Mykonian Countryside tour with Chora and Little Venice
Mykonos
Duration: Half day
We set off by coach from Mykonos Town, also known as Chora and head for Omos. It’s a picturesque fi shing harbour and popular anchorage sitting on a narrow isthmus between two beaches and its streets are lined with tavernas. We visit the lovely colourful beaches of Agia Anna and Kalafatis.
On the return trip to Chora we call at the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542. It houses a wonderful collection of icons and has a beautiful bell tower and marble fountain, well worth seeing.
The delightful village square of Ano Mera is the perfect spot for a short break and maybe a coffee. You’ll be relaxing in one of the island’s oldest communities.
Back in Mykonos Town we stop at the Paraportiani church (which literally means Our Lady of the Side Gate and is actually made up of fi ve churches) and the Folklore Museum. Here you can see many exhibits including traditional costumes, furniture and personal items typical of Mykonos life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the island of more than 100 years ago
Continue to Little Venice, the neighbourhood of Alefkhandra to admire those famous windmills, a sight you can surely never tire of.
Religious Visit to St John's Monastery
Patmos
Duration: Half day
This excursion takes you to a small but fascinating island with connections to the Bible and to the Gods. Patmos in the Aegean is among the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese. It is has a long been a place of pilgrimage because Patmos is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Christian Bible. It records that St John the Evangelist received a vision from Jesus here. Visitors can see the location where John is said to have had the revelation, the Cave or Grotto of the Apocalypse.
Meanwhile a number of churches are named after the apostle and we are able to call at the Monastery of St John. The picturesque alleyways wind up to the Monastery which was founded by St. Christodoulos in 1088. We are able to enter the yard, where the monks take their meals and the old bakery. Of exquisite beauty is the tour of the Byzantine Church of St John, adorned with a wood-carved icon screen, important frescoes from several periods of history. Next we stop at a small museum which is home to priceless religious treasures including manuscripts, medieval textiles and vestments. Behind the chapel of St Anne lies the entrance to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. You will see the cross engraved by St John and the triple fi ssure in the wall where John is said to have heard God telling of the Apocalypse. You may feel the historical and religious enormity of this special moment.
In Greek mythology Patmos originally existed at the bottom of the sea but Zeus was persuaded to allow it rise from the waters. The sun dried the land and people from the region began inhabiting the island they named Letois after the goddess Artemis.
Minoan Palace of Knossos
Crete Island
Duration: Half day
The ancient city of Knossos, near Crete’s capital Heraklion, was the place that ‘gave birth’ to the very first civilisation of Europe, the Minoans. So we can say with some certainty it is Europe’s oldest city.
The excursion will open up the world of the Minoans as we visit one of the continent’s most important archaeological treasures. The first excavations were undertaken in the 1870s by Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan himself. A few decades later in the early 1900s, more work by Sir Arthur Evans from Britain brought to the world’s attention the full impressive scale of the Palace of Knossos, according to legend the residence of wise King Minos. You will be able to explore the large Central Court, the wonderful Throne Room, the imposing Grand Staircase and see the fresco of the ‘Prince of the Lilies.’
As you stroll through the palace apartments and view the archaeological fi nds, we think you will be just a little in awe of the rich cultural heritage of the Minoan civilisation.
You will undoubtedly hear the Cretan legend of the Minotaur, half man, half bull who lived in the Labyrinth and was slain by Theseus. But that’s another story. Exploring from room to room you will relive time in the Hall of the Royal Guard and the King’s Chamber, hearing about the extraordinary rule of King Minos.
Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days.
Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day, as follows:
- One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 7
Expand the itinerary below for more details.
Please note, if more than one room is selected during the booking process, our team will contact you afterwards to discuss options.
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens the birthplace of Western Civilization, the Capital of Greece!
Upon Arrival at Athens International Airport meet with your English speaking escort and transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Athens at the Acropolian Spirit Hotel.
