Treasures of Greece and Italy

Tour code # Escapade 3-Italy

20- Days- Our Mediterranean tour, a combination of a Greek cruise , a stay in Athens .
An in-depth look into the Greek heartland, and the Italian South and Sicily

Athens , Olympia , Delphi, Arachova, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi ( Ephesus), Patmos, Taormina
SYRACUSE, SICILY , POSITANO , NAPLES

Start in Athens Weekly every Saturday : Apr - Nov

Italians know a thing or two about enjoying the good life . . . and so will you on this suggested itinerary that takes in the best of Italy's southern resorts, and the city of Naples as well. You’ll explore Sicily and experience the best of its scenery, treasures, and pleasures, and indulge yourself at your spa-hotel in Positano. Then it’s on to conclude with the surprising and ebullient culinary and artistic pleasures of Naples, the capital of the Italian south.

Romance and Italy . . . they go together. Fabulous food, subdued music, charming villages, winding lanes, intimate hotels, a warm and enthusiastic reception wherever you go, sun and sand and dramatic seacoast . . . all that’s missing is the two of you! With all that Italy offers, we won’t hold you back with a written-in-stone itinerary. You’ll travel to the most enticing corners of the sunny south, where our local host will welcome you, tailor an itinerary to your preferences, and, if you wish, arrange for local excursions (or you can pre-arrange them with us).

Of course, we’ll see to all the essential details that will allow you to wander carefree, including hotel reservations, travel between towns, and breakfast to start your day. For a honeymoon, an anniversary, a special occasion, or for no reason at all except to enjoy special company in a special place in a special way . . . it’s Romantic Italy.

La Dolce Vita - The Good Life in Italy

Rates per person in US$, Double Occupancy
Cabins with 2 lower beds

Day 1 Athens Sat
Our local rep will meet you at Athens Airport & assist with your transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Athens (cBD) Sun
Half-day city sightseeing tour will introduce you to the most important sites, including the House of Parliament, Hadrian’s Arch, Acropolis with its outstanding monuments and museum. Remainder of day at leisure. Optional tour to Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. You may wish to take the optional Sound and Light Show on Pynx Hill across from the Acropolis,
Evening Greek dinner including Greek folk dancing is included in the rate.

DAY 3 - Monday - MYCENAE, EPIDAURUS & NAUPLIA (BD)
We set forth from Athens to tour classical Greece, passing Corinth and its steep-walled canal as we go. We stop at Mycenae, to visit among other things , the famous tomb of Agamemnon.
Mycenae : the center of ancient Mycenaean civilization (2800-1100 BC); the legendary home of the Atreides, is situated upon a small hill-top on the lower slopes of Euboea Mountain, between two of its peaks, on the road leading from the Argolic Gulf to the north (Corinth, Athens, etc.).
The site was inhabited since Neolithic times (about 4000 BC) but reached its peak during the Late Bronze Age (1350-1200 BC), giving its name to a civilization which spread throughout the Greek world.

During that period, the acropolis was surrounded by massive "cyclopean" walls, which were built in three stages (ca.1350, 1250 and 1225 BC) except on its SE flank where a steep ravine provided natural defense.
A palace was built on the summit of the hill while towards the Argolic plain lay the wall - painted "Cult Center", the main gate or "Lion Gate" and "Grave Circle A" which contained the treasures now displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. On the NE side, a tunnel leading to a subterranean fountain was built in "cyclopean" masonry in around 1225 B.C.
More tombs, "Grave Circle B", and large tholoi as well as houses were discovered outside the walls. Mycenae was occupied without interruption until 468 B.C. when it was conquered by the city of Argos and its population banished. It was reoccupied in the 3rd century B.C. for a relatively short period. It had been abandoned for some time when Pausanias visited the site during the 2nd century A.D.

On to Epidaurus, site of the temple of Asclepius. On to Nauplion ( short stop ) .
We drive through the central Peloponnese , pass by Tripolis and Megalopolis on our way to Olympia, where we spend the night .

