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 In Greek mythology, Poseidon is the god of the sea. If the myth is true, he gave the world a tremendous gift by creating the Cyclades Islands of Greece. A perfect fusion of stone, sunlight and sparkling sea, these gorgeous islands are considered by many to be the very quintessence of Greece. The ocean waves break into glistening kaleidoscopes of color as they caress these rocky shores and golden beaches. The sunshine reflecting from scores of immaculate white houses gives each island a dazzling glow.
One of the best times to visit Greece's Cyclades Islands is in the month of September. The summer heat has abated and the hordes of European tourists have thinned out. The Cyclades has a system of high-speed ferries and hydrofoils, allowing us to get to our destinations quickly to spend more time on the jewel-like isles hiking and exploring. We experience Athens, Mykonos, Delos and Santorini, returning again to Athens by air. Romance and adventure await you on these sparkling islands in Poseidon's Playground.
Athens Highlights:
• The Acropolis – Parthenon site and museum
• Parliament Square
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Hadrian's Arch
• Theatre of Dionysos
Mykonos Highlights:
• Chora and Little Venice
• Tour of famous Mykonos beaches
• Delos, the Sacred Island *
Santorini Highlights:
• Walking tour of Fira, the modern capital of Santorini
• Hiking the caldera with magnificent views
• Archeological site of Akrotiri – the "Minoan Pompeii"
* UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day 0 - Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Today is a travel day. Board a flight from your home city bound for Athens International Airport. When searching for flights online, use the airport code: ATH. We can arrange an additional night (or nights) at our group hotel for those who wish to arrive early and enjoy more time in Athens. Tour services do not begin until hotel check-in tomorrow.
Day 1 - Thursday, September 3, 2015
 Your flight arrives in Athens sometime this morning or in the early afternoon. Collect your luggage, go through customs, and make your way to the city. Since people will be arriving on different flights and at different times, we have not included a group transfer from the airport to the hotel. We will provide transportation options prior to departure.
Check in at our city-center hotel, relax and get familiar with the neighborhood. This evening we meet our guide in the hotel lobby, get acquainted over cocktails, and then take a short walking tour of central Athens. Our walk culminates with a welcome dinner in a traditional Greek taverna in Plaka, the old quarter of Athens, overlooking the Acropolis. Overnight in Athens.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Central Athens Hotel - Plaka, Athens, Greece, 4*
Day 2 - Friday, September 4, 2015
 After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing excursion to the Acropolis Park. The word "Acropolis" in Greek literally means "upper city," usually built upon promontories, rocks or hills with precipitous sides for protection against attack. There have been many such cities built around the world over the centuries, but the Athens Acropolis is most likely the world's most famous. Athens' ancient citadel contains the remains of several buildings of great architectural and historic significance, most notably the Parthenon.
After touring the Acropolis, we descend the hill to have lunch at the Acropolis Museum Restaurant. The Restaurant is located on the second floor, with panoramic views of the Acropolis and a large public terrace commanding a breathtaking view of the historic hills of Athens. After lunch we have a guided tour of the museum. Years in the making, the Acropolis Museum has been heralded as a masterpiece in itself, presenting artifacts from the sacred hill in a stunning setting. The afternoon is free before our group dinner in the Plaka. Overnight in Athens .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Central Athens Hotel - Plaka, Athens, Greece, 4*
Day 3 - Saturday, September 5, 2015
 After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and commence a tour of central Athens. We see the main monuments such as Parliament Square, the Panathenaic stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian's Arch. Afterwards we drive to Rafina, the second largest port of Athens, to catch the Ferry to Mykonos, known as "the island of the winds." While waiting at Rafina, we enjoy a light lunch in one of the fish taverns of the port. Our ferry arrives in Mykonos Town in the late afternoon and we check into our hotel. The afternoon is free to stroll the streets and alleys of town. Overnight on Mykonos.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Aeolos Hotel, Mykonos, Greece, 4*
Day 4 - Sunday, September 6, 2015
 The Cyclades lie at the deep blue heart of the Aegean and are so named because they form a Kyklos (circle) around the island of Delos, the most compelling ancient site in the Aegean. The circle is not entirely symmetrical, but the symbolism is what matters. During archaic times Delos was the sacred equivalent of the Vatican and commercially was the treasure house, or Wall Street, of the Greek world. Its historic significance has earned it designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the island and enjoy a private tour with a local guide.
