Jewels Of Med

Tour Code : CRG-JM
11 Days / 10 Nights Wander through the ruins of Classical Greece amid the metropolis of modern Athens. Admire the stunning panorama on volcanic Santorini, party on lazy Ios, trek through mountainous Crete and walk amongst crusader castles on Rhodes.

Tour Itinerary



Day 1 - Arrival Day: Athens
Free time in the morning, optional bus tour of Athens or perhaps visit the National Archeological Museum. After lunch, take a leisurely walk to all the sights of Classical Athens. See the Temple of Zeus, the largest temple in Greece. Stand in awe at the foot of the Acropolis and visit Athen's modern day symbol of peace, the ruined Temple of Athinea Parthonos. Wander the agora, the ancient center of daily social and economic life. Take in the impressive view of Athens by night.

Day 2 - Athens to Ios
Early start for an afternoon arrival in Ios. Make the most of your time on the ferry; work on your tan or finish that book. Take it easy before for the night ahead on "the party island".

Olympic Period Only (23 July - 13 Sept) Day 1 - Arrival Day: Mykonos Welcome to Greak island life. Simply soak up the sun while lounging on the beach or take an optional day trip to the neighbouring island of Delos - this Mecca of Ancient Greece is today an island wide open-air museum. Day 2 - Mykonos to Ios Spend the morning on the golden sands or wander the charming white washed streets of Mykonos Town. This afternoon, we board a ferry to Ios.

Day 3 - Ios
Roll out of bed mid-day and spend the afternoon at the local beach or take the bus to the gorgeous Manganari bay. If beaches aren't your obsession then spend the day at Sikinos, a neighboring island virtually untouched by tourism.

Day 4 - Ios to Santorini
Experience a 'hell-ride' on the tubes - or ski, wakeboard and/or windsurf. If that sounds like hard work, then lounge on the beach or poolside and have drinks delivered straight to your sun-bed. Alternatively, wander the attractive hillside white washed chora. Late afternoon departure for Santorini.

Day 5 - Santorini
Take an optional boat trip in the world's biggest volcanic crater above sea level. Visit the active volcano, swim in the warm thermal waters and take a therapeutic mud bath, ride a donkey, explore the picturesque cliff-hugging town of Oia and top the day with a dramatic Santorini sunset.

Day 6 - Santorini to Crete
Soak up the sun on the black sand beach. Hike, drive or ride to Ancient Thira, Akrotiri, or take in the stunning caldera panorama. This afternoon we board the ferry to Crete, the most diverse and largest of the Greek Islands, and possibly the most captivating. Explore the extraordinary Minoan Palace of Knossos, the ancient centre of the Minoan civilization

Day 7 - Crete
Explore remnants from every large civilation controlling the Aegean since the Minoans. Discover Roman temples, Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses and Ottoman mosques. Or trek through the wild beauty of the longest canyon in Europe, Samaria Gorge.

Day 8 - Crete to Rhodes
Today we cruise to Rhodes. Explore the medieval city of the Knights of the Order of St John. Experience a step back in time and follow the Street of the Knights to the Crusader Palace of the Grand Master - walk along paved alleys amid gateways, obscure courtyards, Byzantine chapels, monasteries and unconquerable walls.

Day 9 - Rhodes
Perhaps visit the ancient acropolis, the Temple of Apollo, the ancient stadium and cemeteries. Or perhaps visit the picturesque medicinal baths of Kallithea and soak up the hot sun on the golden beaches of Faliraki.

Day 10 - Rhodes to Fethiye (via Marmaris)
This morning we leave Greece behind and head for the Turkish town of Marmaris. Enjoy a delightful drive along the Mediterranean coast to the seaside town of Fethiye.

Day 11 - Fethiye (B)
After breakfast, our tour comes to an end so we say farewell to our new friends.

Tour includes:
o Transportation by ferries between the Greek islands.
o Transfers between ports and hotels via bus in Greece (transfers between hotel and port in Athens is via metro).
o Services of an English speaking experienced tour leader in Greece.
o 10 nights hotel accommodation in share basis.
o 1 breakfast.

Tour does not include:
o Cost of any daily excursions or transport on the islands (excluding hotel transfers).
o Entrance fees to any sites or museums.
o Any flights, visas or personal insurance.
o Meals unless otherwise stated.

Options:
o Sail the Med! - Board a hand made Turkish Gulet and sail the Mediterranean for 3 or 4 days through crystal clear waters past some of the most stunning coastline your ever see.
o Experience Turkey! - Experience all the highlights of Western Turkey on the Fez bus, Turkey's essential hop on hop off transport network.