Athens, Mykonos and Santorini - Family Style

Itinerary

• Greece

  Greece is located in southeastern Europe, situated on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The Aegean Sea lies to the east and south of mainland Greece, while the Ionian Sea lies to the west. Both parts of the Eastern Mediterranean basin feature a vast number of islands. Athens is the capital; Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, Larissa, Volos, Ioannina, Kavala, Rhodes and Serres are some of the country's other major cities. Greece lies at the juncture of Europe, Asia and Africa. It is heir to the heritages of ancient Greece, the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and nearly four centuries of Ottoman rule. Greece is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles, and Western drama.

• Athens

  Athens, the capital of Greece is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who, according to legend, won the city after defeating Poseidon in a duel. The goddess' victory was celebrated by the construction of a temple on the Acropolis, the site of the city's earliest settlement in Attica. As a city state, the coastal capital of Athens reached its heyday in the fifth century BC as a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Athens is also the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, Sophocles and its many other prominent philosophers, writers and politicians of the ancient world. Nowadays, the city retains a vast variety of Roman and Byzantine monuments, as well as a smaller number of remaining Ottoman monuments projecting the city's long history across the centuries.

• Mykonos

  Mykonos is a Greek island renowned for its sandy beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. Many Greek and a few international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be spotted having dinner at a small street-side table of an expensive restaurant or in a cozy taverna. The island has a legendary nightlife featured by a vast number of bars and nightclubs, but peace and tranquility can easily be found away from these areas.

• Santorini

  Santorini is made up of three close-knit islands, the most southerly of the Cyclades group. The islands have dramatic scenery created by a now inactive volcano situated in the centre of the main island Thira. On the west, white houses perch on cliffs that plunge dramatically to the sea; on the east there are long, beautiful beaches of black volcanic sand.

• • Athens
  • Athens Gate Hotel

  Day 1: Athens

  Enjoy your private airport transfer today.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  Ride a cable car (funicular) to the top of Lykavitos Hill for fun and a fabulous view of Athens. The kids can walk (or run) down the zig-zag path to the bottom of the hill. There's a nice, small playground under the orange trees at Plateia Dexameni.

  Accommodation: Athens Gate (4*)

  Athens Gate Hotel (4*) is located in the historic district of Athens, opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Gate which was constructed by the Athenians to welcome the Roman emperor Adrianos (Hadrian). Very easy to access, it is located 500 meters from the Acropolis and 100 meters from the New Acropolis Museum. Constitution (Syntagma) Square, and the commercial center of Athens are only 500 meters away. The entrance to the Plaka is just a couple of blocks away. The view of the city from the hotel's Roof Garden is possibly the best in all of Athens. It was fully renovated in 2007. The style is modern and simple, as befits the area. The hotel has 7 floors, a roof garden bar and a la carte restaurant, a lobby bar-cafeteria and a cozy area with fireplace in the lobby.

• • The main landmarks of Athens

  Day 2: Athens

  This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides take you to see the center of the city, Constitution Square(Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the NationalLibrary .Driving down Herod Atticus street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace .On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian's Arch , visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea , the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally ' the harmony between material and spirit ', the monument that 'puts order in mind', the Parthenon.

  Everyone will enjoy the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square. On the hour, soldiers wearing traditional Greek costume step into position in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at the Parliament Building.

  The National Gardens is a big green garden with paths, snack bars, picnic benches, a duck pond, and a big playground. Run down the length of the National Gardens, past the Zappio, and you'll find the ancient ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

  Accommodation: Athens Gate (4*)
• • Mykonos
  • Porto Mykonos Hotel

  Day 3: Athens - Piraeus - Mykonos

  Enjoy a private port transfer in Athens with private vehicle and driver.

  Enjoy a transfer by ferry to Mykonos. The duration takes approximately 2.5 hours.

  Avail of a private port transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Spend some time enjoy the seaside with Scuba Diving, Windsurfing, or even Snorkelling.

  Accommodation: Porto (4*)

  The Porto Hotel (4*), built on the hillside facing the harbour, is just 5 minutes walk from the town centre and 4 kilometres from the airport. Porto Mykonos Hotel’s 59 air-conditioned guestrooms have contemporary decor and extend to balconies; all include satellite television, minibars, and designer toiletries. The hotel offers a snack bar and a cosy restaurant, serving breakfast to its guests. Business travellers can make use of the conference facilities available at the premises. In addition, an indoor pool, gymnasium and a sauna are also available for your relaxation.

