Blog

Travel Programs

Flight programs

Island Hopping in Cyclades

  • Mykonos
1 DAY
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS  – OVERNIGHT IN ATHENS

Transfer from the airport. Pick up by  our tour guide and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon optional dinner in a traditional restaurant in the scenic old city of Athens, Plaka. Return to our hotel.

 2 DAY
PIRAEUS – DEPARTURE TO NAXOS ISLAND 

After breakfast, we drive to the harbour of Piraeus. Departure at 07.30 and arrival in Naxos at 12.30. The entrance to the port of Naxos is unlike any other. In a few moments, the visitor can get a clear idea of the island’s rich historical background, its grandiose towers, its strong religious ties, its agricultural heritage and its recent tourist development. Transfer to the hotel. Naxos Island is the largest island in Cyclades and it is one of the most beautiful among the Greek Islands. It combines superb fine sand beaches, with fertile valleys and mountainous beauty. An island with rolling green hills and valleys with clusters of Byzantine churches, medieval towers, and villages with handsome neoclassical houses. The long sandy beaches, the lovely and lively capital town that has grown up in and around its own massive Venetian Castle. Overnight in Naxos.

3 DAY 
NAXOS ISLAND TOUR

The port of Naxos is perhaps the most impressive port in the Cyclades group of islands. At first glance, one can admire the island’s capital Naxos Town and its medieval castle, amphitheatrically built, facing the eastern coastline of Paros. Back on the main road, the traveler passes through Damarionas and Halki, two villages where the local aristocracy lived in fine Neoclassical houses. Further east along this road lies Filoti, built in amphitheatrical fashion on the foothills of Mount Zas and the beautiful village of Apeiranthos, clinging to the slopes of a low hill amongst densely-planted vineyards and with an enchanting view of the sea. Apeiranthos is one of the oldest settlements on the island, and has much in the way of interesting folklore to offer, as well as some remarkable examples of traditional architecture. After the village of Apeiranthos, the road from the Chora forks left towards the north of the island, passing through Koronos. Last visit to the village of Melanes with an ancient marble quarry where at the entrance to the quarry lies a kouros ten meters long, which has been there for centuries. Overnight in Naxos.

 

4 DAY
NAXOS – DEPARTURE TO SANTORINI

We travel from Naxos to Santorini. Departure is at 12.50 to Santorini and arrival at 15.15. Transfer to our hotel. Santorini is known by the name of the largest island in the archipelago, Thera, which is famous for the huge volcanic explosion which destroyed the settlements thereon, and created the current geological caldera. In the afternoon optional short excursion to the village Oia, where we can admire one of the most famous sunsets in the world. Oia gives you a different view of the islands consisting of the volcano (Palia & Nea Kameni) and of the small island of Thirasia. Return to our hotel. Overnight.

 

5 DAY
EXCURSION TO VOLCANO AND THIRASSIA ISLAND 

The tour starts with the bus transfer from the pick-up point to the port of Athinios and continues with the boat to the lava island of Nea Kameni. The boat will make a stop to give us the opportunity to ascend the soil path and approach the crater of the still active volcano. After seeing the crater, we will walk back down the path and get on boat. We’ll sail to the second lava island of Palea Kameni and reach the Hot Springs. The boat makes a stop approximately 50 meters from the opening so you can dive in the green sulphur waters of the hot springs or relax and enjoy the view. The tour continues to Thirasia island which was part of Santorini before the big explosion of the volcano. We will stay in Thirasia for two hours having the chance to go swimming, have lunch next to the sea or explore the village of Manolas with its winding steps and traditional houses. Sailing under Oia, on the way back to Athinios port, you may take wonderful pictures of the cliffs and the breathtaking scenery. At the port of Athinios, the bus will be waiting to take you back to our hotel.

 

6 DAY
PROPHET ILIAS –  MEGALOCHORI – AKROTIRI – PERIVOLOS BEACH – LOCAL WINERY

The tour starts by visiting the monastery „Prophet Ilias“, which was founded at the beginning of the 18th century. Apart from the carved wooden altarpiece, the monastery houses important old books, manuscripts and a collection of ethnographic material. After the Monastery we visit Megalochori, one of the most traditional villages on the Island. Our guide will take you through the narrow streets where you will have the opportunity to admire the traditional architecture and the unique craftsmanship of the local masons. Akrotiri archaeological site is our next destination. With the help of our guide, you will discover one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. Leaving the archaeological treasures, we head towards the beautiful beach of Perivolos at the south part of Santorini. Perivolos is an organized beach with black sand. We will stay for approximately two hours and have free time to go for a swim, eat in a local taverna or just relax and explore the area. To complete a perfect day, we will visit a local winery where you may taste different local wines and have a mini tutorial on the particular characteristics of Santorini vineyards. At the end of the tour the bus will take you back to the village you started the excursion.

