|
Greece and the Cylades:
Itinerary
September 18 - October 1, 2010
|
Day 01 Saturday Depart Toronto (Meals in flight)
Meet your Going Places Together escort at Toronto's Pearson International Airport for your flight to Athens via Frankfurt
Day 02 Sunday Arrive Athens (Dinner)
On arrival you will be met for private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is for relaxing and soaking in your first impression of Athens.
Street markets, vine-covered tavernas, handcraft stalls and ancient monuments share the city streets with modern towers and a thriving contemporary cultural scene in this city which one-in-four Greeks call home. For visitors the greatest advantage is that most attractions are easily accessible on foot in the central area around the legendary Acropolis.
Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, who according to mythology won the city as a prize after a duel against Poseidon. The city can chart its history back thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of western civilization; the place where democracy was invented and philosophy, art and architecture were refined. After a classical golden age when it was home to Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the city declined in the Middle Ages, dwindling to nothing but a town with a few thousand residents gathered in the colourful area that is now known as the Plaka, until its rebirth as the capital of an independent Greece in 1834.
In the evening enjoy traditional Greek music and folk dancing during a special Welcome Dinner in Athen's Plaka district.
Overnight: Hotel Amalia or similar (2 nights)
Day 03 Monday Athens (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast today you will begin your guided half day city tour of Athens. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Visit Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis, you will see the Panathenaic stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. On the Acropolis, visit the Propylae, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and, finally, the Parthenon.
After a short rest at your hotel, enjoy a walking tour of the Plaka before gathering in a local Mikrolimano Taverna for dinner. Mikrolimano, a picturesque port in Athen's Pireaus district, is renouned not only for its great mediterranean beauty but also for a modern golden age that saw the rich and famous, including Jackie O, Sofia Loren, and Maria Callas grace its network of streets. After dinner you will be transported back to your hotel.
Day 04 Tuesday Athens to Delphi (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast board your bus for your trip to Delphi. Delphi is the place according to Greek mythology that is the Navel or Center of the Earth. You will visit the ancient ruins and the Museum that houses the bronze statue, "Charioteer". Feel the mystery in the Temple of Apollo where Pythia was seated giving out her predictions of the future. Visit the Castalia springs where two monumental fountains have been receiving water from the spring for over 3000 years.
Overnight: Hotel Acropole Delphi or similar
Day 05 Wednesday Delphi to Mykonos (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast join your local guide for a journey back to Athens along the coast via Galaxidi, Nafpaktos and cross by ferry at Atririon-Rion where you travel across the northern Peloponessos for an amazing view. After arrivng back in Athens you will explore Kolonaki, a chic upmarket district where the fashionable meet to see and be seen. To round out your day you will visit the Lalaounis Jewelry Museum with sections including "The Golden Dawn Of Art”, “The History of Ancient Greek Art”, “Jewelry Inspired From Other Civilizations”, “Collections Inspired From Nature”, “Collections Inspired From Space, Biology and Modern Technology” and “Special Commissions and Private Collections”.
This afternoon, after a light refreshment, you will travel to the port of Piraeus and depart by ferry for Mykonos. On arrival in Mykonos you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where the Paramount movie 'Shirley Valentine' was filmed. After a very full day, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Manoulas Beach (3 nights)
Day 06 Thursday Mykonos (Breakfast/Dinner)
This morning you will have free time to enjoy the beach. In the afternoon, join your guide for a tour and tasting at a local winery before you continue on to see the famous Mykonos windmills by night. You will then return to your hotel for a fabulous dinner party (open bar included!).
Day 07 Friday Mykonos and Delos (Breakfast/Dinner)
This morning join your guide in the Port of Mykonos where you will board a public boat sailing to the sacred island of Delos. On this half day tour see sights such as the Minoan Fountain, Temple of the Delians, Terrace of the Lions, the meeting hall of the Poseidoniasts and the Temple of Hera. Delos also has many small markets where you can experience the island's unique local flavor. Afterwards you will be transferred back to the port of Delos for your return boat trip to Mykonos. Once at your hotel you will have the afternoon free to stroll the winding narrow streets full of boutiques and tiny chapels or return to the inviting beach. Bus service stops right in front of your hotel and it's just minutes into the main town. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Day 08 Saturday Cruise (Breakfast/Dinner)
You will take a leisurely breakfast at your hotel today and have free time till your transfer to the port arrives. At 6:00 pm you will board the Aegean Pearl (or similar) Cruise Vessel for your 4 Day Cruise. All your meals are included onboard your cruise ship.
|
Greece and the Cylades:
Itinerary
September 18 - October 1, 2010
|
Day 01 Saturday Depart Toronto (Meals in flight)
Meet your Going Places Together escort at Toronto's Pearson International Airport for your flight to Athens via Frankfurt
Day 02 Sunday Arrive Athens (Dinner)
On arrival you will be met for private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is for relaxing and soaking in your first impression of Athens.
