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In the Land of Gods
Specially designed itineraries by our team of
experts, a Greek adventure catering to all sophisticated travelers
and offering the perfect combination of the beauties of Greece and
the wonders of ancient times, all packaged in one unique tour.
In the bluest of seas
You will never see the real treasures of the Greek
seas unless you join us on board our motor sailer cruises. Live the
Greek islands and taste the good life in Greece.
In the garden of the Gods
Crafts, folk dances and music, temples, statues, and
other monuments from every era of 3000 years old Greek civilizations
are combined to dazzle your senses. Walk these paths and gardens of
gods and let your body, mind & soul enjoy this true celebration of
life. |
|
Day 1 - Depart USA |
| Depart USA for
overnight flight to Athens. |
|
Day 2 - Athens / Alexandroupolis |
| Arrival to Athens and
proceed with local flight to Alexandroupolis. Transfer to hotel,
dinner and overnight. |
|
Day 3 - Soufli, Dadia Forest |
Visit Soufli (famous
for silk production in the traditional manner), continue to Dadia
Forest (WALKING) known as the natural habitat of the Black Eagle.
Return to Alexandroupolis for dinner and overnight. Dinner
tonight includes a selection of grilled and cooked meat
specialties.
Overnight in Thessaloniki. |
|
Day 4 - Komotini, Porto Lagos Lake, Xanthi, Kavala |
| Continue for Komotini,
a typical town of the Thrace region, located on the old Roman road
Via Egnatia, an important route from Italy to the Orient. Continue
to visit Porto Lagos Lake, a haven for endangered bird species,
where Hercules achieved one of his 12 feats. (WALKING) continue to
the beautiful city of Xanthi, visit, and drive to Kavala for
dinner and overnight. |
|
Day 5 - Kavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki |
Kavala, ancient
Neapolis, one of the most beautiful towns of Northern Greece. The
Apostle Paul came here and founded the first Christian Church in
Europe (WALKING visit). Continue to Philippi where we will visit
the ancient site. Philippi was the battleground of the battle
between Mark Anthony and Octavian against Brutus and Cassius, the
assassins of Julius Caesar.
Philippi was a very significant city in the days of King Philip
father of Alexander the Great. Visit the site as well as the
Baptistry of Lydia, where the first Christian was baptized in
Europe.
Overnight in Thessaloniki with dinner. |
|
Day 6 - Thessaloniki |
Visit of Thessaloniki,
considered the second capital of Greece, and most important city
of the Northern Greece region. Thessaloniki has a very old and
rich history. Founded in 365 BC by Cassandros and named after his
wife and sister of Alexander. The city flourished under the
Byzantine Empire and its most important buildings date from those
dates. Visit Byzantine
churches, St. Sophia, which is a replica of the one in
Constantinople, Byzantine Fortresses. WALKING. We also see the
archaeological museum which contains finds from NorthernGreece.
Dinner and overnight. |
|
Day 7 - Dion, Mt. Olympos |
Visit Dion, the
sacred city of the Macedonians at the foot of Mt. Olympus. Dion
was founded by the Kings of Macedonia as a place where worship of
the Olympian Zeus. Visit the site and continue for Mount Olympus,
home of the 12 Greek Gods. A unique WALKING experience as we take
the path that if followed all the way can take one to the top of
Mount Olympus!
Overnight in Thessaloniki with dinner. |
|
Day 8 - Edessa, Florina |
| Visit Edessa, a
picturesque town in one of the biggest fruit producing areas of
Greece. Edessa is also famous for its waterfalls! Visit the falls,
(WALKING): Continue to Florina where we will overnight with
dinner. |
|
Day 9 - Prespes Lakes, Kastoria |
Visit Prespes Lakes
which boasts an ecologically rich wetland and is home to 422
different bird species, protected as an endangered species by EEC
law. (WALKING). These 2 lakes (Great and Little Prespa) border 3
different countries. One can tour in the lake with a special
wooden boat, a local variety in style, and visit the island of St.
