GREECE and ALBANIA
The Back Roads and Hidden Sights of Greece, Macedonia and Albania
Back in 2006 we had a wonderful tour to Greece and so many have asked to go back and tour the hidden gems of Greece along with Macedonia and Albania. This program was designed exclusively for Focus Travel Club.
19 Day Custom Tour made exclusively for Focus Travel Club
$6199.00 PP based on double occupancy
September 10-29, 2011
Optional 4 night extension to Santorini
Athens – Marathon – Crete – Thessaloniki
Skopje, Macedonia – Tiriana, Albania
Lake Ohrid, Macedonia- Kalambaka
Highlights include:
- Special “Joe Green” dining experiences and unexpected pleasant surprises
- Spectacular, unique, and extensive sightseeing program
- Small group size
- First Class, centrally located hotels
- Deluxe Motor Coaches
- Wonderful meals, sights and experiences in the usually FTC style
- No-rush sightseeing with expert guides and our Tour Manager
- Round trip airfare from Denver
COST OF TOUR FROM DENVER $6199.00 pp
RESERVATION DEPOSIT $500.00 pp
2nd DEPOSIT DUE January 1st 2011 $1200.00
FINAL PAYMENT DUE June 1st 2011 $4499.00 pp plus airline tax/security fees.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT** $1299.00
**Payment for single room does not guarantee a superior room, only ensures privacy.
NO SPACE CAN BE COFIRMED UNTIL TOUR REGISTRATION DEPOSIT IS RECEIVED BY TUMLARE. EARLY REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED. Tour cost is based on a minimum of 24 participants. There will be a per person surcharge should these numbers not be reached.
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES: Touring and services on an exclusive basis by private deluxe motorcoach. Roundtrip airfare from Denver (economy class). Porterage for one piece of luggage at airports, hotels, (except in restricted areas). Welcome assistance upon arrival. All airport transfers. Accommodations in centrally located First Class Hotels. All rooms with private facilities. Daily enhanced continental breakfast. Meals specified in itinerary. Touring and sightseeing as specified in itinerary. Professional English-speaking Tour Manager/Director as specified. Gratuities to the escort and coach driver.
YOUR TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE: Passport and visa fees. No visas required for U.S. citizens on this tour. Items of a purely personal nature such as: extra beverages with meals, room service, telephone calls, personal expenses, etc. Meals not specified in itinerary. Airport taxes and possible fuel surcharges, facility and security fees (PFC’s) as presently levied.
Travel Insurance – including trip cancellation and interruption – Highly Recommended.
METHOD OF PAYMENT: By personal check to: Tumlare Corporation, Inc., 615 Boston Post Road Sudbury, MA 01776 Attn: Jill Camara. Credit card payments accepted for 1st deposit only.
REGISTRATION FORM: A separate Registration form and Terms and Conditions accompany this itinerary. Please read carefully, sign the Terms and Conditions and fill out the Registration form and mail with your deposit to Tumlare Corporation, Inc., at the above address. Please make a copy of the Terms and Conditions for your filesDay 1 Depart U.S.A for Athens, Greece
Day 2 Arrive Athens, Greece (WD)
Arrive today in Athens. A representative will meet you at the airport and help you transfer to your hotel.
This evening we will gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel and meet our Tour Director. Our Tour Director will also give us a short orientation of the exciting activities ahead
Dinner and overnight at the “Amalia” Hotel or similar
Day 3 Athens (B,L)
After breakfast we will enjoy a Tour of Athens which starts by visiting the “Kessariani Monastery” on the Ymittos Mountain and enjoy the smell of the fresh air and the wild flowers so close to the city center. Then visit the “New Acropolis Museum” and of course the Acropolis.Afterwards, we will stroll around Monastiraki Flea Market and enjoying a lunch at a “souvlatzidiko” where we will have a “souvlaki lunch”.
Dinner at your own
Overnight at the “Amalia” Hotel or similar
Day 4 Athens – Marathon- Athens (B,L)
Today we will enjoy a fantastic tour to “Marathon” where the famous Battle of Marathon took place in 490 BC. We will visit the historic sites and then we will visit the Lake of Marathon, which provides the water to Athens city and the dam. Then, we will be guided to the “Oenotria Land” In “Oenotria Land” on the shores of lake Marathon we cultivate around 20 hectares of vineyards. The varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Agiorgitiko, only red, are cultivated organically with very low yields. The soil and low temperatures due to the altitude, create an ideal microclimate for the maturation of grapes We will enjoy lunch at the winery of “Oenotria Land” winery and cellars.
