BOOKING INFORMATION
October 01 - 15, 2024
$8,950 based on double occupancy
Land Only: $7,550 SIngle supplement: $1,780
Guaranteed Departure
BOOK TOURDOWNLOAD PDF OF ITINERARY
*If the tour is SOLD OUT, please contact us to be added to the waitlist.
15 days, from Tuesday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Rich history, rugged ruins, remarkable beauty await on this discovery of the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. You will discover the Hellenic heritage of Athens, tour ancient classical sites such as Delphi and set sail on a cruise of the Aegean for an exploration of the Greek Islands, and Ephesus in Turkey, where you will have time to experience the relaxed Aegean lifestyle and meet friendly locals as you discover the character and history unique to each island. Garry Burns will be your host.
Tour Cost: $8,950 from Toronto. Land Only: $7,550 Single Supplement: $1,780
October 01 - 15, 2024
Land Only: $7,550 SIngle supplement: $1,780
DOWNLOAD PDF OF ITINERARY
*If the tour is SOLD OUT, please contact us to be added to the waitlist.
Evening departure from Toronto for Athens on direct Air Canada flight AC896. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Morning arrival in Athens, where we will be met by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel for check in and time to refresh before admiring the treasures of Greece in the National Archeological Museum housing the world’s richest collection of Greek Antiquity, including the golden Mask of Agamemnon(1550-1500BC) unearthed by Heinrich Schliemann at Mycenae in1876. Nearby we ‘follow the money’ of the ancient world housed in Schliemann’s Neo-classical mansion considered to be the most magnificent private residence in 19th.C. Athens. Now the Numismatic Museum it holds a collection of over 500,000 coins, medals, gems, weights, stamps and related artefacts from 1400BC to modern times. The afternoon is free to explore Athens’ historic Orthodox churches and busy shopping district around your hotel. Hotel Amelia Athens
Breakfast is followed by a day of sightseeing in Athens. We come face to face with to one of the greatest heroes of Greece, Alexander the Great by way of his portrait bust in the recently built Acropolis Museum before ascending to the Acropolis and the full splendour of 5th-century BCE Athens. Making our way through the Propolaea Gateway, we pass by the Temple of Athena Nike (Victory) to reach the Parthenon and Erechtheon. Upon descent, we stop by the Areopagus (“Hill of Ares") with the text of Paul's famous sermon inscribed on a plaque at its foot. In the Ancient Agora of Athens, we find the temple of Hephestos and the reconstructed Stoa of King Attalos where among its many activities ancient philosophers counselled and taught. Just beyond are the remnants of Roman emperor Hadrian’s impressive library and the Horologium. Time for some refreshment under the shadow of the Acropolis in the oldest area of Athens with interesting curio shops, restaurants and cafes. Returning to our hotel only a stone’s throw away from Syntagma square in the center of modern Athens we see the Greek Parliament Building with its famous guards. In the late afternoon let’s learn how to cook a traditional Greek dinner during a small-group cooking class then keep the recipes to recreate a taste of Greece at home. Dinner and Greek wine are included; menus for vegetarians are available. Hotel Amelia Athens
Get ready for an unforgettable journey
along the stunning Saronic Gulf coastal road! You'll be amazed by the Corinth
Canal and Old Corinth before arriving at Epidaurus, where you can experience
one of history's most incredible acoustic wonders in a 4th-century BCE theatre.
After that, we're off to Nauplion for a quick stopover before heading towards
Mycenae - home to Europe's earliest civilization. Legend has it that King
Agamemnon led his Greek warriors from this very place into battle against Troy;
here you have the chance to visit both his tomb and archaeological site
yourself! Return to Athens in the late afternoon.
A leisurely morning followed by departure from the hotel to Piraeus port to embark on your idyllic Aegean cruise with Celestyal Cruise Lines. Your cruise will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, select beverages with meals, entertainment and daily activities. Sail away is at 5:00PM.
Thessaloniki is easy to fall in love with, it has beauty, history, culture, and a remarkable cuisine. Evidence of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains, especially around Ano Poli, the upper town. The ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius’ 4th-century palace include the Rotunda that has been both a church and a mosque. Half day excursion focusing on the Royal Tombs of Vergina included. Arrive in Thessaloniki at 10:00AM and depart at 7:00PM
Shore excursion to Ephesus is included. Enter the ancient ruins of Ephesus and walk in the footsteps of Christian emissaries including the apostle Paul and John. Ephesus was a pivotal centre of commerce and spirituality in its heyday and remains one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Arrive in Kusadasi (Ephesus) at 1:00PM and depart at 9:00PM.
