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- Trip Outline
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Your Grecian Escape Awaits You
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : May 6, 2020
Time : 7:57 pm
Depart North America
Depart North America for your overnight flight to Greece
Day 2
Date : May 7, 2020
Time : 7:57 am
Arrival in Athens
Arrival - Athens:
You will be met by our tour guide and taken to your hotel. Arrival at Phillippos Hotel conveniently situated next to old quarters and Acropolis Museum. With attentive bilingual staff on hand 24/7 to assist with luggage, car rental, dry cleaning, sightseeing and a whole host of services, you just can't go wrong. Dining, shopping and Acropolis Metro Station just a short jaunt away, guarantee's your days at leisure will fit the bill for your exploratory nature.
Philippos Hotel
2 Nights - Buffet Breakfast
Day 3
Date : May 8, 2020
Time : 1:00 pm
Athens Afternoon Tour
Your tour guide will take you to the heart of the matter with a few stops along the way. In route to the Acropolis a quick detour to Panathenaic Staduim to view where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 is a must, viewing Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian's Arch. Once at Acropolis, you will wonder at the architectural masterpeices of the Gold Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Erecteion, the "harmony between material and spirit, the monument that "put order in the mind, the Parthenon and a must see the Temple of Athena Nike. Passing a few points to ponder (Syntagma) Constitution Square, Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the House of Parliament, the National Library and The University.
3 Hours
Day 4
Date : May 9, 2020
Depart Athens - Arrive in Mykonos
Athens Hotel to Piraeus Port
1-Hour
Piraeus Port to Mykonos via Catamaran
2-Hours
Mykonos Port to Mykonos Town and Suburbs
20 Minutes
This hotel is exceptionally situated in the center of Mykonos, on the town's most privileged spot. It is an ideal for those who want to combine their vacations with the well-known night life of Mykonos. On a daily basis, the hotel offers a free round trip to the 5-star Petasos Beach Resort and Spa, where one can enjoy refreshing cocktail drinks, a meal at the pool restaurant or use the resort recreational facilities.
Petasus Town Hotel
3 Nights - Buffet Breakfast
Day 5
Date : May 10, 2020
Leisure Day
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day 6
Date : May 11, 2020
Leisure Day
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day 7
Date : May 12, 2020
Mykonos to Santorini
Mykonos Town and Suburbs to Mykonos Port
Duration 20 Minutes
Mykonos to Santorini on Catamaran
Duration 2 Hours
Athinios Port to Santorini
Duration 30 Minutes
Kamari Beach Hotel is a great place to enjoy the black sandy beaches of Kamari. Take a stroll along the beach or join in with the organised water-sport activities. The stunning outdoor pool area is a great place to unwind. Have a refreshing dip in the pool or simply relax on a sun bed and admire the beautiful views of the sea. Delight in a drink or a snack at the pool bar and join in one of Kamari Beach Hotel's lively barbecue nights. The rooms at Kamari Beach Hotel are spacious and tastefully decorated, with some featuring beautiful sea views. Enjoy a relaxing start to the day with a buffet breakfast on the sunny terrace.
Kamari Beach Hotel
4 Nights - Buffet Breakfast
Day 8
Date : May 13, 2020
Volcano and Hot Springs
Leave the port of Athinios to embark on the traditional boat for your visit of active craters of the volcano on the top of the island of Nea Kameni, in Greek means "new burnt"... where you will stop for about 1 1/2 H.
Then sail to Palea Kameni, "old burnt", where thermal springs provide natural warm-water bathing. While the surrounding water and beaches may be cold, and winds can be daunting. Your stop will be about 30m. Next destination will be Thirassia which is a typical cycladic village with a way of life as it used to be before the invasion of tourism. Tiny houses of various colours give a special character to these small settlements. Is an ideal place to taste some of the traditional plates of Santorini (lunch is not included in the price), to swim or to discover the simple village of Manolios by donkey. Here your stop will be about 1.5 - 2H.
When you arrive in your last destination the assistant will inform you the pick-up point and the time that the buses depart (that depends on the sunset time) . The village is approximately 150 meters above sea level. This distance covered or walking the traditional steps on feet (250 steps) or by donkeys. Oia was severely damaged in the 1956 earthquake and much work has been involved to implement its restoration. The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed. In fact, it is almost impossible to describe in words. Small white houses tier the hillside, interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece. It has inspired artists, poets and every visitor who visits Santorini. Oia is best known for breathtaking sunsets; if truth be told, sunrise in Oia is also magical. In Oia there are two types of dwellings, the cave houses dug into the volcanic rock on the Caldera cliffs, and the Captains houses. The cave houses used to be the homes of ship crews, whereas the Captains houses belonged to the affluent class of ship owners. Many of the churches in Oia were dedicated to sailors.
