From the most trusted Tour Operator in the USA
for travel to Greece, Homeric Tours is proud to present our suggested group
programs for 2009.
Book with the name that you’ve come to know for close to 4 decades, Homeric
Tours!
A proud member of USTOA, we give you the ADDED comfort of knowing that your
payment is automatically insured and with 39 years of continuous operation,
Homeric Tours offers you the reliability and financial strength that you
deserve when choosing a tour operator.
This is just a sample of our suggested group programs. Deposit between now
and July 31st and deduct an additional $25.00 per person off our already low
prices. Don’t see something you like? Not a problem; our Group Department
can easily put together any type of itinerary you desire. Best of all, our
rates include 1 free passenger for every 15 paid!
Package IV
9 Nights, $1327 p.p. for 15 pax; $1299 p.p. for 20 pax
2 Nights Athens, 7-Day Cruise of Greek Islands & Turkey
Optional air is available to Greece from many gateways. Please ask how we may help you find the lowest rate possible to accommodate your group.
DAY 2, WEDNESDAY, ATHENS
Upon arrival at Athens Airport we will be met by Homeric Tours representative and
transferred to the Hotel. Please look for our representative, displaying “Homeric Tours”
signage, after you have exited the customs and baggage area claim area. Afternoon and
evening are at leisure for you to relax after a transatlantic flight
.
DAY 3, THURSDAY, ATHENS
Following complimentary full American buffet breakfast at the Hotel, we depart for a
morning tour of Athens. Our orientation tour by bus will include major city’s landmarks,
such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Royal Palace, and the Panathenian
Stadium. We drive by and view the Academy, the University and the National Library as
well as the Temple of Olympian Zeusl. We then continue our tour on foot and visit the world famous Parthenon atop the Acropolis of Athens. The Parthenon, an exquisite marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, was built during the Golden Age, under the rule of Perecles. We also visit the Acropolis Museum. There will be time to browse Monastiriki, a well known local market, before we return to our hotel
.
(B)
DAYS 4, FRIDAY, ATHENS / PIREAUS, Embarkation
Following our morning at leisure, we transfer to Piraeus to board our vessel for a 7-Day cruise to the Greek islands and Turkey. Sail through the night.
(B,L,D)
DAY 5, SATURDAY, ISTANBUL
As we approach Istanbul from the sea, the graceful minarets of countless mosques appear on the horizon and the Islamic call to prayer carries over the water. Istanbul’s blend of East and West has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture in the world, including Agia Sophia and formerly the Sultan’s Palace, the treasures of Ottoman Empire are on view. Bargain for your own treasures in one of the Grand Bazaar’s 5,000 shops.
(B,L,D)
DAY 6, SUNDAY, ISTANBUL
Full day at leisure for you to further explore this amazing
city. Or you may opt to join us on our one of the optional
city tours.
(B,L,D)
DAY 7, MONDAY, MYKONOS
This afternoon, we arrive at Mykonos for time at leisure. Explore the winding and narrow alleways of this immaculately whitewashed gem town and its churches, windmills, shops and restaurants. The island is Greece’s playground and many Greek and International celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos. Tonight you may opt to dine out at a small street-side table of a local taverna.
(B,L,D)
DAY 8, TUESDAY, PATMOS / KUSADASI (EPHESSUS)
In the morning we call at the island of Patmos. This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. In the 11th century, the Abbot Christodoulos founded the Monastery of St. John on one of the island’s highest points. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury. Later this afternoon, we call in Kusadasi for an optional tour to nearby Ephesus, where you can view extensive ruins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The tour includes a visit to the Theater and the Library of Celsus.
(B,L,D)
DAY 9, WEDNESDAY, RHODES
After Breakfast you have the opportunity to visit the beautiful “Island of Roses” well known for its rich and varied history. On a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess of Athena. Below lies the bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages. The crusading Knights of St. John left the magnificent medieval city of Rhodes behind when they were defeated by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The Turks then occupied Rhodes for almost 400 years leaving mosques, minarets and a Turkish bath to mark their presence.
(B,L,D)
DAY 10, THURSDAY, HERAKLION / SANTORINI
Morning arrival to Heraklion, the capital of Crete Island. You may opt to explore the town on your own or an o9ptional excursion visiting the amazing remains of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Afterwards visit the Archaeological Museum that houses many of the treasures found during Knossos Palace excavations.
This afternoon we sail to Santorini, a unique island visited by vast numbers of tourists who gaze at the submerged caldera, epicenter of what was probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history. Around 1500 B.C., a volcanic eruption destroyed the center of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbor formed in the volcano’s caldera. Phira’s whitewashed houses; narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to these cliffs, accessible by cable car or donkey. Visit Nomikos Exhibition displaying reproductions of Acrotiri’s Minoan frescoes. Recent excavation in Akrotiri support the theories that Santorini might have been the fabled lost continent of Atlantis. Tonight, we set sail for Athens
.
(B,L,D)
DAY 11, FRIDAY, PIRAEUS Disembarkation / USA
Arrive the port of Piraeus/Athens in the morning. Meet your Homeric Tours representative and transfer to the Airport for your return flight home.
(B)
* Images shown may not represent inclusions in this package. Please read the itinerary text carefully for content.
Package IV
9 Nights, $1327 p.p. for 15 pax; $1299 p.p. for 20 pax
2 Nights Athens, 7-Day Cruise of Greek Islands & Turkey
