GREECE AND THE GREEK ISLANDS
with FriendsTravel.com
A deluxe adventure for 6 or 8 friends and family.
Day 1: ATHENS
Upon airport arrival in Athens we will be met by an English speaking assistant and transferred by a small, deluxe coach to the Divani Palace Hotel. The Divani Palace Acropolis is a deluxe hotel completely renovated after the millennium and situated in a unique place in the shadow of the Acropolis; within a few minutes from shopping or the Plaka. Constitution Square (Syntagma) is within walking distance or very easily accessible by various means of public transport, including the subway (metro) or the hotels free shuttle bus. Standard rooms included here. Private car transfer can be pre-arranged.
Day 2: ATHENS
With a private, English speaking guide we will walk to the Acropolis (only 10 minutes from the hotel) to mount the Sacred Hill and visit the golden Age monuments – the incredible Parthenon and Erectheion and Propylaia. Our tour includes a visit to the small Acropolis Museum to see its priceless artifacts including the Calf-bearer and the Caryatids (maidens) and part of the Parthenon north frieze. Below the Acropolis we will view the ancient theaters of Dionysos and Herod Atticus, as well as the splendid view of Athens. As we descend from the Acropolis we will walk to a quaint taverna for an included light lunch (including wine) of delicious Greek specialties. In the afternoon we continue by foot through the Plaka, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and Tower of the Winds. Then we join our small coach for an overview of Athens; past the lively Central Market, up Stadium Street and Syntagma Square. Then past Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus to stop outside the Marble Stadium. Rebuilt for the 1896 Olympics (the first modern Olympics), its foundations date from ancient times. Afterwards see the official President’s Palace with its Evzone Guards in their distinctive national dress and pompom shoes, then past the National Gardens and the Parliament building with its Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Continuing down University Avenue past the three elegant Temples of Learning and up Academy Street to Queen Sophias Avenue. Passing Syntagma Square and then returning to our hotel.
Day 3: DELPHI
By comfortable air-conditioned deluxe coach with a private guide we travel through the countryside up to Mt. Parnassos and the dramatic site of Delphi, where the Oracle made predictions in riddles. There is an outdoor theater and stadium and at the renowned, small Delphi Museum we will see the bronze Charioteer in the midst of his race and view other Delphi treasures. After lunch on our own we will leisurely travel back through the foothills of Mt. Parnassos and return to Athens.
Day 4: DAY CRUISE TO HYDRA
Private transfer by coach, again with a private guide, to Piraeus port – past the impressive stadium of the 2004 Olympics. We board a hydrofoil for the 1 hr. 50 min. ride (pausing at Poros Island to let off passengers) to Hydra Island. This is the most unique of the near-Athens islands with its ship owners’ stone mansions. The island remains car-free to this day! Our guide will take us to an island taverna for a lunch of local specialties and then we’ll walk around the port to browse in its many boutiques and galleries. We will also visit the interesting Hydra Archives Museum before returning to Athens by hydrofoil and by coach to our hotel. Visiting all three islands in just one day is far too hectic. This option is much more pleasant than any packed 3-island cruise.
Day 5: MYKONOS ISLAND
By private coach, escorted transfer to Athens International Airport for the short flight to the mid-Aegean Island of Mykonos. From the airport we will be transferred to the deluxe Myconian Ambassador Hotel located near Platys Gialos Beach. The hotel is also a Thalasso Center that can be enjoyed for an extra charge. Deluxe rooms included. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy the amenities of this fine island hotel.
Day 6: MYKONOS ISLAND TOUR
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, with a local guide, drive around this most cosmopolitan Aegean island. Its Cycladic architecture, shops, beach and night life are legendary. We will visit the Mykonos Museum (with the earliest representation of the Trojan Horse!) and the private Maritime Museum – for an introduction into Greek and Mediterranean shipping across the ages. Later, returning by coach to our hotel.
Day 7: DELOS ISLAND
Morning private transfer to Mykonos pier for the short Express Boat ride to adjacent Delos Island – once the hub of the Cycaldic Islands – and center of the Delian League in ancient times. A private guide awaits us at the entrance to this archaeological island – and explains the runis of the Temple of Apollo, Lion Terrace and Roman residential area with its theater and private homes with original mosaics still existing in situ. By mid day we return to Mykonos were we’ll be on our own for lunch and to wander the many little lanes of this famous island.
Day 8: MYKONOS
Our day is at leisure. We can, perhaps, stroll around Mykonos town and visit the extradinary Church of Our Lady Paraportiani (traditional “cubist” Cycladic architecture) and the rich Folklore Museum. Enjoy one of the small restaurants overlooking “Little Venice”, and the endless array of Mykonos boutiques.
Day 9: SANTORINI
Private transfer to Mykonos port for the catamaran to Santorini Island (via the islands of Naxos and Ios). Mid-afternoon arrival in the spectacular caldera (Santorini’s “crater-lake”) and the port of Athinio. A private transfer from the port will take us to the caldera-side village of Imerovigli and the Chromata Hotel, a deluxe hotel located on the rim of the caldera, at its highest point, facing the sea and the volcano. With just 22 rooms, the Chromata is a masterpiece of design. Standard rooms included. Member Small Leading Hotels of the World.
Day 10: SANTORINI
Day at leisure. Enjoy the hotel and perhaps take a walk to the main town of Fira – with its many shops and restaurants. Perhaps on our own we can take the teleferique down into Fira port and possibly take a half-day caique (local boat) ride visiting parts of the caldera from sea level. Stops are made at the still-active center of the volcano and for swimming in the thermal waters.
Day 11: SANTORINI
Another day at leisure. Perhaps revisit Fira tow and the new Prehistoric Museum – a beautiful display of finds (utensils, toys & frescoes) from Santorini’s Bronze Ages site of Akrotiri, “ Pompeii of the Aegean”. In the late afternoon, perhaps take a local bus to the northernmost village of Oia – with its art galleries, cafes and small restaurants – and famous for its sunsets!! Sunset this evening is at 7:15 pm.
Day 12: CRETE
We are at leisure until transfer to Santorini’s Athinio port for the afternoon catamaran to Greece’s largest island, Crete. Arriving in the capital of Heraklion, we are taken by escorted transfer to the deluxe Blue Palace Resort and Spa Elounda, a resort of exceptional quality and style set in mythical surroundings to sooth and inspire. Superior sea-view bungalows included. Member the Luxury Collection – Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Day 13: CRETE – ISLAND OF KING MINOS!
With a private guide and small coach, drive westward towards Heraklion to visit the extraordinary labyrinth of the Palace of Knossos – lair of legendary King Minos and the Minotaur! This prehistoric (400 room) palace was partially reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evens in the late 19th century. Afterwards continue into Heraklion to visit the world famous Heraklion archaeological Museum, featuring fabulous finds from prehistoric Crete. Included lunch of Cretan specialities in or near Heraklion, with time to browse around the old section of Heraklion before a late afternoon return to the hotel.
Day 14: CRETE
Day at leisure to enjoy the many amenities of the deluxe Blue Palace Resort and Spa and the immediate area. Perhaps visit the town of Agios Nikolaos with it’s “landlocked” little harbor.
Day 15: ATHENS / DEPART
Transfer to Heraklion Airport for the hour-long flight to Athens to connect to a flight home. Limo transfers can be pre-arranged.
EMAIL: #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com and we will make your First Class, Business Class or Coach air travel reservations from your hometown to/from Europe.
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