2011 FEATURES NEW The Greek Isles–Crete & Santorini A CULTURAL WALKING ADVENTURE 12 v. 3500 Cruise the Aegean, and


you’ll descend on Santorini with a few thousand fellow passengers. The Classic Journeys footprint is so much smaller. Our groups average only 12 guests. So in the Greek Isles and everywhere we visit, you experience the world you came to see—inthe calm company of just a few like-minded travelers.


v 24


It used to be that travelers returned from Greece with one of two regrets:“Ruin Overload” (too many temples, too few days) or “Beach Fatigue” (so many hours on the sand that they never saw the real Greece). But this Classic Journey delivers the best of everything—most of all, because we concentrate on two gorgeous (and compact) Greek Isles that offer a perfect mix of classical antiquity,modern comfort and traditional culture.We explore Crete with its Minoan ruins, deep gorges, olive groves and Byzantine churches.And we take our time on red-cliffed Santorini, settling into a charming hotel with incredible sunset views of the extinct volcano’s caldera.All along we meet shepherds, villagers and fishermen—the contemporary Greeks who live amid some of the loveliest scenery and finest historical treasures on earth. You’ll head home with a deep and very personal feel for this wonderful civilization and the islands that have cradled it for millennia.


ITINERARY


We meet on Crete in Chania (3 nights), an easy hop from Athens. Our island vacation begins with a light walk and a chance to browse the covered market. From Chora Sfakion, we take a boat ride along the coast to Agia Roumeli, where we meet local fishermen and then walk a breathtaking stretch of the Samaria Gorge. Near Arkadi, we walk through flocks of sheep, rolling hills and olive groves to the excavations of ancient Eleftherna. With water bottles filled from a mountain spring, we follow a scenic valley trail past the ruins of ancient watermills to a private tasting of handmade baklava.


Heraklion (1 night) is a beautifully preserved village, studded with Venetian and Ottoman architecture. From here, we make a memorable visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos before crossing the sea to Santorini. In Oia (2 nights), we wind through ancient streets to explore and shop, visit artisans and craftmakers, or just linger poolside at our hotel. Next day, a morning walk on the slopes of the famous volcano precedes an invita- tion to a local vineyard for a tour and tasting with views of sunset over the crater.


E L Chania


Samaria Gorge


Oia SANTORINI


Tour Dates May 8-14 June 5-11 September 4-10 October 2-8


Trip Length: 7 days/6 nights


Price: From $3995 (includes all breakfasts and 5 dinners)


Single Supplement: $895 Begins: Chania, Crete Ends: Oia, Santorini


Other Tours in Greece: Family Journey see Web.


Rethymnon


Heraklion CRETE


For information or reservations


| 800-200-3887or ClassicJourneys.com


G


A


E


R


C


N


A E


M


I


N


D


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52