Grand Tour Of Greece

GRAND TOUR OF GREECE

Athens – Mycenae – Olympia – Delphi – Meteora – Thessaloniki – Naoussa – Vergina – Edessa

– from $1590 per person in double occupancy-

Departures:  Sep 9, 23 / Oct 7  / Duration: 7 days – 6 nights

Day 4: Kalambaka – Mount Olympos – Thessaloniki
Breakfast at Hotel. Visit the Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki,the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. Dinner and overnight in Thessaliniki.

Day 5: Thessaloniki
Breakfast at Hotel. In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, 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 in Thessaloniki.

Day 6: Thessaloniki – Naoussa – Vergina – Veria – Thessaloniki
Breakfast at Hotel. Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town’s famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle’s School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul’s Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area. A walk in a city where past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 7: Thessaloniki – Athens 
Breakfast at Hotel. Drive 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 new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas’ Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.

Price per person in CAD$ in double occupancy:

First Class (4*): $1590

HOTELS (or similar):
Olympia – Hotel ARTY GRAND 4*
Delphi – Hotel AMALIA 4*
Kalambaka – Hotel AMALIA 4*
Thessaloniki – Hotel MEDITERRANEAN PALACE 4*

INCLUDED:

• 6 nights accommodation in double occupancy – hotels 4* (Olympia – 1 night, Delphi – 1 night, Kalambaka – 1 night, Thessaloniki – 3 nights)
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
• Pick-up service from most of hotels in Athens
• Meals as per itinerary (6 x Breakfast, & 6 x Dinner)
• Sightseeing as per itinerary