cross-cultural tour to

FACULTY-LED
CROSS-CULTURAL
TOUR TO
GREECE
Athens - Eleusis - Corinth - Nauplion - Mycenae
Epidaurus - Kalamata - Olympia - Patras - Delphi
Crete - Corfu - Meteora - Kalambaka - Berea
Thessaloniki - Pella - Litochoro
Organized by
Faculty-Led Cross-Cultural Tour to Greece
FACULTY-LED
CROSS-CULTURAL TO
Athens
Delphi
ple
m
Sa Tour
Meteora
Itinerary:
Day 1 Depart USA
Depart USA for your flight to Athens.
Day 2 Athens
Arrive Athens (mid-afternoon), upon arrival transfer to Parthenon Hotel for dinner and overnight at
your Athens hotel. (B, D)
Day 3 Athens
After breakfast, start a full day guided walking tour of Athens in the famous Acropolis Hill and the
Acropolis Museum. Climb up the Acropolis Hill and see the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon
and Erechtheion. From the top, we enjoy the views to the Odeon, the theatre of Dionyssos, and
Philopappou Hill. Then we walk along the pedestrian street towards the Acropolis Museum. Here
we will see all the findings excavated on the hill and the surrounding areas. Return to hotel at around
5p.m. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Parthenon in Athens. (B, D)
Day 4 Athens
We start our bus tour at 9 a.m. to enjoy a panoramic sightseeing of the city. We will visit the
Panathenian Stadium and will see the Constitution Square where we stop to take pictures of the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the evzones in front of the Parliament Building. We will then see
the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Academy, the University of Athens, the National
Library. After the tour, free time in Plaka or return to hotel on your own. Dinner and overnight at
Hotel Parthenon in Athens. (B, D)
Day 5 Athens
After breakfast we will walk to Mars Hill (the Areopagus), to see the spot where Paul preached to the
Athenians. We will then continue on foot to the Ancient Agora where we will visit the ruins of the
archaeological site and we will see the Stoa of Attalos. After a short lunch break we will take a walk in the
Flea Market at Monastiraki. Return to hotel in early afternoon. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at
Hotel Parthenon in Athens. (B, D)
Day 6 Athens - Eleusis - Corinth - Nauplion
Breakfast and check out of rooms. At 8:00 am we start our journey to the south of Greece. We will
visit Eleusis, which was an ancient centre of religious devotion that culminated in the annual Eleusinian
mysteries. We will continue on to the historic Corinth Canal where we will have a brief stop for
photos. We will visit the ancient city of Corinth and Acrocorinth (the citadel of Corinth) before driving
to Nauplion, for check-in at Hotel Park, followed by dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Crete
Day 7 Nauplion - Mycenae - Epidaurus - Nauplion
After breakfast drive to Mycenae, to visit the remains of the prehistoric citadel fortified with the
Cyclopean Walls, the Lionesses’ Gate, the remains of the Mycenaean Palace and the Tomb of King
Agamemnon in which we will actually enter. After a short lunch break we continue on to Epidaurus
the Sanctuary of Asclepeios, ancient god of healing. We see the best-preserved ancient theater in all
of Greece, famous for the harmony of its design and the perfection of its remarkable acoustics, easily
accommodating 12,000 people. After the tour return to hotel in Nauplion for dinner & overnight. (B, D)
Day 8 Nauplion - Kalamata
Depart Nauplion, visit Mystras en route to Kalamata. Overnight at hotel Galaxy in Kalamata.
Day 9 Kalamata
Visit Diros Caves by small boats; sail for 200 meters followed by a walk in the caves. Free afternoon.
Overnight at Hotel Galaxy in Kalamata. Day 10 Kalamata - Olympia
Morning departure from Kalamata towards Olympia. Upon arrival, visit the archaeological site in
Olympia, see the Temple of Zeus built by Livon, which houses the 12 meter high statue by Phedeas,
one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and The Temple of Hera where the Olympic flame
was lit. Also visit the museum across the street which contains the 4th Century BC statue of Hermes
by Praxiteles and a number of other finds from excavations including the Nike of Victory by Paeonios.
