Greece Travel Package Tours from Athens to Rhodes and Patmos Dodecanese Islands Holiday Packages Greece

2008 TrueCulture Arrival Dates

with TrueAthens	TrueCulture
May 16	May 18
June 6	June 8
June 27	June 29
September 5	September 7
September 19	September 21

If you are interested in a 2008 tour, please outlining which tour and arrival date interest you and we will follow up with you promptly with pricing and other necessary information.

Note: The date denotes the start of your TrueGreece experience. Your transatlantic flight should depart one day in advance.

If you are interested in a more intimate experience please visit our customised trips section which will provide further information on how TrueGreece can design the perfect customised trip experience.

TrueCulture: Athens - Rhodes - Patmos

The TrueCulture package has been tailored for guests who want to soak up the essence of Greek culture and truly immerse themselves in the beauty of these islands. A mixture of religious, architectural, folk, and historical traditions will ensure our guests an authentic and unique experience

The Islands

Rhodes, flourished throughout the centuries establishing itself as a commercial centre and geographical crossroads between east and west. Rhodes’ final turn in history came in 1948 when after some 2000 years of foreign occupation it was formally united with Greece. Today Rhodes is a vibrant island, and one that combines a mix of archaeological and historical sights, natural and scenic attractions and a wide selection of tourist facilities.

Patmos is considered by many to be the secret gem of the Aegean. A member of the Dodecanese islands, Patmos features a variety of truly beautiful village settlements, scenic beaches, elegant restaurants and traditional tavernas. It is here where St. John is said to have written the Book of Revelation and St. Christodoulos built the island's historic Monastery in 1088 AD. Today, the Monastery boasts one of the richest monastic collections in Greece, including manuscripts from the 5th Century AD, an original El Greco, Catherine the Great jewellery, and Saintly relics.

The Plan

The TrueGreece holiday packages include luxurious accommodations at exceptional hotels, traditional and distinctive culinary experiences as well as educating and exciting pre-planned excursions. This TrueGreece experience has a free and flexible structure allowing you to explore and venture off on your own.

Your TrueGreece Concierge will be with you every step of the way, providing you with a useful resource which we highly recommend you exploit. We encourage you to take advantage of your Concierge’s love for Greece and unique wealth of local knowledge.

As you review our trip descriptions please keep in mind that many of the described activities are suggestions and represent only an example of the many alternatives you may choose from. At the end of each day's description, we highlight the pre-packaged meals and activities that are included in the price of your tour. Please note that optional activities, as described below, are not included in the price of the tour.

DAY 1, Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece! Our TrueGreece representative will meet you at the Athens Airport and transfer you to the Electra Palace Hotel, where you will be spending your first night. This deluxe hotel is ideally located in the heart of Plaka under the grandiose shadow of the Acropolis. After settling into your room meet your TrueGreece Concierge and get acquainted with your fellow travellers.

Starting your exploration, why not walk through Monastiraki, home of the perpetual flea market or visit the National Archaeological Museum, the world’s greatest collection of the masterworks of Ancient Greece? If you have elected not to participate in our TrueAthens supplemental tour, this would be the perfect time to visit the Acropolis and admire a triumph of Ancient Greek engineering and art.

Meet your Concierge back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a guided walk through the ancient city streets of charming Plaka, ending at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner.

Included: Transport from airport to hotel, Guided walk through Plaka.
Meals: D

DAY 2, Fly to Rhodes

After a short flight to Rhodes, check-in at the Rodos Park Hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Take advantage of your Concierge’s local knowledge and venture off to explore the modern side of the city of Rhodes. Later on that day, your Concierge will also guide you along the main streets and alleys of the Old Town.

Both locations offer themselves for some of the most fascinating shopping you'll be able to do on this trip - anything from souvenirs and jewellery to clothing and small trinkets.

Included: Transport to airport, airfare to Rhodes, transport to hotel.
Meals: B

DAY 3, Rhodes

With so much to see on Rhodes, you will start your day with a guided visit to the Lindos Acropolis. This magical site sits high above the actual village of Lindos, and is home to the Temple of Athens (350 BC), one of the most photographed sites of Ancient Greece heritage. It is a truly spectacular experience to stand at the top of the acropolis and gaze down at the sea, where you will be able to se a small rock-bound harbour, where legend claims that Paul the Apostle landed. On your way back to Rhodes town, you will take a detour for a stop at the Valley of the Butterflies, crossing over to the west side of the island and taking in some of the richest nature in Rhodes.

Included: Transport to and entrance fees for the Lindos Acropolis and the Valley of Butterflies, local guide.
Meals: B, L

DAY 4, Rhodes

Built by the Knights of St. John, the medieval quarter of the Town of Rhodes is home to the Palace of the Grand Masters and its museum. Visit these fascinating historical structures with your Concierge and local guide and learn all about the fascinating history of the Knights and the various sieges of the city of Rhodes; the latest one by Suleiman the Magnificent, the leader of the Ottoman Turks in the 1500s.

