Exploring Greece and Its Islands
Presented by Elmhurst College Alumni Relations

Day 1: Sunday, April 18, 2010
Overnight Flight

Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. From historic classical Greece to the colorful Greek Islands, every day is filled with new and wonderful experiences. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2: Monday, April 19, 2010
Athens, Greece - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in the capital city of Athens. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Athens’ historic district, known as the Plaka. In a traditional taverna you will feast on local cuisine and wine, and enjoy Greek entertainment.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Athens

LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A comprehensive tour of Athens brings the past to life as it showcases the city's ancient and glorious monuments. See the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. You’ll also visit the incredible Acropolis. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to further explore this captivating city.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka

From Athens you will head north through central Greece. Visit the site of the ancient historic city of Thermopylae where you will stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas, who died defending the city against the Persians. Then, stop at a local studio to see painters at work creating beautiful Byzantine icons. End your day in Kalambaka, a typical Greek town at the foot of the Pindos Mountains.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Thursday, April 22, 2010
Kalambaka - Metéora - Kalambaka

Today you will tour Metéora, a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that stand nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. As you travel through the dazzling Peneios Valley you will stop and visit one of these remote holy places. Return to Kalambaka this afternoon for some leisure time to relax or explore the town.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Friday, April 23, 2010
Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova

Continue on to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple and the Theatre.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Arachova - Olympia

Travel along the Gulf of Corinth before crossing into the Peloponnese. Continue south to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Your guided visit includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 8: Sunday, April 25, 2010
Olympia - Mycenae - Epidauros - Tolo

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the ancient city of Mycenae. A guided visit of the excavations features the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Continue to Epidauros to view the spectacular 2,300-year-old open air theater. End your day in the charming seaside village of Tolo.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Monday, April 26, 2010
Tolo - Nauplion - Tolo

Spend a leisurely day experiencing the seaside charms of Nauplion. Explore the old town and the imposing Palamedes Fort, situated high atop the city with commanding views over the town and the Argolic Gulf.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 10: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Athens - Mykonos

This morning you will transfer* to the port of Athens where you will board the high speed ferry to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you sail across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 11: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Mykonos

Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. The beautiful island beaches beckon for a day spent relaxing in the Mediterranean sunshine. Don’t miss Mykonos Town, where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. You will want to stroll through the island’s elegant shops and enjoy the fresh seafood offered in the waterfront tavernas.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 12: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Mykonos - Santorini

Bid farewell to Mykonos as you sail to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Upon arrival, visit an island winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 13: Friday, April 30, 2010
Santorini

Spend the morning exploring the cultural wonders and history of Santorini, one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Begin the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum** with its impressive collection of frescoes, Byzantine works of art and sculptures of the Hellenistic period. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and explore the island capital of Thira.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 14: Saturday, May 01, 2010
Santorini - Athens

Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to Greece.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 15: Sunday, May 02, 2010
Athens - Tour Ends


Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo

April 18 - May 2, 2010

Highlights...
Athens • The Acropolis • Taverna Dinner Show • Thermopylae • Kalambaka • Metéora • Delphi • Arachova • Olympia • Mycenae • Epidauros • Nauplion • Mykonos • Santorini •

15 Days • 23 Meals:
13 Breakfasts • 10 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $4199
Single $5299

Triple $4149

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $400 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers,Round Trip Air from OHare Intl Airport,
Click Here for Details
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person,


YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
  Divani Palace Acropolis, Athens
DAY 4 - 5
  Hotel Famissi Eden, Kalambaka
DAY 6
  Hotel Anemolia, Arachova
DAY 7
  Europa Hotel, Olympia
DAY 8 - 9
  Hotel King Minos, Tolo
  or Hotel Apollon, Tolo
DAY 10 - 11
  Royal Myconian Collection, Mykonos
DAY 12 - 13
  Hotel Hermes, Santorini
  or Santorini Image Hotel, Santorini
DAY 14
  Holiday Inn Attica, Athens

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.


Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Stephanie Christian
Elmhurst College Alumni Relations
630-617-3600


Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through Collette Vacations.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate Collette vacation. Our travel counselors can provide additional information or assistance to help you determine the perfect trip for you.
• *On day 10, due to early ferry schedules, you may be required to depart the hotel in Tolo as early as 4:00 AM. Should this be the case, a boxed breakfast will be provided in place of the regular hotel breakfast. **The Archaeological Museum of Thira may be replaced with the Akrotiri Archaeological Site which is presently closed due to renovations.
• Breakfasts in Kalambaka are Continental.