Overnight at Hotel “Amalia” or similar
Day 5 Athens – Crete (B,D)After breakfast transfer to the Island of Crete. Upon arrival we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chania, the second largest town of the Island and often described as the “Venice of Crete”. Our tour includes a visit to the monastery of Agia Triada. This monastery is called Agia Triada Tzagarolon (Sacred Family of Tzagarolon). It is the biggest monastery on Crete (17th century) and is situated on the peninsula of Akrotiri, north of Chania. The Turks destroyed most of the treasures in 1821. We will have a chance to visit the church and we will also have a wine and olive testing.(For the visit inside the monastery of Agia Triada – distinguished dressing is required) From Agia Triada we will go to see the “Tombs of Venezelos” also situated on the Akrotiri peninsula. These offer a spectacular view over Chania town and the Venetian harbor. After the photo-stop at the “Tombs of Venezelos” the coach will take us down to the center of Chania. We will take a walk in the old town, visiting the “Agora” the market place, where you can find all kind of local herbs, local produced honey etc. We’ll walk through the “Skridlof street” which is also called “the leather street” – good shopping an bargains in leather products. Further we will have a guided tour in the archeological museum and from there follow the narrow street alleyways that take us down to the famous Venetian harbor.
Dinner tonight in a fish tavern overlooking the harbor and the 500 hundred year old light house. Non-fish selections available for those who do not eat fish.
Overnight at Hotel Ilianthos or similar
Day 6 Crete - Samaria Gorge adventure or the “lazy way” (B,L)
The day starts around 06:00 with a drive up to the White Mountains to the plateau of Omalos (approximately 44 km)– 1200 meters above sea level. At Omalos we make a break for a traditional Cretan breakfast. Afterwards, we go by bus the last kilometer to reach Xykloskalo – the wooden staircase – the entrance of the Samaria gorge (one of Europe’s longest gorges and one of the most beautiful places of the world). From Xyloskalo, we continue by coach over the mountains to the south coast where we will go by ferry boat to the village of Agia Romeli. On arrival at the village one can decide to hike into the National Park of Samaria Gorge. A popular spot is the so called “Iron gates” – the narrowest spot of the gorge – very beautiful and impressing! In Agia Roumeli we will enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in one of the taverns in the village. For those who choose, there will be a possible opportunity for a swim in the Libyan sea. In the afternoon we leave Agia Romeli by ferry-boat, and travel to Sougia where our coach will be waiting for us. We will drive back - over the mountains with stunning views - to Chania rriving at approximately 19:00.
Overnight at Hotel Ilianthos or similar
Day 7 Crete – Thessaloniki (B)
Driving from Chania we visit the capital of the Island Heraklion with the famous excavations of Knossos and the archeological museum. The drive to Heraklion takes about 2.5 hours. En route we will make a stop in Rethymnon – the 3rd largest town on the island – by the beach, for a cup of coffee/refreshment – or just to stretch our legs! Then we visit the ancient site of Knossos -- the most well-known ancient site in Greece after the Acropolis in Athens. Any visit to Crete would be incomplete without this visit. The palace, excavated and reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evans, was built during the "Old Palace" Minoan period, circa 1900 - 1700 B.C. At this time, power and wealth was becoming concentrated on the island, leading to unprecedented cultural development in the Aegean area. Steeped in mythology, Knossos was the powerful domain of King Minos, and from here derives the legend of the Minotaur - the half-man, half-bull creature slain by Theseus in the Labyrinth. Amongst many more fascinating things to see are the huge urns, used to store provisions such as olive oil and grain. Wonder at the first-ever flush lavatory, and see the earliest European wooden throne. The colorful frescoes of the dolphins are spectacular, but many others, like the beautiful and elegant Prince of the Lilies, can be seen in Heraklion Museum.
During the day, we make a stop in Heraklion’s city centre, where we will have the opportunity to explore and, perhaps, do some shopping, have a bite of lunch, or visit the lively local market. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a highlight of the day. This concrete block of a building, designed to resist earthquakes rather than appeal to the eye, boasts the world's most comprehensive collection of Minoan art. No other city, anywhere, has a museum to match it. By the end of the day you will feel that you have relived a part of Cretan history.
Depart for Thessaloniki
Overnight at Hotel “Capsis” or similar
Day 8 Thessaloniki (B,L)
After our included breakfast we depart on a city tour of Thessaloniki. This superb tour of Thessalonica is an excellent way to get to know the city, with our professional, knowledgeable guide to lead the way. We include some of the most memorable and important sights, such as the White Tower, the city's important landmark. We'll explore the exhibition grounds, Galerius Arch, the Rotonda Monument, the Citadel, and many more important spots and monuments. We will stop at the City Walls, from where you have a marvelous view of Thessalonica. We will also visit St. Demetrius Byzantine church, and we'll take a walk along one of the most famous seaside promenades in the country, lined with many cafes and restaurants where we will stop for a nice lunch.
