✧ Greek Island Odyssey Tour

Greek Island Odyssey Tour 2012

Join Master Photographer Nick Melidonis and SBS journalist, Costas Demetriades on a remarkable journey to the Cyclades Islands nestled in the deep blue Aegean. These Iconic islands are renowned for the beauty of their expansive seascapes, whitewashed villages spilling down slopes, blue-domed churches, soaring windmills, and stunning sunsets. For over 7,000 years, mythology and history have shaped these islands—along their beautiful shores the legendary Odysseus once sailed.

Enjoy a complete Greek experience with  passionate tour leaders that will share with you the sights, tastes and sounds that has kept them coming back year after year for over a decade.

“Just a note to thank you for the photo Holiday It was well organised and everyone was very helpful. It was unbelievable to be with such talented people and they were exceptional. I can’t believe such a holiday will ever be repeated .

To you, Carol, Costas and Frank thanks for the wonderful holiday  I didn’t really want to come home.

See you soon.

Regards, Michael Schwartz, Sydney June 2011

To see an audio-visual on YOU TUBE of Nick’s photos set to music of the Greek Island Odyssey Tour, please click HERE.

To view a PDF flyer of the tour from the University of  WA CLICK HERE

To contact Nick Melidonis regarding the tour nick@nickmelidonis.com or phone : 08 93364135,    Mobile: 0418 912156

TOUR DATES AND COSTS

A 19 day/18 nights photographic and cultural tour

Monday May 7th – Friday May 25th  2012

Land content only twin share $6,590AUD , Single supplement $1190AUD

Deposit: $480AUD (land only); $650AUD (land and air fare). Non-refundable.

Reserve your place on this tour and receive your application pack  or for expressions of interest, contact our travel agent:
Nick Missikos, -owner/manager

Harvey World Travel (LIC No. 9TA00049)

East Perth – Shop 1/113 Royal Street
Tel:  (08) 9221 9977 Fax:  (08) 9221 5577
email: eastperth@harveyworld.com.au

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR

• Visit the Monasteraki (flea market) and the ancient Agora of Athens
• Marvel at the perfection of the Parthenon set on the imposing heights of the Acropolis
• Share a musical and cultural feast in an ancient castle with a descendent of the 13th century ruler of Naxos.
• Stroll through the vibrant streets of Mykonos and explore the sacred island of Delos, steeped in mythology
• Explore the Cyclades Islands most charismatic port, Naoussa, on the magical island of Paros
• Visit Tinos, island of artists, also known as the Lourdes of Greece.
• Wander along the awesome caldera’s edge in Santorini, one of the word’s most amazing landscapes.

Don’t miss this spectacular tour of a lifetime, now in its 13th year

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

• All accommodation, breakfasts and farewell dinner in Santorini
• Ferries and day tours as per itinerary
• Pre-tour travel advice and a comprehensive tour pack on Greece
• Greek speaking tour guides and presenters
• Photography, cultural, cuisine and other workshops on tour
• Entry fees to monuments, museums etc as per itinerary

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

• Airfares to and from Greece
• Travel insurance (all participants must have appropriate insurance)
• Dinners and lunches other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and hotel phone etc

PLEASE NOTE

• Costs and itinerary subject to change without notice
• Itinerary based on 2011 Greek Ferry Timetables and may be subject to change in 2012.
• Tour starts and ends in Athens and number of tour leaders and the tour depends on minimum numbers

FREE INFORMATION SESSION PERTH

Tues Feb 14th  2012

7.30 – 9.30 pm, Karajung Lecture Theatre

UWA Extension –  cnr Princess and Goldsworthy Roads Claremont

Please email Nick nick@nickmelidonis.com to reserve a place

ITINERARY

Day 1: Athens Mon May 7th

Arrive in Athens and meet your fellow passengers at the hotel. We will have a short orientation session around the Omonia district and then we will take our own coach and guide to explore and photograph the iconic Parthenon. This evening, we take a walk to Syntagma to see the changing of the guards at Constitution Square and then stroll through Ermou to Monastiraki with commentary and photo opportunities and dine in a traditional restaurant near the foot of the Acropolis.

