Page 76 - 2018-2019 Worldwide Journeys by Alexander + Roberts

OUR JOURNEY
DAY1 WelcometoAthens |
Onarrival,you’llbeescortedtothe deluxe King George Hotel in the heart of town. Tonight’s welcome dinner is hosted by our engaging Trip Leader Smaragda at one of our favorite Athenian tavernas. meals d
The glories of DAY 2 | ancient Athens
Tailor your sightseeing today
with the included tour of your choice! First time visitors can join a guided tour of the city’s ancient sitesincludingtheTheaterof Dionysus, Acropolis and Agora. Guests returning to Athens can join our excursion into the countryside to visit the Sanctuary of Artemis and the Vorres Museum, a private art collection displayed in the handsome villa of Ion Vorres. Tonight, all our guests will enjoy a lively culinary demonstration and another fine Greek dinner. meals b+d
DAY3| Throughthe Thermopylae Pass
Enjoy a leisurely morning before our journey northward through the historic Thermopylae Pass, where 300 Spartans fought a much larger Persian Army in 480 BC. Continue into the unspoiled mountain landscapes of Pelion and check in to the Hotel Despotiko in the lovely village of Portaria. meals b+d
Excursion to DAY4| Makrinitsa
The morning is yours to stroll Portaria’s stone-paved streets, graced with fine old villas, cafes, andboutiques.Intheafternoon, we’ll take you to Makrinitsa, a charming mountain village known for its views over the surrounding hills. It’s also home to frescoed 18th-century churches, erstwhile noble residences, and village shops filled with fine handicrafts and aromatic locally-grown herbs. meals b+d
DAY 5 | Villages and countryside of Pelion
Spendthisdayexploringalongthe deeply forested roads of Pelion, venturing deeper into the massif that defines this historic and beautiful peninsula. In Zagora, you’ll find charming homes decorated in the traditional style with carved wooden doors and windows. Visit the ancient churches of Tsagarada and continue to Milies where the friendly residents will prepare a delightful lunch of local specialties. mealsb+l
DAY6 Theancient | sites of Volos
Descending from Portaria to the shores of the Pagasetic Gulf, you’ll spend this day with Smaragda exploring the archaeological
sites that surround the lively port of Volos. The region is steeped
in myth including the ancient Mycenaean city of Iolkos, famed as the birthplace of Jason, the leader
of the Argonauts who ventured to the Black Sea to secure the Golden Fleece. See the Neolithic remains at Sesklo, the excavations at Dimini and the ancient basilicas at Nea Anchialos,oneofGreece’smost important early Christian sites. After lunch in Volos, you’ll tour the Archaeological Museum. meals b+l
The Meteora DAY 7 | Monasteries
Today you’ll experience one of
the world’s most inspiring architectural assemblages. Here in a region of seemingly inaccessible sandstone peaks, medieval monks overcame enormous logistical and engineeringchallengestobuild twenty four monasteries atop these “columns in the sky.” Only six of these ancient monasteries remain and today you’ll join Smaragda to visit the most important and impressive ones. For lunch, we’ll take you to a nearby restaurant that promises breathtaking views over the Meteora landscape. After this unforgettable day, you’ll return to Portaria for another delightful evening and overnight. meals b+l
DAY8 AGulfcruise+ | wine tasting
Travel to the seaside village of Kala Nera and board our private boat for a sightseeing cruise across the azure waters of the Pagasetic Gulf. Visit the ancient Byzantine castle on the tiny isle of Paleo Trikeri and sample the island’s fresh seafood.
Back on the mainland, sample the fine wines of the Patistis Estate as a master vintner introduces you to the long history of wine-making in the Pelion region. meals b
DAY9 BacktoAthens |
Take this last morning in Pelion
to soak up more of the timeless village ambience of Portaria. In the afternoon, we’ll take you back to the capital where you’ll check in to the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. meals b+l
DAY 10 | Depart Athens
After breakfast, you can make your way to the nearby terminal for your departureflight. mealsb
MEET OUR TRIP LEADER, SMARAGDA TOULOUPA
With a Masters from London’s esteemed Institute of Archaeology, Smaragda is a published scholar with a lifelong passion for her native Greece. For the past two decades, Smaragda has been delighting travelers with her deep knowledge, eloquence, and warm demeanor.
SERBIA
BULGARIA
MACEDONIA
Adriatic Sea
Mediterranean Sea
ALBANIA GREECE
Meteora
6 Portaria Aegean
Sea
3 Athens
The Acropolis, Athens
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