Athens, the capital of Greece took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, daughter of Zeus, father of the gods.

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Albert Shepherd
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1 Athens, the capital of Greece took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, daughter of Zeus, father of the gods. Athens one of only a few European capitals that can boast for a History of over 5,000 years, and yet is never static, and always controversial - always transforming. It s a place full of life, bursting with fun- filled adventures. It s the birthplace of Western Civilization but it s also a funky, buzzing modern city! Mykonos is the most famous island in Greece and, with no doubt the most cosmopolitan. The island of winds, as locals call it, is almost in the center of Cyclades islands. The island took its name from "Mykonos", the son of the Mythical king of Delos Anios who was a descendant of the god Apollo and the nymph Rio. Little is known about Mykonos during the ancient times but according to coin descriptions, there are presumptions that Dionysus was the islands patron god. According to Greek Mythology, under the large granite stones of the island were buried the giants who had been killed by Hercules.

We begin with a city drive to discover the main points of interest in Athens - both ancient and modern.

2 Day 1 USA Athens (inflight Meals) Depart Washington, DC on board American Airlines to Athens. Day 2 Arrive & Discover Athens (Lunch, Dinner) Arrive with a warm welcome to Athens at the Eleftherios Venizelos airport. We will be met by our ground company for our arrival. We begin with a city drive to discover the main points of interest in Athens - both ancient and modern. We will visit Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Gardens, the Presidential Residence and the Olympic Stadium - site of the first Olympic Games. After our city tour, we ll have a traditional lunch in Plaka. Plaka is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens. With Its Narrow, Labyrinthine Streets nestled into the North Eastern Slope of the gleaming Ancient Acropolis, it is hard to beat this atmosphere. After lunch we will transfer to our hotel, The Royal Olympic, for check in and some time to relax. Later this evening we ll come together for a welcome dinner. The Royal Olympic is delightfully situated just across from the Temple of Zeus, within walking distance from the Acropolis, the Old Town (Plaka) and the central shopping district. After a complete renovation that finished in 2009, the Royal Olympic was transformed to an art hotel very elegantly decorated and more important very well looked after in every detail. The Roof Garden Restaurant - Bar opened recently offering the ultimate dinning and wining experience in front of the most spectacular view in Athens.

Day 3 The Acropolis (Breakfast, Lunch) This morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we will meet in the lobby before beginning our exploration of The Acropolis of Athens.

the majestic Parthenon. A winding path leads to the treasure of antiquity. Visible are the relics of the civilization of which we are the proud inheritors. We then head back to our hotel.

Day 4 Athens - Mykonos town (Breakfast, Dinner) This morning after breakfast at our hotel, we will check out and head to Mykonos.

3 Day 3 The Acropolis (Breakfast, Lunch) This morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we will meet in the lobby before beginning our exploration of The Acropolis of Athens. On the natural fortress of the Acropolis, reinforced by the hand of man, stand the Propylaea, the temple of the Winged Victory, Erechtheion with the Porch of the Caryatids and, towering over all, and the majestic Parthenon. A winding path leads to the treasure of antiquity. Visible are the relics of the civilization of which we are the proud inheritors. We then head back to our hotel. Afterwards, we ll enjoy an authentic Greek lunch. This evening is yours free to explore Athens. Day 4 Athens - Mykonos town (Breakfast, Dinner) This morning after breakfast at our hotel, we will check out and head to Mykonos. Upon arriving in Mykonos, we'll transfer to our hotel, The Myconian Imperial. Truly one of the most romantic jet-set destinations in the world, the Myconian Imperial Resort & Thalasso Spa Centre on Mykonos Island Greece offers modern luxury and privacy in the setting of one of the ancient historic islands of Greece. Situated in a quiet and untainted area of Elia Beach in Mykonos, this exclusive five-star luxury family-owned resort offers unique facilities, including a state-of-the-art Thalassotherapy Spa, indoor and outdoor pools as well as extensive water sports. After a bit of time to relax and enjoy the hotel and Mykonos sun, later this afternoon we will take a guided walking tour of Mykonos town!

