Join this exquisite, two-week adventure exploring the islands of Greece and experience lands of stellar landscapes, intriguing histories and abundant ancient wonders. No tour that touches down in Greece would be complete without a trip to Athens, which numbers as one of the world's greatest cities for its striking blend of modernity with antiquity; if nothing else, the Acropolis and the Parthenon - often considered the finest monument of Greek civilization - are certainly not to be missed. We have the chance to stretch our legs a bit on a walking tour through the winding streets of Mykonos Chora, where we can marvel at the striking architecture of the Parapotiani Church, and then it's off to explore the archaeologically significant island of Delos, which was once the political and religious seat of the Aegean. Our trip to Santorini brings with it the chance to experience donkey-treks or cable-car rides along the cast caldera rim and in Chania, we explore the narrow medieval streets and alleyways, discovering Turkish fountains and bathhouses, Venetian and Turkish houses, and delicious local delicacies in its legendary marketplaces. It is here, too, that we can opt to one of Europe's most beautiful gorges; Samaria Gorge.
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. Our first visit takes us to the National Archaeological Museum, an unrivaled treasure house of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean and classical Greek art. One of the most interesting sections is the Mycenaen hall with all of Schliemann's 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. We then proceed to the Acropolis, adorned with magnificent buildings dating from the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Athens.
It was during this time, under the leadership of the great statesman, Pericles, that Athens was the most glorious intellectual and artistic center of the ancient world. The prosperity of Athens and new wealth enabled Pericles to initiate the magnificent building program on the Athenian Acropolis. On the highest point on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, called the "finest monument of Greek civilization." The temple was dedicated to Athena "Parthenos," the virgin and patron goddess of the city. The temple had a dual purpose: to serve as a treasury for Athenians, and to house the magnificent ivory and gold cult statue of the goddess made by Pheidias, the same sculptor who was commissioned for the enormous cult statue of Zeus at Olympia. 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 harbor waterfront, you can watch the local fishing boats, or venture into the labyrinth of dazzling, white-washed streets to the many churches, taverns, or shops selling artisan crafts, jewelery 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: Walking Tour & Boat Trip to Delos
This morning your Tour Leader will take you on an orientation walking tour of Mykonos Chora. We wander the pirate-proof streets of town and see the Paraportiani Church near the quay, an architectural masterpiece of five chapels in one. As one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, Mykonos is legendary for its shopping and nightlife. We then meet the boat that will take us to the tiny sacred island of Delos (30 minutes away). Delos gives the whole group of islands surrounding it their name, the Cyclades - so named because they form a circle (kyklos) around Delos. For nearly 1000 years this sanctuary was the political and religious center of the Aegean. Leto, pregnant by Zeus, gave birth to the twins Apollo and Artemis on Delos.
In the 18th century BC, the annual Delia Festival was established on the island to celebrate the birth of Apollo. Delos was populated during its height in Hellenistic times with wealthy merchants, mariners and bankers from as far away as Egypt and Syria. We will see the Agora of the Competialists, Roman merchants or freed slaves who worshiped the guardian spirits of crossroads; 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 theater here could seat 5,500 people. We return to Mykonos with the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Mykonos: Free Day
There are many beaches on Mykonos and today we can enjoy them to their fullest. You can also head back into town for more independent exploration and / or shopping. Overnight on Mykonos. 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: Archaeological Museum
This morning we take the local bus up to Fira town to 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 jewelery, and stone and clay vases and pots. After our visit your Tour Leader will take you on an informal orientation walking tour of Fira. A popular thing to do after the tour is to walk down to the old port and then return to the rim via donkey or cable car (optional expense). Your Tour Leader will help you plan your day. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Santorini: Free Time / Optional Hike to Oia
Today is free to enjoy Fira or the beach. Alternatively, you can join your Tour Leader on a 3.5 hour hike to Oia (pronounced "EE-ah") along the vast caldera rim. Built on a steep slope of the caldera, many of Oia's dwellings nestle in the niches hewn in the volcanic rock. It was once a major fishing port but is principally known these days as probably the most dramatically situated towns in the whole of Greece. Other possibilities include boat trips to the volcano's center, shopping, or relaxing on one of Santorini's black sand beaches.
Non-hikers can also access Oia using the convenient public bus system. This is an excellent option for today, but should be undertaken by good walkers only. The path is steep in some spots, with uneven footing and loose pebbles. Heat can also be a consideration, as the route is unshaded in its entirety. You must be fit and sure-footed to safely and comfortably participate in this activity. Your Tour Leader can help determine your suitability. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Santorini - Iraklion, Crete
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. 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. *NOTE: Ferry schedules may require that we have our walking tour tomorrow before departing for Chania. Overnight in Iraklion. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Iraklion: Knossos & Archaeological Museum – Chania
Early this morning (to beat the crowds!) we travel the short distance 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 mē (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. We then set out by bus along the northern coast of Crete.
Our final destination today is Chania, a former capital of the island and the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia. In the 13th century, Venice was becoming the maritime master of the easter Mediterranean. At Chania they built large fortifications against pirates and the Ottoman Turks. Eventually, though, the Ottomans took Chania in the mid-17th century. Today many regard Chania as Crete's most beautiful city.
Note: The museum is currently closed for renovations until July 07. For tours that occur before this time, we will substitute an excursion to Archanes Village which has been inhabited for over 5000 years. It is a very significant archaeological site since, according to historical findings, King Minos had a summer palace in the area. We will visit the small but excellent museum. The natural environment of the village includes mountains, gorges and many cultivated plains. The neoclassical buildings in the area are also very impressive. Overnight in Chania. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Chania: Walking Tour (& Samaria Gorge Option)
We start our day with a short drive out to the nearby Akrotiri Peninsula which rises just north of the bay of Suda, one of the biggest natural harbors in Greece. This peninsula east of Chania was once called Kiamon, and today is associated with the liberation struggles of Crete. While on the peninsula we will visit the monastery of Agia Triada, originally built in the 17th century. Today it is one of the few monasteries in Crete where monastic life is practiced. After our visit we make a short drive to the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of the greatest statesmen from Greece's recent history. From here we have a breathtaking view of the town of Chania.
We now return back to Chania where we commence with our walking tour. During our walking tour of the old town of Chania, we will pay a visit to the Archaeological and Folklore Museums and explore the wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic quarter. We will discover "lost" Turkish fountains and bathhouses; quaint medieval back streets and alleyways; Venetian and Turkish houses; mosques, churches, fortifications, old tradesmen's shops and a host of other gems that are the secrets of this Greek city. The covered food market is outstanding.
For anyone interested in a good hike, you can travel to the Samaria Gorge (optional cost, approximately 30 Euros). This is not an easy walk, but a full day's hike through one of Europe's most beautiful gorges. You are dropped off with your guide at Xyloskalo, where you set off walking mostly downhill, arriving five to six hours later at Agia Roumeli, located on a pebble beach on the Libyan Sea on Crete's south coast. From here a boat takes you to the place where your bus meets you to bring you back to Chania. The total walking distance is approximately 15 km (9.5 mi). This is a full day's outing. Overnight in Chania. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: Chania: Free time - Overnight Ferry to Athens
Today is a free day in Chania. You may choose to continue your explorations of this charming town, or rent a car (international driving permit not (!) required; bring your home driver's license) and further explore the hinterland of western Crete on your own. As you drive around the island, you can turn off the main road almost anywhere and find people in agricultural villages going about their daily routine. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day. 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 archaeological 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 from Athens. Breakfast. Kalo Taxidi!!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily
- All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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