PRE - SACRED TREASURES OF GREECE

Code: pirl07

PLEASE NOTE: This is an extensive 2 day program that covers a lot of ground by luxury coach, there is a lot of driving involved but guests will have this unique opportunity to visit two of the most precious and sacred sites which lie in the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of Northern Greece.

DAY 1

Upon arrival to the Athens International airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the centre of Athens, where you will have some time to relax before departing in the late afternoon for your guided tour of Athens. The official check-in time is 10:15am.

*You will need to be at the hotel no later than 4:00pm in order to partake in the afternoon tour.

Visit the breathtaking Acropolis Museum; the impressive building was completed and opened in 2009 and has an exhibition space of more than 14,000 square meters. Thanks to its particular architecture and the huge window fronts, you will get the impression to cross the ancient settlements on the slopes of the Acropolis.

Take a stroll through the enchanting, traditional streets of Plaka, the colorful old quarter of Athens rich of neoclassical, ancient monuments and Byzantine Churches as the sunsets in the city you will enjoy your traditional Greek dinner before returning to your hotel.

DAY 2

The next day enjoy your American breakfast and board your coach heading to Delphi. The beautiful drive into the land of central Greece will bring you to the magnificent site of Delphi.

Delphi was considered by the ancients to be the physical and spiritual centers of the earth. This shrine of Apollo, set nearly 2.000 feet up on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Here was the most respected oracle of antiquity. Even the most intelligent men, who lived during the brilliant civilization of Athens, believed implicitly in the responses of the god. These were given by the inspired priestess, the Pythia, and were interpreted, usually with an ambiguous touch, by the priests. Delphi grew fabulously rich with offerings, and though they have almost all disappeared now, you can admire the ruins and try to picture it as it was during its 1.000 prestigious years.

Walk up the Sacred Way past the beautiful small Treasuries to the Temple of Apollo, location of the oracle; continue to the Museum with its superb collection of votive offerings and statues, including the world famous Charioteer. A traditional country lunch will be offered at the nearby village of Arachova. After lunch you will board your coach and commence the drive to the town of Kalambaka, after check-in your dinner will be served at the hotel and the evening will be at your leisure. Kalamaba is the picturesque town that sits at the foot of Meteora. After check-in your dinner will be served at the hotel and the evening will be at your leisure.

DAY 3

After breakfast you will board your coach for the visit of the Meteora Monasteries, admire the extraordinary rocks of Meteora which were formed as a result of the force of the nature and they appear to be suspended in the sky, crested with the celebrated monasteries. Today only six monasteries are inhabited, two of which have become nunneries. You are invited to delve into two of these remarkable phenomena, seemingly floating in the sky and serving as an example of the post-Byzantine era.

After the visit of the Monasteries you will commence your drive to the port of Piraeus in order to board your vessel for your cruise.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The timings indicated are only approximate, and are given here for general reference purposes and are subject to change.

EXTRA NIGHTS: Should you book any extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met per the flight details provided and transferred to the Divani Caravel Hotel. Note that check in time is 2:00pm. Kindly ensure that the cruise line has your most up to date flight details.

DAY 1

Arrive at the Athens International airport

Transfer to the hotel

10:15am Check in - Time at leisure

4:30pm Depart hotel for Panoramic drive of Athens to the Museum of Acropolis

5:00pm Guided visit of the New Acropolis Museum - Restrooms at the Museum

6:30pm Depart for dinner in Plaka area

6:45pm Return to the hotel

Evening at leisure

Overnight at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel

8:00am Depart hotel to Delphi

10:00am Restroom stop in Livadia

10:15am Arrive in Delphi

10:45am Guided visit of the Site and Museum - Restrooms on site

1:00pm Depart for Lunch venue in Arachova - Restrooms at the lunch venue

1:15pm Lunch

2:15pm Depart for Kalambaka

Dinner and overnight

Overnight at the Amalia Hotel or similar

DAY 3

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel

8:45am Depart hotel for Meteora, Visit Monasteries

11:00am Depart for the Port of Piraeus comfort stop and quick lunch included.

4:45pm Board your ship in Piraeus

Important Note: The Acropolis Museum is closed on Mondays therefore should your visit in Athens fall on a Monday, you will visit the site of the Acropolis instead.

The Monasteries scheduled to visit are:

The Monastery of the Great Meteron "Megalo Meteoro" (closed on Tuesdays)

The Nunnery of St. Stefanos "Agiou Stefanou" (closed on Mondays)

We will substitute a monastery that is closed with the: Moni Varlaam (closed on Thursdays)

Expected Weather: Sunny

What to Bring: Sunglasses, Hat, Comfortable walking shoes. Dress code is applicable at the Meteora Monasteries (knees and shoulders must be covered for the females)

Currency: EURO

Electricity: 220V

Luggage: Additional Luggage can be stored in the Hotel in Athens or it can travel with you on the coach.

Documents and Visa Requirements: Passport is required

Accommodation - We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards.

Athens:

Divani Caravel Hotel or similar

Vassileos Alexandrou Av., 2, Athens

Tel: +30 210 720 7000

Kalambaka:

Amalia Hotel or similar

Theopetra, Kalambaka

422 00, Greece

Tel.: +30 2432 072 216

Program Includes for guests:

Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Athens

Deluxe Chartered Coach,

Professional and fully qualified English speaking guide,

Accommodation in Athens at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar (standard double room)

Accommodation in Kalambaka at the Amalia Hotel or similar (standard double room)2 dinners

Lunch in Delphi and at Lamia

Entrance fees to all sites visited (Acropolis Museum, Arch. Site & Museum of Delphi & Meteora Monasteries)

All applicable taxes

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the most current and updated arrival information so your transfer can be arranged. Should you book any additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided.

Program Excludes for guests: Gratuities for Guide and Driver, any meals not listed above, personal expenses and hotel incidentals

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

PRE - SACRED TREASURES OF GREECE
Price: $999.00 per guest based on double occupancy.

PRE - SACRED TREASURES OF GREECE (Concierge-Level Suites and Above Only)
Price: $949.00 per guest based on double occupancy.