GREECE - CRETE & SANTORINI
Dates: April 2-12, 2010
Land Cost: $3595 (U.S. Funds)
Lodging: Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels
Difficulty: MODERATE
Trip Begins: Athens, Greece
Trip Ends: Athens, Greece
TRIP DESCRIPTION:
Greece, idyllic land of sun and sea…and of course history. We’ll visit some of Greece’s finest, including Crete, Greece’s largest island and home to the Minoan Civilization, oldest in Europe; Santorini, a wildly beautiful and dramatic island formed by a massive volcanic eruption which gave rise to the legend of Atlantis; and of course, a few days in Athens. History, archaeology, mosques, monasteries, mountain villages, fields ablaze with wildflowers and redolent with thyme, oregano, sage and savory and some of the world’s finest beaches await you on this magical journey.
ITINERARY: (May be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.)
Pre-Trip. We strongly recommend that you arrive a day prior to the trip to adjust to jetlag. We can make arrangements for overnight accommodations should you choose.
Day 1 We begin our Greek adventure in Heraklion, the main city of Crete. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the area and its excellent archaeological museum. This evening we’ll enjoy a hearty welcome dinner and orientation to the trip. Hotel in Heraklion. (D)
Day 2 Today’s five-mile hike takes us over the hills to Knossos, site of an ancient Minoan city that thrived 3500 years ago. In addition, we’ll also visit an ancient palace, dating from 170-1450 B.C. that was excavated by Sir Arthur Evans at the beginning of this century. 5 miles and 900’ elevation gain. Hotel in Heraklion. (BLD)
Day 3 Our first stop today takes us to the famous ruins in the ancient city of Festos. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a moderate hike to the coast. 6.2 miles and 1,500’ elevation gain. Hotel in Heraklion. (BLD)
Day 4 Today we visit the 5.000 year-old city of Chania, site of a Minoan palace, a Venetian lighthouse and Turkish mosques. After lunch we’ll head to the city of Sougia. Hotel in Sougia. (BL)
Day 5 This morning we’ll board a ferry for the short ride to the small village of Agios Roumeli, located at the feet of the famous Samaria gorge, the longest in Europe and only 6 feet wide at its narrowest point. 4.3 miles and 1,200’ elevation gain. Hotel in Sougia. (BD)
Day 6 Our walk today takes us to the ancient Roman city of Lissos. Important in Roman times, Lissos today is accessible only on foot or by sea. A walk to the top of the surrounding cliffs will offer us outstanding views of the surrounding area. 7.5 miles and 1,200’ elevation gain. Hotel in Sougia. (BL)
Day 7 After breakfast, we’ll pack up and head to Heraklion and board our ferry to the island of Santorini (about 5 hours). Free afternoon to explore. Hotel in Santorini. Santorini’s landscape is as wildly beautiful and dramatic as the massive volcanic eruption that carved it. It was also this event that gave rise to the legend of Atlantis and is believed to be responsible for the destruction of the Minoan civilization on Crete. (BD)
Day 8 If you haven’t ever climbed an active volcano, today’s the day as we climb to the summit of still active Nea Kameni. 5 miles and 1, 800 feet of elevation gain. (BLD)
Day 9 Today is a leisurely day of exploring the excavations in Akrotiri, a late Minoan city preserved virtually intact under layers of volcanic rock, the Profitias Ilias Monastery and a local vineyard for a wine-tasting. Those who wish can hike the one-hour trail to the ancient city of Thira. And tonight, we’ll board the ferry for the night-long sail to Athens. Night on the Ferry. (BL)
Day 10 Athens. Our ferry arrives in the early morning allowing us plenty of time to explore the Parthenon and the old city of Plaka. (D) Hotel in Athens.
Day 11 Breakfast and departure for home. (B)
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
Walking The World Guide Local Guide
10 nights lodging (double occupancy)
Meals as noted
All admission fees to scheduled stops
All ground transportation while on tour
Unique and original Journal of your trip
Good fun, humor and companionship
Walking The World T-shirt
Walking The World, PO Box 1186, Ft. Collins, CO 80522 Ph: 970-498-0500 Fax: 1-877-656-7444
Email: info@walkingtheworld.com Website: www.walkingtheworld.com
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