GRECIAN ISLES ODYSSEY 2009

ITINERARY

 (updated 4 June 2008)

  [Click here for comments about Greece]

Sun. June 14:            Welcome to Athens, Greece!  The roof-garden bar of our hotel, in the port suburb of Piraeus, 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 harborside seafood restaurants of Microlimano.
HOTEL:  (PIREAUS)

Mon. June 15:            Depart Pireaus, ferryboat to Mykonos. The ferries are huge, and glide silently over the water. There are young backpackers from all over the world; sleeping on benches in the sun, dreaming of parties on the next island. In the 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 contrasts. A seaside village of chalk-white buildings along meandering cobbled alleys, excellent restaurants, shops of the most avant-garde European fashions, brightly painted fishing boats, islanders leading donkeys, frenzied discos, nude beaches, something for everyone. Late in the day, we perpetuate a tradition that started more than 20 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)

Tues. June 16:            Indulge your whims in the sun of Mykonos. Cruise to Delos, 30 minutes away, the sacred island of five cultures. Explore Egyptian, Roman, Greek and Syrian ruins that literally cover this mysterious place. The nights on Mykonos are decadent and erotically charged. Men and women parade from bar to bar, provocatively dressed, hoping their bizarre attire (or lack of it) will attract someone. You might want to rent a motor scooter or a jeep, and visit all of the beaches. There is a special place that is worth searching out: A small restaurant (without a name or a 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)

Wed. June 17:            Depart Mykonos, ferryboat for Paros. Our hotel is right on the water, overlooking a popular beach.  Paros is a good island on which to relax after the wild abandon of Mykonos.  There are hundreds of elegant shops along the ancient passageway to the "Apollon" restaurant.  A candlelight dinner in its tiny garden is an experience you will remember.
HOTEL:  (PAROS)

Thur. June 18:            The island is ringed with a necklace of tiny beaches. There are villages up in the hills that have changed very little with the passage of time. Naoussa is an art colony with tavernas right on the docks. Arrangements can be made at our hotel for guided scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and hiking.  The laughter of beach campers on blankets, across from our hotel can be heard through the night
HOTEL:  (PAROS)

Fri. June 19:            (Rich & Wanda Holmer's Anniversary)  Depart Paros, ferryboat to Santorini. It 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 like blood, 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)

Sat. June 20:            Explore Santorini at your leisure (motor scooters are ideal transportation; but dangerous).  Visit the monasteries, art galleries and vineyards. Have dinner at “Zafora’s” or dance with the Greeks at a local taverna.
HOTEL:  (SANTORINI)

Sun. June 21:            Explore the Roman ruins of “Old Thira,” and the ruins of Akrotiri, a huge city (some believe to be Atlantis) that was buried in the eruptions; then see the nearby Red Beach with beautiful people sunning under the crimson cliffs.
HOTEL:  (SANTORINI)

Mon. June 22:            Spend the day at the art colony of Oia, a village of unusual shops; artists’ studios and galleries; on the cliffs at 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 who 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)

Tues. June 23:            Depart Santorini, ferryboat to Pireaus.  Explore the Acropolis and other archaeological sites and the many museums of Athens, “the cradle of western civilization”; enjoy the shopping and the sidewalk cafés of the Plaka, the old city.
HOTEL:  (PIREAUS)

A non-refundable payment of $1,305.00, payable to W.S. Donahoo and received at:

Post Office Box 3415
Winter Park, Florida 32790, USA

is required for a reservation.

AVAILABLE SPACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS; AND WILL BE FILLED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS UPON RECEIPT OF DEPOSITS; WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.

ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE; Payments are not transferable to other passengers nor other trips.  Credit cards are not accepted.

* There is no additional cost for those signing on alone.

Final payments will be due in March 2009.  Failure to pay on time will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your initial payment.

Items in italics are not included, but are suggestions based on location and time available. Flights, departure taxes at foreign airports and gratuities are not included.  Porterage is not included; “You bring it, you carry it.” 

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

Buz Donahoo, Condor Adventures
Post Office Box 3415
Winter Park, FL 32790,  USA
Tel/Fax (407) 645-0490
buz@condoradventures.com