DAY 4 - Tuesday - OLYMPIA (BD)
Tour this ancient site of the Olympic games. We visit the great Temple of Zeus, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, and tour the museum. We drive through Rion, Antirion and Nafpaktos and along the Corinthian coast on our way to Delphi,where we overnight.

DAY 5- Wednesday - DELPHI (BD)
Tour Delphi, site of the famed oracle, at the foot of Mount Parnassus. During the Mycenaean period, the female deity of Earth was worshipped in the small settlement of Delphi. The development of the sanctuary and oracle though, began in the 8th century B.C. with the establishment of the cult of Apollo. Under the protection and administration of the Amphictyony, the sanctuary continued to be autonomous after the First Sacred War and, as a result, increased its panhellenic religious and political influence. The Pythian Games were re-organized, the sanctuary was enlarged and it was enriched with nice buildings, statues, and other offerings. In the 3rd century B.C. it came under the domination of the Aetolians and later, in 191 B.C., was conquered by the Romans. During the Roman occupation the site was sometimes plundered but was also favoured by some of the emperors. With the spread of Christianity, the sanctuary lost its religious meaning and was permanently closed down with a decree of emperor Theodosius the Great.

We tour the ruins of Delphi and its oracle, sacred to Apollo and Dionysus. In the afternoon, we drive via the lovely Kalambaka a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora , we spend the night at Kalambaka .

DAY 6 - Thursday - ATHENS (B)
We tour Meteora , perched at the top of huge rocks which seems to be suspended in mid-air , stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art , Meteora is from the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. We can locate the first traces of their history from 11th c. when the first hermits settled there. The rock monasteries have been characterized by Unesco as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage and they form one of the most important stations of cultural map of Greece.

On to Athens via Trikala , Lamia , Thermopylae , visit the Leonidas Monument , and Kammena Vourla. Arrive Athens in the evening. 

Day 7 Athens, Cruise*- Mykonos (cBLD) Fri
Transfer to Piraeus for the 11:00 AM embarkation on your 3 day cruise. Arrival at the jet-set island of Mykonos at 6:00 PM. You will have the evening to stroll the narrow streets to the sculpture- like church of Paraportiani, or along the waterfront to the famous windmills, perhaps stopping at a picturesque café for an ouzo. The ship departs at 10:00 PM.

Day 8 – Rhodes (BLD) Sat
Arrive early morning and enjoy a full day on the "Island of Roses". You can explore on your own the medieval section of the old town, the Palace of the Knights of St. John, the numerous boutiques and the fashionable seaside cafes. Or, take an optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos. Evening departure.

Day 9 –-Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos (BLD) Sunday
Arrive 7:00 AM. at Kusadasi, the popular Turkish port and gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Optional tour of Ephesus. Midday departure. In late afternoon, arrival at the Greek isle of Patmos. Here you can visit the Monastery of St. John where the book of Revelations was written.

Day 10– Piraeus /ATHENS/SICILY (B) Monday
Morning arrival in Piraeus. Transfer to the airport , ticket is included between Athens and Sicily .You'll arrive at the airport of Palermo/Sicily, where our representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to your lodgings in a private vehicle. Our recommendation is that you head for historic Taormina, along the eastern coast, and settle in at your hotel ( for the five-star we recommend : Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Flora) . You'll find a warm welcome, and over drinks, you can discuss your options and plan the rest of your stay with our local representative.

DAYS 11 AND 12 - TAORMINA (B)
Lose yourself in Taormina, a town of terraces cascading down to the sea. Each level is a village in itself! There's Taormina Centro, the hilltop with walking streets and commanding views out to sea, and a classic Greek amphitheater. There's seaside Mare, a historic Belle Epoque resort. And there are all the winding lanes paved with cobblestones in between, and stylish shops, and piazzas with outdoor cafés. Visit them all, at your own pace.

