Greece has announced that
it will be opening up on May 14th so we've pushed our dates
back.
This
is a repeat of our last Greece trip which is a land-based
island hopping trip with flights and a ferry between the
islands.
We'll
land in Athens on a Tuesday evening. Once we check in to
our hotel we'll take a walk to the famous Plaka where you
can enjoy you will enjoy strolling, shopping and eating.
The next morning we'll enjoy a tour of the Acropolis,
home of the Parthanon (included in your package). The rest
of the day will be at your leisure.
On
Thursday morning we’ll fly over to the island of Crete.
Crete is the birthplace of the first European civilization,
the Minoan, which flourished between 3000 BC and 1200 BC.
Even today, the majestic palaces of Knossos, Phaestus, Malia,
Zakros, Tylissos, Arhanes, Monastiraki, Galatas, Kydonia
and the luxurious mansions at Agia Triada, Zominthos, Amnisos,
Makrigialos, Vathipetro and Nerokouros reflect the splendor
of the Minoan civilization through architectural, pottery,
jewelry and painting masterpieces. We will organize optional
tours to some of the key places including Knossos. Click
here to read more about the tours on this trip.
We
will be staying in Chania (see arrow on map) which is in
and of itself a work of art and known as the Veniceof Crete.
Much
of the old town district of Chania was developed around
its harbor, which was built by the Venetians during the
14th century. Its lighthouse still proudly overlooks the
Mediterranean. Here youll find several cinemas and
historical attractions like the Archaeological Museum, a
collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts thats housed
in the former Monastery of Saint Francis. Wandering around
the Old Towns maze-like alleys with the beautiful
Venetian mansions, the fountains and the elaborate churches
will help you discover well-preserved historical monuments.
It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in
Greece and for food lovers, it's a paradise! Cosmopolitan
nightclubs and stylish bar-restaurants, small atmospheric
bars and picturesque cafés where you can enjoy a
drink, or maybe a cocktail, or just a good cup of coffee.
Some are hidden among the alleys of the Old City in historic
buildings or courtyards, others are on the waterfront overlooking
the sea. Chania has it all. Cafés, bars, clubs, a
live Greek and international music scene, including a number
of jazz bars, all invite you to experience the citys
nightlife to the fullest. Our hotel is perfectly situated
with wonderful sea views (early signups will get sea view
rooms - limited supply!). Click
here for more information on Chania.
After our 3-nights on Crete we'll be ready for the next stop - Mykonos for
the next 3 nights. We will be flying over via Athens. This
island is not only picturesque with it’s white buildings
and blue trim, the narrow meandering streets with cutes
hops and restaurants and famous windmills, it’s also THE
place for nightlife with many Europeans who come here.
We’ll have an optional tour set up that will take us on
a 45 minute boat ride to the island of Delos, which is an entire city
of ruins h no current inhabitants. It’s also fun to rent
a scooter or car and tour Mykonos and spend the day at one
of the most beautiful, as well as hip and happening beaches
in the Mediterranean. We will also offer an optional horseback
ride which is incredible with your ride on a secluded beach.
You don't have to plan too much on this island as the old
town is just a short walk from our hotel and makes for a
nice, relaxing way to spend some time strolling and taking
photos. Our hotel is beautiful with amazing views of the
sea. Once again, early sign ups will be rewarded with the
better view rooms. Many of our past Greece travelers have
told me that Mykonos was their favorite island. Less glitzy
than Santorini and maybe a bit more down to earth. There
are lots of beautiful beaches. It's great to rent a car,
quad or scooter to explore.
After
our 3-nights on Mykonos it will be time for our last and
most anticipated stop, the island of Santorini. We'll be
taking a ferry which is smooth and only about a 2-hour trip.
There is not a more
magical island in the world You will absolutely fall
in love with it. We will have optional tours set up
including an all day tour by bus and then boat visiting
the caldera via a nice wooden boat and even swimming to
a natural hot springs! This is another island where
it's great to rent a car, quad or scooter and explore on
your own. There is the beautiful red sand beach and lots
of interesting churches. There is also some great wine tasting
here.
We depart Santorini on Sunday
morning back to Athens and fly back that same day. It's
great air wth Luthansa. This is the ideal introduction to
the jewels of the Aegean.
Cost: Just $3,650 with air (deduct $340 with
your own air and you will not pay us the departure tax).
This is a terrific
group savings for this trip and you will love our hotels.
To sign up, click the "sign
up now" link at the bottom. The deposit
is $200.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: (your
own room): $850
INCLUDES:
- Round
trip international air from LAX (other
gateways are always an option but may cost slightly more)
- 12-nights
accommodations (double occ.)
