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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT September 19 – October 6, 2016 Another personalised, escorted and catered tour created by Global Gypsies Join us as we retrace the footsteps of Alexander the Great through safe, spectacular & historic Greece! We’ll visit Alexander’s birthplace, tour Thessaloniki, Macedonia & Thrace explore Crete, Mykonos, Delos & Santorini & tour Athens, one of the world’s most vibrant and ancient cities. Tour personally led by Jan & Jeremy & local English-speaking guides. Quality transport, meals, accommodation & activities included. What an Adventure! Join us on a fascinating historical & cultural experience to the country that everybody loves – Greece! Our Silk Road adventures whetted our appetites for more information about Alexander the Great, the world’s most famous traveller & conqueror. So we visited Greece in 2015 & have designed a tour that follows in his footsteps – but in far more comfort than his explorations in 340 BC! Our small & happy group will enjoy delicious traditional food; travel in coaches, planes, trains, mini-buses & boats; stay in quality 3-4 star hotels (twin/share basis), enjoy a bevy of cultural activities; meet local people & learn about one of the most influential people in human history. Airport transfers, internal flights, ground transport, accommodation, most meals, entries to attractions, two Australian tour escorts, local English-speaking guides, PreDeparture Workshop and Pre-Departure Kit are all included in the package. What to Pack Pack comfortable, casual, lightweight, noncrease clothes for late summer/autumnal temperatures including light jacket, beach wear & comfy walking shoes with a couple of ‘nice’ things for special occasions. A detailed list of suggested items will be included in your Pre Departure Kit. Preparing for the Tour We will hold a Pre-Departure Workshop several weeks prior to the tour. If you can’t attend we’ll post you a Pre-Departure Kit then phone you to go through it. You will need a current passport valid for at least six months & which has several blank pages. Check with your doctor as to which inoculations you’ll need. With regards to luggage, we recommend softsided bags with wheels weighing 20 kgs or less – bring only what you can carry yourself – along with a day/overnight pack. As of December 2015, Australian passport holders do NOT require a visa to enter Greece. We will keep you advised if the situation changes. Flights, Insurance & More With internet air fares so competitive, we will not be organising a group flight – participants will be responsible for making their own flight bookings & ensuring they meet up with us in Athens at the appointed time. Some post-tour options will be available. As with all our international tours, travel insurance is mandatory. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to travel with people you know and trust! Minimum numbers are required for the tour to proceed and group size will be strictly limited. PROPOSED ITINERARY Day 1: Monday, September 19 : Thessaloniki Participants arrange own flights to Athens & on to Thessaloniki. Please plan your journey to arrive in Thessaloniki no later than 5:00 p.m. on Day 1 or earlier (you may wish to arrive a day early so that you are bright eyed & bush-tailed for the tour!). You will be met on arrival in Thessaloniki Airport by Jan & Jeremy or their representatives & transferred to our group hotel in the city centre. No activities or meals planned for this evening. Optional meal in hotel or in any of the nearby taverns/restaurants (own expense). Overnight in Zaliki Boutique Hotel Thessaloniki http://www.zalikihotel.gr/ (no meals) Day 2: Tuesday, September 20 : Thessaloniki After breakfast in the hotel at 7:00 a.m., Jan & Jeremy will host a Welcome Briefing in the hotel at 7:30 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. we’ll begin a full day tour of Thessaloniki including Vergina, Veria & Naoussa. We’ll visit the ancient city of Aigai which was the Royal capital of the Macedonians & the cradle of the Temenids, the dynasty which ruled Macedonia for 350 years centuries & gave rise to Philip II & his son Alexander the Great. We will visit the archaeological area and the museum of the Royal Tombs then depart through Veria Town to Naoussa stopping for lunch en route. Naoussa is the Greek city with the greatest embroidery tradition as well as the area best known in Macedonia for its wine production. We will visit the Historical & Folkloric Museum & the Wine and Vine Museum. We return to our hotel in time to freshen up & have a brief rest before driving to the Ladadika area for a special Welcome Dinner