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DATES
Sept. 29-Oct. 10, 2008
COSTS
$2695 + RT International Air
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Active
TRIP SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS
Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Basel, Zermatt, Lucerne
ACCOMMODATIONS
& TRANSPORTATION
RECOMMENDED READING
TRAVEL INSURANCE
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
GAUCHO GETAWAYS
PH: 805.893.4775
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Itinerary

Day 1 :
Depart for Athens, Greece aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for air-inclusive participants only.) (In-flight meals)

Day 2 :
Transfer by motorcoach to the Peloponnese and the Hotel Achaia Beach located just outside of Patras. (Transfer provided for air-inclusive participants only.) En route, enjoy a photo stop at Corinth Canal. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Hotel Achaia Beach (In-flight meals)

Day 3 :
Educational Focus: Greek History. Excursion: Delphi. Explore Delphi, set on the slopes of the Parnassos Mountains. See the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury and the Delphi Museum.
Enjoy a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel. Hotel Achaia Beach (B, L, D)

Day 4 :
Educational Focus: Maritime Greece - From Cretan Pirates to Modern Greek Shipping. Excursion: Patras. Tour Patras' Old Town, blue-domed St. Andrew's Cathedral and the acropolis. After lunch and some free time, continue to Achaia Clauss Winery for a wine tasting. Hotel Achaia Beach (B, L, D)

Day 5:
Excursion: Olympia. Journey to the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, which were first held nearly 3,000 years ago. Follow in the footsteps of the early Olympians and walk through the tunnel onto the field of the stadium. See the Temple of Zeus and Hera and visit the Archaeological Museum. Hotel Achaia Beach (B, L, D)

Day 6:
Excursion: Mycenae & Epidauros. Travel to the island of Poros. Along the way, discover Mycenae with its impressive Lion's Gate, and Epidauros, known for its fourth-century theater. Upon arrival in Poros town, check into the Hotel New Aegli. (B, L, D)

Day 7:
Excursion: Poros. Stroll the charming streets of Poros Town, lined with white-washed houses. Walk through St. George Square, past bustling shops along the waterfront, and arrive at the musem filled with archaeological treasures. Educational Focus: Meet the People. Local Flavor: After the panel discussion, enjoy lunch at a local taverna. Hotel New Aegli. (B, L, D)

Day 8:
Educational Focus: A View of Greek Art. Excursion: Hydra. Cruise to Hydra, an island konwn as a stylish bohemian mecca in the 1950s - it is still considered to be the most fashionable Saronic Isle. Distinctive for its architecture, rugged terrain and vibrant colors, Hydra's lovely waterfront is lined with many lively cafes and shops. Hotel New Aegli. (B, L, D)

Day 9:
Educational Focus: Perspectives of Contemporary Greece. Independent Exploration: Today is at leisure to pursue your own interests. Local Flavor: This evening, enjoy Greek music, dancing and entertainment along with a traditional Greek dinner. Hotel New Aegli. (B, D)

Day 10:
Depart Poros for Athens. Upon arrival, a panoramic city tour showcases the Academy, the University, National Library and the Pan-Athenian Stadium, site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Afterward, check into the Hotel Athens Plaza. (B, L, D)

Day 11:
Excursion: Acropolis Tour. Visit the amazing Acropolis, with its crowning glory, the Parthenon, rising proudly over the city. Dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, the temple's inspiring columns date from the fifth century B.C.E. Tonight, gather for a Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Reception, followed by dinner in a traditional taverna in the Plaka district. Hotel Athens Plaza (B, L, D)

Day 12:
Transfer to the Athens airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Provided for air-inclusive participants only.) (B, In-flight meals)

Note: Itinerary schedule may change due to local conditions.  Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.

Highlights

* Experience the diversity of Greece while spending four days in the Peloponnese, four days on the island of Poros and two days in Athens.
* Immerse yourself in Greek traditions of food and wine as you sample local delicacies accompanied by fine local vintages.
* Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidauros and the Acropolis.
* Expore the renowned Greek Island of Hydra.
* Your travel experience becomes a learning opportunity as local experts deliver fascinating lectures on history, art, culture, food and wine.
* Speical Greek Night features authentic Greek music, dance and entertainment.

Included Features

* An extensive meal program, including a breakfast buffet each morning, eight two-course lunches and nine three-course dinners. Enjoy tea or coffee with all meals and wine with dinner. Take advantage of opportunities to sample the local cuisine at your leisure.
* Some meals are served at local restaurants and feature a culinary experience of authentic regional specialties.
* Special Welcome Reception at the hotel.
* A festive Graduation Ceremony followed by a special Farewell Reception and Dinner.
* Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region.
* All excursions are included.
* Consultation services of a Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
* Services of a professional Campus Director and Expert English-speaking Local Guides throughout your stay.
* Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning.
* Deluxe travel wallet.
* Round-trip, scheduled jet service to Athens, Greece.*
* Round trip motorcoach transfers from and to the Athens airport, including baggage handling at each hotel.*
* All domestic and foreign governmental airport/departure taxes and fees.*
* Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance for all passengers ticketed by AHI International, subject to policy terms.*

*Provided for air-inclusive participants only.

Accommodations

Hotel Achaia Beach
Boasting magnificent views of both sea and surrounding mountains, the Hotel Achaia Beach affords its guests a remarkable experience. Situated on Achaia Beach, the hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, lounge bar and roof garden. Relax on the private balcony off your guestroom that is complete with a private bath, shower, television, individual climate controls and a direct-dial telephone.

Hotel New Aegli
The Hotel New Aegli is wonderfully situated, overlooking scenic Askeli Bay. Guestrooms are simply furnished with private baths, showers, televisions, individual climate controls and direct-dial telephones. Each features a spacious balcony that affords a panoramic view of the sea and surrounding landscapes. the attractive restaurant is noted for its Greek specialties.

Athens Plaza Hotel
Located in the heart of the city on prestigious Constitution Square, the Athens Plaza is a deluxe hotel with the flair and ambience of a smaller boutique hotel, all within walking distance of the Old City. After an extensive renovation in 2004, the hotel features luxurious guestrooms, modern amenities and breathtaking views of the famed Acropolis.