- All
ground transportation
- Air
from Athens to Crete
- Air from Crete to Mykonos
- Ferry from Mykonos
to Santorini
- Air from Santorini
to Athens
- Tour
in Athens
- Daily
Breakfast
DOES
NOT INCLUDE:
- Departure
taxes or any fuel surcharge (running $548 at the time
of this posting but subject to change)
- Optional
tours
Click
here to see photos
from our last trip to Greece
Our
Group Air:
FROM LA:
Flight:Turkish
Airlines 10 Departure: Los Angeles 31MAY630P Arrival:ISTANBUL
AIRPORT 01JUN//540P
Flight: Turkish Airlines 1843 Departure:ISTANBUL AIRPORT
01JUN/720P Arrival:Athens 01JUN/855P
Flight: Turkish Airlines 1846 Departure:Athens 13JUN/1015A
Arrival:ISTANBUL AIRPORT 13JUN/1145A
Flight: Turkish Airlines 9 Departure:ISTANBUL AIRPORT 13JUN/110P
Arrival:Los Angeles 13JUN/450P
OUR
HOTELS:
ATHENS - NJV
PLAZA HOTEL
Website
- Tripadvisor
- 5-star!
Stay
at the luxurious NJV Athens Plaza, conveniently located
in the heart of Athens in the historic Syntagma Square,
and very close to the world-famous Acropolis. With almost
40 years of rich history, the 5-star NJV Athens Plaza welcomes
guests from across the globe to experience hospitality excellence
at its finest.
Dedicated to
providing an unparalleled level of service, the NJV Athens
Plaza Hotel features contemporary rooms and suites, with
unique view to the Acropolis, pedestrian & classy Voukourestiou
as well as Stadiou streets. As a luxury hotel in Athens,
our hotel is ideal for those who choose to be close to major
tourist attractions, archaeological sites, shopping districts
and museums such as the Acropolis Museum.
CRETE - PORTO
VENEZIANO
Website - Tripadvisor
review - #7 of 112 hotels in Chania! 3-star
Porto Veneziano
Hotel is in a fantastic location on the waterfront of Chania's
Old Venetian harbor. With environmentally friendly cooling
systems throughout, it offers panoramic views and accommodations
in a minimal navy design.
Just 950 feet
from the center of Chania, Porto Veneziano is an ideal base
for your stay in this historic town. With geothermal air
conditioning, the modern guest rooms are furnished with
private balconies, allowing you to admire views of the harbor,
the Old Town or the White Mountains of Crete.
The hotel has
free Wi-Fi throughout and operates a smoke-free environment
on all communal areas, guest rooms and suites.
MYKONOS -
PORTO MYKONOS
Website - Tripadvisor
review - 4-star
Porto
Mykonos boasts the most ideal location in Mykonos town overlooking
the vivid pace of the Port and the sparkling colors of the
sea. Nestled in one of the most romantic landscapes in Greece
this seaside retreat offers the most magical Mykonos town
view with flickering lights illuminating the windmills and
the historic center. The minimalist rooms and suites feature
a combination of authentic Cycladic and modern elements.
This hotel in Mykonos town epitomizes the beauty of simplicity
in itself.
Porto Mykonos
Hotel in Mykonos Town
Nuzzled in the vibrant town of Mykonos in Greece, Porto
Mykonos Hotel entices its guests with its serene location
and the enchanting panoramic views over the azure waters
of the Aegean. Porto Mykonos Hotel offers easy access to
the vivacious town, an a la carte restaurant, a lounge bar,
a fresh water swimming pool with a pool bar and outstanding
views.
Sunset View Hotel
The Porto Mykonos is a traditional and authentic hotel ideally
situated a stones throw away from Mykonos town, Greece.
The hotels sea view pool offers magnificent views
for sunbathers and, after sunset, it is lit with sparkling
lights from town that evidence the active nightlife at the
short distance. A hotel in Mykonos town designed to ensure
the ultimate intimacy. The rooms of this sunset view hotel
open out onto private terraces allowing guests to enjoy
the sunset hues reflecting over the Aegean and the most
picturesque Mykonos town view.
SANTORINI
- SANTORINI
PALACE HOTEL
Website -
Tripadvisor
review - #43 of 84 hotels in Fira! 4-star
The 4-star Santorini
Palace is in the center of Fira, Santorinis capital,
walking distance from the breathtaking Caldera and restaurants.
It features a free-form pool and a fitness center with a
hot tub and sauna.
All air-conditioned
rooms open to a balcony overlooking the well-tended garden
or the Aegean Sea. Facilities include a satellite TV and
minibar. Each private bathroom is fitted with a bathtub
and hairdryer.
Guests at Santorini
Palace can start their day with a buffet breakfast. The
restaurant served international dishes during dinner times.
Refreshing drinks and light meals are prepared at the snack
bar by the pool.
Santorini Palace
is the very first resort in Santorini, only a few meters
away from the cliff of the Caldera and the panoramic view
of the volcano. The hotel offers a combination of beautiful
Cycladic architecture, open spaces, resort facilities and
proximity to interesting sites.
Guests may take
full advantage of the resort facilities, the peaceful Hotel
Spa atmosphere, keep up with their fitness in the fully
equipped gym, relax by the pool, enjoy a walk on the Calderas
promenade or even experience Fira cosmopolitan nightlife.
Santorini Palace
hotel is ideal for combining leisure and business, couples
or family vacation, due to the mixture of its facilities.
Sign
up for this singles Trip!