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 |
| DAY
1 TRAVEL TO ATHENS, GREECE |
|
Sparkling azure seas and endless golden skies appear on the
horizon as our overnight flight transports us back to the origins
of civilization Ancient Greece. [In-flight meals] |
| DAY
2 ATHENS |
| Free
time to wander amid fascinating temples and shrines to pagan
gods, as well as Byzantine monasteries. Become acquainted with
your fellow travelers at our welcome orientation and dinner
of Greek specialties. [D] |
|
| DAY
3 ATHENS * MYKONOS |
Echoes
of Sophocles expounding his philosophy intertwine with tales
from mythology. Classical shrines such as the 2,400-year old
Parthenon and Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the first
Olympic Stadium compete for your attention.
From Athens’ Piraeus harbor we board our ship for exotic
ports of call. With seagulls following in our wake, we sun ourselves
on deck and sail through fabled cobalt blue waters to the international
jet-setter’s favorite island, Mykonos. Old-fashioned markets
and fashionable boutiques are frequented by Greek tycoons and
tourists alike. Dine on delicious Greek food at our special
Taverna Dinner before the non-stop harbor action beckons us
to “walk the wild side” at the countless clubs.
[B,D] |
|
| DAY
4 MYKONOS * OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO DELOS |
Today
you are on your own to fulfill your “Summer Lovers”
Greek Isle fantasies. Comb the sands or bronze your body on
Paradise Beach with exciting opportunities for all types of
fun water sports. Feed the friendly pelicans or lose yourself
in the maze of alleys and villas that were built to confuse
invading pirates.
If you are up to exploring the surrounding area you may consider
joining our optional excursion: sail to Delos, the uninhabited
island of Apollo’s birth, where carved lions dating
from the 5th century stand on cliffs overlooking the sea.
Various teams of French archaeologist have been excavating
here for more than 100 years. Back in Mykonos tonight “go
native” and learn Greek dancing at a harbor taverna
or one of the countless clubs. [B] |
|
| DAY
5 MYKONOS * SANTORINI |
| Gaze
over the sapphire Aegean waters as we continue our journey after
a morning of leisure. We approach towering red cliffs rising
steeply out of the water. Dock at Santorini – “Black
Pearl of the Aegean.” Archaeologists have speculated the
surrounding waters hold the secret of the lost continent of
Atlantis. Enjoy your dinner after a walking orientation. [B,D] |
|
| DAY
6 SANTORINI |
| Today
we ride donkeys up the cliffs and zigzag paths to the island’s
summit. Here the sparkling white village of Thera is perched
atop the rim of an ancient volcano commanding the world’s
most spectacular panorama. The afternoon is free for basking
in the sun, swimming or visiting the 7th-Century B.C. Akrotiri
Archaeological Museum. [B] |
|
| DAY
7 SANTORINI * OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO THE VOLCANIC ISLAND &
HOT SPRINGS |
| Enjoy
the uncomplicated pleasures of Greek island life with a pure
diet of sun, sea and fun or join us on another optional excursion:
Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet.
Sail along the peculiar formations of its volcanic shores, where
black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with
the red color of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic
island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters.
Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation
and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to
the destruction of the island of Santorini. As your boat enters
the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, note
the changing colors of the water from dark blue to sulphur green.
In the background, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira Town
with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim
of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated
by Hot Springs on the sea floor. [B] |
|
|
DAY 8 SANTORINI * ATHENS |
| After
breakfast we’ll travel from Santorini back to Athens where
you have plenty of time to hunt for souvenirs. [B] |
|
| DAY
9 ATHENS |
| Your
free day may find you wandering along the very paths of Plato,
Socrates and Sophocles or trying your bargaining skills at Monasteraki
Flea Market. Tonight, we visit the Plaka District to walk along
narrow streets lined with lively tavernas where traditional
bouzouki music is played. Enjoy your Farewell Dinner at a typical
restaurant in Athens’ oldest neighborhood at the foot
of the Acropolis. [B,D] |
|
| DAY
10 TRAVEL HOME |
|
Your land tour ends with breakfast this morning. Even Ulysees
had to come home eventually, so wrap up your memories of a sun-filled
Grecian Odyssey. [B, In-flight meals] |
|
| *Appropriate
individual activities will be substituted if fewer than 10 participate. |