Overnight at Hotel “Capsis” or similar
Day 9 Thessaloniki (B, D)
After breakfast we will enjoy a Full Day Tour which will cover the whole Macedonian history, visiting “Vergina” – the first city created by Macedonians, “Pella” –the first capital city of Macedonia and “Dion” which stands in the northern foothills of Mount Olympus. This evening we will have dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel “Capsis “ or similar
Day 10 Thessaloniki – Skopje, Macedonia (B,L,D)
This morning after breakfast we board our coach for the trip to Skopjie, Macedonia. On arrival we will get acquainted with the Romanian capital through a sightseeing tour including the The Old Bazaar, The Fortress, The Stone Bridge, Church St. Spas, The Museum of Contemporary Arts, and the Mustapha Pasha Mosque. After sightseeing we enjoy lunch at Local Restaurant. This evening we sill enjoy dinner at a Local restaurant with a folklore show.
Overnight at Hotel Imperial or similar
Day 11 Skopje (B)
Today is a full day of leisure to explore the city on your own.
Overnight at Hotel Imperial or similar
Day 12 Skopje – Tirana, Albania (B,D)
After Breakfast we transfer to Tirana/Albania. Upon arrival we will have a sightseeing tour of Tirana that will include the National History Museum, TiranaEt`hem Bey Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, Grand Park (Parku i Madh), Museum of Natural Sciences, Tanners' Bridge, Fan Noli statue, Fortress of Justinian and the Peace Bell.
Dinner at Local restaurant
Hotel International or similar
Day 13 Tirana (B,L)
After Breakfast we will proceed on a full day tour to Kruja.Kruja. Situated 47 kilometers away from the city of Tirana, it is a great place for sightseeing as well as for souvenir shopping. The attractions of this place are the ruins of a citadel, a 5th or sixth century old fortress, Gjergj Museum, Ethnographic Museum, citadel hamam, Dollma teqe and the old bazaar. The citadel was completed in the 12th century. Down the ages it witnessed many sieges. The Ottoman campaigns to capture the citadel were the most famous among all the sieges. The Ottomans were first unsuccessful in invading the citadel due to the repulsive efforts of an Albanian soldier named Skanderberg. However, in 1478, after his death, the citadel was captured by the Ottomans. The Gjergj Museum, built in the year 1982, is located towards the left of the main entrance of the citadel. It houses replicas of the spiky helmet and sword of the national hero, Skanderberg. The real sword and helmet are in Vienna. Besides, the museum has a rich collection of paintings and exhibits which depict how Skanderberg struggled to save the citadel from the hands of the Ottomans.
Hotel International or similar
Day 14 Lake Ohrid, Macedonia (B,L)
After breakfast we drive to Durres on the Adriatic coast and visit the Roman amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum. Continue to Elbasan, where the beautiful St Mary Orthodox Church and ruins of the Ottoman fortress can be found. After lunch, we cross the border into Macedonia and follow the ancient Via Egnatia, along the Shkumini River and across the Domosdova Plateau, site of Skanderbeg’s first victory over the Turks in 1444, to Ohrid.
Accommodation at Hotel Metropol or similar
Day 15 Lake Ohrid (B)
After Breakfast proceed to Ohrid Lake/Macedonia
It is probably the oldest lake in Europe, preserving a unique aquatic ecosystem with more than 200 endemic species of worldwide importance. The importance of the lake was further emphasized when it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.
Day 16 Lake Ohrid – Bitola-Kalambaka (B,L)
After Breakfast at the hotel we transfer to Kalambaka via a visit to Bitola Town, known in the Balkans as the city of the consuls. In the past, its name was “Monastir”. Upon arrival we will visit the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis. We have the rare opportunity to see one of the most beautiful compositions of mosaics in this part of the Balkans as well as the ancient theater, numerous Roman busts, early Christian basilica etc. Returning to the center of Bitola takes us back to the times when the city was under the rule of the Ottomans. We will visit the old Turkish covered bazaar, and the Isak Pasha mosque. The Church of St. Dimitija will complete our Bitola sightseeing.
Lunch at Local Restaurant
After lunch we will drive to Kalambaka.
Overnight at Hotel “Amalia” or similar
Day 17 Kalambaka (B)
Breakfast at Hotel
Today after breakfast we visit the famous Meteora Monasteries. The Metéora (Greek: "suspended rocks", "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens above") is one of the largest and most important complexes of monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars.
Overnight at Hotel “Amalia” or similar
Day 18 Kalambaka – Athens (B,D)
After breakfast we transfer back to Athens and enjoy a nice Farewell Dinner by the seaside of the Apollo Coast in Athens
Hotel “Amalia” or similar
Day 19 Athens – Depart Home (B)
After our included breakfast transfer to the Airport for our flight home.