 

7 DAY
SANTORINI ISLAND – DEPARTURE TO PAROS ISLAND

Free program. In the afternoon we travel from Santorini to Paros. Departure is at 15.30 and arrival in Paros at 18.45. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Paros.

 

8 DAY
PAROS ISLAND TOUR

The excursion starts from Parikia as we walk to the castle and the church of Saints Constantine and Helen, where is the old town and the most scenic spot of. Then, walking through the alleys, we arrive at one of the main attractions of Paros, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest churches in the country, also called the church with 100 gates. Not only is an architectural and archaeological monument, the church of Our Lady of the Hundred Gates is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites throughout Greece. We continue with the bus to the port of Punda where we will take the ferry and find ourselves in Antiparos for a first acquaintance with the island and wander the narrow streets of the village and of course visit its venetian castle. Returning to Paros, we cross the southern coast, we pass from Aliki and Drios and reach Piso Livadi where we have free time for swimming and lunch (optional). The traditional architecture of Paros, you will meet with a stroll in Lefkes, the first capital of the island. The traditional settlement built amphitheatrically on the hillside offers a riveting view and will make you feel eventually that you are carried away to another era. In the afternoon we arrive at Naoussa, where we walk through the narrow streets of the village and of course visit the port of Naoussa, which is one of the most picturesque in Greece. Return to our hotel.

9 DAY
PAROS ISLAND – DEPARTURE TO PIREUS

Departure from Paros at 10.45 and arrival in the habor of Pireus at 15.00. Pick up by our tour guide – informational transfer with a short round tour in the city. Athens combines many of the city’s principal modern and classical sights. This tour includes an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. Athens, the post Olympiad centre of the country, is one of the most modern and fast developing cities of Europe, with a cultural heritage that is one of the richest in the world. The Acropolis hill, the so-called “Sacred Rock” of Athens, is the most important site of the city. During Perikles’ Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.Heritage like: the Olympic Stadium, the world’s nicest marble stadium. The Greek Parliament, the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Pnyx, Socrates’ prison, Ancient Agora, Keramikos, Museum, Hadrian’s  Gate and Thission are only some of the sights in the city of Athens.  Dinner and overnight in Athens.

10 DAY
TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport of  Athens, “Elefterios Venizelos”. Departure.

Pilgrimage Tours

In the Steps of Apostle Paul

  • Thessaloniki
1 DAY 
ARRIVAL – THESSALONIKI -SHORT CITY TOUR

Arrival at Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is the second largest city, in Northern Greece. It was first established in 316 B. C. by Kassandros and named after his wife, Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander the Great. It is here that Paul, the Apostle of Nations, first brought the message of Christianity (50 A.D.) and that Demetrius, a Roman officer died in martyrdom, thus becoming the holy patron of the city for ever (303A.D.). Thessalonica, Dion, Pella, Vergina are names that date since Alexander the Great‘s era and even further back. Names that have remained unaltered for thousands of years,that have been passed on from generation to generation, while this land saw one invasion follow another. Yet, in spite of so many conquests everything remained, as before, Greek. Some of the great sights of the city are the White Tower, the Rotunda, St. Agios Dimitrios and others, which we certainly visit. Transfer to our hotel.  Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

 

2 DAY
PHILLIPI- MOUNT ATHOS- THESSALONICA

After breakfast we will visit the archaeological site of Philippi and the Church of Lydia. Philipi, site of the famous battle where the armies of Mark Antony and Octavius met and defeated the armies of Julius Ceasars assassins in 42BC. In 49 AD Saint Paul came to preach to the inhabitants of Philippi and ended up in prison. Despite Paul’s misfortune Phillipi was the first European city to accept Christianity, though the first two churches they built suffered some bad luck. The remains of both can be seen, as well as the ancient theatre built by Phillip II. Optional cruise to Mount Athos by ferry boat either from the port of Ouranoupolis for west coast monasteries or Ierrisos for those on the east coast. Mount Athos is a mountain on the peninsula of the same name in Macedonia, called in Greek Agion Oros or in English, “Holy Mountain”. Spiritually, Mount Athos comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinopole. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight.

