Days 1/2/3 NEW YORK/THESSALONIKI

Fly overnight to Thessaloniki, founded in 315 BC and named after Alexander the Great's Half-sister. A fascinating city with a wonderful mix of the old and the new, modern buildings stand cheek by jowl with neoclassical structures and old churches. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight and prepare for your adventure Next day, see the statue of Alexander the Great riding his horse and the White Tower, mid-16th century Turkish structure built by Suleiman the Magnificent.At the Archaeological Museum, discover the region's dynamic history back to prehistoric times and through the golden age of Macedonia, including the incredible treasures of the tomb of Alexander the Great's father, Philip II, discovered at Vergina in 1977. View the Rotunda and the ancient Greek agora, and end your day at the museum of Byzantine Culture. Your luxurious home is ideally located in the heart of the city and features an elegant neoclassical style, thorough equipped with every modern convenience. ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft,D;B,L)

Day 4 VERGINA/PELLA/THESSALONIKI

Travel to Vergina, the first capital of Macedonia, where the tomb of King Philip II was unearthed by the famed archaeologist M. Andronikos. The most important remains are the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some dating to the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs is Philip’s, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world. The museum, located within the great royal tumulus itself, displays the architecture of the tombs and the grave goods found within. Further uphill is the palace. On your way back visit the city of Pella, the remains of the former capital of Macedonia from the 5th century, where Alexander was born. ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL. (B,L)

Day 5/6 DION/KALAMBAKA

Drive south to Dion, an important religious center for worshipping the Gods of nearby Mount Olympus. This is where Phillip II came to celebrate his victories and Alexander to make his sacrifices before going off to conquer the East. Continue to Kalambaka, destroyed by the Nazis in WWII, but now a modern city at the base of Meteora and rock-top monasteries. Since the 11th cen-tury, solitary hermit monks have lived in the caverns of Meteora. Access to the monasteries was first controlled by removable ladders, then windlasses hauled monks up in nets, but don’t worry – steps have now been hewn into the rocks. Your modern, yet traditional home, resides in the higher point of the region of Kastraki, offering incomparable views of the natural landscape and the rocks of Meteora. HOTEL METEORA. (B,L,D; B)

Days 7/8 KALAMBAKA/DELPHI

Marvel at the Church of the Metropolis before continuing your journey to Delphi, on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus. Declared by Zeus the center of the world, Delphi has a long and glorious history, spectacular ruins and awe-inspiring vistas. Dedicated to Apollo, pilgrims bearing gifts came to ask advice of its oracle, Pythia, believed to be Apollo’s mouthpiece and the most powerful in Greece. At the Archaeological Museum, view one of the finest collections of sculpture and art, including the bronze Charioteer. Located in a serene natural area, with un-compromising mountain views, your home is a stylish boutique hotel in the center of the cosmopolitan, yet traditional village of Arachova. Picturesque alleyways, undisturbed by the passage of time, with shops, restaurants and bars all mingle to offer a memorable stay. HOTEL SANTA MARINA ARACHOVA. (B,L,D; B)

Days 9 OLYMPIA

Take the coastal road and drive past picturesque villages and seaside resorts, arriving in Olympia for lunch. Witness the sacred sight of Olympia, one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity and the birthplace of the great Olympic Games in 776 BC. At the Archaeological Museum, view an incredible collection of sculptures, pediments and metopes depicting the twelve Labors of Hercules and one of the world’s major sculptures, “Hermes” of Praxiteles. Your hotel is a tranquil retreat nestled into a valley of gardens with impeccable service, modern amenities and magnificent views. EUROPA HOTEL OLYMPIA. (B,L,D)

Day 10/11 MYCENAE/EPIDAURUS/CORINTH/NAUPLION

Enjoy a further visit of Olympia and drive to Nauplion, an elegant town with marble pavement and looming castles. Next day, visit the remarkably preserved theater in Epidaurus, its famed acoustics amaze even 21st century audiences. Explore Mycenae, home of legendary King Agamemnon. Magnificent ruins include the Palace, Treasury, the tomb of Queen Clytemnestra and Lion’s Gate. Your world-class home is situated on the waterfront against the hill of Nauplion’s historic castle with dazzling views of the bay and of the fortified isle of Bourtzi. AMPHITRYON HOTEL. (B,L,D; B,L)

Days 12/13 CORINTH/ATHENS

Depart for Athens, stopping by ancient Corinth to take in the fresh air of the sea, the mountains and the harvest of grapes. Visit the ancient site of Corinth and enjoy wine tasting in one of the region’s excellent wineries and lunch at a local restaurant. drive to Athens in the afternoon, via the Corinth Canal. Tonight, gather for dinner at the trendy area of Psiri. Next day, explore some of Athens’ most important sites including the Parthenon, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Palace, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the exciting new Acropolis Museum. Feast on Greek delicacies one last night at your farewell dinner at the Taverna O Geros tou Moria in Plaka. Your hotel is centrally located in Plaka, within walking distance of the Acropolis and all major historical sites. ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL. (B,L,D; B,L,D)

Day 14 ATHENS/NEW YORK

Bid Greece goodbye and vow to return – you’ve only scratched the surface of what this hospitable land has to offer. (B,Meals Aloft)

POST-EXTENSION TO GREEK ISLANDS & TURKEY ON A 4-NIGHT CRUISE

Dip your feet in the warm Aegean Sea and visit some of the iconic Greek Islands you heard about. Your luxury cruiseship will take you to Mykonos with it’s windmills and Bohemian way of life; shop to your heart’s contentment at Kusadasi in Turkey, and visit one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world – Ephesus, the most complete city to ever be excavated; in Patmos, visit the grotto where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelations; climb the Acropolis at Lindos in Rhodes; explore the ruins of Knossos Palace, the seat of ancient Minoan culture on your stop in Heraklion, Crete; moor at Santorini and take a donkey ride up to the white-washed city of Thira for a panoramic sunset from its volcanic peak. Your vessel, the Louis Majesty, offers comfortable accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and friendly service. Return to Athens after 4 nights at sea and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (All meals daily while on the cruise)

YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:

• International air from USA (quoted separately.)
• All transfers by air-conditioned motor coach.
• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• 4-night cruise on Louis Cruises on the extension, based on outside superior staterooms - XB. Upgrades are possible. Shore excursions are optional and at additional cost.
• Service of specialist guide throughout the tour with 6 travelers.
• Breakfast daily. All other meals as specified above; all meals during the cruise on the extension.
• Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes.
• All entry fees.
• Passport wallet and baggage tags.