with a traditional live Greek music performance. Overnight in Zaliki Boutique Hotel Thessaloniki http://www.zalikihotel.gr/ (B, L, D) Day 3: Wednesday, September 21 : Thessaloniki - Kavala After breakfast we continue our touring to the City Walls, St Demetrious & Aghia Sofia Church, Rotonda, Galerius Arch, Aristotelous Square & the White Tower. After lunch we depart for the city of Kavala in eastern Macedonia (approx 1.5 hour drive). We check into our hotel for a brief rest before enjoying dinner in the port area (weather permitting). Overnight at Airotel Galaxy Hotel, Kavala http://www.airotel.gr/en/Galaxy-Hotel-790.htm (B, L, D) Day 4: Thursday, September 22 : Kavala - Alexandroupolis After breakfast we visit the archaeological area of Amphipolis, a rich city in ancient Macedonia famous for events such as the battle of the Spartans & Athenians in 424BC & as the place where Alexander the Great prepared for campaigns leading to his invasion of Asia. We see the Royal Tombs, Karyads & Sphinxes, then travel on to Philippi, the greatest ancient city of Macedonia & the place where St. Paul founded the first Christian Church on European soil. Lunch en route. After lunch we depart for Alexandroupolis in the Thrace region (approx 1.5 hour drive). Tonight we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant in town. Overnight at Alexander Beach Hotel, Alexandroupolis http://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/alexander-beach-convention-centre.html (B, L, D) Day 5: Friday, September 23: Alexandroupolis & surrounds After breakfast we depart for Soufli (45 minutes drive) known for its production of natural silk. En route we visit Dadia National Park, one of the most important protected areas of Greece with a myriad of flora and fauna species. The landscape mosaic is formed by pine & oak forests, pastures and fields & is the ideal habitat for birds of prey. The park hosts three of the four Vulture species of Europe (the Black Vulture, the Griffon Vulture and the Egyptian Vulture) & is home to the only breeding population of Black Vultures in the Balkans. After lunch we visit the Soufli Silk Museum & return to our hotel later afternoon. Evening at leisure to relax, swim, enjoy the hotel spa (book in advance!), explore the town of Alexandroupolis independently & sample the local cuisine. Dinner at own expense in restaurant of your choice. Overnight at Alexander Beach Hotel, Alexandroupolis (B, L) Day 6: Saturday, September 24 : Alexandroupolis - Heraklio A leisurely morning for a sleep-in, late breakfast, walk or swim. Around 11:00 we are transferred to Alexandroupolis airport for our flight to the historic island of Crete arriving late afternoon. On arrival at Heraklio airport we are met by our local guide & transferred to our hotel. We take a walking tour of the town, have sundowners at a taverna & enjoy a traditional Cretan dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Arolithos Traditional Village in Heraklio http://www.arolithos.com/ (B, L, D) Day 7: Sunday, September 25: Heraklio After breakfast, we embark on a full-day tour to Ancient Knossos, the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centres & on to the Lassithi Plateau, part of the mountain ranges famous for their white-sailed windmills. We travel through beautiful country landscapes, mountains & traditional villages in the heart of Crete, then arrive at Dikteon Cave, just outside the village of Psyhro where, according to ancient legends, Rhea hid her newborn Zeus from Cronos. We visit a pottery workshop then have lunch at a traditional Cretan village restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the Holy Monastery of Kera Kardiotisa then return to the hotel to freshen up for a dinner or have a siesta or swim. We enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at Arolithos Traditional Village in Heraklio (B, L, D) Day 8: Monday, September 26: Heraklio – FREE DAY. Relax, swim, shop or explore Crete independently. Our guide can give you suggestions if you want to go sightseeing. Lunch & dinner at own expense. Overnight at Arolithos Traditional Village in Heraklio (B) Day 9: Tuesday, September 27: Heraklio - Santorini After breakfast in the hotel we are transferred to Heraklio port to catch the high speed ferry at 9:00 a.m. for the two-hour voyage to beautiful Santorini Island in the Cyclades. We are met by our local guide & take a bus tour to the archaeological area of Akrotiri & some of the island’s most important villages - Akrotiri, Red Beach, Perivolos Beach, Megalochori & Pyrgos with lunch en route. We then check into our hotel & have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to swim in the hotel pool, go walking in town