The rest of the day is free and the group we will meet again for dinner in the main town of Mykonos.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Aeolos Hotel, Mykonos, Greece, 4*
Day 5 - Monday, September 7, 2015
 The Cyclades and especially Mykonos are famous, among other things, for their golden, long, sandy beaches and the beach lifestyle. The best way to see and swim in as many beaches as possible is by rib boat. During the day, we start from the northern beaches of Elia (nudist beach), before we head off to St John beach where a beach lunch can be enjoyed. Finally we end up in Psarrou with drinks in bar Nammos before we cruise at sunset to Little Venice and the port of Tourlos.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Aeolos Hotel, Mykonos, Greece, 4*
Day 6 - Tuesday, September 8, 2015
 After breakfast, take a ferry to the fairest island of the Cyclades, Santorini. It is a blasted half caldera of an extinct volcano on which little white houses protrude from the cliffs' edges like ancient teeth from the mouth of an old man. After our arrival we settle into our hotel and in the afternoon we enjoy an evening stroll through the traditional settlement of Oia, which is one of four picturesque towns spectacularly perched on the crescent-shaped cliff top of the caldera on Santorini island.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Aspa Villas , Santorini, Greece, 4*
Day 7 - Wednesday, September 9, 2015
 A high rocky headland (Mesa Vouno) separates two popular black stone beaches (Kamari and Perissa), and at its top stand the ruins of ancient Thera. It's an incredible site, where cliffs drop precipitously to the sea on three sides and there are views of Santorini and neighboring islands. Today we will hike the steep, ancient trails connecting the two villages with sea breezes and sweeping views of the coast.
In the afternoon our guide will pick up the guests from the hotel and take them to a winery for a tour on the ancient plain of Oia. Here, the most vibrant variety of the Mediterranean zone, the Santorini Assyrtiko as well as the Aidani, Athiri, Mandilaria and the Mavrotragano are put to the best use possible, and with the proper respect to their organoleptic characteristics, the quality wines are produced which receive acclaim in international competitions, both in Greece and abroad.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Aspa Villas , Santorini, Greece, 4*
Day 8 - Thursday, September 10, 2015
 After breakfast this morning, embark on the classic Santorini trek from Oia to the old town of Fira. This is the perfect opportunity to catch a snapshot of Santorini's iconic architecture and geography as you teeter along the edge of the crater rim past villas, convents and graveyards. At the conclusion of the hike enjoy lunch at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Fira before returning to our hotel. The afternoon and evening are free for independent sightseeing and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Aspa Villas , Santorini, Greece, 4*
Day 9 - Friday, September 11, 2015
 After breakfast we explore the fascinating archeological site of Akrotiri. Dubbed the "Minoan Pompeii," the flourishing town was at once destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption and it remained untouched for more than 3000 years. Akrotiri provides a rare glimpse into urban life in the Minoan period. Its elaborate architecture and vivid frescoes demonstrate the high level of culture on ancient Santorini. It has been estimated that the 40 buildings uncovered so far account for only 1/30th of the huge site. In the afternoon, we take a flight to back to Athens. After settling into our hotel, we enjoy one final excursion together into the Plaka to enjoy our Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Athens.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel: Central Athens Hotel - Plaka, Athens, Greece, 4*
Day 10 - Saturday, September 12, 2015
The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Arrange your international flight to depart at any convenient time today. We provide one group transfer to the Athens Airport to accommodate the greatest number of people departing at roughly the same time. Our guide will assist others to arrange their private transfers.
Meals: Breakfast
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• 9 nights hotel accommodations:
3 nights at Central Athens Hotel - Plaka, Athens;
3 nights at Aeolos Hotel, Mykonos;
3 nights at Aspa Villas , Santorini
• One group departure transfer to the Athens airport;
• Fully-guided and escorted tour;
• All tickets for ferries or high-speed hydrofoils (mode of transportation dependent upon scheduling);
• Transfers between hotels and ports;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Guided half-day sightseeing tours of Athens (entrance fees included);
• Guided tour of Delos island;
• Trekking and sightseeing activities as listed in the itinerary;
• One-way economy class airfare from Santorini to Athens;
• Fully guided and escorted tour.
• Round-trip air fare to/from your home city to Athens;
• Hotel transfers upon arrival in Athens;
• Meals and activities not specifically included in the itinerary;
• Travel Insurance;
• Alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; bottled water;
• Laundry; telephone calls; faxes; any other expenses of a personal nature.
• Tips to drivers and guides and other conveyance attendants are not included. Tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
Central Athens Hotel - Plaka, Athens
Central Hotel is strategically situated in the picturesque area of Plaka, 200 metres from Syntagma Square. It offers a rooftop terrace with hot tub and Acropolis view, and free Wi-Fi at the lobby.
