Adventures Abroad Hiking The Greek Isles Various Dates TOUR CODE: OAGH 15 Days

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WELCOME TO GREECE

This magnificent adventure describes a leisurely route across the beautiful landscapes of Greece’s Cycladic island group. Our mainland jump-off point is none other than Athens, one of the world's greatest capital cities and a bustling metropolis that fuses antiquity and modernity to spectacular effect. Then it's on to Santorini and our first hike along the crater rim to a spectacular sunset in Oia. On Amorgos, we tread ancient, cobblestone donkey routes past Byzantine monasteries and olive groves, while on Naxos, we follow the 'Four Villages Route', a walk through beautiful, undulating countryside and some of the prettiest villages in the islands. And of course a visit to the isles would not be complete without a taste of glam Mykonos, famous the world over as a first class, gay-friendly destination.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1 • Arrival in timeless, vibrant Athens.

Day 2 • Guided Athens walking tour: Plaka, Acropolis, Ancient Agora.

Day 3 • We fly to the island of Santorini, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." Afternoon hike to the site of Ancient Thira and the ruins of an 11th century BC Dorian settlement.

Day 4 • A walk through Fira, the main town on Santorini, and hike through the town's narrow walkways along the caldera rim to Oia, a truly magnificent route.

Day 5 • Day at leisure on Santorini—beach, shopping, volcano boat trips, donkey rides.

Day 6 • Ferry to the isle of Amorgos, for many the highlight of the tour, accurately described as "the soul of Greece."

Day 7 • Today’s hike involves three charming villages—Langada, Tholaria, and Potamos, built above a deep valley and the harbour of Aegiali.

Day 8 • Chora and Monastery of Chozoviotissa, built AD 1099. Hike the spine of the island, one of the most fabulous routes hikes in the Cyclades.

Day 9 • Ferry to green and fertile Naxos; walking tour of Naxos Chora, the main town.

Day 10 • Today’s hike is the 'Four Villages Route' through some of the prettiest villages on the island.

Day 11 • We ferry to the island of Mykonos, the glitziest and gayest of the Cycladic Isles, famous for its beaches, picturesque charm, and busy nightlife. Evening walking tour and dinner in town.

Day 12 • Morning boat trip to the sacred island of Delos; we walk the huge site and enjoy a view from the top of Delos Mountain. Return to Mykonos.

Day 13 • A full day to explore Mykonos—shop, sun, swim, cruise, cavort—your Tour Leader can help plan your day.

Day 14 • Fly back to Athens; optional visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art, 350 objects representative of every phase or type of Cycladic artifacts.

Day 15 • Departure from Athens.

INCLUSIONS

3- and 4-star accommodation
Internal transportation
Breakfasts and 9 dinners
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Tips for hotel, porters, drivers
Transfers (Land/Air) on tour dates
Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS

Lunches, 5 dinners, drinks
Excursions listed as 'optional'
Items of a personal nature
Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges
Visa fees (if applicable)
Transfers (if early/late)
Transfers (if Land Only)
Tour Leader gratuity

OUT FACTOR

Though still a traditional and relatively devoutly religious country, Greece is one of the more tolerant societies in the Western world. Gay culture, though not as organized and obvious (ie ghettoized) as in other European countries, is met with tolerance, or at least indifference, by the vast majority of the population. As long as you are respectful of local sensitivities, ie discrete, the locals will be almost invariably charming and welcoming. Of course, in places like Mykonos and, increasingly, Santorini, practically anything goes.

TOUR CODE: OAGH

NUMBER OF DAYS: 15

TOUR BEGINS/ENDS
Athens / Athens

TOUR DATES
06 Sep 2009 - 20 Sep 2009
23 May 2010 - 06 Jun 2010
18 Jul 2010 - 01 Aug 2010
05 Sep 2010 - 19 Sep 2010

LAND PRICING
3847 CAD Per Person, Twin Share
524 CAD Optional Single Supplement

GROUP SIZE
Maximum 16 plus Tour Leader.

STAFF & SUPPORT
Tour Leader and local guides at various locations.

ACCOMMODATION
Well-located, air-conditioned, mostly 4-star throughout. Island hotels are smaller properties (3-4 storey) that will likely not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though most have shower only (no tub). Porter service is rarely available on the islands ; you MUST be independent with your luggage, especially getting on/off ferries. Single rooms are limited in number and likely smaller than twins. Most hotels have swimming pools and/or beach access.

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Local ferries between mainland/islands can range from hydrofoils to large vehicular vessels. Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Land transport (island touring, port transfers) by private bus, public bus, and taxi. This hiking tour is rated 'moderate': Most weekend hikers should have no trouble with our moderate hikes. Routes are low altitude, undulating, with cobbled, or loose stone surfaces. Although no previous experience is required, being physically fit and steady on one's feet is important.

WEATHER/SEASONALITY
This tour is offered in spring, summer and fall, the most popular of which are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild. Spring is popular for green landscapes and wildflowers; fall is popular for warm seas and locally harvested produce. Those who enjoy busy beaches and the most active nightlife prefer summer, though heat is a factor on our walks. Showers are possible in spring but unlikely in summer and fall.

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PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. For a more detailed itinerary, download a PDF here. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control. For booking terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Terms.

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