Itinerary

• Day 1 - Saturday, September 6, 2008 - Athens
  
  We meet at breakfast at our small, well-situated and well-appointed hotel, a stone's throw from the centre of the Ancient city. From the rooftop of our hotel there are stunning views of the Acropolis.
  Athens is a large, polluted and noisy city. Many people are not impressed at first sight. However, Athens holds many treasures and it is the cultural and administrative centre of this dynamic country. The city has made a major effort to offer a more pedestrian-friendly environment and constant refurbishment is taking place.
  We set off today on our two-part walking tour of the Ancient City.
  
  AM - We start off to Syntagma Square and proceed to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. We move from there to the Theatre of Dionysus, the Theatre of Herodus Atticus, and to the all-important crowning glory of Ancient Athens, the Acropolis.
  
  Lunch break together. (LUNCH INCLUDED)
  
  PM - We resume our walking tour with a visit to the Ancient Agora (Market and Public Buildings), then on to the Roman Agora and we finish off with the newly opened Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum awaits the return of the Elgin Marbles from the British Museum in London, but wonderful artifacts are to be seen here.
  
  Evening - After a rest break, we meet for dinner together in a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Athens.

• Day 2 - Sunday, September 7, 2008 - Athens
  
  AM - This morning we have a privately guided tour to the National Archaelogical Museum, arguably the most important repository of Ancient Greek Art and Artifacts in the world. We will not try to see the whole museum (which would take days) but rather tour the highlights of this extraordinary collection.
  
  Afternoon - Free time on own
  
  Evening - This evening we attend a Rembetika performance. Rembetika is a music form that arose out of the exile experience of those who were forced to leave Asia Minor (Turkey) in the 1920's. These families had lived in Asia Minor for hundreds and even thousands of years, until the Great Powers determined that all Greek-speakers would leave Turkey for Greece and that all Turkish-speakers would leave Greece for Turkey. Rembetika is a Greek music form, reminiscent of the blues with a distinctly Middle Eastern flavour. (ENTRANCE COVERED)
  
  Overnight - Athens

• Day 3 - Monday, September 8, 2008 - Athens to Aegistri
  
  AM - Participants can have this morning free or take part in one or both of our optional tours.(ENTRANCE COVERED)
  
  1. The Benaki Museum is a superb small museum begun by a private collector and carefully added to over the years. This museum has an amazing collection of hand-selected items from Prehistory to modern Greek times.The collection is much more approachable than the very large National Archaeological Museum seen yesterday.
  
  2. From the Benaki Museum we proceed to the Kerameikos, the ancient Athenian cemetary, just outside what were the Ancient City's main gates. Funeral monuments became a major art form, until government intervention limited the excesses that were developing. There is an excellent small museum on the grounds with finds from the site.
  
  Afternoon - In the early afternoon we proceed to the Port of Piraeus for the hydrofoil trip to the islet of Aegistri. Aegistri is a pine-clad satellite island of Aegina. It was largely undiscovered until recently. It is important to experience the beauty of this still forested island, because it puts into contrast the dry islands we visit later on this trip, and to understand what deforestation has done to the Greek island landscapes. Aegistri is relatively small and can be explored easily on foot.
  
  Overnight - Aegistri
  

• Day 4 - Tuesday, September 9, 2008 - Aegistri
  
  Enjoy the day at the beach or walk the trails through the pine forests to explore the island.
  Don will lead a hike up through the forests and to the south end of the island for those so inclined. Less long walks can be taken on one's own.
  
  In the late afternoon we proceed by ferry service to the island of Aegina.
  
  Dinner together in Aegina (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Aegina.
  

• Day 5 - Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - Aegina and on to Hydra
  
  This morning we take an excursion on the island of Aegina to the Temple of Aphaia in the interior of the island. This temple dates from the time of the older Parthenon in Athens (before the new one was built in the 5th century BC) and it was very well-preserved up until the last century.
  
  In the early afternoon we proceed by hydrofoil to the island of Hydra. Hydra is unusual in that it has no motorized vehicles. The main town sits amphitheatrically overlooking the harbour. There are many old mansions of sea-faring families who amassed considerable wealth in the shipping trade.
  
  Transportation on the island is by foot, by donkey, or by water taxi. This is not a beach island but it is a very beautiful one indeed.
  
  We stay two nights in a historically significant hotel, incorporated into the structure of a former sponge factory.
  
  Dinner together in Hydra. (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Hydra.
  

• Day 6 - Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Hydra
  
  All day free on the island of Hydra to explore at one's leisure
  
  Dinner on your own
  
  Overnight - Hydra
   

• Day 7 - Friday, September 12, 2008 - Epidaurus and on to Nafplion
  
  This morning we travel to the Mainland by water taxi service, where we pick up land transportation to take us to the site of Epidaurus.
  
  Epidaurus was a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the ancient god of healing. Pilgrims came to be cured from all over the ancient world. Many cures took place using the interpretation of dreams by medical practitioners and priests. Epidaurus was and is famous for its ancient theatre, which is situated in a beautiful pine forest, and whose acoustics were renowned. One can speak from centre stage in a normal speaking voice and be heard without amplification in the very back rows of this massive structure.
  Ancient plays served the purpose of private and public catharsis to heal and entertain.
  
  In the late morning we continue on to the small city of Nafplion. Nafplion has a beautiful setting and a striking old town. It was for a time the capital of modern Greece.
  
  Afternoon - Free time
  
  Evening - Dinner together in a traditional Greek restaurant. (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Nafplion
  
  

• Day 8 - Saturday, September 13, 2008 - Nafplion and on to Rhodes
  
  AM - Free time in Nafplion
  
  Afternoon - In the early afternoon we proceed to the ruins of the Citadel of Mycenae (MYKINI), the administartive centre of the powerful and war-like Mycenian civilization.
  Mycenae is the real or mythological city of Agamemnon, Helen, Cassandra, Clytemnestra. The imposing Citadel ruins date from the 1500's to 1300's B.C.
  
  From Mycenae we continue to Nemea to visit a vineyard and experience some of the wonderful wines this area is producing. (INCLUDED)
  
  Proceed on to Piraeus.
  
  Overnight - travel by boat to the Island of Rhodes (In private berths)
  

• Day 9 - Sunday, September 14, 2008 - Rhodes
  
  AM - Free
  
  PM - Rhodes town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. We will explore the alleyways, the markets, the remnants of the Turkish occupation, and the Castle and Street of the Knights. The Archaeological Museum is worth a visit.
  
  Dinner together in Rhodes town(DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Rhodes Town

• Day 10 - Monday, September 15, 2008 - Symi
  
  This morning we set out to the island of Symi by boat. Symi town is situated on a deep fjord-like inlet. The town is neo-classical in architecture and Symi has been very successful in controlling development through its historical architectural commission, which insures that all restoration and new building projects conform to strict standards, so that the town retains its architectural heritage. We have two days on the island to explore and just enjoy.
  
  Dinner together in Symi town. (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Symi town

• Day 11 - Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - Symi
  
  We have the day free on the island of Symi.
  
  Lunch on own
  
  Return by boat to Rhodes, our transportation hub. On the way back the boat usually stops at the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, a very important shrine for Greeks, which is located farther along the coast on the island of Symi.
  
  Dinner on own.
  
  Sound and Light show Castle of the Knights.(INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Rhodes town

• Day 12 - Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - Rhodes and on to Kastelorizo
  
  AM and early afternoon-Today we take an excursion down the coast of Rhodes from Rhodes town to Lindos. There is an Acropolis at Lindos and the town features very beautiful traditional mosaic floorings.
  The ruins of a temple of Aphrodite crowns the Acropolis. The town is over-touristed, and we will stop for lunch together along the way in a much less touristed spot. (LUNCH INCLUDED)
  
  In the late afternoon we fly to the fairly unknown island of Kastelorizo, east of Rhodes off the coast of Turkey. This is a very special place as it is inhabited by only about 300 people. It doesn't take long to start recognizing the locals, even more true if one watches the film "Mediterraneo" (before leaving for Greece) which was shot on this little island. There are not really beaches on this island, but one can dive into spectacularly clear waters just off the little hotel we stay at at the end of town.
  
  Overnight - Kastelorizo

• Day 13 - Thursday, September 18, 2008 - Kastelorizo
  
  Free Day on Kastelorizo
  
  Dinner together port-side in Kastelorizo (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Kastelorizo

• Day 14 - Friday, September 19, 2008 - Kastelorizo to Rhodes to Athens
  
  We spend most of the day on the island of Kastelorizo
  
  In the late afternoon, we fly to Athens (via Rhodes)
  
  NOTE: FOR THOSE OPTING OUT, THE TOUR ENDS ON ARRIVAL IN ATHENS
  
  Overnight - Hotel near Athens Airport

• Day 15 - Saturday, September 20 - Santorini
  
  Early this morning we fly to Santorini. Our hotel is located in the incredibly situated town of Oia at the North end of the Caldera, looking over the sea filling the crater.
  
  Santorini is a must-see despite the unfortunate changes mass-tourism has brought to the Main Town , Fira. Its setting is nothing less than superb. The towns of the island sit on the edge of the caldera which is the remnant of a giant crater formed by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption, which is believed to have destroyed most of the brilliant Minoan civilization and brought it ultimately to an end. There are those who believe that Santorini is the location of the legendary Atlantis.
  
  Morning - Free
  
  In the afternoon we take an excursion to the archaeological site of Akrotiri. (INCLUDED) A local farmer stumbled on the entrance to what has proven to be a Minoan City of the 1500-1300's BC. We see streets of 2 and 3 storey buildings, and experience some of what this civilization of the highest order had to offer. (The Minoan civilization was centred on the island of Crete)
  We then proceed on to the Museum in Fira town, housing the beautiful artifacts of this technically and artistically advanced civilization.
  
  Dinner together in a beautiful setting overlooking the caldera. (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Santorini

• Day 16 - Sunday, September 21, 2008 - Santorini
  
  Day free on Santorini
  
  Today there is an optional excursion by boat (INCLUDED IN COST) to visit different areas of the sea-filled crater. We visit the boat landing area below Fira town . We stop at and climb onto the exposed, still alive area of the volcano in the centre of the bay, as well as the tiny town of Thirassia atop a rocky fragment of the crater edge.
  
  Overnight - Santorini

• Day 17- Monday, September 22, 2008 - Santorini to Naxos
  
  We continue on to Naxos by boat today. Naxos is a lovely fairly-large island with an interesting main town, beautiful inland villages and truly spectacular beaches. We spend three days and three nights here. We will be based in one hotel in an ideal location. This is the opportunity to truly relax.
  We will organize half-day excursions each day to different places of interest. We will also take participants on intriguing small hikes if so desired.
  
  Dinner together (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Naxos

• Day 18 - Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - Naxos
  
  Day free on Naxos. Excursion if desired
  
  Overnight - Naxos

• Day 19 - Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - Naxos
  
  Day free on Naxos. Excursion if desired.
  
  Dinner together on Naxos. (DINNER INCLUDED)
  
  Overnight - Naxos

• Day 20 - Thursday, September 25, 2008
  
  After a leisurely breakfast, we all return by airplane to Athens, where individuals will connect with their respective flights home
  

COST

LAND PORTION ONLY
 
(Includes airfares and all transportation within Greece, but not flights to and from Greece)

20 Day tour - $5200.00 Canadian per person in double occupancy accomodation
14 Day tour - $3800.00 Canadian per person in double occupancy accomodation

For those who wish to travel in single accomodation, the price will be the base price plus the room rate for each hotel room costed for one person rather than two.
(Room rates in most places are the same whether one is in single or double status)

INCLUDES

- 19 nights accomodation (13 nights on the 14 day tour)
- 20 breakfasts (14 breakfasts on the 14 day tour)
- 10 dinners out together as a group (7 dinners on the 14 day tour)
- 2 lunches together as a group (Both on 20 and 14 day tours)
- The rest of the meals are on one's own, allowing a more personalized travel experience

- All scheduled Group tours
- All Optional tours mentioned
- Private Guides where arranged
- All entrance fees to planned activities
- Entrance to and transportation to Rembetika performance in Athens (or to substitute activity if not available.)
- Vineyard Visit near Nemea
- Sound and Light show in Rhodes as long as being performed the night we are there

- Ground Transportation to Piraeus from Athens
- Hydrofoil (or ferry) from Piraeus to Aegistri
- Hydrofoil from Aegistri to Aegina
- Hydrofoil from Aegina to Hydra
- Water taxi from Hydra to Mainland
- Ground Transportation to Epidaurus and from Epidaurus to Nafplion
- Ground Transportation from Nafplion to Mycenea and to nemea Region, and on to Piraeus
- Night Ship with Berth to Rhodes
- Ferry from Rhodes to Symi and from Symi back to Rhodes
- Ferry from Santorini to Naxos
- Ground transportation to sites on individual islands as mentioned in the itinerary

- Airfare Rhodes to Kastelorizo and back to Rhodes
- Airfare Rhodes to Athens
- Airfare Athens to Santorini
- Airfare Naxos to Athens

NOT INCLUDED

Non-alcoholic beverages except with breakfast
Alcoholic beverages
All meals not specifically detailed in the itinerary

NOTES

Activity level - This is a moderately active tour. Participants must be able to walk for up to 3 or 4 hours at a normal pace. Actual hiking is optional.

Weather - The weather in Greece is usually very good in September, but evenings can be cool especially in the islands.

Money - Euros

CONDITIONS

1. For itinerary detail questions contact Don Smith at travel-alchemy@tnt21.com
2. All bookings are done through our agent, Bonnie Shewfelt at Hanover Travel Service at 1-800-265-5515
   e-mail : hanovertravel@wightman.ca (Attention Bonnie Shewfelt)
3. Deposit of $700.00 Canadian at time of booking
4. Balance due August 1, 2008
5. Full refund on cancellation up to August 15 , 2008
6. 50% refund on cancellation up to August 30, 2008
7. No refund after August 30, 2008.