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Santorini: Lost Atlantis
Exploring ancient sites/Jane Sweeney

Islands of Atlantis - a Family Holiday in Greece - 2010/11 Itinerary

11 days - from $1600

• Explore the birthplace of Apollo
• Whitewashed villages, translucent coves & seductive beaches
• Travel through the loveliest of all the Greek islands

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Athens & the Beaches of Paros
After enjoying some time in Athens visiting the Acropolis, or perhaps wandering around the old clustered shops we travel by ferry to the island of Paros. The beaches are great fun for beach hikers and swimmers, and there's also a chance to catch a boat to Antiparos to visit the stalactite caves. There is plenty of time to explore the island, discovering off the beaten tracks and a variety of coastal trails and walks.


Naxos - Jewel in the Cycladic Crown
The largest and probably most beautiful of the Cycladic islands is a great spot for local excursions. We'll explore its mountainous interior and hidden villages, perhaps even climbing to the top of Mount Zeus. Naxos has endured the rule of many a seafarer, from the Venetians to the Turks - even Barbarossa the Pirate! - all of whom have left their mark. Another famous Naxian was Dionysus, god of the vine, and his descendants certainly take their viticulture seriously! There'll be time to relax, sample local wines and delicacies and to enjoy the beaches, before our voyage to Santorini.


Volcanic Santorini & 'Lost Atlantis'
Sailing via tiny Ios (Homer's resting ground), we make landfall at the island of Santorini (ancient Thira). Its craggy lagoon, which includes a cluster of volcanically active islets, is all that remains of the legendary home of the Atlanteans. A savage cataclysm around 1600 BC let loose a tidal wave that destroyed the whole civilisation. We can walk to the ghostly town of Oia, which clings to the volcano rim, and also explore the mountain-top capital at Thira: a landscape rich in archaeology as well as picturesque images of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Athens. Day 2 Athens An orientation of the city includes a visit to the Acropolis and the chance to wander around the old streets of the capital. Days 3/5 Paros Ferry to Paros and then free time to explore the island. The next two days allow us to explore the islands beaches, catch a boat to Antiparos and visit the stalactite caves or discover the many off the beaten track walks and coastal trails. Days 6/7 Naxos We catch the ferry to Naxos, probably the most beautiful of the Cycladic islands. We'll explore its mountainous interior and hidden villages, perhaps climbing to the top of Mount Zeus or take the optional boat trip to Delos and Mykonos. Day 8 Ferry to Santorini Via tiny Ios (Homer's resting ground), we make our way to the island of Santorini. Days 9/10 Santorini The island was the home of the legendary Atlanteans and we have time here to walk to the ghostly town of Oia and explore the mountain top capital at Thira. The village is home to the classic picturesque whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches that the island is famous for. We then fly back to Athens. Day 11 End Athens.

Accommodations: 11nts hotels; 11 breakfasts included.
Transport: Inter-island ferryboats/Charter and local island buses and taxis.
Comment: Ferry timings are subject to change. Plenty of opportunity for walks and optional activities, or to just do your own thing.
Group: Approx. 16 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader.
Trip Reference: FGW2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Child Price in US$ Local Payment Availability
23 Jul 1102 Aug 11$1600$1600 0
30 Jul 1109 Aug 11$1600$1600 0
06 Aug 1116 Aug 11$1600$1600 0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.