Itinerary
Monday, May 10: Depart Seattle at 12:11 p.m. on AA #1606, arr. Chicago at 5:59. Depart San Antonio at 1:58 p.m. on BA #5038, arr. Chicago at 4:38. Depart Chicago at 8:20 p.m. on BA 298 for London Heathrow.
Tuesday, May 11: Main Group: Arrive London Heathrow at 10:20 a.m. Depart LHR at 11:50 a.m., arrive Athens at 5:35p.m..I will fly to Athens a day early and be waiting for all (Delta, Alitalia etc.) of you on the other side after you pick up your luggage and clear customs. I will then give you your ticket for the Heraklion flight. Main Group: Depart Athens at 8:00 pm, on Aegean Air A3 324, arrive Heraklion at 8:50 pm. Coach transfer to the Candia Maris (+30-2810-377000) with all-inclusive arrangements (all meals and drinks.) Note: The dining room may be closed by the time we arrive, but there is a substantial “snack bar” that will be open.
Wednesday, May 12: Morning visit to Knossos and then the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. NOTE: I will buy us a guide at Knossos since Dr. Alessi is forbidden to lead the group. Usually a compromise can be worked out and the guide gives his spiel and Paul fills in the blanks afterwards. Afternoon free, dinner and overnight at the Candia Maris.
Thursday, May 13: Full day excursion to Festos. The hotel will provide us with a box lunch. May I suggest that you bring along the bottle of wine that the hotel gave you when we arrived. We will then have a nice picnic somewhere along the way. Late afternoon return, dinner and overnight at the Candia Maris.
Friday, May 14: Transfer to dock in time to take the “Flying Cat4” which departs Heraklion at 9:15 and arrives at Santorini at 11:00. Coach transfer to the Santorini Palace Hotel. Afternoon free, dinner plans TBA.
Saturday, May 15: Excursion with guide to Monastery, Archeological Excavations, a winery and lunch (included). Late afternoon and evening free, overnight in the Santorini Palace Hotel.
Sunday, May 16: .Day essentially free at this point. I will have a list of optional activities available. Dinner plans TBA.
Monday, May 17: Transfer to dock in time to take the “Flying Cat4” (same boat, different day) which departs Santorini at 11:10 and arrives at Mykonos at 14:20. Coach transfer to the Hotel Anastasia. (+302890 71205). The arrangements here are similar to the Candia Maris, just that only two meals a day will be provided.
Tuesday, May 18: Today we will visit Delos. Ferry departs at 9:00 (9:50, 10:15) and returns at 12:20 (13:45, 15:00). Bring hat, water, sun block as there is very little shade on the island. Again, I will buy a guide and Dr. Alessi will fill in the blanks afterwards. Dinner and overnight in Mykonos and the Hotel Anastasia.
Wednesday, May 19: Free day for beach activity, diving, snorkeling, or explore the island: rent a scooter, rent a car, do whatever. Tuesday and Wednesday may be adjusted to accommodate the weather. If it is too windy, the boats can’t get into Delos. Dinner and overnight in Mykonos and the Hotel Anastasia.
Thursday, May 20:Transfer to the dock in time to take “Blue Star Ithaki” which departs Mykonos at 14:30 and arrive Athens at 19:45. Coach transfer to the Hotel Plaka. (+302103233197). Dinner at 8:30 PM at nearby Taverna Platanos (+0030103220666). Overnight in Athens at Hotel Plaka.
Friday, May 21: Walk to the Acropolis for visit. Afterwards, take city bus to the Archaeological Museum IF it has reopened. Dinner at nearby Hermion Restaurant. Overnight in Athens at Hotel Plaka.
Saturday, May 22: Morning departure to Mycenae and then on to Isthmia-Kehries and the Hotel Kalamaki Beach. (+30 27410 37653) Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Sunday, May 23: Departure for Olympia and visit site upon arrival. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Amalia (+30 2824 22190) in Olympia.
Monday, May 24: Departure for Delphi and another Hotel Amalia (same group as above) (+30 2265 82101) Time permitting, we will visit the site. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Tuesday, May 25: Visit site in the morning if we were unable to do so yesterday. Return to Athens and the Hotel Plaka. (+302103233197) Dinner at 8:00 PM at nearby Taverna Platanos (+0030103220666) Overnight in Athens at Hotel Plaka.
Wednesday, May 26: Transfer to airport and return to USA.
Laurence Barker
Scott Anderson
Alan Cutler
Paul Alessi & Thu Cox
Dale Fleishman & Ron Jenkins
Sara & Charles Lewis
Carol Benge & Mark Johnson
Liz Diesner & Linda Nelson
Ann & Richard Adams
Molly Cundari & Victor Carrillo
Jim, Toni & Christopher Cardeñas
Charlotte Crandall & Lauren Walters