Glorious Greece

Arrive at the airport in Athens, Greece and transfer to your flight to Thessalonika (WHS), capital of the state of Macedonia and the second most important city in Greece.  On arrival in Thessalonika (also known as Salonika), transfer to your 4-star hotel, where you will have time to unpack and settle into your room before dinner.  Have a brief orientation to the program.  L/D  Imperial Palace Hotel (4-star)

Begin with a guided walking tour of the prosperous city of Thessalonika, founded in 316 BC and named for the sister of Alexander the Great.  Now the center of agriculture, the fur industry and other business enterprises, the city was once the most important trading center on the road between Rome and Constantinople (modern Istanbul), thereby insuring cultural and architectural influences from the Romans, ancient Greeks, Byzantines and Turks.  Associated with Cicero, Antony & Octavius, Brutus & Cassius, St. Paul, King Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) and the Great Alexander himself, the city offers much to see.  Tour the waterfront Platia Aristotelous (Aristotle Square), the 16th c. Ottoman White Tower, the Roman Arch of Galerius, the famous 8th c. Byzantine Aghia Sofia Church, filled with beautiful 11th c. mosaics. Visit the ancient Roman Agora and Theater, the Ottoman Bazaar or Bedestan and lovely Byzantine mosaics in small churches along your route.  A highlight among many during these two weeks will be your visit to one of the world's great museums, The Archaeological Museum of Salonika. It houses a collection of outstanding "finds" from the famous sites at Vergina (palace and the rich tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great), Pella, Derveni, Sindos, and Veria.  B/L/D  Imperial Palace Hotel (4-star)

Travel into the countryside southwest of Thessalonika to the famed archaeological site of Vergina (WHS) and the Royal Tombs, of which the tomb of King Philip II, Alexander's father is of chief importance.  As this tomb was found undisturbed, many exquisite gold objects were found here, which you will see exhibited in the stunning new Museum hat is now built into King Philip’s tomb.  One tomb has fine wall paintings from the 3rd century BC.   Also found here is the Palace of Palatitsa with lovely mosaic floors, the Tomb of Vergina with its beautiful marble throne and other interesting remains. Travel northwest of Thessalonika to the important archaeological site of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the capital of Macedonia at the peak of its power.   See the splendid mosaics from 300 BC in House of the Lion Hunt and in the nearby Museum.  Walk down the old lanes complete with ancient water pipes and sewers, see the Agora, remains of temples, and much more.  Return to Thessalonika.  B/L/D  Imperial Palace Hotel

Travel south along the coast, with Mount Olympus, legendary home of the gods and the highest mountain in Greece, seen in the distance.  Stop to visit the extensive archaeological site of Dion, where you will visit 3rd and 4th c. workshops and storerooms, an impressively carved Roman facade, an early Christian basilica, the town walls, a Roman bath complete with its intricate hypocaust system still intact, an Odeion, several temples and an excellent Museum, containing many of the finds from the site.   Continue south and west to Meteora (WHS) with its spectacular monasteries seemingly suspended from high fingers of rock that jut up from the surrounding plain.  Stay in a nearby 4-star hotel overnight, enjoying dinner there. B/L/D  Hotel Edelweiss (3-star)

This morning explore Delphi with your guide and follow the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo.  Along the way see the Stadium, where the Pythian Games were held, the well-preserved Theater, the site of the old Roman Agora, the Bouleuterion (Counsel House) and the Athenian treasury.  An unforgettable experience! Enjoy a guided tour of the marvelous Delphi Museum containing treasures taken from the site, including the "Navel of the World," objects from the Siphnian and Athenian treasuries and its famous life-size sculpture of the Bronze Charioteer. After lunch continue on by bus to Olympia passing through numerous attractive Greek villages along the way. [Depending on time, there may possibly be a stop in the nearby mountain village of Arakhova, to appreciate the lovely hand-woven carpets, embroideries and wine produced there.]  Check into your for an overnight stay in Olympia.  B/L/D  Hotel Xenia (4-star)

Visit Olympia  (WHS) and learn about the history of the Olympic Games and where they occurred. Visit the Temples of Zeus and Hera, the Great Gymnasium, Palestra and Stadium, and many more well-preserved remains of this magnificent site, along with its excellent museum. Then continue on to Athens, the capital city of Greece, crossing the Corinth Canal on the way.  Lunch en route. Check in to your 4-star centrally located hotel. B/L/D   Hotel Parthanon (4-star)

Begin your visit to Athens with a tour of the Acropolis (WHS) crowned by the world-renowned Parthenon and then visit the superb National Archaeological Museum.  Lunch followed by some free time for you to explore the Plaka, a shopper’s paradise, reminiscent of an Arab bazaar. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the many charming tavernas offering delectable Greek specialties and overnight in your centrally located hotel.  B/L/D  Hotel Parthanon (4-star)