Divani Caravel Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Fully renovated in 2003, the Divani Caravel epitomizes refinement, elegance, and exceptional service. This deluxe Athenian hotel embodies the classic elegance of days past with the style and amenities of the present. Ideally located just minutes away from Constitution square, just a short walk from the fashionable Kolonaki district with its boutiques, famous cafés and restaurants, as well as from all major cultural points such as museums, galleries, theatres, our luxury hotel in Athens is the ideal base from which to visit the key attractions of the beautiful historic city.

ADDRESS:

DIVANI CARAVEL HOTEL

2, VAS. ALEXANDROU AVENUE

ATHENS, GREECE 16121

PH# 30 210 7207000

Standard Rate
Number of Nights: 1, Price: $369 per guest based on double occupancy.
Number of Nights: 2, Price: $658 per guest based on double occupancy.
Number of Nights: 3, Price: $947 per guest based on double occupancy.

Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.

Gain a remarkable understanding of the ancient world by browsing key archaeological ruins and historical sites that will reveal the complexities of that Greek civilization, while pausing along the way to sample superb Greek wines. This is a small group program and thus limited to 14 participants.

NOTE: there are lengthy drives on this program and guests with mobility issues may have difficulty with the terrain at the ruins of Delphi

ALSO NOTE: Initially, a decision was taken during the peak pandemic period to undergo an extensive widening of the canal at Corinth. Works commenced and were scheduled to be completed already; however, according to the relevant authorities, the suppliers for this project are now very far behind schedule. There are hopes to have the canal operational for transit mid summer 2023 however this cannot be guaranteed. Should your 2023 program date be affected, a photo stop will be made to see the Canal in lieu of the crossing. Your final cruise documents (21 days before sailing) will have the most up to date information for your program.

DAY 1

Upon arriving at the Athens International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Kolonaki neighborhood. Following check-in, the afternoon will be free to explore the area on your own. Kolonaki is known for its upscale shopping and trendy bars, so you will have plenty of choices.

Check in at the hotel is at 3:00pm.

This evening, you will dine at the seaside restaurant Varoulko at the Microlimano marino. Michelin-star chef Lefteris Lazarou created the restaurant menu, so expect a fantastic dining experience. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel to spend the night.

DAY 2

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the Peloponnese area, where you will board a boat and transit the Corinth Canal. The canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea, separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The canal was dug at sea level and has no locks, unlike many other canals. During the transit, you will learn about early attempts to construct a canal in this location, including a failed attempt during Nero’s reign in 1st century.

You will then proceed to an ancient section of Corinth to view an archaeological site with a surprising mix of ruins. Some of the remains are from a 6th-century BC Greek city, while others are from a 44 BC Roman colony built at the end of Julius Caesar’s reign. Some of the more fascinating highlights include a Christian basilica, the starting lines of a Greek racetrack, a sacred spring with bronze lion’s-head spouts, and the elaborate Roman fountain of Peirene, which according to myth was where Pegasus drank.

The Nemea wine region is among Greece's most important red-wine appellation. The mountains and valleys surrounding the village of Nemea have been producing wine for centuries, mostly from the native Agiorgitiko grape. A wide range of wines are made with this red grape variety, including dry wines and lighter, sweeter ones. While visiting a nearby wine estate, you will sample a selection of distinct wines and enjoy a light lunch.

Continuing on, you will cross the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. The bridge spans the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula, to Antirrio on mainland Greece.

Once on the mainland, you will stop at Nafpaktos, a seaside town known for its lengthy beach and an impressive Venetian castle. The naval Battle of Lepanto occurred just off the coast in 1571. The Ottoman fleet was soundly defeated, marking the end of the western expansion of the Ottoman Turks. Miguel Cervantes, who later wrote “Don Quixote,” lost the use of his left arm during the battle.

Ahead, lie the the small coastal towns of Galaxidi and Itea, which you will pass on the way to Arachova. You will spend the evening there at the Anemolia Hotel. Dinner will be offered at the hotel or a restaurant in Arachova.

Note: The group will have a photo stop at the Canal should construction not be complete.

