ITINERARY
 

 

Friday, June 8:
Welcome to Athens, Greece! “The cradle of western civilization”; if you arrive early visit the Acropolis and other archaeological sites and the many museums of Athens, The roof-garden bar of our hotel, in the port suburb of Pireaus, has a wonderful view of the harbor from which the legendary heroes, Achilles and Ulysses, sailed on their ancient quest. Rest, relax and explore the harbor, filled with yachts from all over the world. Enjoy dining under the stars at the waterside seafood restaurants of Microlimano.
HOTEL: (PIREAUS)

Saturday, June 9:
Depart Pireaus, ferryboat to Mykonos. The ferries are huge, and glide silently over the water. There are young backpackers sleeping on benches in the sun, dreaming of parties on the next island. In a lounge below, Greek families chat about seeing their relatives. We are on the decks, by the rails; staring out over Homer’s “wine-dark sea”; the deep indigo color of a new pair of jeans. Until finally, there is an island of low hills embracing a harbor filled with small fishing boats of bright primary colors. They bob on the waves like children’s toys: Mykonos! It is beautiful! An island of contrast. A seaside village of chalk-white buildings along meandering cobbled alleys, excellent restaurants, shops of the most avant-garde European fashions, islanders leading donkeys, frenzied discos, nude beaches, something for everyone. Late in the day, we continue a tradition that started more than 30 years ago: We all meet at the “Veranda”, on the second-floor porch, to have fancy drinks, tell about our day, and watch the sun sink into the sea while classical music washes over us!
HOTEL: (MYKONOS)

Sunday, June 10:
Indulge your whims in the sun of Mykonos. Cruise to Delos, 30 minutes away, the sacred island of four cultures: Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Syrian. The nights on Mykonos are decadent. Men and women parade from bar to bar, provocatively dressed, hoping their attire (or lack of it) will attract someone. You might want to rent a motor scooter or a jeep, and visit the beaches. There is a special place that is worth searching out: A small restaurant (without a name or sign) known to only a few. The terrace is shaded by grape vines and overlooks a bay of brilliant turquoise. You can have salads seasoned with oregano and sage from nearby fields. White wine is served in metal pitchers, while thick pork chops and lobsters are grilled over an open fire.
HOTEL: (MYKONOS)

Monday, June 11:
Depart Mykonos, ferryboat to Paros; the island to which everyone yearns to return. It is ringed with a necklace of dozens of beaches. There are historical villages up in the hills that have changed little with the passage of time. Naoussa is an art colony with taverns right on the old fishing docks. Our hotel is across from a popular beach. It now has a gourmet restaurant that draws visitors and residents from all over the island. From its tables you can look across the sand and into the clear blue water. The laughter of beach campers on blankets can be heard through the night. There are hundreds of elegant shops, galleries and studios along the ancient passageway to the Apollon restaurant. At the door, the owner will greet us in front of pictures of him with Sean Connery, the King of Spain and other celebrities and royalty who have dined there. A candlelight dinner in its tiny garden is an experience to remember. We have often been the entertainment at The Pirate, a small blues & jazz bar across the walkway.
HOTEL: (PAROS)

Tuesday, June 12:
A morning of scuba diving or snorkeling will be provided. Experienced divers have said the underwater scene is magnificent; or for those who enjoy horseback riding, we will provide mounts and guides for a mornings exploration. A historian/guide will accompany those who like to hike, for four hours along the isolated Byzantine Trail. The views afford a panorama of the entire island. Some might prefer to explore, by motor scooter, such places as the Butterfly Colony; or the quarry, which provided the marble for Napoleon’s tomb, and for the unusual effigies from a pre-Hellenistic culture.
HOTEL: (PAROS)

Wednesday, June 13:
Tonight we will provide a gourmet feast at the hotel restaurant that includes virtually everything on the menu served family style in great quantities. Consuming the appetizers alone takes hours; then comes main course after main course; tender lamb chops, moussaka as light and frothy as foam, vegetables from nearby fields sautéed with shellfish fresh from the docks down the road. There is hardly room for desserts such as carrot marmalade over Greek yogurt and whipped cream on baklava with honey; a sweet farewell!
HOTEL: (PAROS)

Thursday, June 14:
Depart Paros, ferryboat to Santorini. The island is the crater rim of an ancient submerged volcano. The overwhelming beauty of Santorini cannot be adequately described in words! Whitewashed villages perched on thousand foot high volcanic cliffs overlooking a peacock-blue sea, sunsets of golden-red, tiny wine shops with casks to fill your jug, a street where salons sell fine jewelry and precious stones ‘til early in the morning, bars and restaurants with decks under the brilliant sun, and black sand beaches. Ah, Santorini! Our hotel is high on the cliffs with a dramatic view. Most of the island can be seen sweeping down behind us. There will be a wine party on the sundeck of our hotel upon our arrival. Tears of joy are not uncommon as the sun sinks into the sea.
HOTEL: (SANTORINI)

Friday, June 15:
Explore Santorini at your leisure (motor scooters are ideal transportation). Visit the monasteries, art galleries and vineyards; the Roman ruins of “Old Thira”, and the ruins of Akrotiri, a huge city (some believe to be Atlantis) that was buried in the volcanic eruptions.
HOTEL: (SANTORINI)

Saturday, June 16:
Spend the day at the art colony of Oia, a village of unusual shops; artists’ studios and galleries; on the cliffs of the very tip of the island. Late in the afternoon you should visit “Franco’s” for a “Maria Callas”; a drink named after the famous singer whom Aristotle Onassis used to escort there. He said, “I own an island; but it is not Santorini!” Newsweek magazine selected “Franco’s” as one of the 10 Best Bars in the World.
HOTEL: (SANTORINI)

Sunday, June 17:
Depart Santorini, ferryboat to Pireaus. See the sound and light show at the Acropolis; enjoy the shopping and the sidewalk cafes of the Plaka, the old city.
HOTEL: (PIREAUS)

Monday, June 18:
Say goodbye to Athens.

 

Total cost of $2980.00 per person, double occupancy; includes all hotel stays, transfers, all ferryboat fares, scuba diving, snorkeling or horseback riding; hike the Byzantine Trail, wine reception and an unlimited feast at our hotel in Paros.

A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is required for a reservation, payable to Condor Adventures, Inc., and received at:

Post Office Box 3415
Winter Park, FL 32790 USA

VISA, Master Card and Discover cards are accepted.

AVAILABLE SPACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 14 PARTICIPANTS; AND WILL BE FILLED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS UPON RECEIPT OF DEPOSIT(S) WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.

All deposits and payments are non-refundable. Payments are not transferable to other passengers or other trips.

Final payments will be due in March 2011. Failure to pay on time will result in the cancelation of your reservation and forfeiture of your initial payment.

Items in italics are not included, but are suggestions based on location and time availability. Flights, departure taxes at foreign airports, and gratuities and porterage are not included.

Passports, valid for six months after the end of the trip, will be required.