 

3 Day
PELLA – VERIA – KALAMBAKA 

In the morning we start our tour by visiting Berea. The Apostle Paul arrived here and according to the custom went to the Synagogue where he discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessaloniki. The Capital of Macedonia moved from Vergina to Pella in the 5th Century BC and was in effect the capital of Greece. Many people come here to see the exceptional mosaics discovered in the remains of houses and public buildings.The remains of the buildings have impressed archaeologists and led them to believe that the Macedonians enjoyed a high level of wealth. Overnight in our hotel in Kalambaka.

 

4 Day
METEORA MONASTERIES – DELPHI 

In the morning we visit the monasteries of Meteora built in the 14th century. A rare geological phenomenon, a quirk of nature as it were, created these looming rocks which thrust skywards from the plain of Thessaly, as if striving to come closer to God. These peculiarly impressive natural sculptures are known as Meteora because they do indeed seem to hang or hover (meteoro in Greek) above the plain. Their summits, totally isolated from the rest of the world, were a refuge for many hermits from as early as the 11th century. Three hundred years later the first monasteries were founded. Most of the monasteries were built or renovated in the 16th century. Nowadays six are in use. Today a good road leads from Kalambaka to the monasteries with their wonderful wall paintings, ecclesiastical treasures, rich libraries with precious manuscripts, exquisite icons. After our visit departure to Delphi. Overnight in Delphi.

 

5 Day
DELPHI – OSSIO LOUCA – TOLON IN ARGOLIC GULF

After breakfast visit of the archeological sites in Delphi. The famous sanctuary of Delphi is located in Phokis, in one of the loveliest and most impressive Greek landscapes. Its ancient ruins spread out over the southern slopes of Parnassos, beneath the looming gigantic Phaidriad rocks,known in antiquity as Yampeia and Nauplia. Delphi was believed to be the center of the world. According to tradition Zeus, in order to find the center of the earth, sent two eagles to fly around the earth in opposite directions. Since they met over Delphi, he pointed that specific area as the center of the earth. On our route to Argolis a short stop for visiting the famous monastery of Ossio Louca. In the year 946 AC Osios Louca first built his cell, a small church to pray. The monastery is famous for its wall paintings. Departure to Tolon. Dinner and overnight in our hotel.

 

6 Day
ARGOLIS (CORINTH – MYCENAE – EPIDAVRIA) – ATHENS

Our excursion begins by visitin Corinth. It was Corinth where the Apostle Paul lived and preached for a year and a half, and to this church he wrote two of his new Testament Letters. We continue to Mycenae, the most powerful, brilliant and sovereign influence in Greece up to 1100 BC when it was destroyed by fire. One enters the Acropolis through the Lion Gate, the oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe. In the afternoon we visit  the Ancient theater of Epidavria. The theatre of Epidavria is marveled for its exceptional acoustic, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken word from the scene to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their seating. Departure to Athens. Dinner and overnight in our hotel in Athens.

 

7 Day
ATHENS SIGHTSEEING – DINNER IN THE OLD CITY OF ATHENS, PLAKA 

Enjoy a tour of Athens, combining many of the city’s principal modern and classical sights. For thousands years Acropolis has been the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, the link that connects the magnificent ancient  with the modern civilization. Entering on the south slope of the Acropolis, you’ll visit the Dionysus Sanctuary and Dionysus Theater before you walk up the slope leading to the Acropolis monuments. Panoramic views of the city will be perfect for your photo album. In this area we also visit Parthenon,  Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion. Visit of Arios Pagos, where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about the one and only God. In the afternoon the dinner will be taken in a tradtional restaurant in the old city of Athens, Plaka. Return to our hotel.

 

8 Day
DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to Athens’s airport, Eleftherios Venizelos.

Classical Greece

8 Days Classical Tour Greece

  • Akropolis
1 DAY
ARRIVAL – TRANSFER TO HOTEL – DINNER IN OLD TOWN OF ATHENS, PLAKA

Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Pick up by our tour guide – short city tour.  We visit Plaka, the old city of Athens with the winding pedestrian streets, small shops and taverns, glimpses of ancient and century-old architecture and a number of museums. Plaka is what Athens used to be before it grew to a sprawling modern metropolis. Dinner in traditional restaurant in Plaka. Return to our hotel.