DAYS 13 , 14 , AND 15 – SYRACUSE (B)
Continue south along the eastern coast of Sicily. You’ll probably want to stop in Catania to stroll through the active morning fish market, and view the baroque Elephant Fountain in the square of the Cathedral. We recommend that you settle in for the next few days in historic Syracuse, at the wonderful Hotel des Etrangers et Miramare right in the center of town along the historic seafront. Spend the next few days exploring. Delve into ancient history at the striking Paolo Orsi Archeological Museum, and wander the terraces of the Greek Theater. Explore the neighborhoods of Syracuse. You'll discover surprises along the winding lanes of medieval Ortygia, from shops laden with tempting hams and cheeses and crusty breads, to local wines, to stylish clothing and leather goods.

DAY 16 – FROM SICILY TO POSITANO (B)
Your host will call for you after breakfast and escort you by private conveyance to the airport of Catania, where you’ll board your flight for Naples, the heart of the Italian south. Here you’ll be met by your Neapolitan host, who will escort you the short distance to the intimate resort of Positano. ( for the five-star we suggest that you stay in a sea-view room at Le Sirenuse, an intimate five-star hotel situated right in the center of town.)

DAY 17 – POSITANO (B)
It's with good reason that Positano is known as the Pearl of the Amalfi coast. You’ll never tire of the play of sunlight on its ochre buildings stretching up the hills, the winding lanes and stone staircases that connect its several quarters, the parade of fishing and sailboats into and out of the gentle waters of the bay, the shopping, the fine restaurants and unpretentious cafés, the mountains and pastures in the background, the opportunities to swim and sail, or just keep to yourselves in the lap of luxury at your most refined hotel, with its sun-drenched rooms and spa.

DAY 18 – POSITANO, NAPLES (B)
Your local host will call for you after breakfast, and escort you on the short journey into the busy city of Naples. You'll settle into your hotel , ( for the five-star we suggest : an executive room at the Santa Lucia, a heritage hotel overlooking the Gulf of Naples.)

DAY 19 – NAPLES (B)
Spend a few days exploring Naples, a city of art, tradition, extraordinary cuisine, and history. Volcanic Mount Vesuvius towers above, and you won’t want to miss the excavated city of Pompeii, frozen in time. The grand Cathedral, the opera house, the gorgeous Girolamini church with its two baroque façades will attract your attention, as will the hundreds of restaurants and cafés, and fine boutiques. Your local host will help you select from the extraordinary treasures and pleasures available for exploration, and to make tour arrangements as required.

Day 20 – DEPARTURE (B)
Your local host will call for you after breakfast, and see you to your departure point, either the railway station or the Naples airport. Of course, should you decide to linger, he will be glad to make additional arrangements.

Bon Voyage

Tour includes:

• Hotel accommodation Athens, including tax, service charges & continental breakfast. Hotel service charges and taxes .Sample hotels in Athens : Deluxe: Divani Palace Acropolis. Superior First : Electra Palace. First Class : Stanley
  .
• Hotel accommodation in Italy with tax , and continental breakfast daily
  
  
• Air fare Athens Sicily and Naples in economy class.

• 4 days classical tour to : Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nauplion, Olympia, and Delphi (4 star hotels).
  

• 4 Day Cruise from Mykonos to Greek Islands & Turkey, including all meals.

• Transfers in Greece & Italy

• Travel between cities in Italy : Car / Van

• Breakfast daily at the hotels

• Greek Cruise Port Taxes

Combine Egypt & Greece

Not included:

• International airfare from / to your home country .
• Shore excursion
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure).
• Gratuities.
• Personal expenses, beverages, and meals not specifically listed
  
  
  

Greek Cruise - Clothing on shore:

Look forward to warm, even hot weather with some cooler breezes at night.
Especially for shore excursions, we recommend loose, comfortable cottons or other lightweight clothing.

Some of the tours involve long bus rides and/or considerable walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Please bear in mind that shore excursion coaches are air conditioned and you may wish to bring a light sweater.

On tours that include visits to places of worship, shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted.

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