Greece By Land & By Sea
September 4-14 2023
September 4-14 2023
Join Lake Erie College
on this eleven-day journey of not only the highlights of Greece,
but the hard-to-find spots that most travelers never see.
Starting in Athens, the birthplace of democracy
and ending on the breathtaking island of Santorini-truly a trip to remember.
on this eleven-day journey of not only the highlights of Greece,
but the hard-to-find spots that most travelers never see.
Starting in Athens, the birthplace of democracy
and ending on the breathtaking island of Santorini-truly a trip to remember.
Day One
September 4
Athens
Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. In this famous city our journey begins. Our hotel is located near the New Acropolis Museum, rated one of the finest museums in the world (including awards for its unique architecture) with spectacular views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
You owe it to yourself to take your time visiting the museum and then make your way back to our hotel to sit and gaze up at the Acropolis from the roof-top bar.
Leave some time for a short rest before joining us later for a drink and introductions. We have planned a special first night dinner at a nearby taverna.
Includes-Welcome Drink/ The New Acropolis Museum/ Dinner Together/ Hotel with Acropolis view from Roof-top Bar and Jacuzzi/UNESCO World Heritage Site (Acropolis)/Overnight Athens.
September 4
Athens
Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. In this famous city our journey begins. Our hotel is located near the New Acropolis Museum, rated one of the finest museums in the world (including awards for its unique architecture) with spectacular views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
You owe it to yourself to take your time visiting the museum and then make your way back to our hotel to sit and gaze up at the Acropolis from the roof-top bar.
Leave some time for a short rest before joining us later for a drink and introductions. We have planned a special first night dinner at a nearby taverna.
Includes-Welcome Drink/ The New Acropolis Museum/ Dinner Together/ Hotel with Acropolis view from Roof-top Bar and Jacuzzi/UNESCO World Heritage Site (Acropolis)/Overnight Athens.
"5 Star Tour Guides - They put together and excellent trip with
just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
Day Two
September 5
Athens
We are up early this morning as we take a walk in the rolling grounds surrounding the Acropolis. We will make our way up to the "historic rock” to take in a wonder of ancient architecture, the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take all the time you need to explore this monument dating from 447 B.C., including sweeping views of Athens. We will walk together through the Ancient Agora and end up in the winding streets of Monastiraki, one of the oldest markets of Athens.
Lunch is on your own, but we can recommend some of the best souvlaki that Athens has to offer.
The afternoon is yours to do as you like-shop in the markets, do a foodie walk, take in some of the finest museums in the world, or sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch the locals. We will be on hand for dinner recommendation for dinner on your own.
Includes-Breakfast/Private Guide and Entrance fee Acropolis & Agora/ Walk/ Dinner recommendations/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Acropolis).
September 5
Athens
We are up early this morning as we take a walk in the rolling grounds surrounding the Acropolis. We will make our way up to the "historic rock” to take in a wonder of ancient architecture, the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take all the time you need to explore this monument dating from 447 B.C., including sweeping views of Athens. We will walk together through the Ancient Agora and end up in the winding streets of Monastiraki, one of the oldest markets of Athens.
Lunch is on your own, but we can recommend some of the best souvlaki that Athens has to offer.
The afternoon is yours to do as you like-shop in the markets, do a foodie walk, take in some of the finest museums in the world, or sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch the locals. We will be on hand for dinner recommendation for dinner on your own.
Includes-Breakfast/Private Guide and Entrance fee Acropolis & Agora/ Walk/ Dinner recommendations/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Acropolis).
Day Three
September 6
Nafplio
This morning our private driver picks us up and we head to the famous island of Pelops, the Peloponnese to the famous ancient theatre and healing center of Epidaurus. It is here where many of the greatest singers of all time have performed, including Maria Callas. Still today, there are ancient Greek plays performed during the summer festivals.
Make sure you have a song to sing or a poem to recite so that you too can perform at this fantastic site. After taking our time absorbing the museum and ruins, we are off to the town of Nafplio, once the capital of Greece, and still one of the most preserved neo-classical towns.
After we check in, you can climb the 990 steps to the fort at Palamidi and Acronafplia for breathtaking views of the gulf, go for a swim at a nearby beach, or sit in the main square sipping a beer while you watch the locals.
