Happy Gecko Travel

DAY 1: ATHENS

Arrival at the Athens International Airport, where you will be met by our personnel and assisted through customs and baggage claim formalities. Transfer to your hotel in the city. Overnight in Athens.

MEAL(S): BUFFET BREAKFAST

HOTEL: Stanley 4* or similar

DAY 2: ATHENS - DELPHI

After breakfast at the hotel, depart on an Athens city tour that will give you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city.  You will pass by the Presidential residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).  On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens:  The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon.

Free time and lunch on your own.

Overnight in Delphi or Arachova.

HOTEL: Domotel Anemolia 4*or similar

DAY 3: DELPHI - METEORA

After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to the exploration of the Sanctuary of Apollon Pythios and the Delphi Museum. Free time and lunch on your own and then departure for Kalambaka.

Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

MEAL(S): BUFFET BREAKFAST & DINNER

HOTEL: Famissi Eden 4* or similar

DAY 4: METEORA - ATHENS

Morning visit to the breathtaking "hanging" monasteries of Meteora. It is estimated that more than a million of people visit Meteora every year. It comprises of gigantic rock pinnacles with old monasteries on their tops. The creation of the rocks has not been explained till today. Some geologists believe that they were carved out by the Pinios river. Visit one of the monasteries. Free time and lunch on your own.

Drive back to Athens via Thermopylae & Kamena Vourla.

Dinner at a traditional tavern with live music

Overnight in Athens.

MEAL(S): BUFFET BREAKFAST & DINNER

HOTEL: Stanley 4* or similar

DAY 5 - ATHENS (PIRAEUS) - MYKONOS

Transfer to Piraeus port where the cruise departs. Spend time discovering this island paradise with its distinctive white-washed houses and maze of narrow cobbled streets before setting sail to Turkey.

MEAL(S): BUFFET BREAKFAST (HOTEL), LUNCH & DINNER (ON SHIP)

DAY 6 - KUSADASI (Ephesus), Turkey - PATMOS, Greece

At Ancient Ephesus you find Immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era. At the archaeological site you will be given a guided tour among the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, the Temple of Hadrian

The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and it is famous even nowadays for its acoustics. The finds from the excavations, which have yet brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, in the city of Selcuk.

Your day couldn’t close in a better way than a beautiful walk through the Covered Bazaar in Kusadasi. Here, you will be able to ramble, bargain for jewellery, cosmetics or leather products at the little shops.

During the excursion you will have the opportunity to do some shopping such as carpets, jewelry, leather and other souvenirs.

MEAL(S): BUFFET BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

DAY 7 - CRETE (HERAKLION) - SANTORINI

The ancient city of Knossos, with constant habitation from the Neolithic era until the 5th century A.D., is beyond doubt the land that "gave birth" to the first civilization of Europe, the Minoans.

The first excavations were begun in 1878 by the Heraklian Minos Kalokairinos. A bit later (1900-1913 & 1922-1930) the excavations by the British Sir Arthur Evans were to complete the scientific research, bringing to light the Minoan palace in its entirety, which was, according to tradition, the residence of the wise King Minos.

The palace of Knossos spreads around the large Central Court. You will reach the awe inspiring Throne Room, the fresco of the "Prince of the Lilies", the imposing Grand Staircase, the Queen's Megaron in the east.

Walking through the apartments of the Knossos palace and observing the finds even as passers-by, you will feel part of this cultural heritage.

MEAL(S): BUFFET BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Disembarkation to Piraeus port.  Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

MEAL(S): BUFFET BREAKFAST