This noble daughter of a wealthy sea captain made her mark on the islands history by becoming the leader of the local fleet during the War of Independence.

4 The quaint Mykonian architecture surrounds you during your walk. See tiny white washed houses with balconies colorfully adorned by hanging plants and flowers as you make your way to the famous restored 19th Century Lena's House. This noble daughter of a wealthy sea captain made her mark on the islands history by becoming the leader of the local fleet during the War of Independence. The house contains original furnishings from the period including tapestries and icons. We ll wind down the day and start the evening off with a Sunset aperitif in Little Venice followed by dinner! Where the most western part of the town meets the sea is the area known as Little Venice. Here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea s edge with their balconies overhanging the water. Here, you can admire the most beautiful sunset. There are lots of bars that boast a funky and informal ambience and attracts a lot of visitors who gather to watch the magnificent sunset in Little Venice. The party in Mykonos starts from noon, but in Little Venice, it is party time all day and night.

Day 5 A Day At Sea & visit to the Sacred Island of Delos (Breakfast, Lunch) After breakfast we will sail away on board a privately chartered vessel we ll sail on a wooden, hand-crafted Greek motor

According to mythology it was the birthplace of Apollo, the god of music, of sun, light, harmony and beauty.

5 Day 5 A Day At Sea & visit to the Sacred Island of Delos (Breakfast, Lunch) After breakfast we will sail away on board a privately chartered vessel we ll sail on a wooden, hand-crafted Greek motor cruiser of beautiful classic design to the small, uninhabited island of Delos, once the religious center of the entire Aegean area. According to mythology it was the birthplace of Apollo, the god of music, of sun, light, harmony and beauty. Pilgrims from all over Greece and other countries came to pay their respects to the God, bringing their gifts and offerings, making the island one of the most respected sanctuaries, a position it retained throughout antiquity. After visiting Delos we'll return to the boat for an on-board BBQ lunch and then set sail to the inhabited island of Rhinia, to enjoy the crystal-clear waters for swimming.

Day 6 - Discover Mykonos by jeeps (Breakfast, Lunch) This morning after breakfast at our hotel we set out to discover Mykonos by jeeps driven by you.

Delos. We then continue to de Ano Mera, for a visit of Panagia Tourliani monastery. After which we will make a stop for lunch.

back to the Hotel and spend some time at the beach, or at the Hotel s pool or Spa.

6 Day 6 - Discover Mykonos by jeeps (Breakfast, Lunch) This morning after breakfast at our hotel we set out to discover Mykonos by jeeps driven by you. We ll make a brief stop at the Lighthouse at Cape Armenistis to admire the views of the cliffs of the north coast of the island and the neighboring island of Delos. We then continue to de Ano Mera, for a visit of Panagia Tourliani monastery. After which we will make a stop for lunch. After lunch, as soon as lunch is over, we will have the option to stay in town and explore the maze-like narrow streets and shops or select to take the coach back to the Hotel and spend some time at the beach, or at the Hotel s pool or Spa. Day 7 Relax & enjoy the beautiful seaside resort (Breakfast, Dinner) This evening we will come together for the last night for a farewell dinner. Day 8 Departure (Breakfast, inflight meals) After breakfast we ll head back to Athens for our flight home. ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE

7 PROGRAM INCLUDES: Air travel arrangements from Washington, DC 5 * Hotel accommodations (2 nights in Athens, 4 nights in Mykonos) Tours and transfers outlines in itinerary Meals per itinerary Airline & Hotel Taxes PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE: Travelers Insurance Some gratuities Items of a personal nature

Depart the USA for Greece. Your overnight flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

Day One: Day Two: Depart the USA for Greece. Your overnight flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Arrive in Athens After overnight flight you will arrive in Athens