Some of you may decide to continue on your own to the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Hospital of the Knights, while others may join your Concierge for your last day in the city of Rhodes or for a day at the beach.

Included: Transport to and entrance fees for the Palace of the Grand Masters, local guide.
Meals: B

DAY 5, Patmos

Its time to say goodbye to Rhodes and take a catamaran to Patmos. Check into the Petra Hotel, a boutique hotel run by a husband and wife who will welcome you as if you were part of their own family. Located a mere 70 metres from the beach this charming hotel will offer amazing views of the bay. After you're unpacked, plan a day of discovery with your Concierge. Exploring the nearby beaches or visiting the tiny fishing village of Grikos are just two of several options. That evening, we recommend walking around the main settlement of Chora, and enjoying a cocktail in the open-air courtyard of one of our favourite local bars.

Meals: B

DAY 6, Patmos

Today you will have the opportunity to explore this island gem, frequently called "the Jerusalem of the Aegean", with your Concierge and a local guide. Visit the historic Monastery of St. John and then make your way to the Cave where St. John, the disciple of Christ, is said to have written the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse. End your day with a serene evening stroll through the wonderful whitewashed town of Hora, and enjoy a traditional Greek coffee at one of the cafes at the entrance of town.

Included: Guided tour and entrance fees to Monastery of St. John, tour of the Cave of the Apocalypse.
Meals: B

DAY 7, Patmos

Many of our guests view today as the highlight of their trip! In the morning, don your sun hat and board a caique - a traditional Greek boat - for a day cruise to a series of pristine nearby isles. With crystal-clear waters and virtually deserted shores, this is the paradise to which the Greek and international elite go to escape. Stop for swimming or simply stay onboard and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Greece. Your final beach stop is home to nothing but two restaurants, both accessible only by boat, and you'll be treated to a late lunch at a seafood taverna that is among the very best in Greece. Upon your return to Patmos, get some needed rest at the Petra Hotel and enjoy a gourmet dinner with Greek delicacies at the hotel's restaurant!

Included: Caique boat trip.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8, Patmos

It’s your last day on Patmos and what a better way to conclude your stay than with a brainstorming session with your Concierge for the day’s activities. Hike through the hills to Psili Ammos beach, which will reward you with a quiet stretch of beautiful sand and a quaint beachside taverna or visit the giant Kalikatsou volcanic rock. That evening, join your group and the local community for an evening of celebration! Dine on Greek delicacies while local dancers entertain you on stage and later invite you to join them in a fun-filled night of Greek island hospitality.

Included: Evening of Greek dancing.
Meals: B, D

DAY 9, Back to Athens

We are sure you will have fallen in love with Patmos and will not want to leave the luxury and elegance of this unique island; however it is time to return to Athens and your final night at the Electra Palace Hotel. Board a catamaran boat to a neighbouring island, where you'll catch a short flight back to Athens.

In the afternoon, join your Concierge for some window or real shopping in Plaka, Monastiraki or Kolonaki. We've saved the best for last; celebrate the end of your amazing and authentic journey with a farewell dinner. Share memories with newly-found friends as you're served a marvellous variety of gourmet Greek dishes.

Included: Catamaran to nearby island, flight to Athens, transport to and from airports.
Meals: B, D

DAY 10, Time to go home...but we hope to see you soon!

It will be hard to say goodbye to Greece, but the wonderful memories and the friends you have made will keep you company...until the next time we host you in Greece. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Included: Transport to Athens Airport.
Meals: B

Exchange Rate Conversion

Price: Starting from 2, 830 Euro per person, based on double occupancy, includes:

High-end boutique hotel/resort accommodation and daily breakfast
4 dinners and two lunches (excluding drinks and alcoholic beverages)
Catamaran and air transfers in Greece
Roundtrip transportation to the hotels
A chartered bus, for scheduled transport on the islands and Athens
A chartered traditional Greek boat trip to the islets for the day
Professional local guides for the Cave of the Apocalypse, the Monastery of St. John, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the Lindos Acropolis
Entrance fees to the Cave of the Apocalypse, the Monastery of St. John, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the Lindos Acropolis sites
A Greek dancing night
Exceptional personalized services of your TrueGreece Concierge
Superb TrueGreece recommendations and guidance
All taxes

Optional:

TrueAthens, a 2-Day optional, highly recommended additional activity: From 317 Euro
Trip Cancellation Insurance for covered medical reasons: Please inquire about rate
Single supplement: From 716 Euro

Exchange Rate Conversion

TrueCulture 2008 Arrival Dates