Ahilios where the beautiful little Byzantine chapel is located.
Continue to Kastoria, the 3rd most important city of the
Byzantine Empire (after
Constantinople and Thessaloniki). Kastoria is known for its
spectacular lake
and Byzantine Churches, especially the Panaya Koumbelidiki.
Dinner and overnight here. |
|
Day 10 - Epiros, Vikou Gorge, Ioannina |
Going on to the
Epiros region we will enjoy WALKING in the Vikou Gorge, where the
wild bear lives and is protected as an endangered species.
Continue to the city of Ioannina once the home of the famous Ali
Pasha. The city has numerous monasteries and churches from the
Byzantine period. Visit the little island in the lake of Ioannina,
a place filled with legends and ancient traditions!
Dinner and overnight in Ioannina. |
|
Day 11 - Meteora, Kalambaka |
Depart for Meteora, one of the most spectacular works of nature
and man! Among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks
which seem to be suspended in mid air, stand ageless monasteries
where you can
see specimens of Byzantine art. We visit the Large Meteoron
Monastery and the Rousanou Monastery (frescoes and icons from the
14th century) WALKING along the pathway that connects the two
monasteries.
Overnight in Kalambaka. |
|
Day 12 - Delphi |
| Continue to Delphi,
the center of the ancient world, the “omphalos” (navel) of the
earth, whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the
Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape
of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary
of Apollo Pythios. Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple
of Apollo and the museum and with about 40 minutes of WALKING in
the ancient pathway we reach the famous stadium, overnight in
Delphi. |
|
Day 13 - Olympia |
| Visit Ancient
Olympia, one of the most important cultural centers of Ancient
Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Tradition has it that
the games were held to honor the God Zeus at regular intervals of
four years or Olympiads. The contest of each Olympiad began at the
full moon following the summer solstice and athletes as well as
spectators were invited from all over Greece, Asia Minor and
Sicily. WALKING visit to other sites in Olympia town. Dinner and
overnight in Olympia. |
|
Day 14 - Mystras, Mani, Sparti |
 Mystras
considered (the Pompeii of the Byzantine Greece), a brilliant
center of the cultural renaissance of the Byzantine Empire.
WALKING tour visiting some of the most famous monasteries,
palaces, fortress.
Continue to Mani, land of proud people whose customs date back
from millennia. Visit the town of Sparti, whose history goes back
to antiquity and home of the famous Leonidas and his 300 men who
fought a desperate battle to save their homeland! Dinner and
overnight in Sparti. |
|
Day 15 - Monemvasia, Nauplia (Nafplion) |
Continue to visit
Monemvasia, unique fortress city, morning WALKING visit in this
spectacular town and depart for Nafplion.
Dinner and overnight here. |
|
Day 16 - Nafplion |
From the middle ages
to modern times Nafplion has played a vital part in the history of
Greece. WALKING visit of the Palamidi Fortress, which offers a
spectacular view of Nafplion city below.
We continue to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides, the
“city rich in gold” of the ancient poets. WALKING visit and return
to Athens for dinner and overnight. |
|
DAY 17 - Athens |
A city tour of Athens
gives one the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that
make Athens such a fascinating city. See the most significant
sites: Constitution square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial
to the Unknown Soldier, the National Library, the Evzones in their
picturesque uniforms guarding the Presidential Palace, the temple
of the Olympian Zeus and of course a visit to the Parthenon on
Acropolis Hill. Also a WALKING visit of Philopapus Hill.
