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14 Days Boats, Beaches and Ruins Tour Package 
This special Greek Islands Tour is specifically designed to meet the needs and fulfill the desires of family travellers and for an adventure-packed two weeks, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of this magical destination of mythological proportion with those closest to you. The ever-exciting capital, Athens, is the first city on our to-see list and it serves as the perfect introduction to the past and present faces of Greece. Our Greece tour has us visiting the Acropolis and its crowning glory, the Parthenon, as well as the National Archaeological Museum, which is brimming with relics and items of antiquity spanning from over 7,000 years; then, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling metropolis that underwent major cleaning and renovation efforts in preparation for the 2004 Olympics and which today stands in better condition than ever. Sailing to the island of Mykonos, we investigate the labyrinthine streets that were designed to confuse plundering pirates of the 18th and 19th centuries and navigate our way to Delos, simply a 'must' for any archaeology enthusiast. In Santorini, we admire unique geological formations in what is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing of the Grecian Isles and our trip to Iraklion yields the chance to tour Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and what was quite probably the political and cultural centre of Minoan civilisation. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrival in Athens Today we arrive in Athens, off-and-on the capital of Greece in its many incarnations over several thousand years. The city received a major facelift for the 2004 Olympics and is looking better than ever, with buildings and monuments cleaned and renovated, and newly created pedestrian areas near the Ancient Agora and Acropolis. Overnight in Athens. Dinner if required. Day 2 Athens: City Tour Today we enjoy a guided tour of Athens, the very heart and soul of Greece. The Acropolis is crowned by the marble Parthenon. This incredible building became associated with the "Golden Age" of Pericles. The Parthenon had a dual purpose -- to house the great statue of Athena, commissioned by Pericles, and to be treasury for the tribute money that had come from the Greek island of Delos. The name Parthenon refers to the room where the goddess Athena had her statue. Athena won a contest with Poseidon by producing the first olive tree. The Erechtheum to the left of the Parthenon as you face it, was completed in 406 BC, just prior to Athens' defeat by Sparta. The east porch with its six Ionic columns was dedicated to Athena and sheltered an olive wood statue of the goddess. Legend has it that the "Erecthean Sea" once splashed within the west porch, where Poseidon was worshipped. Poseidon created this indoor ocean when he stuck a rock with his trident while vying with Athena to rule the city. We also visit the National Archaeological Museum, a treasure house of Greek art. One of the most interesting sections is the Mycenae hall with all of the gold finds from Mycenae. The museum contains the world's finest collection of antiquities and treasures from all over the ancient Greek world, spanning some 7,000 years. Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner. Day 3 Athens - Mykonos This morning we travel by local ferry from Athens' port, Pireaus, to the island of Mykonos.* Our journey takes the better part of the day and is very scenic, stopping at several other islands en route (sadly too briefly to disembark). From the harbour waterfront, you can watch the local fishing boats, or venture into the labyrinth of dazzling, white-washed streets to the many churches, tavernas, or shops selling artisan crafts, jewellery and the latest fashions. In the distance stand a string of windmills that once harnessed the breezes of days gone by. The sugar cube buildings are stacked around a cluster of seafront fishermen's dwellings. The labyrinth design was intended to confuse the pirates who plagued Mykonos in the eighteenth and 19th centuries. The main town has immaculately whitewashed houses concealing hundreds of little churches, shrines and chapels. * Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Uncontrollable factors such as weather may result in delays; a flexible attitude will enhance the enjoyment of your adventure. PORTERS ARE GENERALLY NOT AVAILABLE ON THE GREEK ISLES, OR ON FERRIES BETWEEN THEM. You MUST be able to carry / wheel your baggage on and off ferries. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner. Day 4 Mykonos - Delos - Mykonos Our excursion takes us to the tiny sacred island of Delos -- the ultimate site for those interested in archaeology. It is Delos that gives the whole group of islands surrounding it their name, the Cyclades, so named because they form a circle (kuklos) around Delos. For nearly 1000 years this sanctuary was the political and religious centre of the Aegean. 