Enjoy the unique opportunity to visit two of the most precious and sacred sites which lie in the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of Northern Greece.
NOTE: This is an extensive 4-day program that covers a lot of ground both on foot and by luxury coach. There is a lot of driving involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties due to the amount of walking, steps and uneven ground.
DAY 1
Upon disembarkation from your ship, board your coach for the scenic drive to Delphi. This beautiful drive into the land of central Greece will bring you to the magnificent site of Delphi.
Delphi was considered by the ancients to be the physical and spiritual centers of the earth. This shrine of Apollo set nearly 2.000 feet up on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Here was the most respected oracle of antiquity. Even the most intelligent men, who lived during the brilliant civilization of Athens, believed implicitly in the responses of the god. These were given by the inspired priestess, the Pythia, and were interpreted, usually with an ambiguous touch, by the priests. Delphi grew fabulously rich with offerings, and though they have almost all disappeared now, you can admire the ruins and try to picture it as it was during its 1.000 prestigious years.
Walk up the Sacred Way past the beautiful small Treasuries to the Temple of Apollo, location of the oracle; continue to the Museum with its superb collection of votive offerings and statues, including the world-famous Charioteer. A traditional country lunch will be offered at the nearby village of Arachova.
Following lunch, you will board your coach and commence the drive to the town of Kalambaka. Kalamaba is the picturesque town that sits at the foot of Meteora. After checking in to the hotel, dinner will be served, and the evening will be at your leisure.
Overnight at the Divani Meteora Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
After breakfast, you will check-out of the hotel and board your coach for the visit of the Meteora Monasteries. Admire the extraordinary rocks of Meteora which were formed as a result of the force of the nature and they appear to be suspended in the sky, crested with the celebrated monasteries. Today only six monasteries are inhabited, two of which have become nunneries. You are invited to delve into two of these remarkable phenomena, seemingly floating in the sky and serving as an example of the post-Byzantine era.
NOTE: Scheduled visits are for the Monastery of the Great Meteoron “Megalo Meteoro” and The Nunnery of St. Stefanos “Agiou Stefanou”. Should one be closed it will be substituted with Moni Varlaam.
Steps vary from one to the other - The Monastery of the Great Meteoron has approximately 200 steps, St.Stefanos Monastery has approximately 10 steps and Moni Varlaam has approximately 80 steps. Coaches are able to drop off guests approximately 300- 500 feet from each Monastery.
After the visit of the Monasteries, you will commence your drive to Athens. A lunch stop will be made along the way. Arriving in Athens, you will proceed directly to your hotel for check-in.
In the evening you will be met by your guide and you will transfer to the picturesque Mikrolimano area in Piraeus where you will dine at Varoulko Restaurant. Lefteris Lazarou, Greece’s top-awarded Michelin Star Chef, created the restaurant’s menu so you will not be disappointed in this fantastic dining experience.
Overnight at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar hotel.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at your hotel, begin your day with a visit to the famous site of the Acropolis. En route you will drive by Constitution Square, the House of Parliament, the Neo-Classical style university buildings, the Royal Palace and the Old Olympic Stadium of Athens.
Arriving at the foot of the Acropolis, one of the most photographed ancient monuments in the world, you will set off with your group on a walking tour to the top. Your guide will stop along the way to brief you on its history. Once you get to the top you will have some free time to explore and take photographs. Admire the ancient temples of Athena Nike and the towering Parthenon, as well as the gorgeous view of the city of Athens below.
Note: Expect high temperatures in the summer months and heavy crowds. There are upwards of 100 or more un-even steps to get to the top of the monument. There is handrail in some spots but not all. Those not wishing to venture to the top can remain at the bottom and wait for the group to return. At the top the ground is uneven. Large bags are not permitted here and will need to be left on the tour bus.
Next you will visit the breathtaking Acropolis Museum – an impressive building that was completed and opened in 2009 and has an exhibition space of more than 14,000 square meters. It houses every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens.
Following your visit of the museum, take a stroll with your group through the enchanting, traditional streets of Plaka, the colorful old quarter of Athens, rich in neoclassical, ancient monuments and Byzantine Churches. Here in the Plaka, you will have a traditional Greek lunch before returning to your hotel where you will have some free time. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
Overnight at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar hotel.
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Check out is 2:00pm. You will be transferred to the Athens International Airport per your flight schedule.
Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
7:30am Disembarkation at Piraeus port
8:00am Depart hotel to Delphi
10:00am Restroom stop in Livadia
10:15am Arrive in Delphi
10:45am Guided visit of the Site and Museum – Restrooms on site
1:00pm Depart for Lunch venue in Arachova – Restrooms at the lunch venue
1:15pm Lunch
2:15pm Depart for Kalambaka
6:30pm Arrive in Kalambaka
Check-in and dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Divani Meteora Hotel or similar
DAY 2
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Depart for Meteora Monasteries, visit Monasteries
11:00am Depart for Athens, comfort stop & lunch en route
5:00pm Check-in at the hotel
6:45pm Depart hotel for dinner venue in Mikrolimano area
9:00pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar
DAY 3
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Depart hotel for panoramic drive around Athens to Acropolis site
10:00am Arrive in Acropolis, guided visit of Acropolis site
12:00pm Depart for Acropolis Museum
12:15pm Guided visit of the Acropolis Museum – Restrooms at the Museum
1:45pm Depart for lunch in Plaka area
2:00pm Lunch
3:30pm Return to your hotel
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
2:00pm Official check-out time at the hotel
Transfer to Athens International Airport based on your flight schedule. For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 2:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 2:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Important Note:
Large bags are not permitted at the Acropolis
There are a large number of uneven steps without handrails at the Acropolis site
The Monasteries scheduled to visit are:
•The Monastery of the Great Meteron “Megalo Meteoro” (closed on Tuesdays)
•The Nunnery of St. Stefanos “Agiou Stefanou” (closed on Mondays)
•If necessary, we will substitute a monastery that is closed with the: Moni Varlaam
Expected Weather:
Over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from 40°F to 90°F and is rarely below 32°F or above 95°F. The warm season lasts from June to September with an average daily high temperature above 83°F. The cold season lasts from December to March with an average daily high temperature below 61°F.
What to Bring: Sunglasses, Hat, Comfortable walking shoes. Dress code is applicable at the Meteora Monasteries (knees and shoulders must be covered for the females)
Electricity:
220V. Please bring a travel adaptor if you have electronic devices as the hotels do not provide these
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required
Accommodation:
Athens:
Divani Caravel Hotel or similar
Vassileos Alexandrou Av., 2, Athens
Tel: +30 210 720 7000
Kalambaka:
Divani Meteora Hotel or similar
National Road, Trikala Ioannina
42200Kalambaka, Greece
Tel. +30 2432023330
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Program Includes for guests:
Transfers
Deluxe coach for touring
Professional and fully qualified English-speaking guide
Accommodation in Athens at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar (standard double room)
Accommodation in Kalambaka at the Divani Meteora Hotel or similar (standard double room)
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Entrance fees to all sites visited
Any applicable taxes
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Gratuities for guide and driver
•Any meals not listed above
•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
