Historical Trip w/ Cooking & Wine Tasting

SEPTEMBER 18 - 29, 2008 (10 Nights) 3N ATHENS, 4N CRETE, 3N SANTORINI

Daily Itinerary At-a-Glance: September 18 - September 29, 2008 HOSTED BY "ASIMINA"

Sep. 18, Thursday: New York:

Depart from the USA for your overnight flight to Athens. (Ask Asimina Tours for air rates)

Sep. 19, Friday: Welcome to Greece:

Arrive in Athens. After clearing customs transfer from the airport to our hotel located in the Plaka area in the old section of Athens - Electra Palace. Afternoon at leisure to explore the Plaka area, its restaurants, Monastiraki (flea market) area and Athens great night life. (B)

Sep. 20, Saturday: Athens:

1/2 day private group tour. (approx: 8:45am - 12:30pm). Visit the Acropolis & its museum: includes an overview of the modern city & the remains of its glorious past. After driving through Omonia Square, Panepistimiou Avenue, Constitution square visit the Acropolis atop its rocky base including the awesome Parthenon & its museum. Return to Athens hotel. (B)

Sep. 21, Sunday: Delphi:

Full day private group tour. (approx: 8:45am - 6:30pm). Depart Athens, & drive through Levadia & Arachova (Famous for its bright multi colored carpets). Arrive in Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Visit the museum where one can see among other archaeological treasures, the unique bronze Charioteer, then proceed through the sacred way to the Athenean treasury. Visit the Temple of Apollo & the Castalia Spring. Return to Athens hotel. (B,L)

Sep. 22, Monday - Sep. 26: Athens-Crete / Heraklion:

In Crete we'll be met by our private hired driver who'll take us to our hotel Kalimera Kriti. The remainder day is free. (Half Board)

Sep. 23, Tuesday: Knossos & Museum

After our traditional Cretan breakfast our private driver will take us to Knossos where we'll be met by a certified guide. We'll visit the Ancient Minoan Palace at Knossos & the archaeological museum. The entrance fees at Knossos & the museum are included. Afternoon Free. (Half Board)

Sep. 24, Wednesday: Wine Tasting

After our traditional Cretan Breakfast our driver will take us to a local Winery for some Cretan wine tasting and light snacks. The remainder day is free. (Half Board)

Sep. 25, Thursday: Cooking Class & Cretan Glendi

During the day you are free to explore. In the afternoon we'll be taken to the Pratikaki Estate located in Heraklion area. Discover step by step on how to make a satisfying, full Cretan meal from appetizers to dessert. We'll be utilizing only the freshest ingredients & vegetables from the garden of Mrs. Pratikaki providing you with a deeply individual Cretan experience and many laughs... (Half Board)

Sep. 26, Friday - Sep. 28: Santorini:

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel we'll be transferred to the port and we’ll take the hydrofoil (about 2.5 hours) from Crete to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini a private hired driver will take us to the hotel located in the beautiful settlement of Fira Town. Our hotel, El Greco, is located only 450 meters from the center of the village of Fira. The remainder three days will be free for the group to explore, shop & enjoy the views. Santorini is packed with small whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways! We'll take postcard pictures while walking through either two villages of Fira or Oia with their unique Cycladic architecture. Be daring to ride one of the donkeys as part of the native charm of the island. View one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world in the village of Oia. (lunch/dinner paid directly & locally). (B)

Sep. 29 - Sep. Monday: Santorini - Athens - USA.

It's time to say farewell to the beautiful island of Santorini. Our private hired driver will take us to the airport for an early morning flight back to Athens for your connections back to the USA.