Vacation Itinerary - Greece and Istanbul

TIME DIFFERENCE - 7 HOURS AHEAD

Friday Nov 12 - flight Toronto - Heathrow - Athens
Saturday Nov 13 - Transfer airpot to hotel
Will be mid-afternoon. Plan to do some walking around, quick nap and then dinner out.

Amalia Hotel, Athens, Greece - Standard Room with Breakfast
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city facing the National Gardens and just off Constitution Square.

Saturday Nov 13 - Tuesday Nov16 on our own to explore Athens. Lots of walking planned!

Nov 13 - Arrive mid-afternoon

 

Sunday Nov 14 - Will do an island cruise eiither Sunday or Monday. 

 

Monday Nov 15 - Day 1 -

 

 

Tuesday Nov 16 - Day 2 - Orientation meeting in evening

 

 

Wednesday Nov 17 Day 3- Depart in the afternoon for Delphi. Upon arrival enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Amalia Hotel, Delphi, Greece

Hotel is situated on mountain slope with splendid views of Itea port and Corinthian Gulf. The hotel is within walking distance of the Archeological Museum and Temple of Apollo with Ancient Delphi at 0.7 mile from the hotel. Delphi town.

Thursday Nov 18 Day 4-Taking the optional tour of Delphi to visit the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythias and the Museum. The Museum contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. 
This afternoon, drive via Karditsa and Trikala to Kalambaka, a small town situated amid smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora. Meteora's name, meaning "suspended in air" is exceptionally apt, with towering rock pillars soaring over a thousand feet above the plain.
 

 

Divani Hotel, Kalambaka, Greece
This first class hotel is situated at the foot of the rocks of Meteora at the small village of Kalambaka. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and has stunning views of the mountains.
 

Friday Nov 19 Day 5- We will enjoy an optional tour to the unique formations of Meteora. Visit the age-less monasteries, which appear to be suspended in mid-air perched on top of the huge rocks. View exquisite specimens of Byzantine Art.

Back in Athens at the same hotel Amalia Hotel, Athens, Greece -Standard Room with Breakfast

Saturday Nov 20 Day 6- Full Day Argolis Tour
Depart for a drive along the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea, and enjoy a short stop. Continue to Mycenae, the ancient Homeric city of Atreides, to visit the Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, and the Royal Tombs. Afterwards, depart for Nauplion, the picturesque town situated at the foot of a cliff, crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. Enjoy lunch in Mycenae or Nauplion, and afterwards, continue to Epidaurus to visit the world-famous Epidaurus Theater, considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Greece. Return to Athens.

 

Sunday Nov 21 Day 7 - Flight Athens to Istanbul

Day to explore on our own.

This first class hotel is located in Taksim with many shops, restaurants, and near to the historic Beyoglu district.

 

Monday Nov 22 Day 8 -Today, enjoy a full day classical tour into the heart of Istanbul City, including visits to St. Sophia, the great Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century, and the world-famous Blue Mosque. Continue to the Roman Hippodrome, the ancient site of chariot races and competitive athletic events. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Konyali Restaurant, located on the Palace grounds. In the afternoon, visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Visit the Treasury Rooms which house 700 years worth of priceless Endurun Treasure, making for the largest national trove in the world. Continue to visit the famous Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent, built in the 16th century, and regarded today as one of the greatest buildings in the world, before making a final stop to visit the renowned Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered market, featuring over 58 streets and more than 4000 shops.

Tuesday Nov 23 Day 9 - Today's tour of Istanbul includes a cruise on the Bosphorus, with lunch. The tour begins with a visit to the famous Istanbul Spice Market before boarding a ferry, crossing the Bosphorus into Europe and Asia. While visiting both Europe and Asia, enjoy stops along the way to photograph the 15th century Rumelihisari Fortress, as well as various summer palaces and old wooden homes. The cruise terminates at the fishing village of Sariyer, close to the Black Sea. After lunch, enjoy a pleasant drive to Camlica Hill on the Asian side, via the Bosphorus Bridge, to see Istanbul in beautiful panorama. For your final stop, visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the former summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, to see its original furnishings and formal gardens.(L)

Wednesday Nov 24 Day 10 - Hotel to airport. Istanbul - Heathrow - Toronto