Day 2: Athens – Tinos Tues May 8th

This morning we transfer early to the port of Pireaus and board our large ferry for the island of Tinos, also known as the ‘Lourdes” of Greece. We are invited to participate in an unforgettable lunch by the water’s edge on arrival. In the afternoon we will visit the Church of our Lady, the famous pilgrimage site.  Capture the waterfront sights of the harbour with an introduction to the old town and the history of Tinos.

Day 3: Tinos Wed May 9th

Today we explore the island with our own bus, visiting the unique Valley of the Dovecotes and the picturesque villages of Volax (basket weavers) and Pyrgos, known for its School of Sculpture. A special stopover will be made for lunch at the pristine fishing village of Panormos, one of the Cyclades most beautiful ports. There are lots of photo opportunities that will present themselves with tuition and guidance.

Day 4: Tinos Thurs May10th

Join in the first of our formal photographic workshops to maximise your photo opportunities on this adventure. Demonstrations and theory (beginners to advanced) will be followed by a practical, relaxed session in the port. As always, these sessions are voluntary and will be tailored to the group’s requirements. Enjoy a visit to the nearby Cultural museum (included) and participate in a mini language and dancing workshop.  This evening, you may wish to catch a sunset over the harbour and then on to a taverna to practice ordering your food.

Day 5: Tinos – Paros, Fri May 11th

Today we board our ferry for a short trip to ancient Paros in the central Cyclades arriving at the port of Parikia. Thyme-scented Paros was famous in antiquity for its pristine white marble. We are transported to our comfortable seafront hotel with its own private beach in the stunning port of Naoussa. After we settle in, we will explore the picturesque port for sunset photography and dinner at a seafront taverna.

Day 6: Paros, Sat May 12th

A short bus ride will bring us to Paros’ capital, Parikia, and we will spend the morning exploring the old quarter and a visit to the Imposing “Church of a Hundred Doors” commissioned by the Roman Emperor, Justinian in the 6th century. This Imposing church is meant to have 99 doors and the   legend states that when the 100th door is found, Constantinople will revert to the Greeks. Enjoy lunch at a nearby trendy square shaded by elm trees. After lunch and some exploration, we will return to the beautiful port of Naoussa or stay and enjoy the shopping in Parikia. Nick will provide some feedback on participant’s images and be available for guidance and instruction.

Day 7: Paros Sun May 13th

This morning we will offer another photography workshop with further workshops on dance and Greek language in the afternoon. You will be offered a visit to a nearby winery for tasting and a tour (included). Another language and dance workshop will be offered in the afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this historic island.

Day 8: Paros Mon May 14th

A free day to enjoy swimming and relaxing at the hotel’s beach or join us in some impromptu photo sessions around the magic port of Naoussa and other attractions of the island.  In the afternoon enjoy a game of backgammon in a traditional Greek coffee lounge.

Day 9: Paros – Naxos, Tues May 15th

We enjoy a short ferry ride to the largest and greenest island of the Cyclades, Naxos, entering the port guarded by the ancient Apollo’s Gate. We transfer to our resort hotel near St Georges Beach. The Naxos port area boasts one of the finest old Venetian Castro quarters next to the historic Bourg market area. This labyrinth of ancient buildings with classic tavernas and specialty shops will delight all who visit. In the afternoon we explore the exciting old port and castle.

