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: $609 per guest based on double occupancy.
Number of Nights: 2, Price: $1,118 per guest based on double occupancy.
Number of Nights: 3, Price: $1,627 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.

DAY 1

Upon arriving at the Athens International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Following check-in, the afternoon will be free to explore the area on your own.

Check in time 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 with a sea food-based menu. Kindly advise us of any dietary restrictions at least 21 days before arrival. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel to spend the night. Please ensure your flight is scheduled to arrive prior to 5:00pm.

NOTE: should you have any special dietary requirements, kindly advise the Regent Reservations Team to note your land program booking at least 90 days before departing for your program. Any last-minute requests may not be able to be accommodated.

DAY 2

Following breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and depart for the Peloponnese area, where you will have a photo stop at 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. From your guide you will learn about early attempts to construct a canal in this location, including a failed attempt during Nero’s reign in the 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 for red-wine production. 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, 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 small coastal towns of Galaxidi and Itea, which you will pass on the way to Arachova where you will spend the evening. Dinner is included this evening.

DAY 3

After an American breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and begin the immensely scenic drive into central Greece, eventually stopping in Delphi. The ancients believed the site to be the physical and spiritual center 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 through a museum at Delphi which houses 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 take 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. For your convenience, a transfer will be provided into town at 5pm, returning at 8pm.

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 or similar venue. You will enjoy a taste of its wines before continuing on to the

port of Piraeus where you will board your ship.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program.

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrival at Athens International airport

You are met and transferred to your hotel

3:00pm Official check-in time at the hotel

Afternoon at leisure

Flights should be scheduled to arrive before 5:00pm

7:30pm Depart for dinner at Varoulko in Microlimano

9:30pm Return to the hotel

Overnight at the St.George Lycabettus or similar hotel

NOTE: should you have any special dietary requirements, kindly advise the Regent Reservations Team to note your land program booking at least 90 days before departing for your program. Any last-minute requests may not be able to be accommodated.

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

8:00am Depart for Corinth Canal

9:15am Arrive at the Isthmus of Corinth for a photo stop

9:45am Depart for ancient Corinth

10:00am Guided tour of ancient Corinth

11:30am Depart for Nemea

12:00pm Winery visit with light lunch

1:30pm Depart for the Rio-Antirio Bridge

3:00pm Cross to mainland Greece

3:15pm Stop at Nafpaktos

4:15pm Depart for Arachova

6:00pm Arrive at Arachova

8:00pm Dinner included this evening – venue TBA

Overnight at the Domotel Anemolia or 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

11:45am Guided visit of the Ossios Loukas Monastery

12:45pm Depart for lunch venue

1:00pm Lunch

2:30pm Return to the hotel

Afternoon and evening at leisure, dinner on your own

5:00pm Transfer available to the centre of Arachova

8:00pm Return transfer available from Arachova to hotel

Overnight at the Domotel Anemolia or 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

12:15pm Depart for Piraeus

2:30pm 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.

•Ancient Corinth: The archaeological site features uneven terrain, which may present some challenges for guests with limited mobility. The museum is accessible and there are shaded rest areas nearby. Should a guest prefer not to enter the full site, they may remain at the museum, relax in the nearby café area, or wait comfortably on the coach, depending on preference.

•Delphi: The archaeological area is set on a mountainside with inclines and uneven stone paths. The museum, however, is accessible and offers seating throughout. If guests choose not to visit the ruins, they may enjoy time at the museum, relax at the café adjacent to the site with its beautiful views, or remain on the coach.

•Ossios Loukas: The monastery complex includes some steps and uneven surfaces. If access proves difficult, guests may remain in the courtyard area where seating is often available, enjoy the peaceful surroundings at a nearby café, or wait comfortably on the coach during the guided portion

Dietary Restrictions

Please advise RSSC if you have any dietary restrictions or needs specific to this program at least 35 days before departure so that the venues can be informed accordingly. While every attempt will be made to honor dietary requests, this may not always be possible.

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.

If visiting churches or monasteries, all guests should cover their knees and shoulders. Shorts are not permitted in monasteries. Long skirts are suggested for females.

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

Athens - St.George Lycabettus

Kleomenous 2, Athina 106 75, Greece

Phone: +30 21 0741 6000

Arachova - Domotel Anemolia

1st km Arachova Delphi Road, Arachova 320 04, Greece

Phone: +30 2267 031640

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

•1 night in Athens at the St.George Lycabettus or similar hotel – standard double room

•2 nights in Arachova at the Domotel Anemolia or similar hotel – standard double room

•Professional and fully qualified English-speaking guide

•Buffet breakfast daily with coffee, tea and juice

•All other meals per the itinerary, half bottle of wine per person during dinner at Varoulko

•Entrance fees to all sites visited

•Winery visits per the itinerary

•Corinth Canal photo stop

•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.

Price: $1,999 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.