Tonight a farewell dinner at the local restaurant with Greek music
and dances. |
|
Day 18 - Departure |
Transfer to the
airport for your departure flight.
|
| Day
1 - Embarkation around 15:00 (Marina Flisvos Trokadero) |
* Sail for the island of
Kythnos
* Dinner while sailing
* Arrival Kythnos and overnight (21:00) |
| Day
2 - Early morning sailing for the island of Milos (04:00) |
* Breakfast on board
* Arrival Milos (10:00)
* Lunch on board
* Overnight in Milos |
| Day
3 - Early morning sailing for the island of Santorini (06:00) |
 * Breakfast on
board
*Arrival Santorini |
| Day
4 - Sail for the island of IOS (07:00) |
* Breakfast on board
* Arrival IOS (10:00)
* Lunch on board
* Overnight in IOS |
| Day
5 - Sail for the island of Naxos or Paros (07:00 |
* Arrival Paros or Naxos
* Breakfast on board
*Lunch on board
*Overnight in Paros or Naxos |
| Day
6 - Sail for the island of Delos and Mykonos (07:00) |
 *
Breakfast on board
* Arrival Mykonos around 11:00
* Lunch on board
* Overnight in Mykonos |
| Day
7 - Early morning sailing for the island of KEA (04:00) |
* Breakfast on board
* Arrival KEA (10:00)
* Lunch on board
* Overnight in KEA |
| Day
8 - Early morning sailing in Athens (Marina Flisvos) (04:00) |
| * Arrival in Athens
around 09:00 and disembark after breakfast. |
 Greece
is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers; and in this tour we offer you
some of the best walking trails on mainland Greece!
We have combined for you beautiful scenery and natural settings, national
parks with many species of plants, birds and animals (many indigenous and
endangered species you cannot see anywhere else) , with the classical
beauty of Greek arts. However, after these most enjoyable walks, you will
be surely hungry and thirsty. Not to worry ; you are in the country of
'nectar and ambrosia". Greek food is simple and healthy. And as for Greek
wine, you are in a country that invented wine! Ancient Greece regarded
cooking as both a science and an art and wine has been part of Greek
culture from the earliest times.
Crafts, folk dances and music, temples, statues, and other monuments from
every era of 3000 years old Greek civilizations are combined to dazzle
your senses. Walk these paths and gardens of gods and let your body, mind
and soul enjoy this true celebration of life.
| Day
1 - Depart USA |
| |
| Day
2 - Athens, Alexandroupolis |
Arrive at Athens and take
a domestic flight to Alexandroupolis, a thriving resort with a
picturesque port. In the evening the promenade by the long stretch of
beach is thronged with people both visitors and locals. The town's
most prominent landmark is the large 19th century lighthouse in the
middle of the waterfront-lit up at night. Inland from promenade, is
the warren of narrow streets with shops, cobblers, goldsmiths and fish
restaurants. Explore, shop and have an "Ouzo" (greek national drink)
before dinner. Finally you are in Greece!
Dinner and overnight here. |
| Day
3 - Soufli, Dadia Forest, Alexandroupolis |
 In the
morning you will visit Soufli, a picturesque town most famous for silk
production in the traditional manner.
Continue to Evros Delta, ecologically one of Europe's most important
wetlands. Three hundred different species of birds have been recorded
here. Upstream on the Evros River we visit the Dadia Forest Reserve, a
dense pine forest which plays host to the largest range of birds of
prey in Europe. Thirty six of the 38 European species can be seen here
and it is a breeding ground for 23 of them. Permanent residents
include both the golden eagle and Europe's last 15 pairs of royal
eagles. Walk through this beautiful forest with your local expert
guide.
Return to Alexandroupolis where we will acquaint ourselves with local
Greek cuisine and wine. Overnight here. |
| Day
4 - Porto Lagos, Thessaloniki |
We depart Alexandroupolis
and take the road to Thessaloniki. On our way, we stop for a short
visit of Porto Lagos Lake, a haven for endangered birds. This is also
where Hercules achieved one of his 12 feats (walk by lagoons, pools
and marshes and enjoy another one of the Gardens of the Gods).
Continue our drive through the beautiful Thrace region, to reach our
final destination which is the beautiful city of Thessaloniki.
