Greece 2024

A GREEK ODYSSEY Theatrical performances at ancient amphitheatres, ancient civilisation and archaeological tours with expert guides, Greek Island Cruise and Greek history and culture immersion.

16 JULY - 12 AUGUST 2024

A GREEK ODYSSEY

16 July - 12 August 2024

Theatrical performances at ancient amphitheatres, ancient civilisation and archaeological tours with expert guides, Greek Island Cruise and Greek history and culture immersion Experience the Exceptional...

• 26-day grand tour of Greece. Staying in 4 and 5-star accommodation with 18-day land tour and 8-day cruise of the Greek Islands: Athens (5+2 nights), Delphi (2 nights), Olympia (2 nights), Nafplio (3 nights) and Ermioni (3 nights) plus 7-night Greek Island cruise in balcony suites.

• Numerous music and theatrical performances at ancient amphitheatres including at The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, open air performance at the Theatre of Ancient Olympia (Floka theatre), performance at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, folk dancing, shows, dinner with entertainment from local artists and private concerts from our own artists. (Performances dependent on availability and programming).

• Numerous expert guided tours of ancient wonders in Athens, including the Acropolis, the ‘Trilogy of Athens’ sights, tour of Delphi including Delphi site and museum, dedicated to the god Apollo, Olympia, Mycenae guided tour, Nafplio including archaeological museum, Epidaurus, Ephesus and Corinth.

• 7-night Greek Island cruise staying in balcony suites, on the newly renovated Celestyal Journey, including all meals, entertainment and shore excursions, tours and visits to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi with tour to Ephesus and the house of the Virgin Mary, Crete with a visit to the Knossos Palace, Santorini, one of the most iconic villages in Greece with its blue and white houses, Mykonos with tour included to Delos Island and ancient sites, Milos with tour to the catacombs of Milos and then cruise back to Athens.

• Special flavours include a guided visit of the Costume Collection and folk dancing class at the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre, tour of Olympia, site of the ancient Olympics, Corinth with a Corinth Canal cruise, visit Galaxidi, by the sea and enjoy a bakery visit, free time by the seaside in Ermioni, ride on rack railway, boat cruises and much more.

OUR ARTISTS FOR THIS TRIP: Escorted by Cameron Barclay and Alex Milligan

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For more information ring our office or visit our website

PLACES WE STAY

Please note that hotels are subject to final confirmation at time of printing brochure.

Electra Palace Hotel, Athens (5 + 2 nights) is a 5 star luxury hotel located in the old historic area of Athens.

It features an award winning roof-top restaurant and swimming pool, both of which have stunning views of the Acropolis and city.

Aegli Arachova Hotel, Delphi (2 nights) is a luxury hotel which offers views of Delphi, and is set at the foot of Parnassus Mountain.

Olympia Europe Hotel, Olympia (2 nights) is a wonderful, traditional hotel, located at the top of the green hill Drouvas in Ancient Olympia at the foot of the Holy Alta with its monuments and stadium of the Ancient Olympics.

Ippolyti Hotel, Nafplio (3 nights) is situated in an authentic neo-classical mansion of the 19th century, recognised by the Ministry of Culture as a work of art, located in the historic centre, just a few steps from the picturesque harbour.

Fly return between Auckland and Athens Thessaloniki

TURKEY

GREECE DELPHI Arachova ATHENS

Nafpatkos

Kusadasi

Diakopto

Kalavrita

Corinth

Mykonos

Poros PIA LION NAPF IONI M R E Milos

OLYM

Santorini Aegean Sea Aegean Cruise Crete

Heraklion

Touring

Barcelo Hydra Beach Resort, Ermioni (Hermione) (3 nights) is a 5 star hotel, located on the shores of the Aegean Sea. With spectacular views of Hydra Island, it has access to 3 idyllic beaches with crystal-clear water, for the exclusive use of guests.

Celestyal Journey - Idyllic Aegean Cruise (7 nights) We are now confirmed to travel on the newest addition to the Celestyal fleet “Journey”. All our cabins are with private balconies and on high decks. It offers a great array of restaurants, unlimited drinks service, pools, fitness centre with entertainment each night plus a casino and great decks to relax.

Ippolyti Hotel, Nafplio

Barcelo Hydra Beach Resort

Celestyal Journey Shipxx

www.operatunity.co.nz/travel | P: 0508 886 489 | E: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz

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Athens

ATHENS (5 nights) Electra Palace Hotel, Athens Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilisation and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple.

Highlights Include: • Performance at The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theatre structure that hosted music events, located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It features the Festival of Athens from mid June till late July so we look forward to seeing a performance in this iconic ancient theatre, depending on the availability.

• Tour of Athens including the ‘Trilogy of Athens’ sights. This wonderful 3-building complex encompasses the University of Athens, the Academy, and the National Library.

• Welcome dinner with music from our artists plus dinners with local flavour.

• Guided tour of the Acropolis site & Acropolis Museum with lunch in the historical centre. The Acropolis of Athens is the most striking and complete ancient Greek monumental complex still existing in our times.

• Guided visit of the Costume Collection and folk dancing class at the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre, in Plaka.

• Guided Tour of Benaki. This Museum in Athens houses over 100,000 artefacts from Greek history and showcases the many eras and civilisations.

• Visit Corinth including a Corinth Canal cruise plus lunch and the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth.

Transfer from Athens to Delphi via the Arachova village for a visit and time to wander.

DELPHI (2 nights) Aegli Arachova Hotel, Delphi Delphi was an important ancient Greek religious sanctuary sacred to the god Apollo. Located on Mt. Parnassus near the Gulf of Corinth, it was home to the famous oracle of Apollo which gave cryptic predictions and guidance to both city states and individuals.

Highlights Include: • Tour of Delphi site and museum, dedicated to the god Apollo.

• Visit Galaxidi, by the sea with a chance to wander and enjoy a bakery visit and tasting. Galaxidi was home to some of the country’s most important shipping families and is a lovely place to visit and get away from busy city life.

Arachova

Transfer from Delphi to Olympia via Nafpaktos. The charming coastal town of Nafpaktos makes an ideal stopping point with its picturesque port and Venetian Castle. We will have time to visit the castle and enjoy the village, port and seaside.

xxxDelphi

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For more information ring our office or visit our website

OLYMPIA (2 nights) Olympia Europe Hotel, Olympia Olympia is an ancient site on Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula that hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus.

Highlights include: • Dinner at a traditional restaurant.

• Open Air Performance at the Theatre of Ancient Olympia (Floka theatre).

This theatre is a modern reproduction of an ancient theatre built in the same style with perfect acoustics and where the seats and rows are made of stone in keeping with ancient construction. During summer from July until August a festival is held, hosting many famous Greek and international actors and singers.

The view from the theatre to the valley is magnificent which makes it a great spot to enjoy a performance and take photos.

• Ancient Olympia guided tour - Olympia was the birthplace of the most famous and important sporting event in the ancient world. The Olympic Games took place here every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. The site was also a place of worship dedicated to the Greek god Zeus from about the 10th century BC. Here you will find incredible sculptures such as the decoration of the temple of Zeus, as well as the famous Hermes of Praxiteles and the statue of Nike of Paionios.

Peloponnese peninsula

Transfer from Olympia to Nafplio via Diakopto and Kalavrita with ride on rack railway. About 120 years ago Odontotos rack railway started from the seaside town of Diakopto parallel to the river and climbed to Kalavrita through bridges and tunnels. We then lunch at a local vineyard and learn about their wines.

NAFPLIO (3 nights) Ippolyti Hotel, Nafplio One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in Eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities in Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.

Highlights include: • Mycenae guided tour. Mycenae is perhaps best known in mythology as the city of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. King Agamemnon led the expedition against Troy during the Trojan War, which Homer accounted in his epic poem the Iliad.

• Walking tour of Nafplio including archaeological museum.

• Performance at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The festival is held between mid July and August, depending on availability.

• Guided tour of Epidaurus which includes the theatre designed in the late 4th century BC. It is considered the finest ancient theatre in Greece and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Not only was it an important centre for arts and theatre, it was a place of healing as the Greeks considered music and the arts an important part of healing for body and mind.

