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Greece
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The Acropolis in Athens GREECE Exploring ancient sites Blue-domed churches of Santorini/John R Jones Exploring the mountainous interior/Jane Sweeney Islands of Atlantis * Explore the birthplace of Apollo * Whitewashed villages, translucent coves and seductive beaches * Travel through the loveliest of all the Greek islands 11 DAYS HOTELS Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Athens. 2 In Athens; orientation tour. 3 Ferry to Paros; free to explore. 4 & 5 Walks or optional excursions. 6 & 7 Transfer to Naxos, walks, optional Mount Zeus; optional bike ride or boat trip to Delos and Mykonos. 8 To Santorini; time on the island. 9 & 10 On Santorini, walks to Oia and ancient Thira; optional visit to historic Akrotiri and caldera boat trip; fly to Athens. 11 Fly London. 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 Islands of Atlantis Ref FGW From ATHENS City tour, Roman Agora Acropolis 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 climbing to the top of Mount 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. Caldera boat trip, Santorini Kids will love... * Exploring the Acropolis * Climbing Mount Zeus * Island-hopping in the Aegean Sea Mykonos Delos A E G E A N S E A NAXOS TOWN N A XO S PAROS Parikia Antiparos Optional trip to Stalactite caves Optional walk Mt Zeus 1001m DRIOS Beaches Optional walks CYCL ADES ISLANDS (GREECE) Ios To ATHENS Optional Caldera walk Athinios Akrotiri 50 Ancient Thira SANTORINI km 0 SANTORINI Factfile Group Size: Approx. 16 to 20. Minimum Age: 5 years. Accommodation & Meals: 11nts hotels staying at standard accommodation throughout; 11 breakfasts included. See p91 & tour dossier for details. Swimming: All hotels have swimming pools. Transport: Inter-island ferryboats/Charter and local island buses and taxis/On foot. Tour Staff: Explore Tour Leader. Comment & Activity Level: A relaxed, free-form trip, making the most of Tour Ref: FGW Temperature Average daily maximum °C J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 15 16 20 23 26 27 28 26 24 20 17 Dates & Prices 2009 Sat to Tue Flight Incl in £ 2010 Sat to Tue 11 Days from London Flight Incl Land Only Land Only Adult Child* Adult Child* Adult Child* Adult Child* Rainfall Average rainy days per month J F M A M J J A S O N D 12 09 08 04 03 01 00 00 01 04 06 12 25 08 S 15 22 Jul-04 Aug Aug-18 Aug Aug-25 Aug Aug-01 Sep 1025 1025 1025 1025 1015 1015 1015 1015 675 675 675 675 675 675 675 675 24 31 07 21 Jul-03 Aug Jul-10 Aug Aug-17 Aug Aug-31 Aug 1065 1065 1065 1065 1055 1055 1055 1055 705 705 705 705 705 705 705 705 everyday island life  including the somewhat chaotic sea links! Ferry timings are subject to change. Plenty of opportunity for walks and optional activities, or to just do your own thing. Land Only tour: 11 days  start Athens airport day 1 (Sat), end Athens airport day 11 (Tue) * Aged 5-11 years on date of departure. These are guide prices, see p.94 for details. S Single parent departure Flight Details: Direct non-stop flights to Athens with Aegean Airlines from London Stansted, flight time approx. 3.5 hours. Note: flight details may change  see p.96 for information. 34 For latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk