Off To Greece They Go!

Today we have a group from the club on their way the Greek Isles for the next 10 days.  Curtis, who is my event coordinator here in Seattle, is leading the trip.  There is something magical about talking about either the Greek Isles or Italy.  They are on many peoples bucket list.  I have never really had an urge to travel to the Greek Isles but can appreciate the desire in that I so love going to England.

Here is a recap of what they will be doing in case you are interested...

Day 0 Friday, May 2^rd – Depart JFK for Athens
Arrive Athens via Swiss Air and will then begin the trip below.  You will see (B,L,D) posted, those are the meals included in the trip. 

Day 1 Saturday, May 3^rd – Arrival to Athens (D)

Arrive Athens and clear customs before being transferred from airport to hotel for check in.  You will have the rest of afternoon at leisure.  In the evening we will have a special dinner to welcome you to Greece.

Day 2 Sunday, May 4^th – Athens (B)

Breakfast starts off our first full day in Athens at the hotel.  Once finished we will enjoy a wonderful tour of Athens.  Start your Athens sightseeing tour by visiting the world renown Acropolis to see the architectural miracles of the Golden Age of Pericles; the Propylea, the Erechtheum, and, above all, the Parthenon (temple of Athena, goddess of wisdom. Have a panoramic view of the city and observe the Agora (market-place) where many ancient philosophers spent their time. Continue with a bus-tour in the center of Athens and admire the Old Olympic Stadium, the University of Athens, the Academy, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Square of Constitution with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and much more.  The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.

Day 3 Monday, May 5^th – Cruise to Mykonos (B,L,D)

After breakfast at hotel, it is time to depart on Greek Islands cruise.  This morning, transfer to the pier in Piraeus (Athens, Greece) to board ship for 11:00 a.m.  departure. Cruise to Mykonos (Greece), and enjoy an evening on the island from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The town is a small architectural miracle, with its gleaming whitewashed buildings, and one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world.  We will offer an included private guided walking tour of the town as a shore excursion this evening.  Guests only will need to buy a roundtrip shuttle transfer on board the ship to attend this activity.

Day 4 Tuesday, May 6^th – Cruise to Kusadasi, Turkey and Patmos (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast on board and the morning at leisure in Kusadasi (Ephesus, Turkey) from 7:00a.m. to noon.  Renowned for its beaches and attractive view of the Aegean, Kusadasi is near to several historical sites including Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Evening at leisure in Patmos (Greece) from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. In Kusadasi, Turkey, and have the option to take a shore excursion to ancient Ephesus. The impressive remains include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsius, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “seven Wonders of the Ancient World”) and more. Later, sail for the isle of Patmos, where you can choose a variety of shore excursions including a visit to the Monastery of St John, on one of the island’s highest points. From there, walk downs to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St John the Divine. Sail to Rhodes this evening.

Day 5 Wednesday, May 7^th – Cruise to Rhodes (B,L,D)

Enjoy a full-day on the island of Rhodes (Greece) from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Explore the island's medieval Old Town, preserved in and around the walls of a Venetian castle, built by the 14th century Knights of St. John. Declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, the citadel of Rhodes, located at the far northern end of the island, is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean.

Day 6 Thursday, May 8^th – Cruise to Crete and Santorini (B,L)

Arrive this morning in Heraklion (Crete, Greece) at 7:00 a.m., one of the four prefectures that constitute the island of Crete. Enjoy a half day at leisure to explore the island on your own.  Among other options, you can choose to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to king Minos and his legendary beast, the Minotaur. In the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion you can find the unbelievable works of art (pieces of sculpture and pottery, jewelery, arms, frescoes) that have been found in a number of Minoan sites all over Crete. Then sail north to the isle of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. In Santorini, we will be disembarking the cruise shortly after our 4:30 PM scheduled arrival and transfer to our hotel on Santorini. Rest of evening at leisure in Santorini.

Day 7 Friday, May 9^th – Santorini (B)

Once you have enjoyed breakfast at hotel, today we take a full day guided tour of the main sites of the most famous of all the Greek Islands (including- red beach, winery, Pyrgos, Oia).  Known for its breathtaking caldera, Santorini is also famous for its sandy beaches, colorful sunsets, and whitewashed buildings along the sea-cliffs. The exquisite whitewashed villages, including the town of Thira, cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule.  Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 8 Saturday, May 10^th – Santorini (B)

This is what can make a trip like this so magical.  Enjoy breakfast at hotel and then the entire day is a free day to pursue optional adventure activities, tours, Greek cooking classes, or anything else you wish to do.  Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 9 Sunday, May 11^th – Santorini – Athens (B,D)

As with the rest of the trip, the day begins with breakfast at hotel.  The morning is on your own to do as you wish and enjoy lunch before we transfer to Athens via high speed ferry.  Arrival in Athens, transfer to hotel for check in. This evening we will have a special included farewell dinner in the historic Plaka district of Athens.

Day 10 Monday- Depart Athens (B)

After breakfast at hotel it will be time to transfer to airport for international flight home aboard Swiss Air.