& Gratuities
Services
of local English speaking guides
Entrance
fees to sites
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.
Estimated
International Airfare - International
airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada
- West Coast
N/A
USA
- West Coast
US
$ 1400
Canada
- East Coast
N/A
USA
- East Coast
US
$ 1000
Participants
This
tour operates on a minimum of 02 and average group
size of 25 participants.
Note:
This tour is not part of our small group journeys
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.
A
spectacular journey that takes us into Europe - it’s history,
archaeology, incredible architecture and vivid culture. This is a journey that
covers that part of Europe that can best lay claim to, “where it all
began….” Enjoying also the spectacular urban and rural scenery,
we go into bygone days dating back to the times of Alexander to medieval Europe
and to the Balkans where history has always been in the making. 
Day 01 (SAT): Arrive Athens
Day
05 (WED): Ohrid / Tirana 
Day
10 (MON): Dubrovnik / Split 
Day
14 (FRI): Bled / Ljubjlana and Zagreb
