NEW YORK -- Tourlite International's programs for 2000 highlight
classical Greek cities, the Aegean islands for cruising or stay-put
vacations and special-interest packages for honeymooners and
seniors.
Sophisticated travelers might be tempted by a new program called
the Other Side of Greece, which focuses on historical and scenic
attractions in northern Greece and visits the Ionian island of
Corfu.
Travel trends for Greece this year will follow those setting the
pace in other European countries, according to Nicholas Athans,
president of Tourlite here.
The demand has been for customized FIT arrangements using
locally hosted land packages, with travelers over age 55 booking
some escorted tours, he said. He added that in general, travel
costs to Greece in 2000 should be lower than last year.
Athans pointed especially to Greek Islands cruises where "with
an abundance of cruise ship capacity, we will be able to negotiate
rates and make special offers that agents will be able to
capitalize on by staying tuned to tour operator Web sites."
Athans also said that the Greek Islands are an easier sell than
ever, especially nowadays when there are so many new choices of
accommodations for the growing audience of upscale travelers.
For this market, Tourlite has designed a Luxury Selection
package that features private transfers, deluxe hotels with the
best available views in Athens and the islands, private sightseeing
and dining at exclusive restaurants favored by locals.
The deluxe nine-night Valmar Azur tour offers a choice of the
Grand Bretagne and Hilton hotels for a two-night stay in Athens as
well as three nights at the Astra Villas in Santorini and four
nights the Royal Myconian in Mykonos. Package cost, with air from
the New York and to the islands, starts at $2,899 per person,
double.
The deluxe Valmar Apollo program offers two choices: a 10-night
option of three nights in Athens and seven nights aboard the Stella
Solaris with superior outside cabins, or a 13-night vacation that
adds three nights at the Elounda Mare Hotel on Crete. With air from
New York, the lead price on the 10-night program is $2,929; on the
13-night selection, the price is $3,059.
Tourlite's Honeymoon collection addresses another key niche
market for agents. Programs include private transfer, flowers and
champagne on arrival; local wines at each island hotel, and a
farewell souvenir gift on departure.
Honeymoon plans are for 10 nights (Athens, Santorini and
Mykonos), 11 nights (Athens, Mykonos or Santorini, and a four-night
cruise) and 12 nights (Athens, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos).
As You Like It customized honeymoon packages are available for
hotels in Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Rhodes and Crete.
Athans said that cruising is still favored by many Greece-bound
clients. Next year the firm will feature the three-, four- and
seven-night sailings of Royal Olympic Cruises, Golden Sun Cruises,
Orient Lines and Star Clipper.
On the escorted front, Tourlite's new 10-night Other Side of
Greece tour spends three nights in Athens, one night in Delphi, one
night in Metsovo in the Pindus mountain range, two nights in
Ionnina, and three nights on the island of Corfu.
Priced between $1,969 and $2,889 per person, with air from New
York, departures are offered twice monthly from March 30 to Oct.
19.
Tourlite International
Phone: (800) 272-7600 or (212) 599-2727
Fax: (212) 370-0913
Web: www.tourlite.com