Cruise and Travel Partners
Greece Land Tour
October 5 - 13, 2024
Itinerary
Sat. Oct. 5 Arrive Athens
Athenian Neighborhoods & Food Tour
An ancient city dating between 7,000 and 5,000B.C.E., Athens is considered the birthplace of Western civilization. During the city's Golden Age, great thinkers, writers and artists, such as Hippocrates and Plato, thrived. Greece's capital has blossomed into a popular destination combining archaeological sites, contemporary cultural attractions and spirited nightlife. One of few European capitals to sport a coastline, the ‘Athenian Riviera’ has developed into a beach and entertainment filled retreat just 30mins from the city center. Athens is a diverse and beautiful, contemporary city, that uniquely combines the present and the past, mountains and beach, authenticity and modernity. Gorgeous traditional and gourmet restaurants, a roaring nightlife and a variety of cultural events make everyday in Athens a new adventure. The Athenians with their lust for life and restless spirit compliment this modern metropolis adding to its Mediterranean character. There is never a dull moment in this city.
From the Parliament building in Syntagma Square, to the posh Kolonaki neighborhood and the rebellious downtown district of Exarchia, you'll stop at special spots to sample local products like olive oil, honey, cheese, wine, vinegar, liquor, and sweets made by small producers from all over Greece. Following that, it's a street treat as you sample a koulouri, one of the all-time classic on-the-go snacks, and then a cup of authentic Greek coffee in a wonderful old café. Continue with a visit to Athens' central market, the famous spice street of Athens just around the corner and the herb shops selling amazing specialty meats and other traditional delicacies. The Psirri neighborhood is still reinventing itself - once one of Athens' poorer working-class areas for nearly all of the twentieth century, it is now one of the city's hottest food and drink destinations, but there are reminders of a simpler past everywhere in its narrow streets. Stop for a sweet bite at one of the many pastry shops in this area. Then it's off to a charming little taverna specializing in traditional Greek dishes to try a selection of scrumptious Greek meze (like tapas, only better).
Overnight Athens Capital Center Hotel
Sun. Oct. 6th Athens to Paros
Flight from Athens to Paros
Unrivalled natural beauty, beaches with crystal clear waters, Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages and iconic Cycladic architecture make Paros one of the most popular islands, located at the heart of the Cyclades. Famous since antiquity for its bright white marble, Paros is a traditional, unassuming summer destination. Parikia, the capital of the island, is a beautiful Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses and impressive neoclassical mansions. A well-preserved 13th century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the centre of the village offering an amazing view. Also in Parikia, one will find the important 6th century church of Panayia Ekatontapyliani. The island has several beautiful villages such as the more cosmopolitan fishing village Naoussa, and traditional Lefkes, located at the highest point of Paros offering stunning views. Chryssi Akti, Pounta and Santa Maria are some of the many beaches of Paros, some offering sporty vibes, famous among wind and kite surfers, others just perfect for languid summer days. Antiparos, a tiny islet just a few minutes off of the coast of Paros, is considered the island's boho alter-ego. A definite must- visit, Antiparos has great beaches and a tiny, laid-back town.
Meals - D at Sparos - Seaside restaurant
Siparos serves the culture and flavor of Paros with a creative, contemporary twist. We blend authentic Mediterranean tastes from local ingredients to make own-label products and traditional dishes, reimagined for the modern dinner.
Overnight - Parocks Luxury Hotel & Spa
Mon. Oct. 7th Blue Lagoon
Half day cruise to Blue Lagoon, Antiparos & Despotiko
Set sail for unforgettable new adventure on private Lagoon 42 Catamaran. Discover hidden gems of the Aegean Sea with crystal clear waters that will make you feel like you are in paradise! Sail towards Panteronisia islets, known also as Blue Lagoon due to their crystal water and blue colors; swim and enjoy sunbathing before heading to the southwest coastline of Antiparos, featuring impressive cliffs and caves. Last stop will be the south coves of Despotiko island; This small island preserves all the mystery and magic of a place pristine, almost untrodden. The Sanctuary of Apollo and Artemis gleams under the Cycladic sun, bathing in turquoise waters, at the heart of the archipelago; once the gathering place for crowds of believers, now an attraction for the numerous fans of ancient Greek beauty.
M - B, L, D
Overnight - Parocks Luxury Hotel & Spa
Tues. Oct. 8th Parocks
Day at your leisure or CE lecture at the hotel
Meals - D at Petra Farm
Petra is a family-run sustainable farm located close to Naoussa. They specialize in the production of Mediterranean crops that are well suited to the distinctive microclimates of the farmland. From the olives, capers, oregano, lavender, figs, grapes and other herbs that they grow, they produce a wide array of high-quality packaged products that embody the flavours of Greece through their taste and aroma. The whole cycle of production, from cultivation, harvest, processing, and packaging takes places at the farm, allowing them to oversee and control the quality of every item they produce.
