Hideaway in the Greek Isles
with a Foray into Istanbul

A 14- day Mediterranean Fantasy Tour
Athens, Mykonos , Syros , Santorini and Istanbul

Hideaway in the Greek Islands . This itinerary includes Athens, then whisks you by air to idyllic hideaways in the Greek Islands. You'll compare superlatives

More choices : 7 -day , 11-Day , 12-Day or 14-Day edition , add Cairo . Add Sicily

Suggested Itinerary:
You may start with the Islands, and have Athens at the end, your International flight into Athens on Day 1 should arrive no later than 1 PM in the afternoon . Our select island facilities offer privacy, intimacy, and outings to villages, beaches, taverns and more. The choice is yours. Daily, Athens ( Apr - Oct ) . Compare with Crete and Rhodes version , or the 10 day version without Rhodes

DAY 1 - ATHENS
You'll be greeted at the airport by our local representative, who will assist with formalities and baggage, and see you to your hotel. Once you settle in, you're free to stroll, browse for curios and treasures, and perhaps dine at a cafe in the old Plaka district. Or, we'll be pleased to arrange an optional Athens by Night tour, which includes a Greek dinner and musical entertainment.

Morning arrivals for guests flying from Europe or the east coast of the USA may connect same day to Mykonos if so desire and have Athens's stay at the end or eliminate Athens completely.

DAY 2 - ATHENS (BL)
A private half-day city tour will orient you to the high points of Athens. Private air-conditioned vehicle, driver and private guide . Lunch is included at a local restaurant . You'll visit Syntagma Square, at the very heart of the city; the Parliament; Hadrian's Arch; and culminate with the Acropolis and its museum. Your afternoon is free for further exploring, or shopping.

DAY 3 - ATHENS, Syros (BD)
Take the morning to finish your shopping, or for additional explorations. In the afternoon, around 3 PM ( subject to change ) we'll call for you and see you to the port of Piraeus for your ferry ride to the island of Syros . We'll have a representative on hand to meet you, and check you in to your hotel. Dinner is included tonight at the hotel. There is no 5 stars hotels in Syros. So regardless of the rate/category you choose, in Syros it will be 4 stars first class accommodation and not deluxe.

DAY 4 - Syros (BD)
Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel : Dolphin Bay Hotel or Faros Village or similar . Syros is the capital of the Cyclades , its proximity to Athens and Piraeus made it a very popular tourist destination, Ermoupolis , the capital of Syros is full of Venetian and neoclassical buildings which make it one of the most beautiful and interesting towns in Greece in regard to the architectural mix , no doubt that you will find also great unspoiled beaches.
Full day on your own in Ermoupolis, to explore this great town and its lovely narrow streets, admire the historic Town Hall, enjoy a drink or a bite in one of the street Greek cafes on Miaouli Square, visit one of the Greek churches , and of course do not miss the Archaeological Museum

DAY 5 - MYKONOS (B)
After breakfast at the hotel , we head for the ferry and on to Mykonos, and your hotel.
The day is totally yours. There's no need to venture beyond the grounds of your lovely hotel. But on the other hand, there's plenty of reason to do so, starting with 350 whitewashed churches and chapels, dramatic cliffs, blue seas, and secluded beaches.

DAY 6 - MYKONOS (B)
Maybe this will be your day to stay put. Or maybe you'll mix relaxation with walks to photograph the famed windmills of Mykonos, or to watch fishermen at work along the sea.

DAY 7 - MYKONOS, SANTORINI (B)
Reserve some time to stroll the cobbled lanes of Mykonos, to sip an ouzo at a waterside cafe, to discover a beach or two, to pick up a loaf of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a hillside as you look out to sailboats at sea. We'll rendezvous in time to take you to your ferry ( Business class ) or hydrofoil for Santorini. On arrival, we'll see that you're checked in to your hotel. Click here for : Sample Villas in Santorini:
Dana Villas, in Firostefani offers view of the ancient volcano.
Chromata Apartments, in Imerovigli offers also view of the ancient volcano.
Both are available for Deluxe & Superior First class categories

DAY 8 - SANTORINI (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your lovely hotel and linger for as long as you wish. When you venture out, explore the cliff top town of Thira with its winding paths leading from view to spectacular view. Sample optional tours available based on Private arrangement or Local Group tour

DAY 9 - Santorini (B)
Spend one more day in this Greek paradise .

For guests who are interested , a complimentary full day Greek cooking class ( available only on Thursdays -except during Easter week):
Advance reservation required, space is limited, must book this at the time you book your tour package with us

ONE DAY COOKING COURSE AT "SELENE" RESTAURANT.