Either way, we will be on hand to facilitate your exploration plus point out the best gelato place around.
We'll enjoy dinner together at one of our favorite taverna amidst the cobblestone streets of this lovely town.
Breakfast/ Private Transportation / The Peloponnese/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Epidaurous and the Sanctuary of Asclepius / Dinner together/ Overnight Nafplio UNESCO World Heritage Site Asklepios at Epidaurous
September 6
Nafplio
This morning our private driver picks us up and we head to the famous island of Pelops, the Peloponnese to the famous ancient theatre and healing center of Epidaurus. It is here where many of the greatest singers of all time have performed, including Maria Callas. Still today, there are ancient Greek plays performed during the summer festivals.
Make sure you have a song to sing or a poem to recite so that you too can perform at this fantastic site. After taking our time absorbing the museum and ruins, we are off to the town of Nafplio, once the capital of Greece, and still one of the most preserved neo-classical towns.
After we check in, you can climb the 990 steps to the fort at Palamidi and Acronafplia for breathtaking views of the gulf, go for a swim at a nearby beach, or sit in the main square sipping a beer while you watch the locals.
Either way, we will be on hand to facilitate your exploration plus point out the best gelato place around.
We'll enjoy dinner together at one of our favorite taverna amidst the cobblestone streets of this lovely town.
Breakfast/ Private Transportation / The Peloponnese/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Epidaurous and the Sanctuary of Asclepius / Dinner together/ Overnight Nafplio UNESCO World Heritage Site Asklepios at Epidaurous
"Best vacation ever!"
Linda & Jim H.
Ohio, U.S.A.
Linda & Jim H.
Ohio, U.S.A.
Day Four
September 7
Nafplio
Today we visit Mycenae, the mythical home of King Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. It was here where the explorer Heinrich Schliemann believed he had found the mask of Agamemnon. The approach takes us through low lying hills and valleys studded with shining olive groves- but once there, beehive tombs and cyclopean walls await us. After touring the grounds and the museum, we will make our way to Nemea, where Hercules was put to one of his labors, slaying the Nemean Lion.
We will tour the grounds, which once held games that rivaled those at Olympia. Afterward we will stop at an award winning winery to taste test their best wines. We will tour their vineyards, and enjoy a light lunch on the grounds.
In the afternoon, we will return to Nafplio where dinner will be on your own, but first join us in the courtyard of our hotel for a wine tasting of some of the best regional wines that Greece has to offer.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transportation/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Mycenae/ Entrance fee to Nemea and Stadium/ Wine tasting with Lunch/ UNESCO World Heritage Site/ Overnight Nafplio
September 7
Nafplio
Today we visit Mycenae, the mythical home of King Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. It was here where the explorer Heinrich Schliemann believed he had found the mask of Agamemnon. The approach takes us through low lying hills and valleys studded with shining olive groves- but once there, beehive tombs and cyclopean walls await us. After touring the grounds and the museum, we will make our way to Nemea, where Hercules was put to one of his labors, slaying the Nemean Lion.
We will tour the grounds, which once held games that rivaled those at Olympia. Afterward we will stop at an award winning winery to taste test their best wines. We will tour their vineyards, and enjoy a light lunch on the grounds.
In the afternoon, we will return to Nafplio where dinner will be on your own, but first join us in the courtyard of our hotel for a wine tasting of some of the best regional wines that Greece has to offer.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transportation/ Entrance Fee and Visit to Mycenae/ Entrance fee to Nemea and Stadium/ Wine tasting with Lunch/ UNESCO World Heritage Site/ Overnight Nafplio
Day Five
September 8
Island of Paros
We are off the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, rivaling Athens in importance in the ancient world. It was his visit here that prompted Apostle Paul to write his letter to the Corinthians.
We will have a stop to look over the famed Corinth Canal to take in this feat of engineering, before lunch on your own.
In the afternoon our private coach will take us to the airport where we will hop a short flight to the island of Paros, in the heart of the Cycladic island chain.
We will settle into the seaside town of Naoussa known for its seaside tavernas and small quaint wharf. After checking in we will offer a walk of this town, nipping in to see some churches and discovering the back streets.
