Greece - 7 Days

With well over a hundred inhabited islands and the country’s historical location as a natural bridge between Europe and the Middle East, Greece offers enough to fill months of travel. The historic sites span four millennia, encompassing both the legendary and the obscure, where a visit can still seem like a personal discovery. There are museums that shouldn't be missed, magnificent medieval mansions and castles and great ancient sites dating from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Minoan, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras.  The highlights are presented in this 7 day, 8-night itinerary.  Depart the U.S. on overnight international flight. 1st day: Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Visit the Theatre of Epidauros famous for its remarkable acoustics. As is usual for Greek theaters (as opposed to Roman ones), the view behind the skene is an integral part of the theater itself. Then proceed to the Town of Nauplion (short stop) and drive to Mycenae to the Tomb of Agamemnon. Depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnesus and the Towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games. (Dinner) 2nd day: In the morning visit the archaeological site of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, which housed the statue of Zeus, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Ancient Stadium and the archaeological museum. Drive through the plains of Iliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi. Overnight. (Dinner) 3rd day: In the morning visit Delphi's archaeological Site and the Museum. Depart for Kalambaka, a small Town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Overnight. (Dinner) 4th day: Visit Meteora with its striking scenery from the top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air. Ageless Monasteries showcase exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the plain of Thessaly and the valley of Tempi, arrive and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion. Admire also the gigantic Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods of Mythology. Afterwards, depart for Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. Dinner and overnight. 5th day: Depart in the morning for the Macedonian hinterland and the town of Kastoria, renown for its Lake and its 75 Byzantine churches. A neolithic settlement 7000 years old was discovered here and you will be able to stroll through and admire the reconstruction of the village. After Kastoria we drive to Western Macedonia and arrive in the picturesque town of Edessa. Here you can see the town’s famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then, proceed to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century b.C. villas, in situ as well as in the local Museum. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. 6th day: Thessaoloniki - the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire, was second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. Visit unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world as well as in the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded with the Council of Europe’s Museum Prize for the year 2005. Rest of the day free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city. Dinner and overnight. 7th day: Drive to Vergina, to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Philip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thebes and Thermopylae, site of a famous battle and of the death of King Leonidas of Sparta. Arrive in Athens late in the afternoon, where we say goodbye. Your overnight flight departs tonight, or choose to stay one additional night.      Departures: April 22, May 13, May 27, June 24, July 15, September 09, September 23, October 7  PRICE: from $1,400 per person TRIP INCLUDES : - Two nights accommodations in Athens on Bed & Breakfast basis – 7 days/6 nights Grand Tour of Greece on a half-board (Breakfast & dinner daily) - Accommodations in 4* superior hotels – Visits according to the program – English speaking guide – Air conditioned bus – Tickets at the sites and the museums subject to change. The archaeological sites and the museums are closed on public holidays and during the Orthodox Easter NOT INCLUDED: - International round trip airfare from U.S. - Gratuities to driver/guide  Request information or availability Other itineraries available include self-drive and tours from 3 days to 14 days. Contact us for details.