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 Fri: Depart North America
Our 17-day journey starts today as we take our flight to Athens

Day 02 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 03 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 04 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 05 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 06 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 07 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 08 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 09 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 10 Sun: Dubrovnik
Today, full day is at leisure to relax, shop or explore on our own. (B)

Day 11 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, Split (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 Esplanada, Zagreb (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 16 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 17 depart Zagreb, Sunday
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

2008 English Speaking Departures May 16, Jun 13* & 27*, Jul 11*, Aug 22*, Sep 05 & 19, Oct 03

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Airfares from Eastern gateway cities of USA & Canada Airport taxes Accommodation as mentioned or similar Visa fees & Insurance Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Tips & Gratuities All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary   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. 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 $ 3780 • CA $ 3780 US $ 825 • CA $ 825 If you are doing your own international air, please deduct $930. * High season surcharge add $155. ** For West Coast departures add $150 on the low season and high season surcharge, if applicable.

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is included in this tour

Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast N/A Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast N/A

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and maximum averages of 20 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.