You can return to the hotel and enjoy a drink around the pool in the afternoon. Join us later as we enjoy dinner together at a local taverna, seaside.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ancient Corinth / Visit to Corinth Canal/ Private Transportation back to Athens Airport/ Fights to the Islands of Paros / Walk of Naoussa/ Pool time/ Dinner together/ Overnight Island of Paros
September 8
Island of Paros
We are off the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, rivaling Athens in importance in the ancient world. It was his visit here that prompted Apostle Paul to write his letter to the Corinthians.
We will have a stop to look over the famed Corinth Canal to take in this feat of engineering, before lunch on your own.
In the afternoon our private coach will take us to the airport where we will hop a short flight to the island of Paros, in the heart of the Cycladic island chain.
We will settle into the seaside town of Naoussa known for its seaside tavernas and small quaint wharf. After checking in we will offer a walk of this town, nipping in to see some churches and discovering the back streets.
You can return to the hotel and enjoy a drink around the pool in the afternoon. Join us later as we enjoy dinner together at a local taverna, seaside.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ancient Corinth / Visit to Corinth Canal/ Private Transportation back to Athens Airport/ Fights to the Islands of Paros / Walk of Naoussa/ Pool time/ Dinner together/ Overnight Island of Paros
Day Six
September 9
Island of Paros
This morning we will set forth on our tour of Paros. On our way into the main town, we will make a quick stop at the marble mines where the famous Parian marble was used by artist to make some of the finest statues that we know today (the Medici Venus -Uffizi, Florence and the Nike of Samothrace -Louvre, Paris).
We will continue onto hilltop villages where we can stop for a coffee and see immaculate houses and stunning views. Those of us who want to, can also walk the Byzantine trails. These trails used to be the only way that the people of Paros could get from one village to another.
We will pick a village on the seaside for a taverna lunch on your own.
The afternoon is yours to sit poolside, watch the yachts as they dock for the evening or walk the back streets to partake in some excellent shopping. Dinner on your own, with many options seaside.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transportation Tour of the island of Paros/ Marble works/ Mountain villages/ Seaside villages/ Overnight Island of Paros
"Touring with Patricia & Manolis is the only way to go
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
Day Seven
September 10
Island of Naxos
This morning is yours to enjoy. Take another walk along the waterfront, or go for an early morning swim.
Mid morning we will take to the seas again and set sail for Naxos.
Naxos was made famous in mythology. It was here that the father of all gods, Zeus, grew up. And on his way back from killing the Minotaur, Theseus left Ariadne. She did not pine for too long until Dionysus arrived to succor her.
Once we check in, we will meet for an orientation walk of the main town of the island called, Chora with its white-washed architecture and cobblestone walkways, ending at one of our favorite tavernas for an island meal to remember.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Naxos/ Orientation walk of Naxos / Dinner Together/ Overnight Island of Naxos
September 10
Island of Naxos
This morning is yours to enjoy. Take another walk along the waterfront, or go for an early morning swim.
Mid morning we will take to the seas again and set sail for Naxos.
Naxos was made famous in mythology. It was here that the father of all gods, Zeus, grew up. And on his way back from killing the Minotaur, Theseus left Ariadne. She did not pine for too long until Dionysus arrived to succor her.
Once we check in, we will meet for an orientation walk of the main town of the island called, Chora with its white-washed architecture and cobblestone walkways, ending at one of our favorite tavernas for an island meal to remember.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Naxos/ Orientation walk of Naxos / Dinner Together/ Overnight Island of Naxos
Day Eight
September 11
Island of Naxos
We have an auspicious day planned for our tour of Naxos. Make sure that you wear walking shoes and have a water bottle with you as we will be visiting ancient trails and a 2000 year old Kouros statue uncovered in a local family's garden.
Our first stop is the village of Halkio to visit a family that owns a distillery that produces a local liquor known as Citron. We will taste test this liquor and see how they make it.
From there we will take the trails through the heart of this beautiful island. As we are always thinking of you we will be stopping at a local taverna with a great local menu options where you can choose what you like. The trails lead to a taverna where we will enjoy lunch together sampling local specialties in a family owned taverna.
We will take to the trails again after lunch and later our walk ends at a local family's garden where a Kouros (statue representing Apollo), originally mined and sculpted out of local marble, still lays thousand of years later.
After we return to town, in the late afternoon, we will offer an optional short walk to the Temple of Apollo where we can watch an exquisite sunset over the Aegean. Dinner will be on your own with a lot of choices.
Includes Breakfast/ Walking tour of Naxos/ Visit to local villages/ Visit to the garden Kouros/ Visit to the Citron distillery/ Optional sunset walk to the Temple of Apollo/ Overnight Island of Naxos
September 11
Island of Naxos
We have an auspicious day planned for our tour of Naxos. Make sure that you wear walking shoes and have a water bottle with you as we will be visiting ancient trails and a 2000 year old Kouros statue uncovered in a local family's garden.
Our first stop is the village of Halkio to visit a family that owns a distillery that produces a local liquor known as Citron. We will taste test this liquor and see how they make it.
From there we will take the trails through the heart of this beautiful island. As we are always thinking of you we will be stopping at a local taverna with a great local menu options where you can choose what you like. The trails lead to a taverna where we will enjoy lunch together sampling local specialties in a family owned taverna.
We will take to the trails again after lunch and later our walk ends at a local family's garden where a Kouros (statue representing Apollo), originally mined and sculpted out of local marble, still lays thousand of years later.
After we return to town, in the late afternoon, we will offer an optional short walk to the Temple of Apollo where we can watch an exquisite sunset over the Aegean. Dinner will be on your own with a lot of choices.
Includes Breakfast/ Walking tour of Naxos/ Visit to local villages/ Visit to the garden Kouros/ Visit to the Citron distillery/ Optional sunset walk to the Temple of Apollo/ Overnight Island of Naxos
An Immersion Tour!
Voyage the Mediterranean with us as we
Learn about ancient civilizations,
See the finest archaeological sites
Run through one of the first-ever stadiums,
Explore beehive tombs,
Taste the rich culinary tradition,
Swim the Aegean,
Experience out-of-this-world sunsets
Absorb the calm peacefulness
Visit never ending vineyards and taste their wines
Encounter ruins 1000 years older than the Parthenon
& Meet beautiful whitewashed islands
In 11 fantastic days
An Immersion Tour of Greece!
Day Nine
September 12
Island of Santorini
After breakfast we will pack our bags and ready ourselves for our ferry to Santorini, one of the most singular places in all of the Aegean. Whitewashed houses sit clinging to the rim of the caldera, left after the large volcanic eruption of BC 1650.
After checking our bags at our caldera-view hotel, we will lead a walk into town, along winding paths and make our way to the Prehistoric Museum in Fira. Here we will see explore the finds discovered at the site of Akrotiri, some dating 1000 years before the Parthenon. We will learn of the ancient civilization that once lived here; which some people think was the lost City of Atlantis.
We will point out some tavernas for a great dinner on your own. Later you can enjoy a drink in dreamy bars overlooking the caldera.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Santorini / Private Transfer to the Port of Paros/ Private Transfer to Our Hotel on Santorini/ Tour of the Prehistoric Museum in Fira/ Caldera-View Hotel/ Orientation Walk/ Overnight Santorini
September 12
Island of Santorini
After breakfast we will pack our bags and ready ourselves for our ferry to Santorini, one of the most singular places in all of the Aegean. Whitewashed houses sit clinging to the rim of the caldera, left after the large volcanic eruption of BC 1650.
After checking our bags at our caldera-view hotel, we will lead a walk into town, along winding paths and make our way to the Prehistoric Museum in Fira. Here we will see explore the finds discovered at the site of Akrotiri, some dating 1000 years before the Parthenon. We will learn of the ancient civilization that once lived here; which some people think was the lost City of Atlantis.
We will point out some tavernas for a great dinner on your own. Later you can enjoy a drink in dreamy bars overlooking the caldera.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Santorini / Private Transfer to the Port of Paros/ Private Transfer to Our Hotel on Santorini/ Tour of the Prehistoric Museum in Fira/ Caldera-View Hotel/ Orientation Walk/ Overnight Santorini
Day Ten
September 13
Island of Santorini
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you look out over the blue sea and islands in the distance.
We will offer two options to further explore this magnificent island. Either a shopping tour on your own of the two main villages on the island or a breathtaking walk along the caldera.
Lunch on your own at any one of the cafes in town.
In the evening meet us back at the hotel where we will celebrate our trip with a special farewell dinner at one of our favorite tavernas.