• Free time to wander by the harbour in this prettiest of towns.

• Skouras Wine Tasting & lunch at the winery.

• Boat ride to Bourtzi, a Venetian fortress, located on the islet of Agioi Theodoroi. It was built to ward off pirates, and then, later on, became a residence for executioners of Palamidi prisoners. During summer months concerts are held at the fortress which we will attend depending on availability.

• Dinner at traditional restaurant with music.

Kalavrita Train Station

Transfer from Nafplio to Ermioni via the town of Poros. The town’s picturesque alleys, Neorio, and Bourtzi Islet are some of the must visit places on the island. We have a chance to explore and enjoy our own lunch here.

Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

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Island of Hydra

ERMIONI (Hermione) Barcelo Hydra Beach Resort, Ermioni (Hermione) (3 nights) Ermioni is a small port town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula in the Greek region of Argolis. It is known for being the perfect holiday destination for visitors from around Greece and the world, due to its natural beauty, peaceful environment, and convenient location. The traditional tavernas lining the waterfront, the quaint cafes, winding streets, and the beautiful houses, as well as the nightlife and the crystal clear beaches are just some of the reasons this town is a popular summer destination.

Highlights include: • Boat tour of the island of Hydra including Nero, one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, cliffs of Agios Ioannikios, the secret cave, Limnionas, and the coves where seals give birth. There will be a chance to swim, enjoy music on board and see the sites from the water.

• Full free day off to enjoy the beach, a wander and the cafes of Ermioni. You may also like to enjoy your own day trip to one of the islands like a Spetses boat tour.

• Dinner at traditional restaurant with music.

Transfer from Ermioni to Athens via Corinth and the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth.

ATHENS (2 nights) Capital Hotel, Athens Highlights include: • A gala dinner in Athens with local musicians.

• Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre visit and Herodes Atticus performance depending on availability.

Niarchos Cultural Centre

BOAT CRUISE (7 nights) Celestyal Journey 7 night Idyllic Aegean Cruise.

Discover the rich history, fascinating culture and sumptuous cuisine of the sun-soaked Greek islands. With vivid landscapes to explore, the 7-night cruise invites us to indulge in traditional flavours, admire stunning landscapes and explore charming villages. We even include guided visits to the Medieval Acropolis of Lindos and the intriguing city of Ephesus, one of the bestpreserved archaeological sites in the Eastern Mediterranean.

We explore sun-soaked shores, quaint fishing villages, and iconic historical sites. With overnight stops in the stunningly beautiful and buzzing islands of Santorini and Mykonos, we will have the opportunity to discover hidden secrets and indulge in an authentic experience of Mediterranean cuisine and the classic Greek lifestyle

xxxGreek Islands Cruisexx

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For more information ring our office or visit our website

Highlights include: Includes all meals and sightseeing. Plus free time to enjoy our cruise, sit and watch the world go by and relax with a cocktail or good book. We will also include our own special events with music plus the entertainment provided by the cruise.

Athens Free time in Athens before boarding our ship for our 7-night cruise.

Thessaloniki Cruise from Athens to Thessaloniki which is famous for its scenery, food and culture. It is the largest seaport after Athens and is considered one of the most walkable cities in all Greece.

Day stop in Thessaloniki, guided tour of Thessaloniki, including the royal tombs of Philip the Second, father of Alexander the Great and then time for own wander.

Kusadasi Cruise to Kusadasi in Turkey including a tour of Ephesus, one of the most amazing ancient cities. Ephesus is famous for its well preserved ruins, as a Christian pilgrimage site, and as the former site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We also visit the house of the Virgin Mary, formally acknowledged by the Vatican as her final home and pilgrimage.

Ephesus

Crete Cruise to Crete with a half day tour to the ancient city of Knossos plus time to enjoy this lovely town. We visit the Knossos Palace and the archaeological museum. There is also great stalls and shopping in Crete as well as great places to eat.

