Greece to Dalmatia (16 days)
Athens, Kalambaka, Ohrid, Tirana, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Cave,
Bled, Ljubljana and Zagreb
Itinerary
Day 1, arrive in Athens, Saturday
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional
Greek tavern in Plaka, the old part of Athens.
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, and 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 Ethem 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 is at leisure to relax, shop or explore on your own.
Day 10, to Split, Monday
Depart Dubrovnik and travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old
fishing villages and new resorts, to Split. Enjoy a city tour featuring the historic
inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural
Heritage site. See the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic
structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. 227 km
Day 11, to Trogir and Plitvice Lakes, Tuesday
After breakfast, head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from
around the world gather to study and paint here. Then, turn inland and travel to
Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, have your camera ready and take a walking
tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural
wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation.
317 km
Day 12, to Opatija, Postojna and Bled, Wednesday
Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular
resort, Opatija. After some free time, journey north to Postojna, home to one of
the largest caves in Europe. Tour the fantastic subterranean world by miniature
electric train. Afterwards, continue to Bled, beautifully set amidst the Julian
Alps. 352 km
Day 13, in Bled, Thursday
A sightseeing tour of Bled features the charming town with the lakeshore, and imposing
Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at
leisure for optional activities, such as visiting the small island in the middle
of the lake.
Day 14, to Ljubljana and Zagreb, Friday
Start your day with a walking tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Visit
the most significant sights of the old city centre: the picturesque Central open-air
Market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik, Baroque
Town Hall and Robba's Fountain. Then, continue to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.
189 km
Day 15, in Zagreb, Saturday
This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark's Church,
St. Catherine's Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government Palace.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town
or to take an optional excursion with dinner into the surrounding countryside.
Day 16, depart Zagreb, Sunday
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
| Start date | End date | Per person in twin | Single room supplement |
| 15 May 2010 | 30 May 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |
| 12 June 2010 | 27 June 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |
| 26 June 2010 | 11 July 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |
| 10 July 2010 | 25 July 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |
| 21 August 2010 | 05 September 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |
| 04 September 2010 | 19 September 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |
| 18 September 2010 | 03 October 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |
| 02 October 2010 | 17 October 2010 | $ 3,495 | $ 1,156 |