This evening, you will have the chance to have a tour at the farm, meet the owners and enjoy a home cooked dinner!
Overnight - Parocks Luxury Hotel & Spa
Wed. Oct. 9th Santorini
Take the Ferry to Santorini
Santorini is considered among the most sought-after destinations for a romantic getaway in Greece, since there are only a few places in the world where one can enjoy exquisitely clear waters while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea! Amazing views, wild landscapes and a mysterious aura will embrace your arrival. A chic island which perfectly combines the dark volcanic beaches with the cliff hanging whitewashed houses and unforgettable sunsets.
The most famous villages are perched on the iconic caldera; no matter how many times you stand there gazing over the cliffs, you’ll never feel that you have had enough of it. Enjoy the views from Firà, Imerovigli or Oia (pronounced Ea) As enchanting as the caldera views are, Santorini has more to offer: explore its wineries (there are more than 5 indigenous grape varieties cultivated in the local terroir - Mavrotragano and Assyrtiko being the most famous), hike trails and charming inland villages. Take the time to visit Megalohori (the winery central) and Emporio, an enchanting maze of small houses and passageways so narrow at some points that only one person can squeeze through at a time.
With gleaming white-and-blue buildings perched on a clifftop overlooking the glittering Aegean Sea, Fira (or Thera) is every bit the postcard star of Santorini. The island capital, the main port of call for holidaymakers, is famous for its stunning views, lively nightlife, and archaeological museums. You will visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which exhibits findings from the prehistoric times that have been excavated from Akrotiri, the Ancient Thera and other areas on Santorini. Exhibits include ceramics, marble statues, Minoan frescoes from Akrotiri, tools, and weaponry. You will continue to the archaeological Museum, which displays relics like sculptures, ceramics and carvings which have come from different periods of Santorini’s history. And then the Santorini Folklore Museum that has exhibits about island life, culture and traditions, including an old winery, furniture, clothing and artworks, in a cave house built in 1861. In between the visits, you will walk in the whitewashed alleys, where you may find nice shops, church domes and picturesque spots.
After the guided tour you will have some free time to explore Fira on your own, enjoy the sunset and have dinner on your own
Meals - B
Overnight - Vedema Santorini
Thurs. Oct. 10th Santorini
Day at your leisure or CE Lecture
Meals - B
Overnight Vedema Santorini
Fri. Oct. 11th Oia
Day at your leisure or CE Lecture
Take a scenic tour of Oia's secret spots and the surrounding villages. Discover blue-domed whitewashed churches and take a journey back in time along a winding path with breathtaking views of Santorini and the deep blue horizon. Follow in the footsteps of the island's merchants, feel the energy of the volcanic caldera, and explore the backroads of Oia. Explore and enjoy breathtaking villages through the eyes of a local, admiring the breathtaking views & learning about Santorini's rich history by visiting some of the best-known spots in Oia.
Meals - B, D at Omnia Restaurant
Omnia immerses the guest deep into a cinematic Aegean dining experience, from sunset to late moon. Choreographed around a statement pool ‘stage’, Omnia playfully showcases a breezy fusion of local fresh fish and other treasures from the Archipelago. Generously feeding the eye and the soul, Omnia also stuns with its unobstructed views, its fresh, organic architecture and its unexpected Cycladic backdrop, featuring calming elements like stone, wood, linen and other natural materials that add depth and value to this scenic floating ‘garden’. Chef Tasos Stefatos carefully curated a laid-back gastronomy menu for seafood aficionados, with the clear intention to entertain, pamper the senses and encourage sharing. Inspired by the profound kitchen stories he dives into, during his yearly travels, the chef smoothly fuses contemporary multi-cultural culinary influences and then adds an Aegean identity twist.
Sat. Oct. 12th Athens and the Acropolis
Fly from Santorini to Athens
The Acropolis is the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens, visible everywhere within the city. Its monuments and sanctuaries of white Pentelic marble gleam in the midday sun and gradually take on a honey hue as the sun sinks, while at night they stand brilliantly illuminated above the city. A glimpse of this magnificent sight can not fail to exalt your spirit.
The Acropolis became a World Heritage-listed site in 1987. The Museum was founded to exhibit all the significant finds from the Sacred Rock and its foothills. It was designed by architect Bernard Tschumi with Michael Photiadis and inaugurated in the summer of 2009. The Museum hosts its collections across three levels, as well as in the archaeological excavation that lies at its foundations.
Meals - B, D
Overnight Athens Capital Center Hotel
Sun. Oct. 13th Departure
Transfer to the Airport for departure to the U.S.
Pricing
$7200 Per Person
Based on Double Occupancy
8 Hours CDE
Space is Limited and will likely sell-out quickly
Contact Jodi Murphy
610-420-9364
cruiseandtravelpartners@comcast.net
