DAY 2 – ATHENS AT LEISURE. Welcome to Athens, ‘City of the Gods’, and the cradle of European civilization! There’s so much in Greece to delight you, and this Insight tour makes sure you don’t miss any of it. You are met at the airport and transferred to your tour hotel for a two night stay. Then there is time to relax or explore this ancient and thriving city. Later enjoy a Welcome Drink to get to know your fellow travelers and Insight Representative.(D)

DAY 3 – ATHENS SIGHTSEEING. All the glories of Athens are on display on your sightseeing tour this morning. Visit to the Acropolis, the mighty rock formation standing 230 feet above the city and still dominating the frantic bustle of modern Athens with its serene presence. On top of the Acropolis is the Parthenon, built to house the long vanished statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos, and still amazing in its grace, despite the ravages of time and the loss of the Elgin Marbles. You also see the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian’s Arch - a magnificent list of treasures from the Classical age. This evening, why not join your fellow guests for a night of traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere, accompanied by dancing and music? (BB)

DAY 4 – ATHENS – OLYMPIA. Leave Athens to follow the shores of the Saronic Gulf to the breathtaking Corinth Canal, begun in the 1st century BC by the emperor Nero but not completed until the 19th century - an amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Now on to the ancient ruined city of Mycenae, its 3000 year old monuments only discovered in 1874 by the controversial archaeologist Schliemann. Walk through the Lion Gate and see the giant Cyclopean stones which were used to build the city walls. Visit the royal 'beehive' tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure and hear tales of Agamemnon (hacked to death in his bath by his wife Klytemnestra!). Heading west, a delightful drive takes you through the Arcadia Mountains to arrive at Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – OLYMPIA – DELPHI. In Olympia this morning, see the Olympic Stadium where the original games were first held in 776BC, plus the athletes’ gymnasium and the city’s ancient temples. Then, heading north, reach Patras on the tip of the Peloponnese and set sail for the mainland. Follow the coast road before climbing into the foothills of Mount Parnassus. With its elevated site on the slopes of a mountain terrace and dwarfed on either side by the ominous crags of Parnassus, it’s easy to see why the ancients believed Delphi to be the centre of the universe. Ascend the Sacred Way, once lined with offertory temples and statues to the honour of Apollo. See the splendid Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians which has been recreated by modern archeologists, (though without the riches that once filled it!) Pass the superb Polygonal Wall, its stones so perfectly fitted together that even thousands of years have not harmed it. Now you approach the legendary Temple of Apollo itself, where the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words’. Stay overnight in your hotel in the centre of Delphi. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA. Leave Delphi and head north into the heart of Greece, crossing fertile Thessaly, once described as the ‘bread basket of ancient Greece’. You pass the market town of Trikala, famous in ancient times for its sanctuary to Asklepios. Your destination is the amazing monasteries known as Metéora, which means ‘in the air’, incredibly perched on top of pinnacles of rock. Visit one of the monasteries and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley and Pindos Mountains, before continuing to your hotel in nearby Kalambaka. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – KALAMBAKA – ATHENS. This morning enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to the pass at Thermopylae, famous for its heroic defence by Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. In 480BC, this was the main route from Thessaly into Southern Greece. Over several days, Leonidas and his 8,000 Greek soldiers held out to the very last man against a great invading army of Persians, believed to be some 30,000 strong. Return to Athens for your final night in this fascinating city. Perhaps round off your tour with a celebration Greek style dinner at a local Taverna?(BB)

DAY 8 – RETURN TO USA. Sadly, your tour comes to an end today. Perhaps time to buy those last minute souvenirs before transferring to Athens airport for your onward flight. (BB)       

OR

for those not yet ready to return home, extend your tour with a 4-day cruise to the Greek Isles...

OPTIONAL CRUISE EXTENSION TO EXPLORE THE GREEK ISLES

DAY 8 – CRUISING – MYKONOS. Board yourcruise ship and set sail for the lovely island of Mykonos with its dazzling sugarcube houses and white-washed windmills. Shop in the narrow lanes of the town or sit alfresco at one of the welcoming tavernas. (BB,L,D,S)

DAY 9 – CRUISING – PATMOS. Dock at the Turkish port of Kusadasi where you have the option of visiting the ancient ruins of Ephesus. (Shore excursions are bookable on board.) Sail to the island of Patmos, where St John wrote the Book of Revelations. Enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment. (BB,L,HD,S)

DAY 10 – CRUISING – RHODES. Enjoy a full day on Rhodes, former fortified headquarters of the crusaders. Explore the Old City or stroll along the beautiful beaches. Meet the Captain at dinner tonight. (BB,L,D,S)

DAY 11 – CRUISING – SANTORINI. Sail to Heraklion on the island of Crete, the site of the ruins of King Minos’ Palace of Knossos. Later continue to the sheer cliffs of Santorini. Experience the island’s capital of Thira, with it's clifftop restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. (BB,L,D,S)

DAY 12 – ATHENS. Disembark and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure to explore at your own pace. (BB)

DAY 13 – ATHENS Leisurely day to explore Athens on your own.

DAY 14 – RETURN TO USA. The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)

Free Information Session:

 November 10 & November 30

 5:30 pm - 7:30

 Santa Cruz Chamber Office, 611 Ocean Street, Ste 1 (inside the University Inn)

For more information or to register call Linda at 831.427.5000 or email linda@pacificharbortravel.com

Greece package price:  $2185.00*

Taxes & Fuel surcharge  estimted at     $395.00

(SINGLE SUPPLEMENT     $400.00)

Greece w/cruise package price:  $3089.00*

Taxes & Fuel surcharge  estimted at     $395.00

(SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOT AVAILABLE)

Cabin upgrades available (contact Linda for prices)

Courtesy airport transfer from/to Santa Cruz provided at set times

*Price per person, double occupancy including airfare roundtrip from
San Francisco.  Cruise based on double cabin standard inside, including port taxes & crew gratuities.   Terms and Conditions apply. (Note: Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change.)

Santa Cruz Chamber Travel CST#2092670-40

Many of the images used are Copyrighted by Historylink101.com & found at Greek Picture Gallery.