Street markets, vine-covered tavernas, handcraft stalls and ancient monuments share the city streets with modern towers and a thriving contemporary cultural scene in this city which one-in-four Greeks call home. For visitors the greatest advantage is that most attractions are easily accessible on foot in the central area around the legendary Acropolis.
Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, who according to mythology won the city as a prize after a duel against Poseidon. The city can chart its history back thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of western civilization; the place where democracy was invented and philosophy, art and architecture were refined. After a classical golden age when it was home to Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the city declined in the Middle Ages, dwindling to nothing but a town with a few thousand residents gathered in the colourful area that is now known as the Plaka, until its rebirth as the capital of an independent Greece in 1834.
In the evening enjoy traditional Greek music and folk dancing during a special Welcome Dinner in Athen's Plaka district.
Overnight: Hotel Amalia or similar (2 nights)
Day 03 Monday Athens (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast today you will begin your guided half day city tour of Athens. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Visit Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis, you will see the Panathenaic stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. On the Acropolis, visit the Propylae, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and, finally, the Parthenon.
After a short rest at your hotel, enjoy a walking tour of the Plaka before gathering in a local Mikrolimano Taverna for dinner. Mikrolimano, a picturesque port in Athen's Pireaus district, is renouned not only for its great mediterranean beauty but also for a modern golden age that saw the rich and famous, including Jackie O, Sofia Loren, and Maria Callas grace its network of streets. After dinner you will be transported back to your hotel.
Day 04 Tuesday Athens to Delphi (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast board your bus for your trip to Delphi. Delphi is the place according to Greek mythology that is the Navel or Center of the Earth. You will visit the ancient ruins and the Museum that houses the bronze statue, "Charioteer". Feel the mystery in the Temple of Apollo where Pythia was seated giving out her predictions of the future. Visit the Castalia springs where two monumental fountains have been receiving water from the spring for over 3000 years.
Overnight: Hotel Acropole Delphi or similar
Day 05 Wednesday Delphi to Mykonos (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast join your local guide for a journey back to Athens along the coast via Galaxidi, Nafpaktos and cross by ferry at Atririon-Rion where you travel across the northern Peloponessos for an amazing view. After arrivng back in Athens you will explore Kolonaki, a chic upmarket district where the fashionable meet to see and be seen. To round out your day you will visit the Lalaounis Jewelry Museum with sections including "The Golden Dawn Of Art”, “The History of Ancient Greek Art”, “Jewelry Inspired From Other Civilizations”, “Collections Inspired From Nature”, “Collections Inspired From Space, Biology and Modern Technology” and “Special Commissions and Private Collections”.
This afternoon, after a light refreshment, you will travel to the port of Piraeus and depart by ferry for Mykonos. On arrival in Mykonos you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where the Paramount movie 'Shirley Valentine' was filmed. After a very full day, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Manoulas Beach (3 nights)
Day 06 Thursday Mykonos (Breakfast/Dinner)
This morning you will have free time to enjoy the beach. In the afternoon, join your guide for a tour and tasting at a local winery before you continue on to see the famous Mykonos windmills by night. You will then return to your hotel for a fabulous dinner party (open bar included!).
Day 07 Friday Mykonos and Delos (Breakfast/Dinner)
This morning join your guide in the Port of Mykonos where you will board a public boat sailing to the sacred island of Delos. On this half day tour see sights such as the Minoan Fountain, Temple of the Delians, Terrace of the Lions, the meeting hall of the Poseidoniasts and the Temple of Hera. Delos also has many small markets where you can experience the island's unique local flavor. Afterwards you will be transferred back to the port of Delos for your return boat trip to Mykonos. Once at your hotel you will have the afternoon free to stroll the winding narrow streets full of boutiques and tiny chapels or return to the inviting beach. Bus service stops right in front of your hotel and it's just minutes into the main town. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Day 08 Saturday Cruise (Breakfast/Dinner)
You will take a leisurely breakfast at your hotel today and have free time till your transfer to the port arrives. At 6:00 pm you will board the Aegean Pearl (or similar) Cruise Vessel for your 4 Day Cruise. All your meals are included onboard your cruise ship.
|
|
|
|
|
| Departure |
September 18, 2010
|
| Return |
October 1, 2010 |
| Twin |
$6,859.00 CAD + airport tax
|
| Single |
please ask
|
Optional extension
|
$750.00
|
| |
Airport departure tax is not included.