After breakfast, wander the landmarks of Historic Athens including the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum focused on the findings from the Acropolis.
Ancient yet modern, classic yet creative, traditional yet constantly changing… Athens is a city of memorable contrasts. The past and the present of Athens unfolds before your eyes while we drive around the city's highlight spots and monuments like the Temple of Zeus, the Old Stadium, Syntagma square, the Parliament and the Tomb to the Unknown soldier, the Academy, the Library, and the National Gardens.
On the natural fortress of the Acropolis, reinforced by the hand of man, stand the Propylaea, the temple of the Winged Victory, Erechtheion with the Porch of the Caryatids and, towering over all, and the majestic Parthenon. A winding path leads to the treasure of antiquity. Visible are the relics of the civilization of which we are the proud inheritors. A few meters away from the Acropolis entrance and the Ancient Theatre of Dionysos, the New Acropolis Museum, built on pedestrian walkway of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, looks like hanging between the past and the present of Athens.
Designed by Bernard Tschumi and Mihalis Fotiades, the new Acropolis Museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters. Made of stainless steel, glass, marble and concrete, materials typical of the Athenian environment, the new museum has a direct view of the Acropolis. With bioclimatic planning, which gives ideal lighting and heating conditions, the New Museum offers all the amenities expected in an international museum of the 21st century.
We will proceed on foot to visit different spots taste local products like olive oil, honey, cheese, wine, vinegar, liquor, and sweets, all made by small producers from all over Greece. Next, it’s a treat from the street, as you sample a koulouri, one of the all-time classic snacks on the go and then a cup of authentic Greek coffee in a wonderful old café. After this, get ready to duck into a boisterous visit to the central fish and meat market, where butchers and fishmongers compete for the attention of Athens’ serious food shoppers. The old Central Market of Athens (Varvakios Agora) that is located exactly in the heart of the city, and learn from your guide about the city culinary history. We will next visit specialty food stores to try local produce cold cuts, and discover some of the hidden stores to purchase tantalizingly fresh fruit, Greek olives, cheese, ham and other alluring deli produce, local wine, aged aromatized vinegar, organic olive oil and honey. Around the corner is the famous spice street of Athens, lined with traditional herb shops that also carry amazing specialty meats and other traditional delicacies. After that you will end up having a lunch, tasting the famous Greek souvlaki!! & traditional spinach pie. Finally, a last stop to taste of the Greek specialty loukoumades (Greek donuts with honey syrup and almonds) and return you back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Athens at the Acropolian Spirit Hotel.
Departure for the 4-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey.
First stop Mykonos Island - you can decide to add an extra tour from our optional tours below like Mykonian Countryside tour with Chora and Little Venice (extra cost).
Strolling around the cobblestone alleyways of the main town (or Hora) encapsulates everything magical about Mykonos. The alleyways of Hora ooze style when it comes to the shops, nowhere more so than on and around Matoyianni Street.
Overnight stay on board in an Inside Cabin.
All meals are included while on board.
Arrival at the Turkish port, where you will visit Ephesus, one of the most complete ancient cities ever excavated (tour included). Excavations have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial period including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the World,” which drew pilgrims from all around the Mediterranean.
Next stop will be Patmos Island, you can decide to add an extra optional tour of the mysterious Island of the Apocalypse that has a deep relationship with religion. Grandeur and serenity. That’s what you feel when you enter the streets of Hora and the monastery of Patmos (own expenses).
Overnight stay on board in an Inside Cabin.
All meals are included while on board.
Arrival at Rhodes, join the Island of the knights tour.
Impressive sceneries, colourful and traditional villages, challenging landscapes and cultural monuments under the medieval spirit of the aristocrat. The city is divided into the parts of the medieval city and the new city of Rhodes. The most important monuments include the Palace of the Grand Master, the hospital of the Knights and the Colloquium building. The Acropolis of Lindos was one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. At the top of the site, one can admire the imposing temple of Athena Lindia, the Propylea and the Roman temple of Diocletian.