DAY 3

After an American breakfast at the hotel, you will begin an immensely scenic drive into central Greece, eventually stopping in Delphi. The ancients believed the site to be the physical and spiritual centers of the earth.

You will walk along the Sacred Way, following the same path up Mount Parnassus that the ancient pilgrims took to seek advice from the Oracle of Delphi. The pilgrims would ask the oracle questions about the future, and she would answer somewhat cryptically. Even so, the oracle was famous throughout Greece and far beyond.

You will also browse a museum at Delphi with a superb collection of votive offerings and statues, including the glorious Charioteer, one of the finest bronze statues from ancient Greece.

A short drive will bring you to the village of Distomo and on towards the Monastery of Ossios Loukas, which dates to the 10th century. UNESCO declared the walled monastery a World Heritage site for its outstanding Byzantine religious architecture. Please note that women must wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders to enter.

Upon returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.

NOTE: This program includes walking over steep and uneven terrain with steps in places at the ruins of Delphi (the Sacred Way) with no places to sit, other than on rocks. The area also offers very little shade. Make sure to have a hat and sunscreen. Guests with mobility restrictions may find it difficult to make it to the top however the museum is accessible.

DAY 4

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Athens with a small deviation to visit the spectacular, family-owned winery Domaine Hatzimichalis. You will enjoy a tasting of its award-winning wines before continuing on to the

port of Piraeus to board the cruise ship.

DAY 1

Arrive at Athens International airport

You are met and transferred to your hotel

3:00pm Check-in time at the hotel

Afternoon at leisure

7:30pm Depart for dinner at Varoulko in Microlimano

9:30pm Return to the hotel

Overnight at the St. George Lycabettus or a similar hotel

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

8:00am Depart for Corinth Canal

9:15am Arrive at the Isthmus of Corinth and commence transit

10:45am Depart for ancient Corinth

11:00am Guided tour of ancient Corinth

11:45am Depart for Nemea

12:30pm Commence winery visit with light lunch

2:30pm Depart for the Rio-Antirio Bridge

3:30pm Cross to mainland Greece

3:50pm Stop at Nafpaktos

4:20pm Depart for Arachova

6:00pm Arrive at Arachova

8:00pm Dinner in the hotel or restaurant

Overnight at the Anemolia Hotel or a similar hotel

DAY 3

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Depart for Delphi

9:15am Guided visit of the archaeological site

11:00am Depart for Ossios Loukas Monastery

11:30am Guided visit of the Ossios Loukas Monastery

12:30pm Depart for lunch venue

1:00pm Lunch

2:30pm Return to the hotel

Afternoon and evening at leisure, dinner on your own

Overnight at the Anemolia Hotel or a similar hotel

DAY 4

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel

9:30am Depart the hotel for Atalanti

11:00am Visit Domaine Hatzimichalis for wine tasting and snacks

12:00pm Depart for Piraeus

2:00pm Arrive at the port for embarkation

Please Note

There is a large number of uneven steps at Ancient Corinth and Delphi.

Large bags are not permitted inside the archaeological sites and museums.

Expected Weather

Athens has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers. Temperatures average 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in August but can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

What to Bring

Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera and charger.

Currency

The Euro. U.S. dollars are not accepted.

Electricity

220V. We recommend bringing a travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required.

Accommodations

Domotel Anemolia

Arachova, Delphi

Phone: +30 22670 31640

St. George Lycabettus

Kleomenous, 2, Athens

Phone: +30 210 7416 000

We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards, and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.

Program Includes

•Professional and fully qualified English-speaking guide

•2 nights in Arachova at the Domotel Anemolia or similar hotel (executive double room)

•1 night in Athens at the St. George Lycabettus or similar hotel (standard double room with Acropolis view)

•Breakfast daily and all other meals per the itinerary

•Entrance fees to all sites visited

•Winery visits per the itinerary

•Corinth Canal transit or photo stop should construction not be complete

•All applicable taxes

•Transfers

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests

•Gratuities for guides and drivers

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodations and transfers then will be at the expense of guests.

Price: $1,599 per guest based on double occupancy.

Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.