Check-in at Hotel Neda in Olympia for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 11 Olympia
Local visits around Olympia, Lake of Kaiafas or Pyrgos village. Overnight in Olympia.
Day 12 Olympia - Patras - Delphi
After breakfast drive towards Patras, the second largest port of Greece and cross over the bridge
from Rion to Antirrion, passing by Nafpaktos and arriving in Delphi. Visit the archaeological site,
Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians and the archaeological museum. Dinner and
overnight at Hotel Parnassos in Delphi. (B, D)
Day 13 Delphi
Morning optional* visit to Ossios Loucas. Your guide is returning to Athens this afternoon until you
meet again in a few days. Group returns to Delphi for dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Delphi - Athens Airport Flight to Crete
At 8:00 a.m departure from Delphi to Athens. Arrive to Athens Airport for departure with flight
leaving at 2:00 p.m. to Heraklion, Crete. Arrival and transfer to hotel in Heraklion. Dinner and
overnight at Hotel Castelo. (B, D)
Day 15 Crete
Excursion to visit Knossos Palace followed by Heraklion panoramic city tour and the Aquarium.
Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Heraklion. (B, D)
Day 16 Crete, Boat Tour
Full day cruise with gulet to Dias Island which is an uninhabited island off the northern coast of Crete.
The islet looks like a giant lizard when viewed from the city of Heraklion. There is also a legend that
a giant lizard tried to destroy the island of Crete, but Zeus turned it in to stone with a thunderbolt,
thus creating the island. After our visit and cruise return in the afternoon to Heraklion. Dinner and
overnight at hotel. (B, D)
Day 17 Crete - Corfu
Morning free in Crete. Transfer from hotel to Heraklion airport for your flight departing at 3:25 pm to
Corfu via Athens. Arrival at 6:50 pm to Corfu. Transfer to Hotel Sea Bird. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Nauplion
Faculty-Led Cross-Cultural Tour to Greece
Day 18 Corfu, Boat Tour
Discover the deep blue of the Ionian sea today with a boat trip. Group will be in 2-3 boats. In the
morning enjoy a scenic drive through the lush green countryside to Paleokastritsa, famous for the
crystal blue-green sea, the mysterious grottoes, the impressive rocks and bays. Board the boats from
Alypa to Rovinia Beach where we have our first stop for swimming. We pass by beautiful bays of
Klimatia, Limni, Plakes where we will have time to take pictures and stop in Marmara beach. We then
continue our cruise to Paradise beach where the wonderful jagged coastline of this stunning location
can be enjoyed. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Corfu. (B, D)
TOUR MAP
OUR TO GREECE
THESSALONIKI
VERIA
LITOCHORO
METEORA
G
Corinth
R
E
E
C
E
DELPHI
PATRAS
CORINTH
OLYMPIA
Day 19 Corfu
City tour of Corfu. Visit the pretty mountain village of Gastouri, the Achilleon Palace, constructed for
the Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Continue on to Kanoni, where we’ll see the Pontikonissi (Mouse)
Island. Drive to the site of ancient Kerkyra, called Kanoni with the summer residence of the old
Greek Royal Family. On the way back drive by Garitsa bay, we will see the old Venetian Fortress,
spend time in old town the shopping centre “Esplanade” at one of the biggest squares in Europe. We’ll
also see St Spyridon church, patron saint of the island. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
SEA
KALAMBAKA
AEGEAN
CORFU
ATHENS
Day 20 Corfu
Northern Corfu Tour. After breakfast we drive along the greenery of the countryside to
Paleokastritsa. We visit the 18th century Monastery, with its Byzantine icons and its architecture, with
a view over the Ionian Sea. Stop at the picturesque Lakones village, called Bella Vista, pass through
typical Greek villages, like Makrades, Troumbetas as well as the fishing village Kassiopi, with its brightly
colored bobbing boats. After some free time for lunch we return to hotel driving through the villages
of Kalami, picturesque fisher-bay of Kouloura, Nissaki beach, Barbati, Ipsos and Dassia. (B, D)
CRETE
INCLUDING
• International roundtrip Air Tickets between USA – Istanbul
• Twenty-six nights in Greece at local 3* hotels
• Daily breakfast and dinner as seen in the itinerary (B: breakfast, D: dinner)
Corfu
Day 21 Corfu - Meteora - Kalambaka
Departure from hotel to take the morning ferry to Igoumenitsa (1,5 hrs). Meet your guide and board the bus
to head to Meteora. Visit a monastery and overnight in Hotel Famissi in Kalambaka. (B, D)
• All land transportation by private fully air conditioned mini bus or coach
throughout the tour.
