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DAY 1, SATURDAY, MARCH 15: Depart the US for Athens on individual flights.
DAY 2, SUNDAY, MARCH 16: Athens.
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the St. George Lycabettus Hotel. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel's rooftop dining room, overlooking the Acropolis. (Reception,Dinner)
DAY 3, MONDAY, MARCH 17: Athens, Rhodes.
Begin your exploration of Athens at the Acropolis, here the goddess Athena was honored in the most magnificent site of all, the Parthenon. Enjoy lunch in the plaka, Athens' oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. Fly to Rhodes this afternoon and check into the Rodos Park hotel, just outside the old town of Rhodes City. Dine in the hotel's fine gourmet restaurant this evening, (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4, TUESDAY, MARCH 18: Rhodes.
Visit the medieval Walled Old Town designated as a World Heritage site. The island was the stronghold of the Crusader Knights of St John who arrived here in 1306, although the town of Rhodes has existed since 408 BC and was known for the bronze Colossus of the Sun god Helios, one of the Seven wonders of the ancient world. Visit the Knights Quarter and the Palace of the Great Masters, the Turkish Quarter and the Mosque of Suleiman the magnificent and the Jewish Quarter with its Synagogue. Listen to an afternoon lecture by Professor Lalonde. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19: Rhodes, Lindos, Crete: Heraklion.
This morning drive along the shore to the charming medieval town of Lindos. Meander through its narrow streets and climb up to the ancient acropolis. Notice the three cities on the climb, the modern, with whitewashed cube-like houses, the medieval and the ancient. Visit the Acropolis, stunningly located on a promontory high over the sea, see the Temple of Lindian Athena and the 15th century Byzantine church of Holy Mary. After lunch at a local taverna, visit the ancient city of Kamiros, with its Sanctuary and the Hellenistic period houses. Dine in Rhodes before taking an evening flight to Heraklion, Crete. Check into the Hotel Atlantis and enjoy dinner in the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6, THURSDAY, MARCH 20: Crete: Knossos and Heraklion.
Trace the labyrinth of winding corridors of the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos. The palace gives today's visitor a strong image of its 1500 BC appearance with its reconstructed painted columns, restored walls, and reproduced frescoes. This afternoon tour the vast collection at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, with its unique collection of Minoan artifacts and frescoes from the Palace of Knossos. Dinner at a local taverna. Overnight in Heraklion. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7, FRIDAY, MARCH 21: Crete; Gortys, Phaestos, Chora Sfakion, Chania.
Drive south through the beautiful vineyards to the Roman capital of Crete, Gortys. This city flourished through the Byzantine period until the Saracens sacked it in AD 824. According to tradition, Gortys was the first city in Crete to accept Christianity. See the basilica of St. Titus, a large stone-built cruciform church with cupola. Admire the Roman Odeion, a typical Roman music hall. Continue to the excavated but un-restored site of the Palace of Phaestos, the second largest of the grand Minoan palaces and an interesting comparison with the great Palace of Knossos. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Matala. After lunch enjoy a scenic drive over the White Mountains to the village of Chora Sfakion. Check into the Hotel Kydon. Overnight in Chania (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 8, SATURDAY, MARCH 22: Crete, Chania.
Enjoy a full day in the delightful town of Chania. See the lively harbor, historical remains, and busy market. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Mosque of the Janissaries and the Monastery of the Holy Mary. Dine at a local taverna with local specialties. Overnight Chania. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9, SUNDAY, MARCH 23: Athens, Corinth, Napflion.
Fly to Athens this morning. Drive over the Corinth Canal and visit Ancient Corinth. See the Roman Forum, the Archaic Temple of Apollo and the Museum. After lunch in the village of Ancient Corinth continue to the charming seaside town of Nafplion, one of Greece's most picturesque towns. Check into the Nauplia Palace. Relax dining at the hotel tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 10, MONDAY, MARCH 24: Mycenae, Epidaurus.
This morning take a tour of the imposing fortress of Mycenae, the greatest of the Bronze Age citadels. See the famous Lion Gate, Agamemnon's Palace, the Cyclopean walls and the Grave Circle A area that was uncovered by Heinrich Schliemann. This afternoon discover the beautifully preserved Greek theater of Epidaurus, noted for its perfect acoustics and exquisite setting. Take a walking tour of the remains of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the god of healing. This evening enjoy dinner and Greek dances a Taverna "Spilia" in Argos. Overnight in Nauplion. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11, TUESDAY, MARCH 25: Athens.
Today is a national holiday in Greece. Enjoy the parade in Nauplion before departing for Athens, late morning. Pause en-route in the down of Nemea for lunch. Arrive in Athens late afternoon. Check into the St George Lycabettus hotel in Athens. Dinner in hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 12, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26: Athens
This morning take an extensive tour of the National Archaeological Museum. See the golden treasures of Mycenae unearthed by Heinrich Schliemann and the magnificent frescoes from Akrotiri in Santorini. After lunch in the plaka Jerry will lead an in-depth tour of the Agora, the marketplace of ancient Athens. A favorite haunt of Socrates, this was the meeting site of philosophers and statesmen and the birthplace of Athenian democracy. Gather this evening for a festive farewell reception and dinner. (Breakfast, Reception, Dinner)
DAY 13, THURSDAY, MARCH 27: Depart Athens for the U.S. on individual flights.
(Breakfast)
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