Aegean Odyssey Tour Itinerary

2010 Aegean Greek Island Odyssey Tour Itinerary

Day 1   (Day 1 is Monday 10th May 2010) 

Athens

Arrive at Hotel. Meet your fellow passengers in Athens. We will have a short orientation session and you have the afternoon at leisure to relax and refresh yourself if your flight was today and to explore Athens. This evening, we take a walk through the flea Market to Monastiraki and Thission with a commentary and dine in a traditional restaurant near the foot of the Acropolis. You will be given advice on some of Athen’s highlights options for tomorrow.  

Day 2: Athens Tues May 11th   

After breakfast we will explore Athens on a guided half day tour including a visit to the Acropolis (included).  In the afternoon you may wish to join some optional visits to the Athens Museum or Cape Sounion.We will take a stroll in the Omonia district before dinner.  

Day 3: Athens – Tinos Wed May 12th  

This morning we transfer to the port and board our 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 4: Tinos Thurs May 13th

Today we explore the island by bus, visiting the unique Valley of the Dovecotes and the picturesque villages of Volax (basketweavers) 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 5: Tinos Fri May 14th

Today you may wish to join in the first of our formal photographic workshops. 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 guided visit to the Cultural museum of Tinos (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 6: Tinos Sat May 15th

Day at leisure to relax and explore this traditional island. Transport is easy around the island and you may wish to re-visit your favourite village or port. Catch a magical sunset over the fishing boat harbour and enjoy some Greek hospitality at the many waterfront tavernas.

Day 7: Tinos to Paros Sun May 16th

Today we board our ferry for a short trip to ancient Paros in the central Cyclades arriving at the port of Paroikia. Fertile, Thyme-scented Paros was famous in Antiquity for its pristine, white marble.  We are transported to our comfortable hotel in the magical port of Naousa. After we settle in, we will explore the picturesque port and enjoy a sunset dinner.

Day 8: Paros Mon May 17th

 A short bus ride will bring us to Paros’ capital, Parokia, 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. The church is meant to have 99 doors and the legend states that when the 100th door is found, Constantinople will revert to the Greeks. After lunch, we will be transported back to the trendy port of Nauosa or stay and enjoy the shopping in Parokiea. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 9: Paros Tues May 18th

This morning we will offer another photography workshop with further workshops on dance and Greek language in the afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this historic island.

Day 10: Paros to Naxos Wed May 19th

We enjoy a ferry ride to the largest and greenest island of the Cyclades, Naxos. 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. You may wish to visit the temple of Apollo to catch the sunset.  

Day 11: Naxos – Mykonos and Delos Day Trip, Thurs May 20th (day subject to 2010 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 21st

Today we take a bus tour of the impressive hilltop villages and ports of Naxos, including Halki, 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 and peaceful mountain 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.

 Day 13: Naxos Sat May 22nd     

After breakfast, we will conduct a further photographic workshop for those who wish to take part or join Costas for a dance/language workshop. This afternoon you may wish to explore the exciting old port and visit the splendid 13th century castle owned by a descendant of the Duke of Naxos. A cultural evening at the castle will be arranged during our visit to Naxos.  

Day 14: Naxos Sun May 23rd

Day at leisure to explore this exciting island on your own or to relax at the pool or the seaside near our hotel. 

Day 15: Naxos to Santorini Mon May 24th

We board the ferry for the most stunning island of the Cyclades, Santorini, and the legendary site of Atlantis. We are transferred to our 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 16: Santorini   Tues May 25th

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 escorts 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 will be arranged this afternoon and evening to catch a sunset and dinner before being transported back to our hotel. 

Day 17: Santorini   Wed May 26th

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 2000 years ago. Depending on 2010 Greek Ferry timetables, we will celebrate our time in the Cyclades with a buffet dinner at our resort (food and music included) this evening. 

 Day 18 Santorini – Athens Thurs May 27th

 Today we board our ferry for a leisurely trip back to Athens, passing numerous islands of the Cyclades group along the way. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax. 

Day 19: Depart Athens Fri May 28th  

Some participants will transfer to the new Athens International Airport for their flights back to Australia while others will continue with alternative travel plans. The tour ends today. 

Note: Itinerary based on 2009 Greek Ferry Timetables and local conditions and may be subject to change in 2010. Please note this land tour starts and ends in Athens and arrangements need to be made for your personal flights and airport transfers. Group flight and transfers offered by booking agent.