This evening our dinner will include special Greek delicasies which
Thessaloniki is famous for! Overnight here. |
| Day
5 - Thessaloniki |
Considered the second
capital of Greece and most important city of the Northern Greece
region, Thessaloniki is a sophisticated city with a distinct character
of its own. A flourishing cultural and commercial center, it was named
the "Cultural capital of Europe for the year 1997. Thessaloniki is a
city of long and fascinating history; it was built in 316 BC by King
Kassandros and named after his wife (Thesaloniki), the sister of
Alexander the Great.
When Macedonia became a Roman province, Thessaloniki became its
capital. The city flourished under the Byzantine Empire and its most
important buildings date from those days. We explore this great city
starting with a drive along the water front to the massive White Tower
and nearby Triumphal arch of Gallerius, built in 303 AD. We conitnue
with visit to Byzantine churches including St. Sophia which is a
replica of the one in Konstantinople (walking) and Agios Demetrios
church with its valuable mosaics and frescoes , (saint protector of
the city). We will also see the archaeological museum which contains a
collection of priceless gold jewelery including the recent finds from
the excavations of Vergina.
Dinner tonight will be at Achialos, where we will meet a most colorful
personality of the Macedonian wine world - the Zorba of the Greek
wine- Mr. Anestis Babatzimopoulos. We listen to his wonderful stories
while we enjoy fine food and wine.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
|
| Day
6 - Dion, Mt. Olympus |
Today we visit the
ancient site Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians at the foot of
Mt. Olympus. Dion was founded by the Kings of Macedonia as a place of
worship of the Olympian Zeus; its very name derives from "dios" (of
Zeus). Visit the site and continue for Mount Olympus, home of the
Greek Gods. A unique walking experience as we take the path that if
followed all the way can take us to the top of Mount Olympus (9,571
ft.) An estimated 1,700 plant species are to be found in Olympus
National Park, many of them endemic to the park.
After our walk, we take our bus for the Katsaros estate near Krania
Village. The gods of Mt. Olympus would surely choose the Katsaros
Estate grapes for their "nectar"! Sample the aromatic, robust and slow
maturing Cabernet Sauvignon, made by Dr. Katsaros (from vineyards at
an altitude of 750 m!).
Return to Thessaloniki for a special dinner and overnight.
|
| Day
7 - Edessa , Prespes, Florina |
Visit Edessa, trully a
delightful town, famous for its waterfalls that plunge down a ravine
from the town to the valley floor below. Little streams and bridges
and cool and shady parks dot the whole of Edessa which being a small
town is very easy and pleasant to discover on foot. Walking.
Continue our tour with a visit to Prespa Lakes -Megali (big) Prespa
and Mikri (little) Prespa, which boast an ecologically rich wetland
and is home to 1300 species of plants and 422 species of birds, some
of which are on the endangered list and protected by EEC laws. The
area is also one of the two last breeding refuges for the Dalmatian
Pelican, whose numbers are down to less than 1000 pairs worldwide,
with about 150 of those nesting in the Prespa Lakes region. Walk
around these beautiful secluded lakes or tour the lakes with a special
wooden boat ( a local variety in style) and visit the island of St.
Ahilios, where a beautiful little Byzantine chapel is located.
We depart Prespa Lakes and continue with a visit to the Boutaris
winery; John Boutaris, Greece's top producer and negociant, guarantees
that you will sample the region's wine at its best!
Dinner and overnight in Florina. |
| Day
8 - Kastoria , Ioannina |
 Continue
to Kastoria, the 3rd most important city of the Byzantine Empire and
certainly one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. Kastoria comes
from the Greek word "Kastoras" which means beaver; these animals used
to leave in Lake Kastoria (also known as Lake Orestiada) by which the
town stands, one of the loveliest settings in Greece. In the 17th and
18th centuries the town was famous for fur trading and its rich
merchants built beautiful mansions and estates. Another notable
feature of his town is its many Byzantine chureches. We will walk
around the lake area. The lake is fringed by reeds which are the
habitat of frogs and turtles and many species of birds. On the lake
you will see many species of water fowl and the great crested grebe.