Historical facts and Greek mythology intertwine at the mysterious Palace of Knossos. Whilst it is known that King Minos did exist, the notorious half-man half-beast said to roam the palace’s famous labyrinth is a product of imagination. As you venture through this incredible open-air museum, crowned upon a hilltop looking out across the shimmering Aegean, it’s clear to see how the oldest city in western Europe inspired one of Greek mythologies most awe- inspiring legends. The long winding roads of Crete’s most important site gradually exposes the fascinating art and architecture of the Minoan civilization and provides you with a fascinating insight into a world that was forgotten for almost 3500 years. A visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos is included. Arrive in Heraklion, Crete at 8:00AM and depart 7:00PM
The charming coastal village of Oia is widely considered to be Santorini’s jewel attraction. The traditional village of Oia boasts an unmistakable Cycladic style of architecture, and a labyrinth of interesting shops, cafes, bars and art galleries that are worth exploring during your free time. Santorini’s famous caldera offers spectacular vistas. From the prime clifftop location, it’s possible to admire the island’s capital Fira and the cluster of islands which includes Thirassia, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. No group visit today. An xxcursion to Oia is included. Arrive Santorini at 7:00AM and depart at 12:00AM (October 10).
This island was named after the fabled hero, Mykonos. He was the son of Anios, King of Delos, who was born to god Apollo and the nymph Reo. According to the myth, this is the place where the giants slain by Hercules were buried and that is why the island is strewn with big rocks. Chora, the island’s capital, is a typical town of the Cyclades that will impress you with its sheer beauty and style. Walk along its narrow backstreets; see the little whitewashed houses with iconic, blue-coloured window frames and small, wooden balconies; the pots of colourful fragrant flowers; and the little churches. While in historic Chora you may want to visit the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Collection of Mykonos, go for a stroll in the picturesque harbour area, or peruse the busy shops and cafes that line the streets - your options are many. No shore excursions included today. Arrive Mykonos at 8:00AM and depart 2:00AM
In Milos visit the Roman amphitheater and historic mining museum’s presentation of the rich geological and mining history of the island. The awe-inspiring Milos Bay leads to Sarakiniko Beach where you will be mesmerized by the lunar-like terrain of other-worldly rocks and caves. It is easy to see why this is the most photographed spot in the Cyclades. Wrap up the day in the charming capital, Plaka, where you can explore the artisanal shops and quirky cafes tucked in the narrow arteries of cobbled alleyways. Half day shore excursion of the island included. Arrive Milos at 9:00AM and depart at 7:00PM.
Arrival in Pireus at 7:00AM. Disembark the ship and depart for Delphi and Kalambaka. Experience the awe-inspiring power of history at Delphi's archaeological site, where you can explore the hallowed Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and marvel at priceless art treasures like the exquisite 5th-century Charioteer statue. Then journey to Kalambaka, a small town nestled beneath Meteora's towering stone pillars and monasteries - an astonishing complex that will leave you breathless with excitement! Dinner and overnight Kalambaka.
Breakfast followed by a transfer to the airport for your departure to Toronto on direct Air Canada flight AC897.
- Accommodation based on double occupancy – (single room supplement at additional cost) - Meals: Breakfast and lunch or dinner on all but one day (October 13) during the land tour, as outlined in the itinerary. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily during the cruise. - Overland transportation throughout the land tour, including airport transfers. - Seven-night cruise in Category XB (outside) cabin. Cruise line Celestyal Cruises. - All visits and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, including admission to sights mentioned in the itinerary. - Shore excursions as mentioned in the itinerary. - Select drinks with meals on the cruise. - Entertainment and daily activities during the cruise. - Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and cruise staff. - Hotel taxes and gratuities. - Pauwels Travel Host
- All expenses of a personal nature. - Beverages with lunch/dinner, but mineral water will be included during excursions as well as select beverages during the cruise. - Optional Travel insurance. Please contact the office for rates.