All prices are subject to change.
|
| Departure |
September 18, 2010
|
| Return |
October 1, 2010 |
| Twin |
$6,859.00 CAD + airport tax
|
| Single |
please ask
|
Optional extension
|
$750.00
|
| |
Airport departure tax is not included.
All prices are subject to change.
|
|
|
|
|
Price includes:
|
|
All local taxes on accommodation and sightseeing tours
|
|
All local transfers as per itinerary
|
|
Hotel accommodations as listed or similar
|
|
Meals as outlined in the itinerary: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 12 dinners
|
|
All general admissions
|
|
International air departing Toronto & Domestic air as per itinerary
|
| Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary with local English-speaking tour guides |
|
Going Places Together escort throughout
|
| |
|
|
|
Price does not include:
|
|
Airport Departure Tax at the time of pricing: CAD $440.61
|
| Personal items |
|
Meals not listed in the itinerary
|
|
Tips & Gratuities
|
|
Early check-in & late check out of rooms
|
|
Travel insurance (Recommended)
|
|
Passport fee
|
| |
- Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change
- All prices are subject to change
|
|
Price includes:
|
|
All local taxes on accommodation and sightseeing tours
|
|
All local transfers as per itinerary
|
|
Hotel accommodations as listed or similar
|
|
Meals as outlined in the itinerary: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 12 dinners
|
|
All general admissions
|
|
International air departing Toronto & Domestic air as per itinerary
|
| Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary with local English-speaking tour guides |
|
Going Places Together escort throughout
|
| |
|
|
|
Price does not include:
|
|
Airport Departure Tax at the time of pricing: CAD $440.61
|
| Personal items |
|
Meals not listed in the itinerary
|
|
Tips & Gratuities
|
|
Early check-in & late check out of rooms
|
|
Travel insurance (Recommended)
|
|
Passport fee
|
| |
- Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change
- All prices are subject to change
|
|
|
|
|
Day 09 Sunday Cruise to Kusadasi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
This morning arrive at Kusadasi on Turkey's Aegean coast and transfer to the ancient city of Ephesis. Visit the Fountains of Trojan, Polio, The Temples of Hadrian and Domition, Private House, the Library of Celsius, Various and Scholastic Baths, Bouloterion and the Great Theatre which once regularly held 24,000 spectators. After enjoying a lunch of traditional Turkish cuisine, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is said to have spent the last days of her life. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus and if time allows view the Basilica of St. John.
Once again aboard your cruise ship you will continue to the Island of Patmos, arriving at approximately 4:00 pm. Departing the port of Scala by coach you will enjoy the short drive up to the Monastery of St John which has been magnificently built within the walls of a strong fortification. Walk uphill towards the entrance of the Monastery, view the courtyard, the Monks’ dining room and the main church with its outstanding frescoes and the small but beautiful museum.
At the end of your visit return to your coach and continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse above which stands the church of the Apocalypse. Once inside the grotto, see the silver niches in the wall, that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations as well as the three-fold crack, said to be made by the Voice of God, and emphasizing the honour of the Trinity. Returned to your ship for a late dinner.
Day 10 Monday Cruise visit Rhodes (Breakfast/Dinner)
This morning you arrive in Rhodes at 7:00 am. Shortly after arrival you will enjoy a guided walking tour of old town Rhodes. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. You will have some free time to explore yourself before returning to your ship for a 6:00 pm departure.
Note: You are spending all day on the island, all meals are included on the ship. Because you are not on the ship your lunch meal will be at your own expense. It is possible to return to the ship if you wish. (this transfer is not included in the tour price).
Day 11 Tuesday Cruise to Crete and Santorini (Breakfast/Dinner)
After a short scenic drive through the town of Heraklion you will arrive at Knossos – the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. You will tour Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture, before returning to your ship. Once on board you will continue on to Santorini. On arrival at the Santorini port you will be met and transported to your hotel for check in and dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Ira (3 nights)
Day 12 Wednesday Santorini (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast you will tour Santorini with a visit to the Prehistoric Museum, Pofitis Ilias, Megalochori and Perissa. Your tour will conclude with a wine tasting at the famous Boutaris winery. This evening you will enjoy dinner at a traditional Santorini Taverna with a lovely view of the volcano.
