ATHENS & THE GREEK ISLANDS

Mykonos, Santorini,

September 11–26, 2022

It’s nearly impossible to get a true taste of Greek culture without sampling its flavorful isles. Experience the relaxed lifestyle and meet friendly locals as you discover the character and history unique to each island. Join the Arts Council and Go Ahead Tours on this private ARTour to enter the world of myths and legends.

DAY 1 & 2: DEPART U.S. / WELCOME TO ! – Transfer to our hotel for a 3-night stay. Meet our Tour Director & fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. (Meals: D)

DAY 3: – On a tour of this bustling ancient capital—home to the world’s first democracy—pass the Olympic Stadium, , and of ; view the 6th century Temple of Zeus; see the classically inspired , home of the ; and drive through the district. Take a walking tour around the ancient , site of the , , and . Enjoy an afternoon of free time in Athens or add an excursion ($49) to Cape Sounion to the tip of the Attic Peninsula where the Temple of Poseidon dominates the landscape. (Meals: B)

DAY 4: – Travel to Mount Parnassus and the archeological site of Delphi, home of the mystical oracle. Tour the temple of Apollo, where according to legend, the god once communicated with mortals. Afterwards, explore the ancient treasures at the Delphi Museum. Travel to the picturesque town of Arachova to enjoy a traditional Greek lunch. [Note: This excursion involves walking on uneven terrain & hills.] (Meals: B/L/D)

DAY 5: MYKONOS – After a ferry ride, we join our Tour Director on a walk through Mykonos Town to see the iconic windmills, built as early as the 16th century; view Little Venice, a charming neighborhood along the ; and pass the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, admiring its unique architecture. (Meals: B/D)

DAY 6: MYKONOS COOKING DEMO & LUNCH – Depart for a morning excursion to the village of Ano Mera for a visit to the 18thcentury Monastery of Panagia Tourliani and explore the town square. Afterwards, travel to a local farm and learn to make traditional foods such as tzatziki and Mykonian pie and enjoy lunch while sampling Greek wines. (Meals: B/L)

DAY 7: – Journey by boat to the island of Delos, rich with mythological history, and once one of Greece’s most sacred spots. Tour the ancient city, where we are transported back to when it was an important trade center. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, Sacred Cave, Lion Terrace, and House of Dionysus. (Meals: B)

DAY 8: SANTORINI – After a ferry ride to Santorini, enjoy free time to discover the island’s volcanic black beaches, cliff-lined shores, and stunning whitewashed architecture. (Meals: B/D)

DAY 9: SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF SANTORINI – On a walking tour of Santorini, visit the prehistoric settlements unearthed during the archaeological excavations at Akrotiri; ride to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias for panoramic views of the island, and stop in the small, picturesque village of Pyrgos. Enjoy a free evening in Santorini or add a 5-hour cruise & dinner to Santorini Caldera ($125), weather permitting. (Meals: B)

DAY 10: LEISURLY DAY IN SANTORINI – Enjoy a day at your leisure or a wine tasting with lunch excursion ($69) departing in the afternoon. (Meals: B)

For additional information, contact Katherine MacRae  910.692.2787  [email protected]

ATHENS & THE GREEK ISLANDS

Mykonos, Santorini, Crete

September 11–26, 2022

DAY 11: CRETE – Enjoy a ferry ride to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. (Meals: B/D)

DAY 12: CRETE/CHANIA – Take an excursion to historic Chania where we’ll be introduced to the city’s old town. Visit the Chania’s cathedral before walking through the Venetian quarter and stepping into the only synagogue on the island, a symbol of the city’s ages-old Jewish community. Lunch is included today with free time to explore the city’s indoor market. (Meals: B/L)

DAY 13: HERAKLION/ATHENS – Enjoy a guided tour of Heraklion this morning. Visit the ruins of Knossos, where, according to myth, King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur, and tour the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Then fly to Athens. (Meals: B/D)

DAY 14: ATHENS – Enjoy the day at your leisure in this unforgettable Greek capital or explore the Plaka, a favorite Athens neighborhood filled with shops and restaurants. This evening, join locals at their home to enjoy traditional dishes and dine like a true Grecian. During the dinner we receive an authentic understanding of our host’s day-to-day life while learning about Greek culture and traditions. (Meals: B/D)

DAY 15: CORINTH CANAL/EPIDAURUS/MYCENAE – Julius Caesar to Emperor Nero dreamed of building the Corinth Canal to connect the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. The present day canal was completed in 1893 and separates the peninsula from mainland Greece. Afterwards, head for the ancient Epidaurus Theater to learn about the world’s best-preserved Greek amphitheaters. End the day with a tour of the UNESCO-listed Archaeological site of Mycenae, linked to ’s famous Greek epics The Iliad and The Odyssey. Tonight, enjoy a farewell drink before dinner at our leisure. (Meals: B)

DAY 16: JOURNEY HOME – Transfer to airport for our flight home. (Meals: B)

COSTS (per person): ACMC Member: Double = $5,104 Single = $6,334 (Nonmembers add 15%) Promotions: Save $100 by booking by April 15, 2021. Combinable with Go Ahead prior-traveler $100 discount. International Economy Class Airfare = $1,330 – subject to change. Upgrade upon request. Deposit: Register with $450 deposit by June 1, 2021. Final payment due June 1, 2022. Optional Trip Protection (due at registration): Premium: $449 per person (cancel for any reason) Basic: $349 per person (Without Go Ahead airfare $20 less) Trip costs include: Excursions listed above, 14 night’s accommodations, 13 breakfast, 3 Lunches, 7 dinners, airport transfers on arrival and departure, 3 ferry transfers, 1 on-tour flight, private motor coach, & admission fees. Not Included: Airfare, meals not listed, optional excursions as listed, gratuity to Go Ahead Tour Director and personal expenses.

NOTE FOR ALL ARTOURS: You should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy our tours. The Arts Council cannot provide individual assistance during the tours & therefore reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a tour who has a physical condition that could create a hazard to him/herself or could impact the enjoyment of other travelers on the tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY: 35% of the total cost will be withheld for cancellation after registration deadline on ALL ARTours. NO refunds are made after advertised full payment deadline unless substitute traveler is found—at which time transfer fees, if applicable, will be withheld. Trip cancellation insurance is available on request.

For additional information, contact Katherine MacRae  910.692.2787  [email protected]