Exploring Greece and Its Islands
Presented by Council On Aging - St. Johns County

Day 1: Friday, October 08, 2010
Overnight Flight

Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. Your tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2: Saturday, October 09, 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, wine and enjoy Greek entertainment.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Sunday, October 10, 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. Touring Athens, see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic Stadium and the incredible Acropolis (UNESCO).
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Monday, October 11, 2010
Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka

Travel north through central Greece to the ancient city of Thermopylae where you 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 creating beautiful Byzantine icons. End your day in Kalambaka.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 5: Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Kalambaka - Metéora - Kalambaka

Today you tour Metéora (UNESCO), a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that stand nearly 900 feet tall. 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, stop and visit one of these remote holy places. Return to Kalambaka for some leisure time.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova

Continue on to the ancient city of Delphi (UNESCO), 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 are included.

Day 7: Thursday, October 14, 2010
Arachova - Olympia

Travel along the Gulf of Corinth before crossing into the Peloponnese and the historic city of Olympia (UNESCO), a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Your guided visit includes the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 8: Friday, October 15, 2010
Olympia - Mycenae - Epidauros - Tolo

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the ancient city of Mycenae (UNESCO). A guided visit of the excavations features the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Continue to Epidauros (UNESCO) 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 are included.

Day 9: Saturday, October 16, 2010
Tolo - Nauplion - Tolo

Today, experience the seaside charms of Nauplion. Explore the old town and the imposing Palamedes Fort, situated high atop the city with commanding views.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 10: Sunday, October 17, 2010
Athens - Mykonos

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

Day 11: Monday, October 18, 2010
Mykonos

Your day is at leisure. Perhaps you will visit a beautiful island beach or Mykonos Town, where traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 12: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Mykonos - Santorini

Bid farewell to Mykonos as you sail to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the island of Santorini. Upon arrival, visit a winery followed by a tasting of the unique wines of Santorini that have become world-famous.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 13: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Santorini

Spend the morning exploring the cultural wonders and history of Santorini. Begin by traveling 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. Later, visit the Archaeological Museum** with its impressive collection of frescoes, Byzantine works of art and sculptures of the Hellenistic period. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 14: Thursday, October 21, 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 are included.

Day 15: Friday, October 22, 2010
Athens - Tour Ends


Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo

October 08 - October 22, 2010

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

15 Days • 22 Meals:
13 Breakfasts • 9 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $4099
Single $4799

Triple $4049

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $160 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from Jacksonville Intl Airport, Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person.
Click Here for Details


YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
  Crowne Plaza City Center, 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
  Myconian Collection K Hotel, 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
Janet Minner
Council On Aging - St. Johns County
(904) 209-3645


Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• 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.
• Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• *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.