Day 13 Thursday Oia (Breakfast/Dinner)
Transfer to the Port of Oia for a boat trip to the Volcano. You will return to Oia to view the most beautiful sunset while enjoying a scrumptious farewell dinner.
Day 14 Friday Homebound flight or Optional Extension (Breakfast)
This morning after breakfast you will be transported by private coach to the Santorini Airport bound for Athens to connect to your flight home to Toronto.
Extend Your Stay
Day 14 to 16 Friday, Saturday, Sunday Crete (Breakfast daily)
This morning you will be transported to the Port of Santorini to board your ship bound for Crete. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the following 3 nights. Breakfast will be included each morning.
Overnight: Annabelle Village (3 nights)
Day 17 Monday Homebound fight (Breakfast) (Meals in flight)
After breakfast you will be transported by coach to the Crete Airport bound for Athens to connect to your flight home to Toronto.
|
|
Day 09 Sunday Cruise to Kusadasi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
This morning arrive at Kusadasi on Turkey's Aegean coast and transfer to the ancient city of Ephesis. Visit the Fountains of Trojan, Polio, The Temples of Hadrian and Domition, Private House, the Library of Celsius, Various and Scholastic Baths, Bouloterion and the Great Theatre which once regularly held 24,000 spectators. After enjoying a lunch of traditional Turkish cuisine, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is said to have spent the last days of her life. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus and if time allows view the Basilica of St. John.
Once again aboard your cruise ship you will continue to the Island of Patmos, arriving at approximately 4:00 pm. Departing the port of Scala by coach you will enjoy the short drive up to the Monastery of St John which has been magnificently built within the walls of a strong fortification. Walk uphill towards the entrance of the Monastery, view the courtyard, the Monks’ dining room and the main church with its outstanding frescoes and the small but beautiful museum.
At the end of your visit return to your coach and continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse above which stands the church of the Apocalypse. Once inside the grotto, see the silver niches in the wall, that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations as well as the three-fold crack, said to be made by the Voice of God, and emphasizing the honour of the Trinity. Returned to your ship for a late dinner.
Day 10 Monday Cruise visit Rhodes (Breakfast/Dinner)
This morning you arrive in Rhodes at 7:00 am. Shortly after arrival you will enjoy a guided walking tour of old town Rhodes. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. You will have some free time to explore yourself before returning to your ship for a 6:00 pm departure.
Note: You are spending all day on the island, all meals are included on the ship. Because you are not on the ship your lunch meal will be at your own expense. It is possible to return to the ship if you wish. (this transfer is not included in the tour price).
Day 11 Tuesday Cruise to Crete and Santorini (Breakfast/Dinner)
After a short scenic drive through the town of Heraklion you will arrive at Knossos – the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. You will tour Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture, before returning to your ship. Once on board you will continue on to Santorini. On arrival at the Santorini port you will be met and transported to your hotel for check in and dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Ira (3 nights)
Day 12 Wednesday Santorini (Breakfast/Dinner)
After breakfast you will tour Santorini with a visit to the Prehistoric Museum, Pofitis Ilias, Megalochori and Perissa. Your tour will conclude with a wine tasting at the famous Boutaris winery. This evening you will enjoy dinner at a traditional Santorini Taverna with a lovely view of the volcano.
Day 13 Thursday Oia (Breakfast/Dinner)
Transfer to the Port of Oia for a boat trip to the Volcano. You will return to Oia to view the most beautiful sunset while enjoying a scrumptious farewell dinner.
Day 14 Friday Homebound flight or Optional Extension (Breakfast)
This morning after breakfast you will be transported by private coach to the Santorini Airport bound for Athens to connect to your flight home to Toronto.
Extend Your Stay
Day 14 to 16 Friday, Saturday, Sunday Crete (Breakfast daily)
This morning you will be transported to the Port of Santorini to board your ship bound for Crete. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the following 3 nights. Breakfast will be included each morning.
Overnight: Annabelle Village (3 nights)
Day 17 Monday Homebound fight (Breakfast) (Meals in flight)
After breakfast you will be transported by coach to the Crete Airport bound for Athens to connect to your flight home to Toronto.
|
|
|
|