Itinerary

Day 1: USA - ATHENS

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Depart the U.S. for Athens, Greece.

Day 2: ATHENS

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Upon arrival proceed to the group’s first-class hotel, ideally situated in the heart of the city, surrounded by outdoor cafés. Relax or stroll on your own through the Plaka until a group get-together and welcome dinner. (D)

Accommodation: ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL (view website)

Day 3: ATHENS – S/V PANORAMA

Friday, August 01, 2008

Explore the highlights of Athens, focusing on the ancient agora and the Acropolis’ Parthenon, an awe-inspiring experience especially for the children. After lunch in a local taverna and a visit to the Archaeological Museum, board the S/V Panorama. Be on deck at sunset while sailing from the harbor. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: S/V Panorama

Day 4: SIFNOS

Saturday, August 02, 2008

This morning we anchor at Sifnos. We explore the island’s ancient capital Kastro on foot. Then, the children participate in a dancing lesson of Greek traditional dances. Continue to the Byzantine monastery of Chrysopigi and the charming village of Artemonas. The adults see the village on a guided walk, while the children enjoy a pottery class and demonstration. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, there is time to swim in the warm Aegean at a beautiful beach, with a shaded café for non-swimmers. The Panorama anchors in a quite cove for stargazing in search of the constellations of the zodiac. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: S/V Panorama

Day 5: SANTORINI

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Be on deck this morning while sailing into the embracing arms of Santorini’s great natural harbor, the result of a massive volcanic eruption about 3,500 years ago. Some link the sunken caldera to the lost city of Atlantis. Ride a modern funicular or a donkey up to the town of Fira. This lovely village is a warren of shops featuring fine gold and jewelry and cafés overlooking the group’s sailing ship moored below. Back on board, the children’s educator continues to engage the kids while the adults explore their own topics. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: S/V Panorama

Day 6: ASTIPALAIA

Monday, August 04, 2008

Astipalaia is rich in lore with tales of the god Poseidon and Jason and the Argonauts. In sharp contrast to the bustle of Santorini, Skala is a charming town off the tourist route, with whitewashed windmills along the ridges and picturesque Byzantine chapels. The children will love exploring the well-preserved Venetian fortress. Later in a sheltered bay, take the zodiac ashore or swim from the platform at the ship’s stern. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: S/V Panorama

Day 7: RHODES

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Rhodes is legendary for the 3rd-century B.C. bronze Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which once straddled the entrance to the port. During the crusades in the 14th and 15th centuries, knights built a fortress city here that is one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in Europe. Children will love to climb the city walls as they learn about the Knights of St. John. Also visit charming Lindos and walk the cobbled streets before climbing to the Acropolis. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: S/V Panorama

Day 8: NAXOS

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

With favorable winds, the ship should be under sail, cruising to Naxos. The children hear timeless tales of adventure, a source of education and entertainment. And the Princeton lecture series continues. After lunch on deck, disembark on Naxos to see the Temple of Apollo, celebrated in Greek mythology, and a centuries old Venetian fortress. Overnight in port and enjoy the opportunity to come and go from the ship to explore the old market, which brims with shops. Perhaps choose to dine on your own in town and experience the easygoing contemporary culture. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: S/V Panorama

Day 9: PAROS

Thursday, August 07, 2008

This morning if winds permit, the sails will billow again in the blue Aegean. Keep a look out for dolphins that often play in the bow wake. The countryside of Paros is a patchwork of vineyards, olive groves and orchards. Glowing white houses line village streets decorated with pottery, bright flowers and fragrant herbs. Paros has many picturesque churches, monasteries, and windmills, typical of the Cyclades Islands. The day’s excursion around Paros reveals influences of many cultures that vied for control of this strategic location and the source of the translucent marble of the Venus de Milo. Back on board, enjoy a festive farewell dinner as the ship heads for Piraeus, the port for Athens. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: S/V Panorama

Day 10: ATHENS - USA

Friday, August 08, 2008

Disembark in Piraeus and proceed to the Athens airport for your flight back to the USA. (B)