or relax. Tonight we walk to a local restaurant close to the hotel. Overnight at Kafieris Blue Apartments, Santorini http://kafierisblueapartments.com/ (B, L, D) Day 10: Wednesday, September 28: Santorini - private boat tour to Thirassia Island After breakfast we walk to Fira town & catch a cable car down to the port (or walk if you prefer). A private local boat will be waiting to take us to the small island of Thirassia. We dock at tiny Korfos port & take a traditional donkey ride to the village of Manolas. We meet with a resident family, enjoy lunch in a local tavern, then have some free time to explore the island independently. Our boat takes us back to Santorini mid-afternoon stopping en-route for a swim in a secluded cave. On our arrival we are met by our coach & transferred to our hotel. Afternoon is free to relax or enjoy the sunset at the hotel’s pool bar. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at Kafieris Blue Apartments, Santorini (B, L, D) Day 11: Thursday, September 29: Santorini – FREE DAY Relax, swim, shop or explore Santorini independently. Our guide can give you suggestions if you want to go sightseeing. Lunch & dinner at own expense. Overnight at Kafieris Blue Apartments, Santorini (B, L, D) Day 12: Friday, September 30: Santorini - Mykonos After breakfast we will be transferred to Santorini port to board a high speed ferry at 11:00 a.m. for the twohour journey to magical Mykonos Island. We are met on arrival & transferred to our hotel in the Tagoo area overlooking the Aegean. This afternoon we take a walking tour to the highlights of Mykonos town including Paraportiani church, Little Venice, windmills, Matogianni shopping area & the local vegetable & fish market. Tonight we enjoy a special Greek cultural show & dinner at our hotel. Overnight at Tagoo Hotel, Mykonos http://www.hoteltagoo.gr/ (B, L, D) Day 13: Saturday, October 1, Mykonos After breakfast we depart for a bus tour of the island including Saint Stefanos, Panorama Point, Agios Giannis, Plati Yalos, Kalafatis & Ano Mera with its famous 400 years old monastery and beautiful village square. We have some free time to swim or enjoy such optional water sports as pedallo, canoeing, windsurfing, jet skiing or snorkelling & enjoy lunch in a beachside restaurant. After a siesta & sundowners beside the pool, we enjoy dinner at the island’s most famous fish & seafood restaurant. Overnight at Tagoo Hotel, Mykonos (B, L, D) Day 14: Sunday, October 2: Mykonos/Delos/Mykonos After breakfast we drive to the pier & catch a local boat to the sacred & historic island of Delos. Formerly the hub of the Cyclades, Delos is the island of light, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis & home to the first multicultural civilization & trade. The island was inhabited between 2500 and 69 B.C. & boasts many treasures including the ancient market place Agora, Naxos lions, amphitheatre, holy lake, original residences with their exquisite mosaics, Temple of Isis, Roman water system & the wonderful museum. We enjoy a picnic lunch before catching the boat back to Mykonos where we are transferred to our hotel. Remainder of afternoon & evening free. Dinner at own expense. Overnight at Tagoo Hotel, Mykonos (B, L,) 3 Day 15: Monday, October 3 : Mykonos – Athens Free day to have a sleep-in, swim, go for a walk, shop or explore. Enjoy lunch independently at the hotel or at one of the nearby restaurants (own expense). Around 3:00 p.m. we will meet in the hotel lobby & be transferred to the port to catch the high speed ferry to Piraeus in Athens at 4:35 (3 hours). On arrival we are met by our guide & transferred to our hotel in the city centre. We take a short walking tour through the Plaka area to a local tavern where we enjoy dinner accompanied by a live show of traditional music & dance. Overnight at Acropolis Hill Hotel in Athens http://www.acropolishill.gr/ (B,D) Day 16: Tuesday, October 4: Athens After breakfast we take a full day driving & walking tour of Athens including Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896, Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, University of Athens, Academy of Athens, National Library, National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church & the Acropolis. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the slopes of Acropolis. We return to our hotel for a brief rest, then in the evening have a traditional Greek dinner in the historical Psirri area. Overnight at Acropolis Hill Hotel in Athens http://www.acropolishill.gr/ (B,L, D) Day 17: Wednesday, October 5, Athens After breakfast we take a fascinating, leisurely walking tour of Athens focusing on the food & crafts. Our first stop will be in one of the oldest and most unique coffee houses in the historical centre for Greek coffee & local sweet while admiring the amazing view of the Acropolis and the Agora. We’ll then visit carefully selected specialty food stores, where we will taste some of the finest olive oil, cheese & honey as well as local delicacies such as ‘pastourma’ cured meat. We will stroll through traditional, authentic neighbourhoods in the heart of Athens & visit some wonderful pastry shops serving favourite Greek sweets. The irresistible smell of freshly baked delicacies will lead our steps into one of the oldest traditional bakeries of the city in order to try the well know “koulouri”. Our journey will continue through the bustling alleys of Varvakios, the picturesque fish, meat & vegetable market -the true "belly of Athens" & enjoy an authentic taste of the celebrated Greek souvlaki! On the way back to the hotel, we stop at one of the finest and oldest bars in the Plaka area to taste Greek wines and liqueurs. We return to the hotel for a brief rest before enjoying a special Farewell Dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering unforgettable views of the city & the Acropolis by night. Overnight at Acropolis Hill Hotel in Athens http://www.acropolishill.gr/ (B,L, D) Day 18: Thursday, October 6 : Athens/End of Tour After breakfast we will be transferred to Athens International airport for our onward flights. End of tour. 4 INFORMATION ABOUT ALEXANDER THE GREAT Alexander III of Macedon (20/21 July 356 BC – 10/11 June 323 BC), commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a King of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and a member of the Argead dynasty, an ancient Greek royal house. Born in Pella in 356 BC, Alexander succeeded his father, Philip II, to the throne at the age of 20. He spent most of his ruling years on an unprecedented military campaign through Asia and northeast Africa, and by the age of 30 he had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece to Egypt into northwest India and modern-day Pakistan. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history's most successful military commanders. During his youth, Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle until the age of 16. After Philip's assassination in 336 BC, Alexander succeeded his father to the throne and inherited a strong kingdom and an experienced army. Alexander was awarded the generalship of Greece and used this authority to launch his father's Panhellenic project to lead the Greeks in the conquest of Persia. In 334 BC, he invaded the Achaemenid Empire, ruled Asia Minor, and began a series of campaigns that lasted 10 years. Alexander broke the power of Persia in a series of decisive battles, most notably the battles of Issus and Gaugamela. He subsequently overthrew the Persian King Darius III and conquered the Achaemenid Empire in its entirety. At that point, his empire stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River. Seeking to reach the "ends of the world and the Great Outer Sea", he invaded India in 326 BC, but was eventually forced to turn back at the demand of his troops. Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BC, the city he planned to establish as his capital, without executing a series of planned campaigns that would have begun with an invasion of Arabia. In the years following his death, a series of civil wars tore his empire apart, resulting in several states ruled by the Diadochi, Alexander's surviving generals and heirs. Alexander's legacy includes the cultural diffusion his conquests engendered, such as Greco-Buddhism. He founded some 20 cities that bore his name, most notably Alexandria in Egypt. Alexander's settlement of Greek colonists and the resulting spread of Greek culture in the east resulted in a new Hellenistic civilization, aspects of which were still evident in the traditions of the Byzantine Empire in the mid-15th century and the presence of Greek speakers in central and far eastern Anatolia until the 1920’s. Alexander became legendary as a classical hero in the mould of Achilles and he features prominently in the history and mythic traditions of both Greek and non-Greek cultures. He became the measure against which military leaders compared themselves, and military academies throughout the world still teach his tactics. He is often ranked among the most influential people in human history, along with his teacher Aristotle. 