Excursion 3nt pre-cruise: unesco sites of greece tour at Athens
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Discover the treasures of the Cradle of Civilization from the Acropolis in Athens to Thessaloniki in Macedonia. Visit Vergina with its Royal Tombs, and charming Kalambka in Thessaly. Tour the striking, gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora perched atop the rocky pinnacles - one of Europe's most amazing sights.
Day 1 - ATHENS
Upon arrival in Athens, you are met by a local Silversea representative outside of Customs & Immigration, and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The Hotel welcomes you with spacious room, modern amenities, and award-wining service. The afternoon is at your leisure. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.
Overnight at the Atheneaum Intercontinental Hotel - Athens
Day 2 - ATHENS / KALAMBAKA
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and begin a brief city tour of Athens including the famous Acropolis. Then, depart for the approximately 3.5 to 4-hour drive to the charming village of Kalambaka. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch on the way. Upon arrival visit one of the unique Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the superb icons, unique mosques and frescoes, and take in breathtaking views of the other monasteries and the surrounding area.
Following your visit, you are transferred to your hotel, which is surrounded by Meteora cliffs and offers splendid panoramic views. After check-in, the balance of the day is spent at your leisure. Dinner is provided this evening at the hotel.
The dress code for visiting the Monasteries is very strict, women must wear skirts and have shoulders covered. No trousers for women. No shorts for men.
Overnight at the Divani Meteora Hotel - Kalambaka
Day 3 - KALAMBAKA / VERGINA / THESSALONIKI
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and visit two more monasteries. Then, depart for the approximately 2.5-hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Vergina, the first ancient capital of Greek Macedonia and home of the magnificent Royal Tombs. After the visit enjoy lunch before continuing your journey on to Thessaloniki.
Enjoy a brief scenic drive through Thessaloniki as you proceed to your hotel for check-in. The second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki is graced with natural beauty and ancient treasures. Enjoy some time at your leisure. Dinner is served at a traditional Greek restaurant in the pedestrian area of 'Ladadika'. After dinner, transfer back to your hotel.
The dress code for visiting the Monasteries is very strict, women must wear skirts and have shoulders covered. No trousers for women. No shorts for men.
Overnight at the Makedonia Palace - Thessaloniki.
Day 4 - THESSALONIKI / ATHENS
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a visit to the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum, which houses an important exhibit, 'The Gold of Ancient Macedonia'*. After the visit of the museum, return to the hotel for a light lunch and check-out. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival you are welcomed by the local Silversea representative outside of the baggage claim area and along with your guide you will be transferred to the port of Piraeus where the staff and crew are looking forward to welcoming you aboard.
* If the Archeological Museum is not available, the Byzantine museum can be visited instead.
Program Inclusions:
- One-night at the InterContinental Hotel - Athens - Superior Room
- One-night stay at the Divani Meteora Hotel - Kalambaka - Superior Room
- One-night stay at the Makedonia Palace - Thessaloniki - Superior City View Room
- Three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners
- Tours of Athens, the Acropolis, Thessaloniki, the Archaeological Museum (when available), and Meteora Monasteries
- Scheduled, Economy-Class flight: Thessaloniki to Athens
- Transfers between airport, hotel and pier in air-conditioned vehicles
Flight Details:
Day 4: Thessaloniki/Athens - approximately one hour
Flight durations may vary due to changes in flight schedules. Upgrades to Business-class are available for an additional cost.
Luggage Information:
Please have one bag packed and ready to go with you. The remainder of your luggage will be stored at the hotel in Athens and reunited with you once you're aboard the ship. One piece of checked luggage per person is allowed on domestic flight up to 50lbs/23kg if economy and 70lbs/32kg if upgraded to business class.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Greece. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain the appropriate visas before cruising.
Accessibility:
The sights visited on this program include a lot of steps and inclines in addition to long periods of standing, as a result this program is not well-equipped for mobility-impaired guests or guests who utilize a wheelchair.
Minimum Participation:
All Land Programs require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not obtained, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel a specific departure.
Please note: Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are not included in the price of this tour.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older. This description is a general overview of this programme. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. The programme described here is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.