Adventures Abroad Welcome To The Cycladic Islands Various Dates TOUR CODE: OAGR 13 Days

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WELCOME TO THE CYCLADIC ISLANDS

What? A Greek Isles tour that’s not a cruise??? On this very special trip, we travel by scheduled ferry through the beautiful Cycladic Island group and spend our nights on each unique island, with a perfect balance of organized activities and free time to soak it all up. Feel the strength of history and the warmth of being in the southernmost part of Europe, and discover an evolutionary process of thought, influence and experience. Find a landscape that has given us thousands of postcard images but whose essence remains intriguingly impossible to capture. Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time from the present to the past and back again.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1 • Arrival in Athens, Greece’s venerable capital.

Day 2 • Our guided tour of Athens takes us to the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis.

Day 3 • Fly to Santorini, island of churches, wine, and donkeys!

Day 4 • Coach tour of Santorini's highlights: Archaeological Museum, villages of Pyrgos and Oia, built along the rim of the caldera wall.

Day 5 • Today is free; optional hike to Oia or boat trip to the volcano's centre.

Day 6 • Local ferry to the quiet and salubrious island of Amorgos—an mysterious monastery, scattered churches, olive groves, gorgeous beaches—respite from tourists and a taste of traditional Greece.

Day 7 • Journey to the cliff-side Chozoviotissa Monastery, built in AD 1099.

Day 8 • A day at leisure, or join your Tour Leader on a hike through three charming villages—Langada, Tholaria, and Potamos, built above a deep valley and the harbour of Aegiali.

Day 9 • Local ferry to the island of Mykonos. In the distance stand a string of windmills that once harnessed the breezes of days gone by. Orientation walking tour of the pirate-proof streets of Chora, legendary for its shopping and nightlife. Dinner in town.

Day 10 • Boat trip to the tiny sacred island of Delos, for nearly years the political and religious centre of the Aegean.

Day 11 • Day at leisure on Mykonos, charming island of Shirley Valentine.

Day 12 • Fly back to Athens and farewell dinner.

Day 13 • Departure from Athens.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation
Internal transportation
Breakfasts and most dinners
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Tips for hotel, porters, drivers
Transfers (Land/Air)
Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS

Lunches and some dinners
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges
Visa fees (if applicable)
Transfers (if early/late)
Transfers (if Land Only)
Tour Leader gratuities

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: OAGR

NUMBER OF DAYS: 13

TOUR BEGINS/ENDS
Athens / Athens

TOUR DATES
20 Sep 2009 - 02 Oct 2009
16 May 2010 - 28 May 2010
11 Jul 2010 - 23 Jul 2010
19 Sep 2010 - 01 Oct 2010

LAND PRICING
3390 CAD Per Person, Twin Share
716 CAD Optional Single Supplement

Call or e-mail for airfare quotes from your city.

GROUP SIZE
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader.

STAFF & SUPPORT
Tour Leader, driver(s), and local step-on guides at various locations.

ACCOMMODATION
Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels (3/4 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. Porter service is rarely available on the islands ; you MUST be independent with your luggage, especially getting on/off ferries. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Local ferries between mainland/
islands can range from hydrofoils to large vehicular vessels—all bookings in economy class. Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Land transport (city & island tours, port transfers) by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on group size (see 'group size'); some local buses and taxis. Several walking tours on uneven surfaces.

WEATHER/SEASONALITY
This tour is offered in spring, summer, and autumn, the most popular being spring and fall when temperatures are milder, crowds thinner, and airfares lower. Spring is popular for green landscapes and wildflowers; beachgoers prefer summer and fall sea temperatures. The region has a Mediterranean climate with early springs, long hot and dry summers, and autumns that are bright and warm into mid-October. Showers are possible in spring, rare in summer, and possible in late autumn.

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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