2 DAY
ATHENS SIGHTSEEING – CAPE SOUNIO

In the morning we start our sightseeing in Athens. Enjoy a tour of Athens, combining many of the city’s principal modern and classical sights. For thousands years Acropolis has been the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, the link that connects the magnificent ancient  with the modern civilization. Entering on the south slope of the Acropolis, you’ll visit the Dionysus Sanctuary and Dionysus Theater before you walk up the slope leading to the Acropolis monuments. Panoramic views of the city will be perfect for your photo album. In this area we also visit Parthenon,  Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion. We continue to the new Acropolis Μuseum. In the afternoon optional excursion to Cape Sounio and the 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world. Return to our hotel in Athens.

3 DAY
ATHENS – OSSIOS LUCAS – DELPHI – OVERNIGHT IN THE AREA OF PATRAS

After breakfast, we travel to Delphi. Short stop to visit the monastery of Ossios Lucas. The monastery is famous for its wall paintings. We continue by visiting Delphi, perhaps best known for the oracle at the sanctuary that was dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. Later we travel via Itea and Galaxidi to Antirrion (through the modern and biggest Europeʼs suspension bridge, which connects Peloponnese with the main land). Overnight to our hotel in the area of Patras.

4 DAY
THE PANHELLENIC SANCTUARY OLYMPIA – BASSAE – SPARTA

In the morning we travel to Olympia, the Panhellenic sanctuary. We visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the place that first  Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C., lies in the lush valley formed by the Alfios river. There is a temple of Zeus. Then visit the temple of Hera , the shrine of Pelops (one of the oldest in the sanctuary), the Council house where the athletes took the Olympic oath, the Treasury houses, the Gymnasium and the Palestra where they used to exercise for a month prior to the Games. Finally come to the stadium, where the marble starting blocks are still in position. We travel to Sparta. Dinner and overnight in Sparta.

5 DAY
SPARTA – MYSTRAS – EPIDAURUS – NAUPLIA – TOLO

Excursion to the Byzantine town of Mystras. Wander around the castle city the Upper and the Lower Town, and sense through the silence the city’s sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful  Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa, and of Οur Lady Perivleptos. Mystras was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. For a short period Mystras came under the control of the Venetians (1687-1715) but was again taken over by the Turks. It was one of the first castles of Greece to be liberated in 1821. Τhe city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. We continue by travelling to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. The theater of Epidavria is marveled for its exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken word from the proscenium or  scene to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their seating. We continue by visiting the town of Nauplia, a beautiful city with an excellent history and the first capital of Greece. Transfer to our hotel in Tolon (in the Gulf of Argolis). Dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
TOLON –  MYCENAE – ANCIENT CORINTH – TOLON

Today at first we will visit Mycenae. Mycenae was the most powerful, brilliant and sovereign influence in Greece up to 1100 BC when it was destroyed by fire. Centuries later the tragic poets Aeschylus and Sophocles brought it back to life with the magic of their verses. One enters the Acropolis through the Lion Gate, the oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe. We continue to Ancient Corinth, the first prefecture you come to in the Peloponnese – the first sign of warmth and excitement. The aromas of the sea, the mountains, the harvest of grapes and currants are all-encompassing, accompanied by the sound of bees buzzing around the sheds where the currants are drying. Here you will rediscover some old Greek myths, learn that Nemean wine is called “Heracles blood” and that retsina is the teardrop of a certain wood nymph. You will find out about gods, nereids and mortals; Zeus and Apollo. You will come upon columns, sanctuaries and ancient palaces. On this “flaming red earth” celebrated by the poet, you will hear the most sublime voices of the Greek land, Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles. Return to our hotel in Tolon. Overnight.

7 DAY
TOLON – CRUISE TO THE SARONIC ISLANDS OF HYDRA AND SPETSES

Early morning departure from Tolon or Hermioni. This one day cruise is the perfect passport to this Aegean destination. In Hydra you will be indulged of this favourite resort of the International ‘Jet Set’. This is the Saronic known to connoisseurs, to lovers of history, culture and beauty. We continue to Spetses, a picturesque island with excellent and very scenic landscapes, beautiful houses and sunny beaches. Return to Tolon and transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Tolon.

8 DAY
DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to Athensʼs airport, Eleftherios Venizelos.  Departure.

 

© Copyright Sonnen Tours and Cruises
Theme by Colorlib Powered by WordPress