Best of Greece - By Trafalgar

Greece has been a major tourist destination and attraction in Europe since the 1970s for its rich culture and history, which is reflected in large part by its 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among the most in Europe and the world as well as for its long coastline, many islands, and beaches.

Day 1

Welcome to AthensPut the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink.

Day 2

Explore Amazing AthensJoin your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, peoplewatch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki - the choice is yours.

Day 3

Journey to Corinth, Mycenae and NafplionWe depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.

Day 4

Continue to Ancient OlympiaWe traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karambellas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.

Day 5

Onwards to Patras and DelphiWe join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for the night.

Day 6

Off to Thermopylae and KalambakaTread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'breadbasket of Greece', then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.

Day 7

Admire Meteora and Return to AthensThe UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.

Day 8

Farewell AthensWe say a fond farewell to our newfound friends and the treasures of Greece after an unforgettable journey.

Overview

Greece, located in southeastern Europe, is a country steeped in history, mythology, and culture. It is known for its ancient ruins, stunning islands, beautiful beaches, and delectable cuisine. Greece holds a special place in world history as the cradle of Western civilization and has numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Greece has to offer Ancient Ruins, Mythology and Archaeology, Island Paradises, Delightful Cuisine, Charming Villages, Gorgeous Coastlines, Cosmopolitan Cities, Natural Beauty, Greek Hospitality.

Policy

Inclusions

What your tour price includes?

GREECE

Athens:

Guided city tour of Athens
Visit to Acropolis and the Museum

Mykonos:

Orientation Tour of Mykonos

Santorini:

Half Day Santorini Island Tour
Stunning 360° views of Santorini from Prophet Elias Monastery
Visit beautiful villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori
Visit the most picturesque Oia village and watch the spectacular Sunset

Istanbul:

View of the Golden Horn
Visit Spice Bazaar
Boat ride on the Bosphorous
Visit Hippodrome
Visit Blue Mosque
Visit Hagia Sophia
Visit Dolmabahce Palace
Free time at Grand Bazaar
Free time at Taksim Square
Free time at Istiklal Street

Cappadocia:

Visit Monks Valley
Free Jeep Safari Tour
Free Cave Hotel upgrade
Photostop at Devrent Valley & Pigeons Valley
Visit Turkish pottery at Avanos (Red River)
Visit Goreme Open Air Museum (Rock Churches)
Esentepe – Panaromic View of Cappadocia
Photo stop at Uchisar Castle
Kaymakli Underground city

Pamukkale:

Visit Hierapolis & Cotton Castle
Experience bath at a Mud Pool

Kusadasi:

Kusadasi Panoramic City Tour
Visit the Unesco World Heritage site of the Ruins of Ephesus
Visit the House of Virgin Mary

Return economy class group airfare as per the itinerary.
All local taxes and services as of 5th January, 2023.
Cost of Visa and Medical Insurance for the duration of the tour.
Sightseeing and accommodation as per the above mentioned itinerary
All transfers and extensive excursions with entrance fees (as specified in the itinerary) by a deluxe air conditioned coach.
Services of a professional, friendly and multilingual Tour Manager or a local Representative. (Subject to minimum 15 customers).

Exclusions

What your tour price does not include?

If you wish to travel in advance i.e., before the published departure date as mentioned in the brochure or like to come back on a later date after the tour ends, there will be an additional charge that will be applicable (subject to availability of seats for the given dates & ticket validity) which will be advised to you by our sales staff / travel agent. Kindly note, the deviation will be actioned only 30 Days prior to departure date.
Tipping is expected from anyone providing your service e.g. Coach Driver, Local Guides, Hotel & Restaurant staff etc. It is mandatory to tip a nominal amount of Euro 4 per person/per day. For the entire duration of this tour which is 15 Days, the total Tips amount is Euro 60 per person to be paid to the Tour Manager on Day 01 of the tour.
Cost of Basic Travel Quota equivalent to USD 250,000.
Any increase in the airfare charged by the airline on your air ticket (presently calculated as of 5th January, 2023 )
Government Taxes as applicable are extra.
The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
No porterage included.
Any expenses of personal nature such as porterage, laundry expenses, wines, mineral water, food and drink not in the regular menu provided by us, minibar, telephone calls, etc.
Meals other than that what is mentioned in your itinerary.
Cost of excursions, city sightseeing, entrance fees and local guides availed of by the passengers, other than that mentioned in your itinerary.
Cost of Suggested Excursions.