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Explore Ancient Cities and Picture-Perfect Islands in Greece (Europe) for Five Days & Four Nights at NJV Athens Plaza Hotel for Two, Including Private Transfers, a Half Day Sightseeing Tour of Athens with the Acropolis and Museum and a Private Half-Day Food Walking Tour (Land Only)

Ancient yet modern, classic yet creative, traditional yet constantly changing...Athens is a city of memorable contrasts. Immerse yourself in the wonders of history in one of the world's oldest cities, the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation, as well as Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus! Wander among the magnificent landmarks of Athens, tasting your way from the fish market to the famous spice street of Evripidou, and visiting the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, which focuses on the findings from the Acropolis. Find contemporary luxury in Greece's capital at the NJV Athens Plaza, which puts you close to the metro, trams, buses, and trolleys, making it the ideal hotel for guests who want to explore the beautiful city of Athens.

Athens' past and present unfold before your eyes on this private half-day sightseeing tour as you explore the city's highlight spots and monuments like the Temple of Zeus, the Old Stadium, Syntagma square, the Parliament and the Tomb to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the Library, and the National Gardens. On the natural fortress of the Acropolis, reinforced by the hand of man, stand the Propylaea, the temple of the Winged Victory, Erechtheion with the Porch of the Caryatids and, towering over all, and the majestic Parthenon. A winding path leads to the treasure of antiquity. Visible are the relics of the civilization of which modern Athens is the proud inheritor. A few meters away from the Acropolis entrance and the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus, the New Acropolis Museum, built on the pedestrian walkway of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, looks like hanging between the past and the present of Athens. Nearby proudly stands the new Acropolis Museum, which is dedicated to the archeological findings at the Acropolis, and houses relics from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. Made of stainless steel, glass, marble and concrete, materials typical of the Athenian environment, the new museum has a direct view of the Acropolis. With bioclimatic planning, which gives ideal lighting and heating conditions, the New Museum offers all the amenities expected in an international museum of the 21st century.

After a day of touring comes a day of tasting on this private half-day food walking tour! Proceed on foot to various spots to taste local products such as olive oil, honey, cheese, wine, vinegar, liquor, and sweets, all made by small producers from all over Greece. Next, it's a treat from the street, as you sample a koulouri, one of the all-time classic snacks on the go, and then a cup of authentic Greek coffee in a wonderful old café. After this, get ready to duck into the boisterous central fish and meat market, where butchers and fishmongers compete for the attention of Athens’ most serious food shoppers. The old Central Market of Athens (Varvakios Agora) is located exactly in the heart of the city, and it's the perfect place to learn from your guide about the city's culinary history. Next you will visit specialty food stores to try local produce cold cuts, and discover some hidden shops to purchase tantalizingly fresh fruit, Greek olives, cheese, alluring deli produce, local wine, aged aromatized vinegar, organic olive oil and honey. Around the corner is the famous spice street of Athens, lined with traditional herb shops that also carry amazing specialty meats and other traditional delicacies, which you can explore before a delicious souvlaki lunch! Your last stop is to taste the Greek specialty loukoumades (Greek donuts with honey syrup and almonds) before returning to your hotel.

With a prime location in historic Syntagma Square close to the Acropolis, this luxurious five-star hotel is ideal for your Athens stay. The doorman welcomes you to NJV Athens Plaza with a warm smile as you step into a contemporary lobby with gleaming tiled floors, marble columns, diamond motifs, and a mezzanine library. This fashionable hotel also delivers exceptional hospitality, sophisticated fine dining and a cocktail menu. NJV Athens Plaza puts you where ancient and modern Greece meet. The Acropolis looms in the near distance; just a block away, boutiques line pedestrianized Voukourestiou Street. Explore Athens' historic riches with the best in five-star hospitality, from concierge services to luxury vehicle rental.

Your trip for two includes:
5 days/4 nights accommodations at the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel in a superior room
Daily breakfast
Private round trip airport transfers from Athens ATH Airport
Private half-day sightseeing tour of Athens, including Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, transfers from hotel and entrance fees
Private half-day food walking tour, including professional English speaking guide and tastings
All room-related taxes (including VAT)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Tours run on specific days of the week and at specific times. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the traveler and are required to be paid directly to hotel. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please email auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.