Itinerary
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Day 1
Athens Athens, the capital of Greece is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who, according to legend, won the city after defeating Poseidon in a duel. The goddess' victory was celebrated by the construction of a temple on the Acropolis, the site of the city's earliest settlement in Attica. As a city state, the coastal capital of Athens reached its heyday in the fifth century BC as a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Athens is also the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, Sophocles and its many other prominent philosophers, writers and politicians of the ancient world. Nowadays, the city retains a vast variety of Roman and Byzantine monuments, as well as a smaller number of remaining Ottoman monuments projecting the city's long history across the centuries. Enjoy your private airport transfer today. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you relax at your hotel or enjoy the city sites. Offering comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities, the Plaka Hotel (3*) Athens is an excellent choice for a demanding client, in a terrific location. Situated in the heart of Athens, the Plaka Hotel is located close to the Syntagma square, Acropolis, museums, Parliament, shopping area of Plaka and Cathedral. The hotel has cozy guestrooms that are well furnished and equipped with a host of modern amenities. For dining pleasure there is a small restaurant onsite, which is attractively furnished and offers a variety of cuisine. Conference facilities are available for people travelling on business purposes. The minimalist decoration, the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the hotel are promising an unforgettable stay in Athens. Overnight at Plaka (3*). |
 Athens |
 Plaka Hotel |
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Day 2
Athens This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides take you to see the center of the city, Constitution Square(Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the NationalLibrary .Driving down Herod Atticus street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace .On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian's Arch , visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea , the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally ' the harmony between material and spirit ', the monument that 'puts order in mind', the Parthenon. This enchanting evening tour commences with a scenic drive to Piraeus, 'the place over the passage', inhabited since the 26th century BC. Visit its natural harbors, such as lively Zea with its busy yacht marina and tiny Mikrolimano, one of the most picturesque corners of Piraeus. Journey to Plaka, the charming historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. The ideal atmosphere for your traditional dinner, enjoy the rest of your evening in a vibrant Greek tavern alive with traditional folk music and dancers. Overnight at Plaka (3*). |
 The main landmarks of Athens |
 Zea |
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Day 3
Mykonos Mykonos is a Greek island renowned for its sandy beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. Many Greek and a few international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be spotted having dinner at a small street-side table of an expensive restaurant or in a cozy taverna. The island has a legendary nightlife featured by a vast number of bars and nightclubs, but peace and tranquility can easily be found away from these areas. Enjoy a private port transfer in Athens with private vehicle and driver. Enjoy a transfer by ferry to Mykonos. The duration takes approximately 2.5 hours. Avail of a private port transfer with vehicle and driver. The Yiannaki Hotel (4*) Mykonos can be found in the Ornos settlement of Mykonos Island. The hotel is just about 200 meters away from the beach and offers a scenic view of the nearby Aegean Sea. Other close attractions include Paraportiani Church and Mykonos Town. The onsite restaurant is called Aleka’s and it serves Greek cuisine along with other international delicacies. All guests staying at the Yiannaki Hotel Mykonos can enjoy wonderful scenery on the provided balcony or terrace. There are 45 guestrooms on two stories. Other amenities include a pool bar, a seawater swimming pool with chaise lounge and umbrellas, a sauna, a fitness center, a playground and a TV lounge. Welcome drink free of charge. Overnight at Yiannaki (4*). |
 Mykonos |
 Yiannaki Hotel |
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Day 4
Mykonos Avail of a private port transfer with vehicle and driver. The Delos Island archaeological sanctuary, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, is listed by Unesco as one of mankind's most important cultural and historical sites. Delos was a sacred island for Ancient Greeks and with the Delos oracle being second only to that of Delphi the island became the holiest place in the Aegean. As a result there grew a flourishing commercial town & harbor on Delos with a large population, temples, and open air theatre.The short boat trip and guided tour to this now uninhabited island of Delos, will give you some facts and a remarkable insight of the Hellenistic ruins dating from 300 B.C.
The tour of Delos Island takes approximately 3 hours and your guide will wander with you among the ancient temples (both Greek and Roman) including the Temple of Apollo. You'll see the mosaic floors of once grand villas, the famous Delos Lions, Cleopatra's house, the amphitheatre plus much more. The tour departs from Mykonos town and old port and takes 3 hours. Avail of a private port transfer with vehicle and driver. Overnight at Yiannaki (4*). |
 Temple of Apollo |
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Day 5
Santorini Santorini is made up of three close-knit islands, the most southerly of the Cyclades group. The islands have dramatic scenery created by a now inactive volcano situated in the centre of the main island Thira. On the west, white houses perch on cliffs that plunge dramatically to the sea; on the east there are long, beautiful beaches of black volcanic sand. Avail of a private port transfer with vehicle and driver. Enjoy a transfer by ferry to Thira. The high speed ferry takes approx 2.5 hrs Enjoy a private port transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini. The El Greco Hotel (4*) is located minutes away from the centre of the magnificent Fira town, the capital of the unique and beautiful Santorini. The traditional and colourful architecture found here enhances the spacious surroundings and add to the overall environment of leisure. Guests of El Greco are welcome by hospitable and personable staff that will cater to the need of all guests. El Greco is a well balanced establishment equally suitable for families due to its location and facilities and for couples due to its colourful reflection of charm. The nearest beach is 7km Monolithos, the black sandy beach of Kamari is 12km, and 14km from Perissa - the largest beach of Santorini island. Overnight at El Greco (4*). |
 Santorini |
 El Greco Hotel |
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Day 6
Santorini The island Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia are all stops on this shared tour. Your tour begins with a coach transfer from your hotel to Athinios Port where a boat awaits your arrival. First stop on the cruise is to the isle of Nea Kameni, where you have the opportunity to climb to the crater top, taking around one hour and a half. Your next stop will be to the famous Hot Springs, considered to have healing powers. Continue your tour with Thirassia Island, where you have a few hours at your leisure. On the way back to your hotel, visit the village of Oia and watch the famous sunset. Overnight at El Greco (4*). |
 Santorini |
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Day 7
Istanbul Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Take a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini. Flight is required, currently not included in the quote. Airport transfer with your private car and driver. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. The Ottoman Imperial (4*) hotel will provide you with traditional Turkish hospitality, comfort, elegant premium service, an unbeatable view of Hagia Sophia Museum and Sultanahmet Square, as well as a blend of Ottoman and Istanbul cuisine. With its exquisitely furnished guest rooms reflecting Ottoman art, trend-setting restaurants and bars, extensive guest services and in-house amenities, the Ottoman Imperial responds to the needs of the most demanding leisure and business travellers. Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*). |
 Istanbul |
 Istanbul |
 Ottoman Imperial Hotel |
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Day 8
Istanbul Enjoy a privately guided full day tour of Istanbul and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour).
Also, visit the Underground cistern, the largest of the underground water reservoirs from the Byzantine era. The pillars were brought from antique cities of Asia minor. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that still lie near the south-west of Hagia Sophia, which was founded by Justinianus I, a Byzantine Empire (527-565) This cathedral-sized cistern is an underground chamber of 143 by 65 metres, capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water. Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*). |
 St. Sophia Church |
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Day 9
Istanbul Enjoy a full day tour in a group setting. The guide will pick you up from your hotel. In the morning a visit to the Spice Market, where locals still shop for herbs and spices coming from all over the world. Cross the Bosphorus by driving through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge to go over the Asian side of Istanbul. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, used in the 19th century. After lunch, enjoy a cruise by boat on the Bosphorus, the unique winding strait separating two continents. (order of visits can change) Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*). |
 Istanbul Skyline and Bosphorus View |
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Day 10
Istanbul Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Depart from Istanbul airport - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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