The Greek Islands...Playground of the Gods

The sea, islands bathed in light, fine rain spreading a diaphanous veil over the immortal nakedness of Greece. Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea. 
Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba

Join us as we visit one of the most beautiful areas in the world, the Cyclades islands. Unpack just one time, because our stay will be on Naxos, largest of the Cyclades. Antiquities, brilliant sun, crystal blue shimmering sea, sand beaches, the slow pace of island life, hospitable natives, and excellent food will make this unique tour the memory of a life time. From our base here we can easily explore 18 other islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Delos, and Paros. 

This is a slow-paced tour of an island paradise. The itinerary allows us to be as active or as relaxed  as we like. Lull about our stunning beach or take our suggestions for daily adventures.  We have included the perfect balance of sightseeing and leisure, but leisure with suggestions for activities. Enjoy nightly strolls around the harbor lined with tavernas serving island specialties to the natives. 

Day 1 - Board our flight to Naxos. Dinner on board. 

Day 2 - Upon arrival in Naxos Town we will check-in at our beach hotel. The rest of the day is free for swimming at our beautiful beach. 

Day 3 - This morning we’ll stroll around Naxos Town and visit the archaeological museum containing finds from the Early Cycladic Era (3000-2500 B.C.). Join us this afternoon at beach-side for an orientation chat about the history and archaeology of the islands, and about the limitless possibilities for island-hopping. 

Day 4 - Today’s tour of the island will give us a good overview of  its villages and beaches, and will include a visit to the monumental kouros (10.5 meters) from the 7th century B.C. This evening enjoy an American movie at the open-air theater (it’s much like a drive-in, but with chairs instead of cars). 

Day 5 - Free for relaxing and walking around Naxos Town. 

Day 6 -   Let your spirit soar as we sail across the blue Aegean to Santorini, perhaps the most famous island of Greece. Explore all day before we return to Naxos this evening. 

Day 7 - Today is free for island-hopping. Try nearby Amorgos, a quiet and charming island where recently movie-makers with an eye for beauty shot the film The Big Blue. 

Day 8 - Our destinations today are Mykonos, famed for its windmills and golden beaches, and nearby  Delos, an island sacred to Apollo, now an archaeological site. 

Day 9 - Koufonisia is an unspoilt island with beautiful beaches and fish tavernas. It is very close to Naxos and our island explorers may easily visit it or relax in Naxos. 

Day 10 - The beach at our hotel is an excellent place for wind surfing. Enjoy the water and natural beauty, or explore the narrow winding pedestrian streets of Naxos Town. 

Day 11 - Paros is a magnificently beautiful island that was wealthy from antiquity. Sculptors prized its marble for the white transparent crystals and close grain. Paros has remained largely unchanged and still retains the charm of a Cycladic village. Like to visit? One half hour by hydrofoil will take you there. 

Day 12 - Today is free for exploring two of the famous beaches of Naxos, St. Prokopios and St. Anna, both an easy walk or short bus ride from our hotel. 

Day 13 - This morning we depart Naxos and travel to Athens. We will check into our hotel in a quiet residential area five minutes from the Akropolis. 

Day 14 - Today is free for visiting the marvels of this ancient city: the Akropolis crowned by the Parthenon; or the National Museum, filled with treasures from all ages of Greek antiquity. Tonight we can visit one of the many excellent tavernas for local specialties. 

Day 15 - Our hosts will drive us to the airport and assist us with check-in for our flight home from the “Playground of the Gods.” 

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Meals:  Many meals are included in the itinerary, but not all. This is because part of the fun and the cultural experience is to enjoy the excellent and inexpensive food in authentic Greek restaurants. Our tour leader will suggest to you the establishments we have discovered through the years. 

Included as part of the tour:

• Roundtrip scheduled air from the NYC 
• Superior tourist class hotels, very well located, clean, and with private facilities 
• Transfers 
• Breakfasts 
• Dinners on Naxos 
• Sightseeing as mentioned

Not included with the tour:

• Passport 
• Items of a private nature 
• Tips to guides and drivers 
• Public transportation (optional island hopping)

Date:  June 20 - July 4, 2002
Cash Discount Price:  $2872