Overnight stay on board in an Inside Cabin.
All meals are included while on board.
Crete full of tropical beaches, traditional villages each with its own history, a huge variety of gorgeous landscapes, and remains from ancient civilizations, Crete has been writing its history for the last 5,000 years. A melting pot of scenery, food, music, history, handicraft... an art of life to discover and understand.
Heraklion is the largest urban center in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic center of the island. The first European civilization, the Minoan civilization, flourished on this land 5000 years ago. It is a very dynamic and cosmopolitan town.
Knossos was the capital of Minoan Crete , here you can decide to add the tour of Knossos Palace (own expenses) from our Optional Tours. Seat of the legendary king Minos, it is the birthplace of thrilling stories, such as the myths of the Labyrinth with its Minotaur and of Daedalus and Icarus.
The power of this volcanic island - Santorini, creates an energy that overwhelms the senses. Often its two small fisherman ports Ammoudi and Armeni. A unique vantage point for viewing and photographing the lovely traditional settlement of Oia and the famous sunset.
Ovenight stay in Santorini at the Cliffside Suites.
After breakfast, enjoy one pre-selected activity from our Freedom of Choice options.
Ovenight stay in Santorini at the Cliffside Suites.
Freedom of Choice Options
- Indulge in the quaint atmosphere of Santorini's Hidden Gems:
Follow your guide on a journey through time, while trying to unveil the myths and legends of more than 4000 years of History.
First stop will be the Monastery of Prophet Elias, one of the oldest monasteries and the highest point of the Island. Next stop the Archaeological site of Akrotiri, one of the main urban centers of the Aegean. Visit a traditional canava (home-cellar) tasting 3 different types of wines of Santorini. Step on an ancient vineyard and get information for the special “terroir” of Santorini wine and the famous white grape variety.
Free time for swimming followed by a “meze” style lunch including variety of tapas the majority made from local products such as fava, cherry tomato, round zucchinis, white eggplants and more!!!
After lunch transfer back to your hotel.
OR
- Semi-Private Catamaran sunset cruise with dinner (5hrs):
In the afternoon around 15.30hrs, transfer from your hotel to the port and depart for a semi-private Catamaran ride up to 14 pax. Your Sunset Cruise includes:
- Welcome drink
- Snorkeling gear
- Towels
- Dinner on board: Seafood, chicken fillet, salads, open bar with local white wine, beers, beverages, fruits (Vegetarian meal available upon request).
Set sail from the picturesque Marina of Vlychada and enjoy sailing along with the magnificent coastal scenery of Santorini. Your first photo shooting stop is at the Red Beach in Akrotiri, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island with the red rocks and the dark pebbles. Move on and reach the White Beach – accessible only by boat – and the Mesa Pigadia swimming spot and snorkel in the crystal-clear blue waters with the rich underwater environment and reefs.
Then sail past the Indian Rock, the Venetian Light House of Akrotiri. Pass by the Aspronisi Island and marvel at the glorious views of the Caldera and the cliff-hanging white houses. Sail around the must-see Volcano coast and stop at its’ hot springs, where you can treat yourself to a natural spa in the thermal mixed volcanic mud waters. One more stop follows up, this time to a secluded private bay and plunge in the majestic waters as our attentive crew prepares for you a delicious meal.
At the end of this unique sailing experience, we head back to the Marina of Vlychada.
Day at leisure to discover what the stunning island of Santorini has to offer.
Overnight stay in Santorini at Cliffside Suites.
After breakfast, transfer to Santorini airport for your departure flight back home.
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Our Freedom of Choice program offers complete flexibility allowing you to choose from a menu of different sightseeing options. The experiences offered are included in the package price, so all that’s left for you to do is choose and personalise your package!
Our Exclusive Packages have been carefully created with our preferred overseas travel partners with package inclusions on offer exclusively to Entire Travel Customers.
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