Athens & Rhodes - Twin Centre Holiday (ex LHR / S22)
ATHENS & RHODES TWIN CENTRE HOLIDAY
11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour Highlights:
• round-trip flights from/to London Heathrow Airport ♦
• 10 nights’ accommodation in Silver or Gold plan, bed & breakfast basis (option to upgrade to half-board)
• transfers upon arrivals and departures
• English-speaking guides throughout
• full-day extensive tour of Athens
• full-day tour in Rhodes
• ample free time at leisure or for activities from our handpicked selection
GENERAL INFORMATION:
About this program
Our carefully designed small group programs offer expansive itineraries, as well as providing choice and free time. Whilst you will be traveling alongside others, you will have the freedom of the independent traveller.
We include services and tours for everybody, such as transfers and sightseeing, while offer a wide range of optional programs to choose from and do independently. The itineraries are well-balanced in terms of activities and time at leisure, on your own.
We recommend this tour for ages 6 and above.
Silver & Gold Plans
This program is operated in Silver and Gold plans. The itinerary provided will be the same, however we offer a choice in terms of the accommodation based on your preference and budget.
In partnership with:
PACKAGE INCLUDING: ATOL protected • Round-trip airfare from/to London Heathrow airport on AEGEAN Airlines (London Heathrow – Athens & Athens – Rhodes) and British Airways direct flight (Rhodes – London Heathrow), including hold luggage • 10 nights’ (3 nights Athens & 7 nights Rhodes) hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast basis • arrival & departure transfers between airports and the hotels mentioned in the itinerary • English-speaking guides throughout all tours • full-day extensive tour of Athens • full-day tour in Rhodes • entrance fees as per the itinerary
DAY 1 - DEPARTURE – Depart from London Heathrow Airport on your Aegean Airlines flight to Athens. After collecting your luggage, transfer from the airport to your hotel.
DAY 2 - ATHENS - Full Day Tour of Athens: This tour will drive past the neo-classical buildings of the Academy, the University, and the National Library, as well as the Omonia Square before moving on to Syntagma (the heart of central Athens). Opposite this, you will see the Parliament building, where the National Guards (Evzones) watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in their colourful uniform skirts and pompom shoes.
Next you will see the all-white marble Pan-Athenian Stadium, made famous as the site of the first modern Olympic Games. Nearby, visit the Temple of Zeus, just separated from modern Athens by the tall stone structure known as Hadrian’s Arch. Also view the Pnyx (the official meeting place for the Athenian democratic assembly), the Theseum and the Agora with the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. One of the main focal points you will then enjoy is the ancient citadel known as, the Acropolis, the base of which stands the ancient theatre of Dionysos, and the still used Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Just next to this is Philopappos Hill offering a magnificent panoramic view of Athens. This will reveal the splendour and timeless beauty of the Parthenon to you, as well as the Propylaea, the Temple of Wingless victory, and the Erectheum.
You will then enjoy a guided tour and tasting at Brettos, the oldest distillery shop in Athens, considered to be the second oldest distiller in Europe! Located in the heart of Plaka, it started operating back in 1909 at the ground level of an Athenian mansion. The founder, Mr Michael Brettos, started producing ouzo, brandy and an array of liqueur flavors, ranging from the old-time classics like cherry and peppermint to the most distinct ones like citrus and Mastiha, a plant resin known for its earthy, vanilla-like flavour and healing abilities. These are made based on old family recipes originating from Smyrna, an ancient city, now known as Izmir in Turkey, today. After the tasting allowing you to experience these trade secrets firsthand, you will have a chance to stop by the incredibly charming and “out of time” bar that is still operated today.
Lastly on this tour is a visit to the New Acropolis Museum. This is where you will have the chance to admire more than 4,000 ancient works, including some of the best surviving classical sculptures that once adorned the Acropolis. The new facility was designed by the New York-based architect Bernard Tschumi and is over 21,000 square meters of glass and concrete. This museum is one of the largest in Europe and houses the archaeological findings related to the Acropolis hill and the Parthenon.
DAY 3 - ATHENS – Today enjoy a day at leisure or partake in one of the optional activities.
DAY 4 – ATHENS/RHODES – Transfer to the airport for your flight to the island of Rhodes. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
DAY 5 - RHODES – Enjoy your first free day in Rhodes to start discovering this wonderful, historical island.
DAY 6 – RHODES - Full Day of Tour Rhodes: You will discover the highlights of both the ancient and modern-day Rhodes during this picturesque orientation tour of the city. Firstly, depart on a scenic drive through the modern areas of Rhodes. As you pass by the Mandraki Esplanade, be ready to see the government buildings, the Church of Annunciation built 1925, the replica of the Old Church of the Knights of St John and the deer statues at the entrance of Mandraki port. You will then continue up to Monte Smith for panoramic views and photo opportunities of Rhodes and the Aegean Sea. From afar, you will be able to view the Acropolis of Rhodes with its Ancient stadium built more than two thousand years ago.
You will then continue to the Gate d’Amboise, the remarkable military structure set in the Northwest corner of the Medieval City of Rhodes, where you will proceed on foot to the Grand Masters Palace for a guided walking tour. Now a history museum, this enormous Palace was built in the 14 th century A.D. and originally had 158 rooms, sadly it was destroyed in 1856 but was rebuilt in 1939 by the Italians in order to accommodate the King of Italy, Emmanuel II and Mussolini. Today 24 rooms are safe and open to visitors.
You will then walk down the Street of the Knights, where you will see many inns once occupied by the crusaders. At the end of the street, you will arrive at the Archaeological Museum, formerly the Knights Hospital. The museum was built in 1440 A.D. and is the most well-preserved building in the Old City. After the City tour, you will set off to Lindos with frequent stops to taste the local produce. Such as the opportunity to sample an assortment of home-grown olive oil at a very cosy and authentic olive oil factory, or a stop at Melissokomiki honey factory and bee museum, where you will discover one of the most popular traditions of Rhodes, the famous Melekouni.
You will then stop at a traditional village to see the "Traditional House of Koskinou" which provides a real taste of local life, before arriving to Lindos, one of the three Ancient Cities on the island of Rhodes.
Lindos is among the island’s most splendid villages and is renowned for its magnificent Acropolis at a height of 535 feet. The Acropolis offers breath-taking views and photo opportunities of the entire village, including its medieval castle, superb sandy beach and delightful white-washed, sugar cubed houses. Apostle Paul famously stopped at Lindos after he had left Jerusalem to preach in Europe, today there is a small chapel dedicated to his name at St. Pauls Bay.
During your visit, take a walking tour through the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, and past the colourful courtyards and mosaics for which Lindos is very well-known for. Ancient Lindos was the most important city on the Island and has been inhabited for 5000 years. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, you will walk down to the village of Lindos for a visit to the Byzantine Church of the Ascension.
DAY 7 -10 - RHODES – Enjoy these days of your holiday at your own leisure, perhaps join some optional activities, explore the shopping opportunities, or simply relax on the beach before heading home.
DAY 11 – RETURN TO THE UK - Transfer to the airport for your direct British Airways flight back to London Heathrow.
|
|
Nights |
Hotel |
Silver Plan |
Gold Plan |
|
Athens |
3 |
Executive Room |
Athenian Panorama Room |
|
|
Rhodes |
7 |
City View Room |
Full Sea View Room |
For more information regarding the hotels please click on the links above.
We reserve the right to change the hotels listed, however should this occur the replacement hotel will be within the same category and with similar facilities.
Current temperature: 22 Co
Current weather: Clear
For more information about the destinations please click here: ATHENS & RHODES
NOTES:
• The days / times of the tours may change
• Half-board option is available only in Rhodes
• We recommend this tour for ages 6 and above
The program is operated based on 10 people traveling. We will let you within our confirmation documents the deadline for us to declare this, should the minimum number not be met.
