Day
1, arrive Athens, Saturday
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy
a welcome dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in the
old part of Athens, Plaka.
Day
2, in Athens, Sunday
See the highlights of Athens this morning on a sightseeing
tour. This cosmopolitan and bustling capital city is
set amidst reminders of a long and glorious past: graceful
temples, centuries-old monasteries, and ornate Byzantine
churches. Visit the immortal Acropolis, the Parthenon,
the Erectheion with the Porch of the Maidens, the Temple
of Athena Nike and the Wingless Victory. Below the Acropolis
lies the ancient Agora and the Theaters of Dionysus
and Herodus Atticus. Your afternoon and evening are
free.
Day
3, to Delphi and Kalambaka, Monday
Your first stop this morning is Delphi, where the famous
oracle foretold the destiny of men. The Temple of Apollo,
in which the oracle functioned, was built in the 6th
century B.C. Also see the Sacred Way, the Stadium and
the Castilian Fountain, where pilgrims cleansed themselves
in preparation for consulting the oracle. Visit the
Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which contains an impressive
collection of finds from the site, including the beautiful
"Bronze Charioteer," before continuing on
to Kalambaka.
Day
4, to Ohrid, Tuesday
After breakfast, admire the fantastic landscapes of
Meteora, known as "the rocks that fell from the
sky." Here monks built their rock-top monasteries,
far away from civilization. Of the 13 large and 20 small
monasteries and hermit’s cells, only 4 are now
active. The most important is Megalo or Great Meteoro,
of peculiar architecture with its tall and intricate
dome, 12 sides and fine frescoes. Continue across the
border to Macedonia, and on to Ohrid.
Day
5, to Tirana, Wednesday
The lakeside resort of Ohrid is an important cultural
and spiritual center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage
site. Start your morning sightseeing tour with a walk
through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Visit
the Cathedral of St. Sofia, containing some magnificent
frescoes from the 10th century. In the early afternoon,
travel to Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Day
6, in Tirana, Thursday
On a morning sightseeing tour, see the Skanderbeg Square,
the Mosque of Et’hem Bey, the Clock Tower, and
the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national
hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance;
and the National History Museum, with a mosaic on its
facade portraying Albanian history. Your afternoon is
free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or just
relax.
Day
7, to Dubrovnik, Friday
After breakfast, depart Tirana and travel to the town
of Shkodra, a cultural center and one of Albania’s
oldest cities. See the ruins of Rozafa Castle, set on
a hill high above the city, then cross the border into
Montenegro and on to Croatia and beautiful Dubrovnik.
Day
8, in Dubrovnik, Saturday
There is a walking tour of "Old Dubrovnik"
this morning; the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock,
Orlando's Column and the Sponza Palace. You will also
see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery
with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The
rest of the day is at leisure.
Day
9, in Dubrovnik, Sunday
Today, full day is at leisure to relax, shop or explore
on your own.
Day
10, departure Dubrovnik, Monday
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure
flight.
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