• • Alefkandra

  Day 4: Mykonos

  Mykonos is world famous. It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Enjoy an optional shared tour with other people offered by the cruise line or request a quote for a private tour. On the shared optional tour, your coach will take you to “Hora” the island’s capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and white–washed houses until reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the “Venice” of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid. 18th century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. At Louis Theoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek ‘meze’. You will return then to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you will take the ship’s shuttle service back to the port to meet your ship. The ship arrives in the port at 18:00 PM and departs at 22:00 PM. The tour is not included in the tour price and can be purchased at arrival.

  Accommodation: Porto (4*)
• • Santorini
  • El Greco Hotel

  Day 5: Mykonos - Santorini

  Avail of a private port transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Enjoy a transfer by ferry to Thira. The high speed ferry takes approx 2.5 hrs

  Enjoy a private port transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini.

  Accommodation: El Greco (4*)

  The El Greco Hotel (4*) is located minutes away from the centre of the magnificent Fira town, the capital of the unique and beautiful Santorini. The traditional and colourful architecture found here enhances the spacious surroundings and add to the overall environment of leisure. Guests of El Greco are welcome by hospitable and personable staff that will cater to the need of all guests. El Greco is a well balanced establishment equally suitable for families due to its location and facilities and for couples due to its colourful reflection of charm. The nearest beach is 7km Monolithos, the black sandy beach of Kamari is 12km, and 14km from Perissa - the largest beach of Santorini island.

• • Nea Kameni Islet

  Day 6: Santorini

  Enjoy an optional shared tour with other people offered by the cruise line and enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide explains the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption which lead to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Thira Town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. Continue your tour to the town of Thira. A short cable car ride will then take you down to the pier to rejoin the ship. REMARKS It is recommended to bring your swimsuit and a towel. This tour is not included in the tour price but can be paid for directly on the ship.

  Visit the wonderfully organized Water Park. Slide on the three water slides, swim in the three swimming pools and have your kids play in the two children’s slides or the children’s swimming pool while you enjoy your coffee or your meal at the restaurant.

  Accommodation: El Greco (4*)

• Day 7: Santorini

  Take a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini.

  Enjoy a short flight back to Athens today. Your flight is approximately 45 minutes.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Athens Gate Hotel
  • Athens Gate Hotel Lobby

  Athens Gate (4*)

  Athens Gate Hotel (4*) is located in the historic district of Athens, opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Gate which was constructed by the Athenians to welcome the Roman emperor Adrianos (Hadrian). Very easy to access, it is located 500 meters from the Acropolis and 100 meters from the New Acropolis Museum. Constitution (Syntagma) Square, and the commercial center of Athens are only 500 meters away. The entrance to the Plaka is just a couple of blocks away. The view of the city from the hotel's Roof Garden is possibly the best in all of Athens. It was fully renovated in 2007. The style is modern and simple, as befits the area. The hotel has 7 floors, a roof garden bar and a la carte restaurant, a lobby bar-cafeteria and a cozy area with fireplace in the lobby.

  • More information
• • Porto Hotel

  Porto (4*)

  The Porto Hotel (4*), built on the hillside facing the harbour, is just 5 minutes walk from the town centre and 4 kilometres from the airport. Porto Mykonos Hotel’s 59 air-conditioned guestrooms have contemporary decor and extend to balconies; all include satellite television, minibars, and designer toiletries. The hotel offers a snack bar and a cosy restaurant, serving breakfast to its guests. Business travellers can make use of the conference facilities available at the premises. In addition, an indoor pool, gymnasium and a sauna are also available for your relaxation.

  • More information
• • El Greco Hotel

  El Greco (4*)

  The El Greco Hotel (4*) is located minutes away from the centre of the magnificent Fira town, the capital of the unique and beautiful Santorini. The traditional and colourful architecture found here enhances the spacious surroundings and add to the overall environment of leisure. Guests of El Greco are welcome by hospitable and personable staff that will cater to the need of all guests. El Greco is a well balanced establishment equally suitable for families due to its location and facilities and for couples due to its colourful reflection of charm. The nearest beach is 7km Monolithos, the black sandy beach of Kamari is 12km, and 14km from Perissa - the largest beach of Santorini island.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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