TOUR INCLUSION:
• Round-trip airfare from/to London Heathrow airport on AEGEAN Airlines (London Heathrow – Athens & Athens – Rhodes) and British Airways direct flight (Rhodes – London Heathrow), including hold luggage
• 10 nights’ accommodation in Silver or Gold plan, bed & breakfast basis
• arrival & departure transfers between airports and the hotels mentioned in the itinerary
• English-speaking guides throughout all tours
• full-day extensive tour of Athens
• full-day tour in Rhodes
• entrance fees as per the itinerary
Not Included:
- meals during the full day tours
- tips & hotel extras
Below is a selection of Optional Activities available to add on to your package for your time at leisure.
Please get in touch and we will be happy to amend your booking and revise your invoice accordingly.
ATHENS:
ATHENS FOODIE TOUR
Price: £49 per person
Days of operation: Monday to Saturday (10:00 to 13:30)
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavours and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas!
CAPE SOUNION
Price: £43 per person
Days of operation: Daily Service (15:00 to 19:00)
Duration: Approx 4 Hours
Wind your way along the coastal road admiring the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza. Along with countless coves, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, so sit comfortably and the tour guide will take you to the past with the legends of Theseus, Ariadne, and the Minotaur. Sounion has been a sacred site since very ancient times.
You will first visit the Temple of Poseidon and the "sanctuary of Sounion" as mentioned in the Odyssey, as the place where Menelaus stopped during his return from Troy. The marble temple has served as a landmark for sailors from ancient times until today. Stand atop sheer cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea and soak up the impressive coastal views.
FULL DAY TOUR OF DELPHI
Price: £83 per person (Lunch Included)
Days of operation: Daily Service (08:45 to 19:00)
Duration: Approx 10 Hours
Drive through Levadia, Arachova and arrive in Delphi at the foot of Mount Parnassos. Here lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which housed the most famous Oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was once regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that two eagles were sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world.
The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious hub, as well as the symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games. You shall visit the archaeological site and Museum where one can see archaeological treasures such as the unique bronze statue of Apollo, the Charioteer, and tyrant of Gela, built in 478 B.C. after he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games. Truly an exceptional work of art.
RHODES:
BUTTERFLIES & FILERIMOS
Price: £23 per person (not guided)
Days of Operation: Every Wednesday & Saturday
Duration: Half-Day
The famous Valley of the Butterflies “Petaloudes”, a setting of rare natural beauty. With its myriads of panaxia quadripunctaria butterflies, it attracts thousands of visitors who follow the paths through the luxuriant vegetation and along the clear running streams. An excellent place for those who wish to enjoy the beauties of nature and examine the life cycle of butterflies as part of their holiday. The ancient monuments, the spectacular panoramic view of the northern part of the island through the pine forest and the Italian period buildings will make this visit unforgettable.
CRUISE TO SYMI AND PANORMITIS MONASTERY
Price: £35 per person
Days of Operation: Daily (except Sunday)
Duration: Full-Day
All aboard to a unique day-cruise to the picturesque island of Symi! No sooner does one land than it becomes obvious why this has been voted as one of the most scenic islands of the Dodecanese! The first port of call is Panormitis, site of the renowned, homonymous monastery. A 50-minute stay is foreseen, during which one has the opportunity of visiting the monastery’s chapel and premises, admiring the exquisite Byzantine hagiographies and wood-carved screen. Next you will move on to the Port of Symi. During the three-hour stay you will be given the opportunity to discover this delightful, venetian-looking settlement.
Well-preserved and masterfully refurbished traditional homes raising one next to the other, against an ascetic setting of steep rocky hills dominate this ancient port.
COASTAL CRUISE TO LINDOS
Price: £34 per person
Days of Operation: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Duration: Full-Day
Set sail for Lindos, the Pearl of Rhodes! Where you will encounter the most beautiful coastline of Rhodes. You can also relax with an iced coffee or a cold beer or taste some of the delicacies from the ships bar. Enjoy the ride on donkey’s back up to the ancient Citadel and once on top of the hill, let yourself take in the panoramic view. The visit to Lindos takes roughly 3 hours and during the crossing back to the City of Rhodes, there will be a short stopover for swimming at Tsambika’s beach.