• Athens-Heraklion-Corfu airfare with one piece of luggage up to 23 kgs.
• English speaking escort assistance on arrival/departure at all cities.
• All sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary with licensed English speaking
local guides.
Day 22 Kalambaka - Berea - Thessaloniki
Morning visit to a second monastery in Meteora. At noon depart for Thessaloniki. On the way stop in
Berea. Dinner and overnight at Hotel El Greco Thessaloniki. (B, D)
• Entry fees to the above sites.
Day 23 Pella - Thessaloniki
Morning visit to Pella - Afternoon city tour of Thessaloniki with White tower, Old City Walls,
Rotunda, St. Demetrius Church etc. Overnight in Thessaloniki. (B, D)
• Boat tours in Corfu and Crete as specified in the itinerary (non private boat).
Day 24 Thessaloniki - Litochoro
Optional inside visit to White Tower or Rotunda*. Afternoon departure to Litochoro. Check-in at
beach Hotel Olympus Zeus for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
• All highway tolls and parking fees.
• One-way ferry tickets from Corfu to Igoumenitsa.
• Boat tour to Diros Caves in Kalamata (non private boat).
• Hotel service charges and local taxes.
Day 25 Litochoro
Morning visit of Dion (archaeological site) - Hiking at Mount Olympus - Overnight in Litochoro by the
beach.
Day 26 Litochoro - Athens
Litochoro - Platamonas - Agios Panteleimonas traditional village - Thermopylae - Athens. Dinner and
overnight at Hotel Parthenon. (B, D)
Day 27 Athens
MORNING: FINAL EXAMS. Last free day in Athens. (B, D)
Day 28 Departure Transfer to Athens Airport for departure flights to USA
Faculty-Led Cross-Cultural Tour to Greece
EXCLUDING
• Lunches, drinks and beverages. (Only during boat tour in Crete, lunch & soft drink
is included.)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips to local guide, driver, hotel & restaurant staff.
PAYMENT PROCEDURE:
DEPOSIT
:
FULL PAYMENT :
15 Days prior to departure: You will receive all the travel documents and
the e–tickets.
Cancellation Penalty:
– 120–90 days prior to departure : No Penalty
– 89–60 days prior to departure : 10%
– 59–45 days prior to departure : 25%
– 44–30 days prior to departure : 50%
– 29–15 days prior to departure : 75%
– 14 days & After
: No refund
Air Cancellation Policy: We will be liable to the airlines standard rules for any
name changes, dates changes or cancellations.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance may be purchased separately at an extra
cost. Travel Insurance is a contract between the traveller and the Insurance
Company (American Express, or other). To obtain your travel insurance, please
call 1–800–TURKIYE and ask for Ms. Ayata.
Organized by
Gaziosmanpaşa Bulvarı 3/303 Izmir 35210 TURKEY
Phone: +90–232 441–8635 / 441–8676 / 441–8677
Fax: +90–232 441–8636
E–mail: [email protected] • www.tutkutours.com
Faculty-Led Cross-Cultural Tour to Greece