GLORIES OF GREECE AND GREEK ISLANDS CRUISE

MAY 05, SAT: USA-ATHENS

MAY 06, SUN: ATHENS. Airport welcome by your tour director, then transfer to your centrally located Hotel Grand Bretagne. The balance of the day is free to rest and unwind and tonight enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner of local specialities and wine. (D)

MAY 07, MON: ATHENS. Our tour today includes the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Tower of the Winds by the ancient Agora, the National Archaeological Museum with its priceless masterpieces of the classical art, the New Acropolis Museum, a striking glass and concrete structure codesigned by Bernard Tschumi, and, as the crowning glory, the Acropolis with the Parthenon and Erechtheion. Late afternoon enjoy some free time at the hotel and this evening we are going to sit down for a typical dinner with music in the lively Plaka District. (B, D)

MAY 08, TUE: ATHENS. The beauty of the ancient monuments and the quality of the museums all contribute to the pleasure of visiting the city of Athena, the cradle of European civilisation. All day is free for individual exploration - watch the costumed soldiers guarding the former Royal Palace, since 1935 the House of Parliament, walk the narrow streets of the old city, still evoking the atmosphere of Athens in the Middle Ages, or shop for local handicrafts at the flea market in the Monastiraki district. (B)

MAY 09, WED: ATHENS-NAUPLIA. This morning travel to Corinth, following the same land tour Paul took. Paul stayed here a long time and founded the first church consisting entirely of Gentiles. See the market place where the Apostle preached, then continue to Mycenae, discovered by the legendary archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870’s. Visit the well-preserved ruins of ancient Mycenae, including an extensive fortress, the famed Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon. After a break for lunch a short drive south takes us to our lovely Amphitryon Hotel. The afternoon is yours or enjoy an included excursion to Epidaurus and admire the great amphitheatre, the most outstanding in Greece. The theatre, a grand structure, was built in 4-2C BC to accommodate roughly 14,000 people. The performances, which were staged here until 4C AD, could be heard and seen perfectly from every seat. Return to Nauplia for dinner and overnight. (B)

MAY 10, THU: NAUPLIA-OLYMPIA. Enjoy vistas of Arcadia as we travel westward past small towns and villages to legendary Olympia. The ruins of Olympia in the idyllic Alfios Valley testify to the grandeur of the ancient complex which through the Olympic Games was a symbol of Greek unity. Afternoon sightseeing includes the sanctuary and stadium as well as the local museum with its many fascinating exhibits. Dinner tonight will be served under olive trees in the garden restaurant of our Hotel Europa. (B, D)

MAY 11, FRI: OLYMPIA-DELPHI. Today we motor north over the coastal plains to the ancient port city of Patras, then driving on the new 1 ½ mile long suspension bridge across the Gulf of Corinth to Antirio on mainland Greece. Continue along country roads to Delphi which in antiquity was one of the most important religious centres. The sanctuary of Apollo attracted a host of pilgrims who came to consult the oracle and where the ancient Greek gods expressed their wishes to humans through the oracle. Leaders throughout the Mediterranean sought its infallible advice - and still today Delphi tends to be a more impressive experience than any other in Greece. Walking with our guide, we listen to stories of Greek mythology and tribal rivalries, and then proceed to our boutique hotel Santa Marina Arachova. (B, D)

MAY 12, SAT: DELPHI-KALAMBAKA. After a leisurely breakfast we head north through the mountains and hills of central Greece past Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka, starting point for our visit to the spectacular Meteora Monasteries. In the 9C AD hermits and ascetics began occupying the pinnacles of Meteora and as religious persecution at the hands of Serbian invaders increased in the 12C, Christians flocked to take refuge on the summits of the impenetrable columns of rock. Although the site is one of the most popular in Northern Greece, the Byzantine monasteries (six of 24 monasteries are still inhabited by religious orders) themselves offer an experience both dazzling and serene. Wonder how these centuries old structures were built, pause to view the priceless specimens of Byzantine art that they protected, then check-in for dinner and overnight at our Divani Meteora Hotel, beautifully surrounded by the majestic, towering rocks known as Meteora. (B,D)

MAY 13, SUN: KALAMBAKA-ATHENS. After a leisurely breakfast and time to stroll the small village of Kalambaka we travel south back to Athens for a leisurely afternoon in the‘City of the Gods’. (B)

MAY 14, MON: ATHENS-CRUISING-MYKONOS. This morning transfer to the port of Piraeus to board our cruise ship and around 11 am start sailing into the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.  Late afternoon dock at the lovely island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses.  Time to wander at whim through narrow paved streets lined with trendy boutiques and shady tavernas before returning on board. (B, L, D)

MAY 15, TUE: CRUISING-PATMOS & KUSADASI. Two ports of call today. First we dock at the Turkish port of Kusadasi where we can visit the bazaar, or perhaps take an excursion (optional) to the fascinating Greek, Roman and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Next we sail to the island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the book of Revelation in the celebrated Grotto of the Apocalypse. (B, L, D)

MAY 16, WED: CRUISING–RHODES. All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic old city with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades or stroll along the beautiful beaches. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Lindos and the fabulous Temple of Athena. Sail from Rhodes around dinner time. (B, L, D)

MAY 17, THU: CRUISING-HERAKLION & SANTORINI. We sail to Heraklion on the island of Crete, then an optional shore excursion takes you to nearby Knossos, the site of the ruins of King Minos' Palace and the center of the ancient Minoan civilization. This afternoon intense blue sea en route to the volcanic island of Santorini, thought by some scholars to be the lost continent of Atlantis. The shore excursion (optional) here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Thera for one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas. (B, L, D)

