From Athens to Mykonos, Greece is a haven for the intellectually cultured and lovers of history. The rich history of Greece and the vibrant culture you'll find today give it an exciting quality you'll not soon forget.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city. This evening your tour director will give a tour briefing before you and your fellow delegates enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant near the hotel.
Discover the rich heritage of Greece’s capital with your expert local guide. This morning’s tour introduces you to the complex of monuments that most symbolize Athens—the Acropolis. The highlight of your tour to the Acropolis is the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western World, which was dedicated to the Goddess Athena 2,500 years ago. Later, explore the old Plaka district below the Acropolis before taking the funicular, a cable railroad, to the top of Mount Lycabettus to enjoy the best views in Athens at 900 ft. Lunch follows at the Orizontes restaurant. Afterwards, visit a humanitarian institution to learn about their work amongst some of Athens’ most vulnerable citizens.
Spend a full day exploring the area to the north-east of Athens, beginning with a visit to the Penteli Monastery (founded 1578 AD), the largest and wealthiest in the country. Later proceed to Marathon, scene of the famous battle in 490 BC when 11,000 Greeks defeated a force of 100,000 Persians. You will see the tomb of the 192 Athenians killed in the battle and visit the small archaeological museum. Afterwards, continue to a winery in time for lunch, followed by a tour of the vineyards before returning to Athens.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Santorini. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Santo Winery for lunch with a selection of their excellent wines. Due to the island thriving in arid volcanic ash-based soils, the conditions are ideal for producing wine. This particular winery also boasts beautiful views of the caldera, a vast volcanic crater. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.
This morning’s tour begins with a visit to Fira, the capital of Santorini, where you can walk to the edge of the caldera for a spectacular view. This is followed by a fascinating visit to the Prehistoric Museum, which houses frescoes and artifacts from the Akrotiri excavation dating from 1700 BC. Then ride north to Oia, the island’s most picturesque village, and view white-washed houses, windmills, and caves perched along rugged cliffs. Stroll through the charming narrow streets with your guide as he or she tells you about the history of the blue-domed churches and introduces you to a selection of shops, art galleries, and tavernas.
Depart on a full day island tour which begins with a visit to Akrotiri, one of the most important and well-preserved archaeological settlements in the Aegean – it was inhabited from Neolithic times until its destruction in 1500 BC. Afterwards, drive to Perivolas Beach, famous for its black lava sand, and have lunch at the Seaside restaurant. This afternoon, head up to the monastery of Prophet Elias, which dates from 1711 AD, which sits atop the highest point in the island at 1850 ft. From here you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views across the island. This evening, enjoy dinner at a charming nearby restaurant.
Transfer to the port to take the hydrofoil to Mykonos and then head to Mykonos Town, which is famous for its whitewashed buildings. Your guide will provide an introductory tour through its labyrinth of cobbled streets. See the 16 iconic windmills, visit the Panagia Paraportiani church in Chora, and explore the area known as Little Venice where colored balconies adorn white facades and hang above the lapping waves. Later transfer a few miles north to your hotel and have dinner at a nearby beachside restaurant.
Mykonos has a second traditional settlement called Áno Merá situated around the historic monastery of Panaia Tourliani; it offers a taste of what life is like in a typical Cycladic village. After savoring an authentic Greek coffee, head to a family-run organic farm in time for lunch. Next, take a cycling tour that will include a visit to a less well-known beach before returning to the farm to sample some of the family’s wine. This evening we will gather for a farewell dinner and cocktails at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to board your departure flight.
Greek, English
Euro
Spanakopita, Baklava, Moussaka, Souvlaki
Parthenon, Caldera of Santorini, Sanctuary of Delphi, Mykonos
Grant Matthews
Grant is an avid world traveler, having visited over 40 countries on all seven continents. He has a strong passion for People to People’s mission and global cultural exchange, which began at an early age when he traveled with the Student Ambassadors program and with his family abroad. Prior to joining People to People, Grant worked in historical preservation and museology in Florida and Tennessee. He currently resides with his wife and dog in Kansas City.
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o People to People International reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a program participant. Should any person’s health, physical infirmity, or general deportment, in the judgment of the delegation leader, impede the operation of the program or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants, the leader has the right to terminate that person(s) participation, and a refund of unused services, where such refund can be obtained from land operators, is the limit of the sponsor’s responsibility should such person be required to depart the program. In arranging for transportation or conveyance, hotel accommodations, or other services and in carrying out the program, neither the sponsors nor their agents shall be responsible or liable for any loss, cost, damage, injury, delay, irregularity, or expense of any kind whatsoever arising from the use of any conveyance, accommodations, or services, or from thefts, pilferage, government restrictions, or regulations and any loss or expense resulting from the above contingencies shall be borne by the participant. Neither the sponsors nor the agents shall be responsible or liable for any loss, injury, damage, or expense suffered or incurred by the participant in respect of any acts, or omissions of any third parties, the participant hereby expressly waiving any such responsibility or liability, and services are subject to the laws of the countries visited. People to People International shall not be responsible in any way for loss or damage to baggage or personal effects. INSURANCE FOR LUGGAGE, PERSONAL EFFECTS, ACCIDENTS, AND TRIP CANCELLATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If the program must be canceled prior to travel, the liability of People to People International or its agents is limited to refund of monies received by People to People International or its agents for delegates currently registered. The sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to withdraw the program (in which case a refund will be made) or to make such alterations in the schedule as they may deem necessary or desirable. No refund shall be made for services not taken in case of sickness, accident, or emergency resulting in omission of service for less than three consecutive days. Refund will be made on the basis of such amount, if any, as is actually recovered on unused accommodation and service, less all expenses and charges incidental to effecting cancellations. Refund for unused transportation tickets will be made in accordance with the respective carrier regulations. If the program must be canceled after travel has begun, the liability of People to People International or its agents is limited to a refund of unused services, where such refund can be obtained from land operators. All parties must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Enrollment in a program allows People to People International the right to use any photos or videos taken during the program.
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