Day 10: Naxos, Wed May 16th

Today we take our own bus tour of the impressive hilltop villages and ports of Naxos, including Chalki, with its Venetian towers, and we may stop at the old family owned Kitron liqueur factory, alternatively, we will visit the hill town of Filoti. Our next stop, the impressive village of Apiranthos is made almost entirely of stone and marble from the nearby quarries. The road then winds through spectacular mountains to the attractive port of Apollonos for lunch. Photo tuition and guidance as well as cultural highlights of the island will be offered. Some stops on the way will be made to capture images of the amazing mountain scenery.  This evening we will be guests of the owner of the magnificent Venetian Castle for an unforgettable evening of traditional music and dancing with unlimited drinks.

Day 11: Naxos Thurs May 17th, Mykonos and Delos Day Trip (day subject to 2012 ferry timetables)

This morning we board the ferry for our day tour of the trendy and magical island of Mykonos with its brightly painted balconies, geraniums and bougainvillea, Mykonos creates several photo opportunities. The ‘Little Venice’ area, the famous windmills and the historic church of Panagia Paraportiani, are featured on many postcards of Mykonos. This tour includes a visit to the sacred island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo to explore the ancient archeological sites. Delos is one big open-air museum, with many of the ancient monuments and buildings remarkably intact. If you are interested in archaeology and/or Greek mythology, this will be an unforgettable day.

Day 12: Naxos Fri May 18th

After breakfast, we will conduct a further photographic workshop and provide feedback on images for those who wish to take part and later join Costas for a dance and language workshop. This afternoon you may wish to further explore the exciting old market quarter and port or visit the interesting museum near the Venetian Castle. The Castle has many evening musical programs during the week including jazz, classical and Greek music. A chance this evening to photograph the sunset from Apollo’s gate with tuition

Day 13: Naxos Sat May 19th

A day at leisure to explore this exciting island or to relax at the pool or the seaside near our hotel.  Naxos has many beautiful villages and spectacular mountain scenery and as it is the biggest island an option today is to hire a small vehicle to explore and photograph on your own. Nick and Costas will provide some further activity options.

Day 14: Naxos – Santorini, Sun May 20th

We board the ferry for the most stunning island of the Cyclades, Santorini, and the legendary site of Atlantis. We are transferred to our resort hotel and explore the chic galleries, shops and charming Santorini architecture set on numerous levels on the caldera’s edge. Catch a Santorini sunset over dinner.

Day 15: Santorini Mon May 21st

A highlight of our Santorini visit is a leisurely walk with stunning photo opportunities along the dramatic Caldera’s edge. View the unique architecture on the way to the capital, Thira, with its bustling shopping squares. Along the way your tour leaders will provide a history of the island and guidance in capturing the unique seascapes for that perfect shot. A visit to the pristine village of Oia; Santorin’s most photogenic icon; will be arranged this afternoon  and evening to catch a sunset and enjoy dinner before being transported back to our hotel.

Day 16: Santorini Tues May 22nd

Day at leisure to relax and enjoy this stunning island. Optional activities can include a visit to the nearby volcano by boat, or a tour to the excavations of the ancient Minoan City of Akrotiri, devastated by the cataclysmic eruption over 2000 years ago (if site is available). We will celebrate our time in the Cyclades with a farewell buffet dinner at our resort this evening (included).

Day 17: Santorini – Athens, Wed May 23rd

As the scheduled ferry to the port of Piraeus usually leaves late afternoon, you have a chance today to enjoy some final shopping and capture some more images of this unique island. We board our ferry for a leisurely trip back to Athens, passing numerous islands of the Cyclades group along the way. On arrival this evening, we transfer to our hotel.

Day 18: Athens Thurs May 24th

A day at leisure in the vibrant city of Athens to explore on your own and discover some of its amazing museums and shopping districts. You may even decide to enjoy a trip to Cape Sounion. Nick and Costas are available to suggest options for you.

Day 19: Depart Athens Fri May 25th

The tour concludes after breakfast. Some participants will connect with flights back to Australia while others will continue with alternative travel plans.

Note: Itinerary based on 2011 Greek Ferry Timetables and local conditions and may be subject to change in 2012. Tour depends on minimum numbers.