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I enjoyed the trip immensely and appreciated the thought and expertise you put into making it enjoyable and stress-free. I will remember the food, the people, the sea...the group...thank you for making it all so easy!
This being my first organized "tour" I was somewhat apprehensive about the group experience...but I must say, this trip exceeded my expectations. I appreciated multiple nights in Chania and Oia, rare on most tours I've seen. Thank you Judy and Surya for planning and facilitating such an amazing experience. I hope to join you on another excursion in the (near) future.
Varvara Paizis, Santa Cruz CA
Ur tour leaders were excellent! Made all the difference in the world. Great balance between professionalism/Informative/well planned out and balanced, friendly/fun/candid . I think there was a good balance between structure and free time. Best trip of my life! Much thanks to you Judy & Surya!!
Nicole Cronin, San Francisco. Greek Islands 2010
“Your lectures were excellent, Judy. You show enthusiasm, skill and joy in this part of the trip. It was fun to be with you and Surya again! Thanks very much.”
Jan Fincher Aptos CA Greek Islands 2010
“Thank you for all you did to make the trip to Greece so memorable. I really liked staying on each island for a few days. We began to feel like residents more than tourists. Your choice of towns and hotels was great too. The group couldn't have been better. Everyone was so inclusive. I know a great time was had by all. Thank you.”
Jean Brenner, Carmel Valley CA
“It was a good balance of history and culture without overwhelming academics—a good variety of food, good pace with time our own. Liked the camaraderie of fellow trip members.”
Steve Cronin Bloomington MN
“Loved the variety of experiences—walking, the museums, boat trips, the ruins, the hikes—especially the Samaria Gorge. Efkaristo (thanks)! The combination of the two of you as our tour leaders (your individual interests and abilities) made the trip a delightful and memorable experience. Bravo Bravo!”
Sue Welke Mahomet IL
“I’ll remember the lovely Greek country and friendly people, and our group was exceptional on how everyone interacted.”
Mary Ann Rozsa Livermore CA
“The accommodations were very good and I especially liked both hotels where we stayed several days. The people were very nice and accommodating. Excellent variety at meals and appreciated your recommending so many good places.”
Susan DuCoeur Carmel Valley CA
"We are still talking about our trip to Greece. It was wonderful!! Thanks so much for doing such a great job of being tour guides! "
Connie and Jerry Pearson, San Jose CA Greek Islands 2004
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Itinerary:
June 1-15, 2012
Fri. June 1 : Transit/Athens Depart aboard regularly scheduled airline for Athens, where you are met and transported to our small boutique hotel at the foot of the Acropolis.
Sat. June 2 : Athens Morning meet for our first seminar on Athen's passionate history & talk on Greek language and customs. Then a short walk to the Folk Art museum for a view into rural village life. Further walk to the Benaki museum for an extensive view of the rich collection of this wealthy family. Lunch at the museum. Downtime, before a walk to the antique market and dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.
Sun. June 3 : Athens Early morning (to avoid the crowds) walk to the Acropolis of Athena, including the temple of Athena Nike, and the Parthenon. Then a visit to the newly opened and widely praised Acropolis Museum, where the riches of the Acropolis are housed. After lunch, we venture by metro to the famed Archeological Museum, with the largest collection of antiquities in Greece. Dinner at a favorite taverna beneath the Acropolis.
Mon. June 4 : Chania Transfer to Athens airport for our brief flight to Chania in Crete. Check into our charming hotel in the old town. Late afternoon our talks on Greek mythology begin, today focusing on Zeus, born on the highest mountain in Crete. Evening optional traditional Meze-tasting (like Tapas) and local barrel wine tasting.
Tues. June 5 : Chania Orientation meeting on the history of Chania, followed by guided walking tour through the historic back streets of the old town, the lively market, Minoan excavations, Venetian shipyards, the charming market--the most famous in Crete, and the recently renovated Synagogue. Afternoon free to relax and explore Chania, or visit the beach.
Wed. June 6 : Chania Early morning departure past monasteries and old traditional villages, orange groves and pine forests, by bus to the shepherds' village of Omolos and our 11 mile down-hill hike through the magnificent Samaria Gorge. You'll see a variety of scenery and perhaps the area's famous mountain goats (krikri) before arriving at the fishing village of Aghia Roumeli and a welcome lunch. Back to Chania by motor coach, arriving early evening.
Thur. June 7 : Chania Day free to relax and enjoy Chania. The beaches on the island are among the best in Greece, and people-watching in harbor cafes a must. Late afternoon Happy Hour gathering, with second language session and mythology, focusing on on the hero Theseus and his relationship to the Palace of Minos at Knossos. Farewell to Chania party at our favorite local taverna.
Fri. June 8: Iraklion Check out after breakfast and depart for Iraklion in our private bus, We stop on the way at the historic town of Rythmnon, and walk to the Venetian Fortress that crowns the city, and time permitting-- take in the small but well executed archeological museum. Arrive in Iraklion and check into our hotel, located in the in the town center near the harbor. Late afternoon seminar on the sophisticated Minoan society that created the Palace of Minos at Knossos, and highlights at the local museum, the second best in Greece. Final language review. Dinner on your own.
Sat. June 9: Iraklion Breakfast (the buffet breakfast at this hotel is amazing) Morning departure by public bus (avoiding the crowds) to the famed excavations of the Palace of Minos at Knossos. Return to Iraklion for lunch and visit to the museum, located next to our hotel. Late afternoon talk on the goddess Artemis, and the "Language of the goddess," symbolism in Greek ceramics.