MAY 18, FRI: PIRAEUS-ATHENS. After disembarkation we motor south along the Apollo Coast to Cape Sounion for a look at the famous Temple of Poseidon, still standing on a promontory high above the coast. The sublime view of the azure Aegean makes a visit here a spiritual experience – even for lapsed Poseidon worshippers. The original temple was constructed around 600 BC, destroyed by the Persians and rebuilt by Pericles in 440 BC. The 16 remaining Doric marble columns still suggest the graceful symmetry of the original temple. Early afternoon enjoy a relaxing stop in Vouliagmeni, stroll the picturesque streets of this elegant resort, then continue north back to Athens. After some free time to relax we meet for our special Farewell Dinner with wine at a popular restaurant. (B, D)

MAY 19, SAT: ATHENS-USA. This morning transfer to Athens airport for your daylight flight back to the USA. (B)

LAND ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE:

·         Accommodations in first-class hotels and cruise ship

·         Buffet breakfast daily, 10 dinners and 4 lunches

·         Services of professional tour director, Gunter Walter, as well as Greek guide lecturer throughout

·         Embarkation taxes and port charges for Greek cruise

·         Transportation by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach

·         All sightseeing and excursions as outlined in the itinerary, including entrance fees

·         Gratuity to tour director

·         Headsets included throughout the tour

·         Porterage at hotels and on ship

·         All European taxes

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED:

·         Tips to staff of cruise ship, Greek guide and bus driver and any upgrades of ship cabins and shore excursions while cruising

·         Transfers other than with group flights

SPECIAL FEATURES TO NOTE:

·         Welcome Dinner with wine, Athens

·         Visit to Archaeological Museum and Acropolis, Athens

·         Visit to Corinth and Amphitheatre of Epidaurus

·         Visit to the Olympic Stadium and Temple, Olympia

·         Visit to the Oracle of Delphi

·         Visit to two Meteora Monasteries, Kalambaka

·         Four day Aegean Cruise on Louis Cruise Lines Majesty (XD outside cabin, 2 beds, with window, shower and WC)

·         Visit to Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion

·         Farewell Dinner with wine, Athens

Cost For Land/Cruise Arrangements: $4490.00 per person sharing twin room/cabin

Single supplement: add  $1530.00

Price based on minimum group size of 18-20 and dollar/euro exchange rate at time of printing

Deposit to hold space:

$700.00 per person by calling with credit card information or check mailed to Regency Travel, 416 Perkins Ext., Memphis, TN 38117

Airfare:

Regency Travel is happy to issue tickets in coach or business at the least expensive available rate.  Travellers are welcome to arrange their own air using frequent fliers or upgrades. Roundtrip hotel/airport transfers are included only at group flight times.  Taxis are readily available at the airport for other flight times.  For information about timing for the transfers and to confirm that the trip is a go before you ticket, please call Linda Walter at 901-844-6105 or Glenda Owen at 844- 6106. E-mail: lwalter@regencytravel.net

Insurance: A final billing, trip cancellation medical/baggage insurance will be provided at a group rate.  This covers illness or death in immediate family of traveller or traveller’s roommate. It also covers pre-existing conditions of a medical nature for the traveller and his immediate family. Please be aware that medical insurance which covers overseas is very rare so this travel insurance is highly recommended. It also covers any trip interruption or flight delays.

Cancellation:

·          Before Nov. 1, 2011: :  $150.00 per person

·          From Nov. 1, 2011 – Feb. 15, 2012 :  $500.00 per person

·          From final payment Feb 15  until departure: 100% of land/cruise costs

For information, bookings, or brochures for friends, please call LINDA WALTER (901) 844-6105 or GLENDA OWEN (901) 844-6106 at Regency Travel or (800) 278-8924 ext. 105.

GLORIES OF GREECE 2012:  trip Application

Name:                                                                    

Address:                                                                                                                                                                                         

City:                        State:                      Zip:        

Phone (H):                                  (W)                     

Deposit to be paid by:             Check                   Credit Card

Name on Credit Card:                                           

Credit Card Number:                                            

Expiration Date:                     Sec. code                               

Roommate:                                                            

I will              will not            need Regency Travel’s air arrangements and realize that arrival at a different time from the tour group means that I will get to the hotel/airport on my own.

Responsibility  Regency Travel and/or its agents act only in the capacity of tour operators for the clients in all matters pertaining to travel by air or surface.  They shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss occasioned by neglect, default of any company or person engaged in conveying the tour, or any hotel proprietor or vehicle rental organization or other persons supplying services or materials in connection with the tour.  Regency Travel reserves the right to withdraw a tour at any time, to refuse to accept or retain any person as a member of a tour/or to make changes in the published itinerary whenever in their sole judgment conditions warrant or if they deem necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the passengers.  All prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to re confirmation when final payment is made.  The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their aircraft.  The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchased of these tours.  The services of any IATA carrier may be used in connection with the air portion of these tours. Clients who have

Walking or other health issues should bring a family member with them to assist and be aware that they may need to miss some sightseeing because Europe’s old sites cannot sometimes be made handicap accessible. Neither Regency nor Voyager Tours shall be responsible for any fees or penalties on airline tickets especially those obtained by the client himself. Client must check that tour is a go before ticketing.