5 MEET YOUR TOUR ESCORTS Your Tour Escorts will be Jeremy Perks and Jan Barrie, Directors of Global Gypsies Tours & Training, assisted by local English-speaking guides. The couple established Global Gypsies in 1997. The company offers a range of selfdrive eco-adventures in outback Australia as well as escorted tours to such destinations as Antarctica, Borneo, Botswana, China, Kenya, Silk Road and North and South America. Our clients come back to us again and again and are like part of our family! In 2011, Global Gypsies won the Tourism Council WA Gold Award for Adventure Tours and the Bronze Award for Tour Guide Training. In 2016 they will publish How to Be an Award-Winning Tour Guide for national release. Born in South Africa, Jeremy is a professional Tour Guide and a former Tour Guide of the Year. In his youth he served as an Officer in the elite South African Defence Force (similar to the SAS) where he learned bush survival and leadership skills. He is a qualified mechanic and an experienced four-wheel-driver who loves flora and fauna and holds a certificate in remote area first aid. In addition to leading Australian and overseas tours, he also teaches four-wheel-driving, towing and tour guiding. Prior to establishing Global Gypsies, Jeremy was the Managing Director of a major advertising agency in Johannesburg and managed a safari camp in Kenya’s Rift Valley. He immigrated to Australia almost 20 years ago. Jan is a former journalist, travel writer and communications manager who is responsible for the administration, marketing and customer relations aspects of Global Gypsies. She was born in England, has lived in Africa, America and the UK, has travelled extensively and has called Australia home for over 30 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PRICE PER PERSON: Single supplement: • • • • • AUD$7999 per person (twin/share – two people per room) AUD$1100 (unless we can find you a travelling ‘buddy’) Based on two persons sharing a twin room with single beds (double bed MAY be available if requested in advance). There is no single supplement charge if we can find you a ‘buddy’. Prices are subject to change if local costs are subsequently affected by government taxes, exchange rate difference, increase in fuel prices and/or any other influence beyond our control. Please note that the tour can only proceed if we achieve a minimum number of 10 participants. Maximum number is 18 + Guides. As we are required to provide a substantial deposit to our industry partners in Greece by March 31, 2016, we require a non-refundable deposit of AUD$2000 per person by April 1, 2016. We will then pass this on to our partners in order to confirm the tour. If minimum numbers are not achieved and we as the operators have to cancel the tour, client deposits will be refunded in full. Please refer to Terms & Conditions for more information. Final payment will be due on July 1, 2016. Included: • Meet & greet service at Athens airport & other airport transfers as per the itinerary. • All accommodation & meals as specified in the itinerary on twin/share basis (please note hotels are subject to change but will be of a similar standard). • All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees to scenic attractions (not camera or video fees) as per itinerary. • English speaking local guides and two Australian tour escorts. • Internal flights, ferries & ground transportation within Greece based on economy class including taxes as per itinerary. • Pre Departure Workshop on date to be advised (for Perth-based clients). • Pre-Departure Kit. Does not include: • International airfares and taxes. • Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs. • Camera and video entry charges at monuments, historic sites, etc. • Meals and services not mentioned. • Travel insurance (please note this is compulsory). • Tips. To cover tips & gratuities for drivers, guides, waiters, porters etc., rather than asking for individual daily contributions, your Tour Escorts will organise a ‘Tips Kitty’ and distribute tips as appropriate throughout the tour. For this purpose we will request a contribution of AUD$250 per person to be paid on/about July 1, 2016. 6 BOOKING & DEPOSIT FORM Each participant to complete a separate form please! Name (as shown in passport) : ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Phone: ……………………………………………….. Mobile: …………………………………………………………………………… Email address: .............................................................................................................................................................................. Date/Place of Birth: ………………………………………………………….. Nationality: ……………………………………………… Passport Number: …………………………….. Date of Issue: ……………………………… Expiry: …………………………. Please note that the price of this tour is quoted in Australian Dollars. A non-refundable 25% deposit of AUD$2,000.00 per person is required to secure your booking. If you wish to pay by credit card (Visa/MasterCard) please complete the following. We will be in touch again soon with a receipt & more information. Type of card: ……………............ Number: .......................................................................................... Expiry date: .................... Name on card: ……………..................................... Three digit code on reverse : ………. Amount: AUD$ ………………......... Terms & Conditions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Footsteps of Alexander Tour is being operated and conducted by Betis Travel of Greece (BT), hereafter called The Operators, under local laws, conditions and regulations . Global Gypsies Pty Ltd of Western Australia (GG) is providing two professional Tour Escorts & assisting with tour development, marketing & customer inquiries. Clients to arrange own international flights to arrive at Zaliki Boutique Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece, by 5:00 p.m. on Day 1, September 19, 2016. BT/GG reserve the right to cancel the tour if there are insufficient participants (minimum 12/maximum 18). Deposits are non-refundable (unless the tour is cancelled by the operators in which case all moneys will be refunded in full). All cancellations by clients are subject to an administration fee from 90-180 days prior to departure. A cancellation fee of 50% of total tour cost will apply within 90 days of departure. No refunds will be made if cancelled within 89 days of departure. No refund will be given in the event clients fail to join the tour or leave it early. In addition to tour fee, the Operators will collect a “Tip Kitty” of AUD$250 in advance. Whilst all care is taken, BT/GG accept no liability for loss or damage to baggage, sickness or injury, or additional expenses caused by factors beyond their control. Clients are advised that in some countries there is no free health service and that local vehicle insurance is of limited value. Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover most circumstances of cancellation as well as luggage loss and medical cover. The client accepts that this tour is of an adventurous nature and involves an element of personal risk, and that neither BT/GG nor their agents can be held liable for any injury, damage to property or loss of life caused. The client accepts responsibility for all risks involved. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that they are in possession of valid travel documents including passports, visas (if required), health certificates etc. BT/GG cannot accept any liability for incorrect documentation. Itinerary is subject to alteration without notice and is intended as a guide only. Alterations may occur due to road conditions, flooding, mechanical defect, political events or other reasons. Any additional expenses incurred by passengers are not BT/GG’s responsibility. The operators and/or their agents and employees are unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times, and will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services. In event of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances, BT/GG reserve the right to substitute different vehicles & personnel. Properties used may change, however the same or similar standard is guaranteed. Accommodation is on a twin-share basis with single beds (double beds MAY be available if requested in advance). There is no single supplement charge if we can arrange a ‘buddy’. The client agrees to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries visited and to comply with all reasonable instructions of the Tour Leaders and Escorts relating to the safety and organisation of the tour. This agreement between client and Betis Travel is made subject to and shall be interpreted and construed in a Greek court of law. Any legal conflict with GG shall be resolved in the jurisdiction of Western Australia. Please keep luggage packed in soft/pliable bags with wheels - maximum 20 kg per person. ALL prices are based on 2015 costs and are subject to change if subsequently affected by increased government taxes, exchange rate differences, increases in jet fuel or car fuel prices and/or any other influence beyond the control of the operators. I have read and understand the above tour conditions and agree to abide by them. I acknowledge that there are risks associated with this tour and accept that these risks are my own responsibility. Signature ................................................................................. Date:..………………………………………… GLOBAL GYPSIES PTY LTD PO Box 123, Scarborough, WA. 6922. Phone: (08) 9341 6727 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.globalgypsies.com.au EFT Payments: Global Gypsies Pty Ltd Westpac BSB: 036051 Account No: 155007 7