Sun. June 10: Oia Taxi to the Harbor where we transfer by fast boat to Thira, where we are met by bus, and transferred to our hotel, Oia Sunset on the extreme western tip of the island, and featured in many films and post cards.
Mon. June 11: Oia. We'll meet on the deck for an orientation to the history of Santorini followed by a walking tour of Oia village to acquaint you with local conveniences and to point out some of our favorite restaurants. In the late afternoon we'll meet again for a seminar on Art and Religion in Akrotiri, and a happy hour wine tasting of Santorini's well-regarded white varietals, as well as some local cheeses.
Tues. June 12: Oia. Morning departure for an all-day island tour. First stop is the Minoan excavation site at Akrotiri, a village evacuated in the massive earthquake that destroyed half the island in 1420 BC, then onward to Thira town for lunch and a visit to the archeological and folk museums, and the Thira Conference Center to enjoy the recreations of the frescoes at Akrotiri. Happy hour gathering to enjoy the sunset.
Wed. June 13: Oia. Departure by bus for a trip up to the ruins of ancient Thira (2- 3 Century BC). Trek through the extensive ruins and an on-site seminar on ancient Greek theater at a theater excavation site. Lunch in Kamari seaside village, and an open return from Kamari beach. In the late afternoon we'll meet again for the first in a series of seminars on Greek romantic poetry.
Thur. June 14: Oia. Morning hike down to Amoudi port for a very special private cruise to trek the volcanic islands and hot springs with an opportunity to sample the mud baths, famous for soothing the skin. This is a popular and unique excursion, not to be missed. Lunch on return in the colorful harbor. Afternoon meet with local residents to discuss the problems facing modern Greeks. Farewell to Santorini party at a favorite taverna.
Fri. June 15: Transit/USA Depart Greece for USA, or stay on and further explore the Greek Isles.
ITINERARY MAY BE ADJUSTED SLIGHTLY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL EVENTS THAT MAY OCCUR. NO ONE IS OBLIGED TO ATTEND ANY TOURS, MEETINGS, OR SEMINARS, HOWEVER NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE FOR ANY MISSED ACTIVITIES. IF YOU LEAVE THE TOUR AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.
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- RT Air from the West Coast (SFO/LAX)
- Inter-island flights Athens/Santorini/Iraklion/ Chania/Athens.
- Transportation to accommodations from all points of entry and return.
- Accommodations in all locations mentioned.
- Breakfast each day in Athens and Crete. Farewell feasts in Chania, and Oia.
- Tours to Ancient Thira, Thira town & museums, the caldera in Santorini. Knossos & Rythmnon fortress and museum in Crete. Vists to historic sights and museums in Athens including the Agora, Parthenon and Acropolis museum.
- Happy hour wine tasting in Santorini
- Boat excursion to volcano and hot spring in Santorini.
- Orientation and history seminars on each island with walking tours of the villages.
- Guided trip and transport to Omolos for hike through the Samaria Gorge.
- Entrance fees to all museums and historical sites mentioned in itinerary.
- Seminars and handouts on Minoan art and religion, Greek mythology and poetry, history, and ancient Greek drama.
- Pre-tour handouts.
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Not Included:
Laundry, additional excursions, meals, tips.
Trip costs and fees:
The tour cost of $2550.00 is based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with shower, some breakfasts and other meals, excursions listed in the itinerary, seminars, services of local and US guides, and all inter-island flights and boat trips. Airfare in 2011 was $1550.00 from the west coast. East coast departures considerably less.
Passport and Visa: A passport, valid six months from date of entry to Greece. Visa is not required for citizens of the USA. No health requirements.
Roommates: Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a share basis and will be assigned a roommate as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a single supplement: $437.00
Deposit: A $350.00 deposit, check made out to Danu Enterprises, is required to make a booking. Deposit is fully refundable, minus $75.00 cancellation fee until April 16, when 50% penalty fee will become attached to all cancellations received in writing. No refunds will be made from one week before departure. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended. Final payments are due April 15, 2012. Changes in exchange rate or rise of petrol taxes may affect the tour price. Trip is limited to 16 people with a minimum of 8.
Accommodations: Generally rooms have two single beds with modern flush toilets, sinks, showers, and hot water. In Chania we stay at a favorite small hotel on a side street in the historic quarter, near the harbor and town center with full breakfasts and local staff. In Oia we stay in unique caves that have been remodeled into studios with kitchens. All studios have decks with spectacular views of the volcano. In Athens we stay in a modern air conditioned hotel, close to the Plaka and Acropolis. All accommodations are clean and comfortable.
Food: In recent published reports, the Greek diet was judged to be the healthiest in Europe, with its emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, light oils, low-fat dairy products (yogurt and feta cheese), protein rich olives, and light use of meats.
Weather: June is a beautiful month to visit Greece. Some wild flowers are still in bloom, and it's warm but not yet hot. The Aegean sea is just warm enough to swim and snorkel. We beat the hoards from Europe who regularly flood the Islands, and the natives have had plenty of rest and are happy to see us. Arts and crafts, constructed during the winter months have not yet been picked over, and prices are lower.
Tour Organizer/ Leader: Judy Slattum is a professional tour organizer and Instructor who has been leading study tours to Greece since 1975. She presently teaches through the University of California. This will be her 27th tour to Greece.
For further information and a detailed itinerary, contact Danu Enterprises:
1-888-476-0543 or danu@earthlink.net
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