Santorini Cruise to Santorini, one of the most iconic villages in Greece with its blue and white houses. We enjoy a lunch here with views over the sea. Free time to wander the town and catch a cable to the top with panoramic views over the coastline.

Mykonos Cruise to Mykonos with tour included to Delos Island and ancient sites.

Sail the ancient site of Delos to explore one of the most historical sites of all Greece.

Milos Cruise to Milos with tour to the catacombs of Milos and the ancient Roman amphitheatre cut into the rocky slopes.

Knossos Palace

Athens Cruise back to Athens where we will have some free time before our flights home this evening.

Santorinixxx

www.operatunity.co.nz/travel | P: 0508 886 489 | E: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz

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$21,790

per person twin share

Single Room Supplement Add $6740

Initial Deposit on booking: $2000 Second Deposit due: 13 December 2023 $4000 Final Balance due: 22 March 2024 THIS TRIP INCLUDES: • Return Economy flights on Emirates via Dubai - Auckland - Athens.

• Numerous music and theatrical performances at ancient amphitheatres including at The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Open Air Performance at the Theatre of Ancient Olympia (Floka theatre), Performance at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, folk dancing, shows, entertainment with dinner from local artists and private concerts from our own artists. (Performances dependent on availability and programming).

• 4 and 5 star hotel accommodation in Athens (5+2 nights), Delphi (2 nights), Olympia (2 nights), Nafplio (3 nights) and Ermioni (3 nights) plus 7 night Greek Island cruise.

• Numerous expert guided tours of ancient wonders including in Athens, Acropolis, the ‘Trilogy of Athens’ sights, Tour of Delphi including Delphi site and museum, dedicated to the god Apollo, Olympia, Mycenae guided tour, Nafplio including archaeological museum, Epidaurus, Ephesus and Corinth plus those on our cruise.

• Seven night Greek Island cruise which includes all meals, entertainment and shore excursions, tours and visits to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi with tour to Ephesus and the house of the Virgin Mary, Crete with a visit to the Knossos Palace, Santorini, one of the most iconic villages in Greece with its blue and white houses, Mykonos with tour included to Delos Island and ancient sites, Milos with tour to the catacombs of Milos and then cruise back to Athens.

• Special flavours including a guided visit of the Costume Collection and folk dancing class at the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre, tour of Olympia, site of the ancient Olympics, Corinth including a Corinth Canal cruise, visit Galaxidi, by the sea with a chance to wander and enjoy a bakery visit and tasting, ride on rack railway, boat cruises to Hydra and wine tasting, Greek dancing demonstrations plus time to enjoy the seaside, restaurants and local cafes.

• Several small town tours and visits including to Nafpaktos, Skouras Wine Tasting, Boat ride to Bourtzi, a Venetian fortress, Hydra, Poros and Galaxidi (by the sea), Benaki, Diakopto and Kalavrita plus towns included on our Greek Island cruise.

• All breakfasts, 15 lunches, 18 dinners, wine tasting and other Greek flavoured tours are included.

• All tours, transfers and tips as listed in itinerary are included.

• Hosted by our fabulous artists Cameron Barclay and Alex Milligan.

MODERATE TOUR All our trips are specifically designed for our core market but this trip does contain travel challenges, either because of the region visited or the walking distances or uneven surfaces that arise at some sites. We do advise that you and your doctor evaluate your level of fitness before you consider booking this tour.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION • All itinerary details are subject to change, but changes will be replaced with a comparable or better option.

• Initial deposit is fully refundable for 21 days after booking. After 21 days, only 50% of your initial deposit is refundable. We recommend your travel insurance is in place when booking.

• Second deposit is refundable up until final balance due date.

• All monies are non-refundable at final balance due date. This becomes an insurance claim.

• Payment by direct credit incurs no surcharge. Credit card payments will incur a surcharge of 1.5%.

• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.

• Bookings will only be accepted with initial deposit.

• All travellers must obtain comprehensive travel insurance for international travel and insurance for domestic travel is recommended.

• Please refer to our terms and conditions on booking form.

0508 886 489 www.operatunity.co.nz travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz PO Box 132 150 Sylvia Park, Auckland, 1644, New Zealand