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Discover Greece |
Donna Wickerham lived and traveled in Greece for 2 years so she can tailor you trip to Greece. Just ask for Donna when you call, 800-861-6747
DISCOVER GREEK ISLANDS
Mykonos - Paros - Naxos - Ios - Santorini - Crete - Rhodes - Corfu
MYKONOS - Area 86 km2, distance from Piraeus 95 nautical miles. Cosmopolitan and multifaceted, Mykonos is well-known capital of summer pleasure for the international artist and jet-set colony that occupies island every year, again and again. It is almost sure that you have already heard a lot about many faces of Mykonos. This pearl of Cyclades exists only for all possible summer pleasures that one can imagine, offering both the superb accommodation and services for all sorts of guests and requests, Work on your tan on famous Megali Ammos, Agios Stephanos or Psarou beaches, and explore the small streets of former pirates harbor, looking for fun, which is everywhere.
SANTORINI - Area 96 km2, from Piraeus 127 n.m.
Probably the most famous of all Cyclades, Santorini is always the first associated when one thinks of the Greek islands. White houses, marine blue roofs and windows, meltemi breeze and countless windmills and above all, wild natural beauty. Santorini, or Thira, is remaining crescent of the island partly destroyed by the same volcano eruption in 1450 B.C., the same catastrophe that finished the Minoan civilization on Crete. Noble and relaxed community occupies the island every summer. Visit the town preserved by lava Acrotyri, now the famous archeological site, similar to Pompeii inn Italy. Or, visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias and taste some of excellent Santorini vines. Or, just enjoy the summer under the sun, on Perissa or Kamari beaches.
PAROS - Area 209 km2, distance from Piraeus 90 n.m. The best choice for everybody interested to enjoy both in nature and in healthy night life. Less beautiful than Naxos, and less wild than Ios or Mykonos at night, Paros offers something for everybody. Visit to the church complex of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Our Lady of 100 Gates) is the must, as well as to visit the world famous Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes), a real place from fairy-tales, where thousands of this beautiful creatures could be seen. Enjoy on Golden Beach (Chryssi Akti), or choose the beach Drios, that is more peaceful.
CRETE - The largest of the Greek islands, which marks boundary between Aegean and Lybian sea. The land that still remembers the
legends of the past, of Daidalos and Icaros, King Minos and his labyrinth, a cradle of the most beautiful civilization that world has ever seen, the home of El Greco and Kazantsakis. Explore the relics of the past in Knossos, the royal palace complex 5 km. from Heraklion or numerous ancient castles from the rich history of the island. Spend your time on some of the countless beaches , enjoy the natural beauties, discover unique folk tradition, music and dances, or simply hide in some shady garden to sip ouzo along with famous ouzomezedes.
NAXOS - Area 105 km2, distance from Piraeus 106 n.m. The largest of the Cyclades, with a breathtaking natural beauty. According to the old legends , the god Dionyssos was born on Naxos, and Theseus used the pause on Naxos to abandon Ariadne, after she saved his life on Crete. On Naxos temples and relics of glorious past are literally everywhere. Stroll the narrow streets of the old town, and visit the Venetian Castro, where the descendants of noble families still lives. Do not miss the visit to famous Portara, huge marble gate on the hill dominating the harbor which is also the symbol of the island. Beaches are everywhere, and renting a moped to explore the island is a good idea, as well as picnic, knowing that Naxos markets offers unbelievable choice of cheese, vines and fruits. Also, visit the church of Panagia Prothothonis in Chalky, or Michael Bardani, museum of Cycladic art.
IOS - Area 105 km2, from Piraeus 114 n.m. On all lists made by fans of wild night life, Ios gets 11 out of 10 possible points. The island is green, with countless chapels, olive tree groves, vineyards and inhabited by the international colony of young people - spending long, lazy days on the beaches and preparing for the temptations of the forthcoming night. Visit Homers tomb, or spend the day full of action on the beaches of Mylopotas, Koumbara, Manganari, Psathi...most of the bars are located in the port and village of Hora. Try Slammer Bar (tequilla), or sip your Flaming Lamborghini cocktail at Flames, or simply join the everlasting party at Sweet Irish Dream.
RHODES - The capital of Dodecanese, Rhodes is the island with long and complicated history, being conquered and occupied many times. Therefore, there are many places to visit and see, from museums to medieval castles of famous knights. Beautiful, but overcrowded streets of Rhodes town are favorite spot for the tourists worldwide, as well as excellent beaches out of it. Rhodes is noble choice for holidays, and the popularity of the island grows every year. Do not miss the Archeological museum in the old Hospital of the Knights, and visit to the Palace of the Knights of St.John. There are numerous beaches to discover, and the popular ones, like in Ixia, or Faliraki.
The entertainment: Rhodes has more discos per capita than Paris, London or New York, including the best, Amazon.
CORFU - The largest of Ionian islands and the most cosmopolitan one : Corfu was held by Franks, Turks, Venetians, French and British. This island offers something for everybody, fro cosmopolitan Kerkyra and Kontokali towns, to the great beaches of Ipsoss, Dassia and Paleokastritsa. Different influences are obvious: British palaces and cricket field, Little Venice and even the Museum of Asiatic arts, noble palace of Achillion and hippie beach of Pelekas, everything in the function of the great holidays.
Day 1. Athens Arrival in Athens. Transfer to the hotel. Time at leisure. Overnight.
Day 2. Athens Breakfast. At 10 AM half day panoramic city sightseeing with local guide:
OMONIA, SINTAGMA, PARLIAMENT, EVZONI GUARD,ACADEMY, UNIVERSITY, LIBRARY, ZAPPEIO, HADRIANS ARCH, TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS.....
Piraeus - Sightseeing of the big harbour : FERRY PORT, THEATER SQUARE, PASSALIMANI, CASTELLA, PEACE&FRIENDSHIP STADIUM...
Athens - Visit to ACROPOLIS:PROPYLAEA, ERECHTEION, PARTHENON, ACROPOLIS MUSEUM.. return to the hotel. Time at leisure. Overnight.
Day 3. Athens Breakfast. At 8 AM departure to one day excursion to Peloponissos :
ISTHMUS OF CORINTHE, EPIDAURUS THEATRE, NAFPLION, FORTRESS OF MYCENAE, ATREUS TREASURY... Return in the evening. Overnight.
Day 4.Athens Breakfast. Day at leisure. In the evening, walk with the guide at:
PLAKA, which is the bohemian and oldest part of Athens. Dinner with unique musical and Greek traditional folk dances program. Overnight.
Day 5. Athens Breakfast. Day at leisure for individual visits and shopping.
Optional: Afternoon visit to Cape Sounion - Poseidon's Temple and famous sunset. Dinner at the village of Vari - Lamb Special. Overnight.
Day 6. Athens Breakfast. Day at leisure.
Optional: Unforgettable evening in Microlimano - Fish Celebration.Overnight.
Day 7. Athens Breakfast. Transfer to the airport/Departure from Athens.
NOTE : There are numerous possibilities to change this basic program according to Your needs (by adding or deducting the number of overnights, to include or to put out optional visits, etc, to choose exact hotel(s), etc.)
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updated on 04/17/04
web design by Art Wickerham