6 Hours
Day 9
Date : May 14, 2020
Leisure Day
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day 10
Date : May 15, 2020
Catamaran Dinner Cruise During the Grecian Sunset
This afternoon you will be transferred from your hotel in Santorini to Vlihada Marina (in the south of the island) to being the catamaran cruise. The first stop will be at the red beach for swimming, which is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is located only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri. The small size of the beach creates a much crowded atmosphere and there are many days where most of the visitors choose not to make it all the way down to the beach and instead admire this unique landscape of red and black volcanic rocks from the headland. Your next stop will be at the white beach for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling is ideal for those who would like to explore and get a feel of the underwater world of Santorini. Your evening continues while you sail along Akrotiri and Aspronissi, and reach the hot springs. Here you can swim and enjoy a mud bath. Your cruise this evening includes dinner, which will be served on board. The tour ends at Amoudi Bay, where a mini bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
5 Hours
Day 11
Date : May 16, 2020
Return to Athens
Santorini to Athinios Port
Duration 30 Minutes
Santorini to Piraeus on Catamaran
Duration 5 Hours
Piraeus Port to Athens Hotels Private
Duration 1 Hour
Philippos Hotel is ideally located right next to the Acropolis Museum and a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis Metro Station. The hotel is next door to the old quarters of the city with its old style charm and affordable shopping and dining options. The central square of Syntagma is just a 15 minutes' walk away. The attentive staff are on hand 24/7 and can offer sightseeing information, or arrange for car rental, dry cleaning and luggage storage.
Philippos Hotel
1 - Night Buffet Breakfast
Day 12
Date : May 17, 2020
Depart Greece for North America
Transfer back to Athens International airport for your same day return flight back to North America.
- 11 nights' accommodation based on double occupancy
- Round trip airfare from (US) New York on BA to Athens, Greece including all taxes
- Breakfast daily
- Transfers and tours as outlined in the overview
- Boat ticket from Piraeus (Athens) to Mykonos Island
- Boat tickets from Mykonos Island to Santorini Island
- Entrance fees as specified in the overview
- Local taxes as specified in the overview
- Travel Insurance
- Visas if required
- gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not specifically noted in the itinerary
- Beverages unless specified
- All international and domestic airfares & airfare taxes not specified in inclusions
- Single supplements
- Other departure cities
- Extension
- Upgrades
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
The best times to be in Greece are spring (mid-April to mid-June and the fall (September to mid-October). Not only are temperatures not too hot but you avoid the high season in the summer when prices are higher and many Europeans invade Greece. In the summer, temperatures are scorching hot. In spring, you will see more wildflowers and in the fall, you can still swim in the sea. Service tends to be more efficient in the spring and the fall as it is less crowded. Avoid Easter week if possible as almost every hotel is fully booked by locals celebrating this time of year. Also many shops, museums and important sites are closed. Winters can be mild or cold depending where you are. However, the air is fresh and clear. High altitudes are cold and wet with snow in the mountains. Ferry and plane services are more restricted. Many hotels, sights and restaurants shut down, especially on the islands. The rainy times are between November and February.
Every Greek island has its own celebrations, but generally speaking, the biggest holiday is Aug. 15th, "The Day of the Panagia," or Virgin Mary. The Hellenic Festival from June through September involves modern and ancient theatre, music, dance and opera over numerous cultural events. The Epidaurus Festival of ancient theatre in July and August is an interesting time.
Passports
A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to your country. You are strongly advised to always carry a valid passport when travelling to any foreign destination. Crossing international borders can be complicated and sometimes requires many different kinds of documents. Being prepared is the key to easing your way through this process, so make sure you know what documents you need, where to get them, and which ones will make your crossing quick and easy.
Remember to:
Carry a passport for all trips outside your country.
Be sure that your passport is still valid.
Check that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry.
Scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself or carry it a separate location
Leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative who is not travelling with you.
Keep your passport safe while travelling.
Do not leave it unattended in your luggage, vehicle, hotel or elsewhere.
Carry it in your money belt, inside coat pocket or purse, or lock it in your hotel safe.
What to Pack
Greece experiences very hot temperatures in the summer. As such, clothing made of loose and lightweight materials are essential. Shorts, t-shirts and bathing suits are common. Hats are extremely important for sun protection, and sunglasses should be worn all year. While the Greek Islands are hot during the day, they can get a bit cooler in evenings during the summer, so a sweater may be required.
Autumn can bring mildly cooler temperatures so a sweater or light jacket should be packed. A raincoat and umbrella are needed mid-September. Winter can be cold, particularly if travelling to the mountains, so a good coat, sweaters, boots etc. are required.
For the most part, Greece has a typical mediterranean climate. As a result, the country traditionally has hot, dry summers and rainy winters. Overall, Greece enjoys a great deal of sunshine all year. The geography of Greece varies, as does the climate. The coastal areas and islands have hot summers and much milder winters. However, during the winter, winds can be incredibly strong along the coasts. In the mountainous regions, winter is cold, and while summers can be mild, they can experience dips in temperature.
Spring in Greece runs from February to May, enjoying generally good weather, but it can be cold with rain. Summer runs from June to August. Temperatures can reach 45ËšC (113ËšF), however, they usually average between 34-40ËšC (93.2-104ËšF). Islands can get cooler in the evenings. Autumn, from mid-September to the end of November is generally pleasant, with some colder days and rain. Finally, winter, from November to February, is cold with the mountainous interior experiencing snow.
Credit Cards Accepted: Visa & Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is less so due to the higher commision.
Currency: Euro
Drives on the: Right
Electricity: 220 V - 240 V
Location: Southern Europe
Official Language(s): Greek
Religion: Eastern Orthodoxy
Time Zone: EET (UTC +2)
Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory
