Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart your gateway city for Athens.
Day 2: Arrive in Athens. Board connecting flight to Heraklion on the ancient island of Crete. Transfer by motorcoach along the island’s north coast to the Hotel Ideon in the seaside town of
Rethymnon
. This evening join your fellow travelers for a festive welcome reception and dinner featuring delicious Greek cuisine, ouzo, wine and music. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Enjoy a lecture tracing the fascinating history of Crete beginning with the early Minoan culture, one of the first civilizations in Europe. Tour Rethymnon, Crete’s intellectual capital. Visit the Venetian Fortress, the Old Harbor, the 16th-century Venetian Loggia, the Mosque of Nerantzes, the Orthodox Church of the Four Martyrs and the Mosque of the Kara Pasha. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Examine the rise and fall of the Minoan civilization, which flourished in Crete from around 2000 B.C. until nearly 1450 B.C. Discover the mysteries of Knossos, the center of the extinct Minoan civilization and the legendary site of the Labyrinth with its guardian, the Minotaur. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Follow the winding coastal road to the Akrotiri Peninsula where you will stop in the charming town of Chania. Stroll through the spectacular Venetian Harbor and wander amongst the olive trees and oleander that spill into the ancient streets. Passing through the interior mountain village of Spili, visit the breathtaking 16th-century Monastery of Arhadhi, Crete’s most sacred site. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at a local taverna. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Transfer to the harbor for an inter-island catamaran cruise to the island of Santorini. Enjoy lunch as you sail across the Sea of Crete. Today’s lecture prepares you for your arrival on Santorini, a dramatic island and enchanting lagoon formed by a volcanic crater. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Santorini Palace. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Learn about the ancient history of Santorini and the cataclysmic volcanic eruption of 1450 B.C. Travel to the excavations of Akrotiri, whose remains continue to reveal the secrets of the civilization existing on the island at the time of the disastrous eruption. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Take a look at the tradition of Greek viniculture and the production of wine. Savor a delicious lunch accompanied by local wines while getting a glimpse of Greek wine production at the historic Boutari Winery. Continue to the serene village of Ia, watch the sun set over the whitewashed homes and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 9: The morning will be at leisure. Board a boat in the harbor for a cruise across shimmering waters to the nearby islet of Thirassia. Admire a remarkably different perspective of Santorini and have lunch in a local taverna. Spend the afternoon shopping and exploring on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Spend your morning as you wish enjoying the peace of beautiful Santorini. Following lunch, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Athens. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Watch the bustle of the Plaka over dinner and enjoy local wines served at a charming taverna. (B,L,D)
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