Weekly on Thursday : at 10 30 a.m. we will welcome you at Selene Restaurant with fresh juice, coffee and traditional Greek cookies. A lecture by Evelyn Volikas and George Hatziyianakis will give you an introduction to the cuisine of the Cycladic Islands and particularly of Santorini .Following the lecture, we will introduce to you the unique local products of our island. The volcanic eruption that broke the island of Santorini apart almost 3500 years ago left the dramatic caldera that you see today. With more than 300 days of sunshine and its rich volcanic soil, the island yields a bounty of unusual indigenous herbs and vegetables. White eggplant, capers and caper leaves, fava (small yellow peas), exquisite baby tomatoes - all grown virtually without water.We will introduce you to the Santorini wine, to the grape varieties and to the Santorini vineyard, and you will have the chance to sample four different wines in the wine tasting we have arranged for you.
Cheeses and sausages from several other Cycladic islands, including Naxos, Siros, Ios, Tinos, brought especially for this occasion, will accompany the wines.At about 12.0 the presentation and the demonstration of four different recipes will take place. You will learn how to prepare an entire Greek menu: an appetizer,
a salad, a main course, and a dessert.

-Fava beans with tomato caper sauce or Tomato fritters (tomatokeftedes)

-Eggplant salad with octopus or Taramosalata

-Rabbit with egg- cheese sauce or Lamb in grapevine leaves

-Cheese and honey sweet pastry or Melitinia (traditional Santorini cookie)After we have prepared the dishes, at about 2.0 p.m. you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labors accompanied by a bottle of delicious wine from Santorini.
The cooking class takes place every Thursday. Web site for the world famous " Selene" Greek restaurant : www.selene.gr

DAY 10 - Departure for Istanbul via Athens (B)
After breakfast , proceed to the airport , all transfers are always included in our rate.
The flight Santorini Athens Istanbul is included in our rate , economy class, tax included. Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

Our staff meets your flight and escorts you to your hotel.
Welcome fruit basket at your room, with our compliments.

This tour starts daily in Istanbul, yet please keep in mind that we keep the right to substitute some site based on the following: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday. Ayasofia is closed on Monday. Kariye Museum is closed on Wednesdays. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

DAY 11 -- ISTANBUL- (BL)
We dive right into this fascinating city with visits to its top sights: Topkapi, the palace of the Sultans for centuries; Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years; the Blue Mosque, with its exquisite blue tiles; the Byzantine Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and gladiator combat; and the eerie Sunken Palace cistern beneath it. Then a drive through modern neighborhoods brings us to the ancient city walls and the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), filled with brilliant Byzantine mosaics.

Complimentary entrance tickets to the Harem's Quarter in Topkape Palace in Istanbul, when you book your tour/cruise with us

DAY 12 - BOSPHORUS (BL)
Istanbul's history was formed by the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Now, as in ancient times, it is a maritime vital link between the countries bordering the Black Sea and those in the rest of the world. Today we take a leisurely cruise northward along this historic waterway. Along its shores are ranged palaces great and small-Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi, Küçüksu, Hünkar Iskelesi. Four great fortresses rise on the hills, reminding us that to control the Bosphorus was to control the destinies of nations.

Our afternoon cruise (morning cruise for Oct-Apr season) of two continents, crossing from Europe to Asia and back, includes visits to the Navy's Museum (showing some magnificent boats used by the Ottoman Sultans), the Bosphorus Bridge, Çamlica Hill lookout, and stupendous Dolmabahçe Palace.
We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then go on a shopping spree at the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar.
Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 13 -- Istanbul (B)
Breakfast is included at the hotel . Full day on your own in Istanbul , or ask us for optional tours .

DAY 14 -- DEPARTURE (B)
Our local rep will assist you with the transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight home.
Breakfast is included at the hotel .

Note: You may join the tour starting any day of the week, but the itinerary may change due to site closings: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday, Hagia Sophia on Monday, Topkapi Palace on Tuesday, and the Kariye Museum on Wednesday. When a sight is closed, we substitute another sight of comparable interest.

Rates per person in US$, Double Occupancy

Price includes:

• Travel guide books

• Hotel accommodation as per itinerary . Prefer to handle Athens hotel yourself ?

• Athens City tour with a private driver, air-conditioned vehicle and private guide .

• Breakfast daily at the hotels.

• Airport greeting and assistance Hotel transfers in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.

• Hotel service charges and taxes .

• Airfare within Greece as well as Athens Istanbul as per itinerary , in economy class, tax included .

• Ferry tickets as listed , in business class ( when available on board ) , tax included

Not included:

• International airfare from/to USA.
• Gratuities Personal expenses.
• Beverages, and meals not specifically listed .
• Trip Cancellation Insurance. Travel Insurance (Please ask us for the flyer).
• Visa Fee : $20 in cash upon arrival, for US citizens, or $45 for Canadians, or from any of the Turkish Consulates