Returning to the days of my youth-Trip cancelled 10/15/2016 replacement updated 02/02/2017 - Page 9 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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Itinerary
Day one-Drive to Sacramento. Fly Sacramento to Salt Lake City, then board plane to Paris.
Day two- Arrive Paris, ‘enter’ Europe, fly on to Athens. To be greeted at the airport by Princess cruiseline representative, transfer to Intercontinental Athenaeum hotel. Do a little sightseeing. And rest .
Day three –transfer to port at Piraeus and board the Majestic Princess
Day four-at sea. Meet and greet at 11 am and get used to this ship.
Day five-Kotor, Montenegro-a tender port-Explore the Medieval town of Budva (with a shopping stop), then tour coastal area. Tour the ornate St. Tryphon Cathedral (remember to dress appropriately for a church), finishing at the Maritime museum.
Day six-Katakolon (for Olympia)-again a tender port- Walk to the temple of Zeus-hailed as one of the seven wonders of the world-the statute is long gone. See the ‘source’ of lighting the Olympic torch, the ruins of the original stadium, if you choose ‘run’ a short race and get a ‘special’ prize, then view the modern city of Olympia before returning to the vessel.
Day seven-Mykonos-Drive to Agios Ioannis beach with views of the island of Delos. Then to the village of Ano Mera to visit the Panagia Tourliani monastery (colored domes and whitewashed exterior)-again dress appropriately for the church. Then a stop at a second beach (Kalafatis), then return to Mykonos for a walking tour of the town-including the windmills, Little Venice and Paraportiani church. If you want to stay and shop-there is a shuttle bus.
Day eight-Rhodes-Drive to the town of Lindos to view the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, overlooking the bay of St Paul, then travel to the medieval old town of Rhodes. Lunch, then followed by a jewelry factory and museum –where museum pieces are made, as well as gold jewelry. Visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, then a walking tour of Old Rhodes. Walk the old streets, including the magnificent Street of Knights, and finish with 30 minutes of shopping time.
Day nine-Khios (Chios)-Visit the 11th century Nea Monistery (again appropriate attire). This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site-Red and gold mosaics –emblematic of the Byzantine Renaissance art. Then bus to the semi fortified Medieval village of Avgoima- exporing the cobblestone streets-refreshments at a café overlooking the sea, then a final stop at Anavatos, an isolated Medieval village with only one road in and out, and entirely built of local stone.
Day ten-Return to Athens Hope to take a tour in Athens while they disembark some passengers, and add others. Sail from Piraeus (Athens port) in the evening.
Day eleven-Santorini-Tender port. Start at the ruins at Akrotiri-buried by volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago. On to the village Ola- whitewashed walls, blue domed churches. Next to a vineyard to taste wines produced in the rich volcanic soil. On to Mt Prophet Elias, having risen 2,000 above sea level getting there. A stop for a traditional Greek lunch, then a photo stop at the black sand beach of Perissa. Then return to the port town of Fira-with Cycladic and Venetian architecture. Then a ‘steep’ walk to the upper portion of town takes you to the cable ride down the cliff to the port.
Day twelve- At sea
Day thirteen-Return to Kotor Montegro-Will probably take the tender ashore, shop, and sit in a sidewalk café-coffee in hand and people watch, and talk with locals that want to share their homeland with me and vice-versa.
Day thirteen-Messina, Sicily –Taking the ‘in the steps of the Godfather’ tour. First, bus to the village of Savoca, and visit the Church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli –where Apollonia and Michel were married. Pose for pictures at Bar Vitelli, and view the photos of the production process of the film. Sample Granita di Limone- a favorite treat of Francis Ford Coppola. Continue on to the village of Forza d’Agro to see the church of San Agostino or Tirada. View the outside of the Baroque Chiesa Madre-featured in two of the films, then explore the village with your guide, and return to port.
Day fourteen- Naples, Italy-Travel the short distance to Pompei. A guided tour of the ruins-Another UNESCO World Heritage site-lunch is included at a local restaurant-and the ‘mandatory’ stop at a cameo factory. Then retrace our steps to Naples and head North to the Amalfi coast. Stops here are unpredictable due to traffic.
Day fifteen-At sea
Days sixteen and seventeen. Arrive Barcelona-transfer to hotel (Hotel Claris) and tour as much of Barcelona as I can-
Day eighteen-Up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) to transfer to Barcelona airport-only about 20 minutes away—but I have a 6:20 am flight. Up early to arrive to check luggage, clear security, etc. Fly to Amsterdam, change flights –fly Amsterdam to Salt Lake city, then a hop and a skip (about 1 ½ hrs) to Sacramento to drive home.
That is some itinerary Don and I know you are going to have a great time!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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Pixie Dust
PassPorter Guide Author
That sounds like an amazing itinerary!!!!
Have a blast!!!
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