Includes-Breakfast/ Shopping Tour/ Caldera Walk/ The Village of Oia/ Dinner/ Overnight Santorini.
September 13
Island of Santorini
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you look out over the blue sea and islands in the distance.
We will offer two options to further explore this magnificent island. Either a shopping tour on your own of the two main villages on the island or a breathtaking walk along the caldera.
Lunch on your own at any one of the cafes in town.
In the evening meet us back at the hotel where we will celebrate our trip with a special farewell dinner at one of our favorite tavernas.
Includes-Breakfast/ Shopping Tour/ Caldera Walk/ The Village of Oia/ Dinner/ Overnight Santorini.
Day Eleven
September 14
After breakfast on your balcony with sea views, our tour ends this morning, but your tour does not have to!
You have many options to further explore this magnificent island. Stay on as long as you would like. We will be on hand, way before our tour, to facilitate your stay-any way you want it.
Not to mention that Mykonos is a short ferry ride away.
Also, remember you are a hop, skip and a jump away from many European destinations. Want to spend a few days in Florence, or how about a private skip-the-line tour of the Vatican in Rome? Or is there any other European city you want to explore? Most of these places are an hour plane ride from Greece, not to mention they can be part of your connecting flights back the states. We have many ideas to share with you and we will put it together with you step by step!
Includes-Breakfast-Post Trip Planning
What is included?
Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Acropolis
The Parthenon
The Agora
Nafplio
Island of Paros
Island of Naxos
Island of Santorini
Mycenae
Nemea
The Theater at Epidaurus
Visit to an award-winning winery
The Corinth Canal
Island Villages
Seaside Cafes and Tavernas
The Pre-historic Museum, Santorini
Caldera Walk
Wine Tastings
Welcome Drink
Meals:
10 full breakfasts
1 winery lunch with wine tasting
5 multi-course dinners including wine
1 winery lunch with wine tasting
5 multi-course dinners including wine
In Addition:
Comfortable transportation
All ferry rides as listed in itinerary (except return from Santorini)
Comfortable hotels centrally located
Two bi-cultural & bi-lingual guides who live here!
Packing checklist
Reading list
Movie list
Direct email access to tour leaders for any questions
Pre-tour phone calls for all participants to talk directly to tour leaders if desired
Comfortable transportation
All ferry rides as listed in itinerary (except return from Santorini)
Comfortable hotels centrally located
Two bi-cultural & bi-lingual guides who live here!
Packing checklist
Reading list
Movie list
Direct email access to tour leaders for any questions
Pre-tour phone calls for all participants to talk directly to tour leaders if desired
What is your responsibility?
Airfare to and from Greece (arrival Athens departure Athens—ATH)
Transportation to our starting hotel from the airport (we can help with this)
Transportation at the end of the tour (tour ends on Santorini)
Meals not together as indicated on the itinerary
Transport to and from activities during optional activities
Any medicinal or medical needs while on the trip
* Trip insurance should be bought or waiver signed if you choose not to buy it*
Expenses arising from personal needs such as medications, vaccinations, travel documents, communications such as mobile phone and internet charges or any other expenses incurred due to traveling.
This trip will run with 12 people and is strictly limited to 16 people
Tour Cost:
12 people and up
$6790
Tour Cost:
12 people and up
$6790
-Prices are per person which includes all of the above mentioned in the itinerary and is based on double occupancy. Single room rate is $1025 per person extra added to the cost of the trip.
A payment of final trip payments mean that trip participants
agree to the Trip Terms.
Who are your leaders?
Manolis HajifotiouA native of Greece, Manolis has been leading tours in Europe for 23 years. Besides traveling, his passion is playing his guitar and creating his own music. He also likes to keep up with the stone house he shares with his wife, Patricia, especially trimming their olive trees.
He also spends part of the year in N.E. Ohio, in Chagrin Falls. He looks forward to showing you his favorite places and making sure you feel right at home. |
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Patricia HajifotiouA native of Ohio, U.S.A., Patricia has been leading tours in Europe for 23 years. She splits part of the year between Chagrin Falls, Ohio and the island island of Evia, Greece, with her husband Manolis.
When she is not on tour, she lives off the grid in a rock house, powered by the wind and sun. There she likes to spend her time digging in the garden. She looks forward to showing you the places she likes the best. |