The Central Hotel rooms are air conditioned and include a safe and bathroom with hairdryer. Some have Acropolis view. Room service is available.
 The daily buffet breakfast includes fresh juices and local delicacies. The rooftop bar is the ideal place to have an evening drink while enjoying spectacular city views.
The central shopping district of Athens is a short stroll from the hotel. 24-hour front desk offers luggage storage service.
Plaka is highly rated by guests for: Street Food, Romantic, Atmosphere
Aeolos Hotel, Mykonos
 The small luxurious boutique Aeolos Hotel is a mere 800 metres from Mykonos centre. It offers a large pool with hydromassage facilities, and elegant accommodations and free Wi-Fi.
The spacious and airy rooms are furnished with modern décor, while their balconies overlook the gardens and the pool. All rooms are air-conditioned and include satellite TV, refrigerator, hairdryer and safe.
 Guests enjoy a varied breakfast buffet including homemade delicacies. Lunch and dinner are available upon request. A good selection of restaurants is available in the surrounding area. Refreshing cocktails can be served by the poolside.
Aeolos Hotel is just opposite the bus stop and within easy reach from the vibrant Mykonos Town centre. The friendly staff will happily assist guests with recommendations on places to visit, and maps and information about the island.
Aspa Villas , Santorini
 Located in the picturesque village of Oia of Santorini, Aspa Villas features a sun terrace with views over the Aegean Sea and the Caldera. It offers Cycladic-style studios and private cave houses, just 20 metres from a bus stop.
Aspa Villas offers all the modern facilities for a pleasant stay, such as free wireless internet access throughout the entire complex and a small outdoor pool. Some offer stunning views of the Caldera.
 Aspa Villas also offer their guests a host of services including airport and port shuttle service and tour desk and car rental services.
The warmly decorated studios and apartments are constructed with respect to the local architecture. All of the rooms incorporate a simple interior and spectacular vista of the Aegean Sea or the Caldera from their balcony.
Room facilities include air conditioning, cable TV, safety deposit box, kitchenette and free internet connection.
Entry Requirements
For U.S. and Canadian Citizens a valid passport is the only document required to enter Greece for stays of up to 60 days.
Immunizations
No immunizations are currently required for travel to Greece, but it is wise to have your inoculations up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements
There is currently no separate departure tax required of visitors leaving Greece other than that included with the cost of your airline ticket. However, any such taxes or fees instituted after publication of this itinerary will be the responsibility of the clients to pay directly to the appropriate airport authorities.
Fitness
This tour is designed for active adventurers who enjoy hiking and are capable of walking for several hours per day on irregular terrain. Participants need to be in good physical condition, and we recommend you work out on a stairmaster and treadmill on a regular basis for at least a few weeks prior to departure. We typically walk along dirt roads or stony footpaths. In Santorini there are some optional short stretches of footpath which, although not dangerous, may be uncomfortable for vertigo sufferers. On the coast we also walk on sand and shingle for short stretches. Some days may involve altitude gains. A walking stick may prove useful. Those who do not wish to participate in the hikes are always free to remain at the hotel and enjoy the beach or plan alternate activities.
What to Bring
Pack light, and try to limit yourself to one carry-on suitcase since we will be walking on and off ferries and porters will not be available. Dress is very casual in Greece, and the weather will still be very warm, so pack shorts and other durable, easy-care items you can wear for several days. During early September, temperatures in Athens usually range from 72 to 88 degrees F, with slightly cooler temperatures on the islands. You can expect the weather to be hot and dry. Light-colored, lightweight micro-fiber clothing (or cotton/poly blend) items are advisable. Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag just in case your luggage doesn't arrive when you do. It is best to leave expensive jewelry at home!
Money Matters
Greek currency is the standardized EURO. As of October 22, 2014, the interbank exchange rate was € 1.00 to US $1.28, but the currency has been volitile recently and as high as $1.38 in the past year. For cash withdrawals, ATMs are widely available in Athens and on many of the islands. We recommend that you wait until arrival in Greece to exchange currency in order to obtain the best rate. Budget approximately $300-$400 total for drinks, snacks, souvenirs, tips and other non-included items.
Tipping Guidelines:
We will give group tips at appropriate times throughout the tour, and guidelines concerning this will be sent to you prior to departure.
Liabilities/Disclaimers
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of ten participants. We are not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Europe.
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