Continue to Ioannina, the capital and largest town of Epiros. During
Ottoman rule, and especially under the reign of the famous Ali Pasha,
Ioannina became a major commercial and intellectual centre and one of
the largest and most important towns of Greece. The city has numerous
monasteries and churches from the Byzantine period. Visit the little
island in the lake of Ionnina, a place filled with legends and ancient
traditions!
Dinner and overnight in Ioannina. |
| Day
9 - Dodoni and Nekromantio |
Visit Dodoni, Epiros'
most important ancient site. An earth goddess was worshipped here as
long ago as 2000 BC. She spoke through an oracle which was reputedly
the oldest in Greece. Around 500 BC a temple to Zeus was built, of
which the foundations and a few columns still remain. The oracle was
the most important in Greece, until it was superseded by the Delphic
oracle. Besides the remains of the Sanctuary of Zeus we also see the
3rd century BC theatre (restored), the remains of the Acropolis, the
council house and a small temple dedicated to Aphrodite. Christianity
also left its mark on Dodoni, as evidenced by the remains of a 6th
century Byzantine Basilica, which was built over the remains of a
sanctuary dedicated to Hercules.
We continue to visit the Aheron River Nekreomanteion (oracle of the
dead). According to mythology. The Aheron River was the river Styx
across which the ferryman of the dead, Charon, rowed the departed
souls to the underworld. The ancients believed the Nekromanteion to be
the gate to Hades (the world of the dead) and so it became an oracle
of the dead and a sanctuary to Hades and Persephone.
Pilgrims came here with offerings of milk, honey and the blood of
sacrificed animals in the hope that the souls of the departed would
communicate with them through the oracle.
We return to Ioannina and visit the small island in the Lake of
Ioannina. This traffic-free island is a serene place to wander around.
It has four monasteries and a whitewashed village which was built in
the 17yh century . It is now a permanent home to about 90 families.
We will have a memorable dinner in a lakeside setting! Overnight in
Ioannina. |
| Day
10 - Vikos Gorge, Ioannina |
The focal point of this
region is the 10 km long Vikos Gorge. Carved by the Voidomatis River,
the sheer, deeply eroded limestone walls rise to 3,000 ft. To walk the
lengh of the Vikos Gorge is to undertake what is arguably the greatest
walk in Greece. The village of Monodendri with its maginificent views
over the gorge is the most popular start of the walk which ends at the
twin villages of either Megalo Papigko or Mikro Papigko (protected
traditional village with stone built homes). This is a paradise of
nature lovers - several birds of prey including the Egyptian vulture
are commonly seen here.
After our walk in the gorge, we return to Ioannina . We will enjoy
walking in the gorge, and is protected as an endangered species.
Return to Ioannina for a nice dinner and overnight. |
| Day
11 - Metsovo, Meteora |
We continue to the town
of Metsovo, traditionally built down a mountainside at an elevation of
1160m. Metsovo has an air of its own! Locals dressed in traditional
costumes, local handcrafts, regional cuisine, stone built mansions,
and a superb mountain setting ideal for walking! After a nice walk, we
shall taste some of the fine local cheeses and wine!
We continue our tour to Meteora, an extraordinary place! Ageless
monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures,
stand suspended between earth and sky, on top of huge granite rocks!
Many theories have been put forward as to the origin of this "rock
forest" but it remains a geological enigma.
After our visit of the monasteries and walking, we drive to Kalambaka,
a small town located very near Meteora, where we will overnight.
|
| Day
12 - Delphi |
 Drive
to Delphi, known as the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth, whose
prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic World. The
ancients considered Delphi the center of the world for according to
mythology Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and
they met here in Delphi. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a
landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the
Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the Treasury of Athenians, the
temple of Apollo and the museum. After approximately 40 minutes of
walking in the ancient pathway we reach the famous stadium, one of the
best preserved in all of Greece!
We depart Delphi, taking the road to Athens. This evening we will
enjoy marvelous farewell dinner. |
| Day
13 - Departure |
| Transfer to the Athens
airport for your departure flight. |
|