3,800 years ago the annual Delia Festival was established on the island to celebrate the birth of Apollo. Delos was populated by wealthy merchants, mariners and bankers from as far away as Egypt. We will see the Agora of the Competialists -- Roman merchants or freed slaves who worshipped the guardian spirits of cross-roads. The Sanctuary of Apollo, the three temples of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. In the House of the Masks we are able to see a mosaic portraying Dionysus riding on a panthers back. The theatre here could seat 5,500 people. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner. Day 5 Mykonos There are many beaches on Mykonos and today we can enjoy them to their fullest. Mykonos was the idyllic setting for the movie Shirley Valentine. Or you can wander around the pirate-proof streets of town and visit the Paraportiani Church near the quay, an architectural masterpiece of five chapels in one. Overnight on Mykonos. Petinos Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 6 Mykonos - Santorini We take a ferry or hydrofoil (depending on scheduling) to Santorini. Vast geological upheavals have given this island its unique form resulting in the nickname, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." The effect of terracing makes this unlike any other island, Greece's most visually stunning. Santorini is also the island of churches, wine, and donkeys! From as early as 3000 BC the island developed as an outpost of Minoan civilization until around 1500 BC when the volcano erupted. At this point the island's history became linked with the legend of Atlantis. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner. Day 7 Santorini: Island Tour Visually, Santorini is the most spectacular of the Cycladic islands. With its brilliant flooded caldera, high cliffs and charming villages, it is the Greek Isle of everyone's dreams. Our coach tour today will take us to Santorini's highlights. Fira is the capital of the island and the most important village. Early in the 19th century the capital of the island was moved from Pyrgos to Fira. After the earthquake of 1956 a part of the town was destroyed (only a small part of the 18th century buildings were saved). Fira is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano. Here the small streets are filled with all kind of shops, cafes, and restaurants. After an orientation walk through the town we will visit the impressive Archaeological Museum. This museum features many pieces and exhibits specific to the Santorini site of Akrotiri (closed for refurbishment), as well as artifacts dating back to the time of the Cycladic Civilization, which can be divided into three periods: Early (3000-2000 BC), Middle (2000-1500 BC), and Late (1500-1100 BC). The most impressive legacies of this civilization are the statuettes carved from Parian marble--the famous Cycladic figurines. Like statuettes of Neolithic times they depicted images of the Great Mother. Other remains include bronze and obsidian tools and weapons, gold jewellery, and stone and clay vases and pots. We will also visit the hilltop village of Pyrgos, once the capital of the island and home to more than 30 churches. The village is composed of traditional houses built around the Venetian Castle and the small streets follow the shape of the hill. Climbing from the square up to the castle of Pyrgos, the stone houses crowd more densely together within the labyrinth of narrow vaulted lanes. Our drive around the island will also take us up to the Prophet Elias Monastery built on the highest point of the island in 1711 AD. Though we will not visit inside the monastery, the view from here is breathtaking. Oia, our last destination, is built along the rim of the caldera wall. We will walk through the village, admire the magnificent panoramic views, and perhaps enjoy lunch or a snack at one of the many local cafes. We then return to Kamari Beach (those who wish to extend their time in Oia can return to Kamari using the public bus system). Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner. Day 8 Santorini: Free Day Today is free to enjoy Santorini. Possibilities include boat trips to the volcano's centre, shopping, or relaxing on one of Santorini's black sand beaches. You can get around using the convenient public bus system. Your Tour Leader can help plan your day. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner. Day 9 Santorini - Iraklion - Gouves Today we travel by ferry or hydrofoil (depending on scheduling) to Crete. Crete is the largest and most southerly of the Greek Islands, blessed with a magnificent setting of rugged coastal scenery and warm waters. We continue by road eastward along the northern coast to the small town of Gouves where our hotel is located. NOTE: Ferry schedules may require some adjustment to the order of our Crete sightseeing programme. Overnight in Gouves. Breakfast and dinner. Day 10 Iraklion: Knossos & Archaealogical Museum Early this morning (to beat the crowds!) we travel to Knossos where our local guide will show us the ancient palace of King Minos, first built around 1900 BC. In 1700 BC it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt to a grander and more sophisticated design. The city of Knossos consisted of an immense palace, residences of officials and priests, the homes of ordinary people, and burial grounds. The Palace, which covered an area of 22000 sq m (236,682 sq feet), consisted of royal domestic quarters, public reception rooms, shrines, workshops, treasures and storerooms around a central court. Knossos was excavated by Arthur Evans between 1900 and 1930. We also visit the Archaeological Museum in Iraklion, one of the best museums in Greece.* The exhibits, collected from excavations carried out in all parts of Crete, come mainly from the prehistoric era and form a valuable record of the artistic, social and economic life of the island during the ancient period. Our dinner tonight will be at the traditional village of Kato Karouzanos, restored so that visitors can experience scenes of village life. Located in the mountains surrounded by forest and olive groves, the village retains the look and feel of the old days when people grew and made almost everything they needed to live. A highlight of our visit is a traditional folk dance performance, which features the music and traditional dances of Crete and other parts of Greece, with the performers in colourful costumes. Throughout the performance, visitors are invited to join in the fun! * NOTE: The museum is currently closed for renovations until August 07. For tours that occur before this time, we will visit Archanes Village today instead of tomorrow (see tomorrow's description) and Thrapsano tomorrow with more time at the waterpark. Overnight in Gouves. Breakfast and dinner. Day 11 Crete: Archanes & Thrapsano Today we pay a visit to the village of Archanes, a Minoan settlement in ancient times, and make a stop at the excellent museum which houses many of the interesting things that have been found there. We then continue to the village of Thrapsano which, for centuries, has been an important pottery-making centre for all of Greece. The workshops still thrive and we have a chance to see how traditional styles of pottery are made. One very common product is the pithoi, a large jug-like container that for centuries have been used to store grains, olive oil, wine, beans, and dried bread through the winter. These pithoi are exactly the same as those used by Greeks and Minoans thousands of years ago. Villagers often use broken pithoi as decoration around their homes and gardens, using them as planters or bird baths. Later this afternoon we will head to the huge Aquasplash water park for some fun splashing in the sun. Once settled, there is a huge array of rides to choose from including The Black Hole, The Kamikaze, The Crazy River, and many more - some laid back and relaxing, others adrenaline inducing to say the least! There is also a huge, main pool area for those just wishing to cool down. Overnight in Gouves. Breakfast and dinner. Day 12 Crete: Iraklion Walking Tour - Overnight Ferry This morning is free to relax, enjoy the beach or pool. Later this afternoon we travel back to Iraklion. On arrival we will have an easy walking tour of central Iraklion, including the impressive St Titus Church, Morosini Fountain and other Venetian legacies. The massive walls that surround the town of Iraklion were built by the Venetians in the mid-15th century. Later this evening we transfer to the port for our overnight ferry to Pireaus, the port of Athens. The ferry is very comfortable with each cabin having two bunk beds and private facilities. Overnight ferry to Athens. Breakfast and dinner. Day 13 Arrival in Athens Early this morning we arrive in Athens.* The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy this lively city. An excellent option today is a day trip to the beautiful archaealogical site of Delphi. According to mythology, two eagles released by Zeus at opposite ends of the world came to rest here at the navel of the world. The historical origins of the sanctuary at Delphi are obscure, but according to legend the young god Apollo superseded an older female deity, Mother Earth, and killed her son, the serpent Python. In Homer the sanctuary is called Pytho, and oracles were given by the Pythia (priestess) between the Shining Rocks (Phaidriades) on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos long before the cult of Apollo Delphinios was established there from Crete. Your Tour Leader can help organize this full-day excursion (approximate cost 35 Euro per person). * Please note that our Athens hotel rooms may NOT be ready for us this early in the day. Your large baggage will be securely stored; you might want to prepare your day pack ahead of time. Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner. Day 14 Departure Departure from Athens. Breakfast.
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