ANCIENT RUINS & THE GRAND BAZAAR

From $7,799.00 USD

ANCIENT RUINS & THE GRAND BAZAAR

October 30 - November 6, 2023

ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

KAVALA/PHILIPPI, GREECE

Explore ancient Kavala with its striking mountains, crystalline waters, and multicultural buildings hugging the cliffs. Both the fortress and the Kavala aqueduct date back to the 16th Century. Visit the marketplace, stop for a coffee, stroll through the new shops and galleries. Look for ceramics, great wine, fine leather, white marble, handmade cigars, and designer clothing. The Castle of Kavala and the castle at Palaiochori are not to be missed. Then one of the many museums – the Archaeological Museum or the Municipal Museum top the list. The Imararet, the home built by Mohammed Ali Pasha in the 19th Century boasts Ottoman architecture and spectacular views of the sea. Linger over a meal of local specialties, stuffed eggplant or grilled seafood. Enjoy a glass of wine, a coffee and pastry as you absorb the harmony of Kavala.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today offers impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. Spend time in the Old City to explore renowned places, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

IZMIR, TURKEY

Curled around a cerulean bay, Izmir buzzes with a remarkably cosmopolitan vibe considering its estimated 4,000 years of history. Soak up sublime Mediterranean atmosphere along a café-laden waterfront, noshing on boyoz, kumru, kokoreç and lokma (‘king of desserts’) over kahve, Turkey’s thick, strong coffee. Snap photos roaming the archways and columns of Izmir’s Roman agora before visiting the intricately patterned clock tower in Konak Square. Haggle at 500-year-old Kemeralti Bazaar, visit Izmir’s archaeological museum and ride a teleferic (cable car) for panoramic views of the ‘Pearl of the Aegean’.

BODRUM, TURKEY

Located in the southwestern corner of Anatolia, Bodrum is a seacoast town in which sleek yachts are anchored in twin bays beneath the walls of a medieval Crusaders’ castle. The town owes its fame to a man long dead (Mausolus) and his famous “Mausoleum,” one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Bodrum’s other claim to fame comes from Herodotus, the “Father of History,” and the first person to write a comprehensive world history of the West.

MYKONOS, GREECE

Steeped in Greek mythological history, Mykonos was named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykons, and was the location of the grand battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, this island is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its picture- postcard setting and growing nightlife. Mykonos is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and by law even new buildings have to be built in the same style of whitewashed, organic, cube-like buildings. Be sure to plan a day trip to take in picturesque Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archeological dig at Delos.

ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.