Greece Summer Credit Program - Athens & the Greek Islands: July 9-26, 2022

Pre-departure virtual classes will take place July 4-8, 2022

Saturday, July 9

Depart Toronto on Air Transat Flight TS461 at 4:30pm, arriving in Montreal at 5:50pm.

Depart Montreal on Air Transat Flight TS690 at 7:00pm, arriving in Athens at 11:05am (the following day, Sunday July 10)

Sunday, July 10

Morning arrival to Athens.

Transfer to the hotel, settle in, and relax ,followed by an introductory walk through the local neighbourhood. Dinner at the hotel this evening. 

Overnight central Athens.

Monday, July 11

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on foot for a full day of touring beginning with Acropolis Hill. Once a 5th-century BC sanctuary of religious worship, it became the pinnacle of artistic creations during the Classical Era. Your guided tour will visit the magnificent Doric Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysus, the small Ionic temple of Athena Nike and the ancient Agora - the civic, religious and commercial centre of Athenian life.  Later, tour the incredible New Acropolis Museum; this award-winning modern building is perched atop an ancient neighbourhood excavation site and the collection includes masterpieces of antiquity including the remaining Parthenon Marbles.  There will be free time to further enjoy the museum's exhibits, have lunch, and wander the lively Plaka district for shopping. Dinner included this evening. 

Overnight Athens.

Tuesday, July 12

After breakfast at the hotel board the coach for Cape Sounion, a magnificent promontory jutting out from the Attica peninsula into the ocean.  Cape Sounion is most famous for the site of the ancient ruins of the Greek Temple of Poseidon.  Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the ruins are inscribed with the name of Lord Byron.  There will be free time for swimming at Sounion's sandy beach and lunch at one of the cafes.  In the afternoon, travel the short distance to another archeological site at Lavrion before returning to central Athens for the remainder of the afternoon and evening and dinner this evening. 
Overnight Athens.

Wednesday, July 13

This morning board the coach to Pireaus, Athen's major port and board the boat for a one day cruise of the Saronic Gulf Islands including Poros, Hydra, and Aegina.  Enjoy the different villages and beaches as you island-hop!  Return to the hotel this evening 

Back to the hotel
Dinner
Overnight Athens.

Thursday, July 14

After breakfast at the hotel, board the coach for the scenic drive north to Delphi. During the Hellenistic period, Delphi was considered to be a sacred valley, the mythical point where the earth touched the divine. Located on the south-western side of Mt. Parnassus, in Greek mythology Delphi was home to the Pythian Oracle and was the centre of the known world, but today it's an impressive archeological excavation and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and there will be time for instruction before a walking tour of the modern city.  Back to the hotel for dinner. 

Overnight Delphi (hotel TBD)

Friday, July 15

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the ancient ruins along the famous "Path of the Gods".  There will be ample time to hike the scenic pathways and see the Temple of Apollo, the stadium and the terraces of Mt. Parnassus. Inside the museum, see the spectacular finds like the unique bronze charioteer and Naxian Sphinx.  This afternoon will include lunch,  instruction and free time.  Dinner this evening at the hotel. 
Overnight Delphi.

Saturday, July 16

Today's excursion will be to the picturesque village of Arachova!  Dinner this evening will be included.  
Overnight Delphi.

Sunday, July 17

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.  Board the coach for the drive through the mountains to Pireaus, stopping enroute at Hosios Loukas Monastery.  The 10th century Byzantine monastery was a place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages and  is UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Admire the incredible mosaics and the unique architecture dating back more than 1000 years.  There will be free time for lunch.  Reach Pireaus in time to board the overnight ferry to Chania, Crete.  Dinner will be onboard! 
Accommodation on the overnight ferry to Chania. 

Monday, July 18

Wake up to the sun on the water and the amazing views across the Aegean Sea as you travel to Crete, the largest and most southerly of the Greek Islands. Breakfast will be onboard. After arriving to Chania, transfer to the hotel to drop the bags before embarking on a walking tour of the historic town centre.  Chania is Crete's second largest city that fans out from a 15th century Venetian-era port. Chania's history, culture and architecture dates back to the Bronze-age Minoan civilization, but is most closely associated with its time as a trading outpost of the Venetian Empire.  The lighthouse, Jewish Quarter and ancient Cretan Agora can all be seen as we wander the narrow alleys and cobblestone streets. There will be free time to explore the town independently in small groups. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel or a local taverna. 
Overnight Chania 

Tuesday, July 19

After breakfast at the hotel depart for a full-day excursion to one of the villages in the White Mountains of Crete: Omalos.  This village is located close to the entrance to the Samaria National Park, where the Samaria gorge is located. The gorge is a World Biosphere Reserve with over 450 species of plants and animal, many of them can only be seen in Crete.  Hike a section of the gorge where the walls soar over 300 meters! Later in the afternoon hit one of the local beaches to cool off and enjoy free time! Return to Chania for dinner. 
Overnight Chania.

Wednesday, July 20

After breakfast at the hotel there will be class and time to work on assignments.  In the afternoon walk down to the port, visit local stores and enjoy the summer atmosphere along the harbour front.  Dinner this evening will be at the hotel. 
Overnight Chania.

Thursday, July 21

After breakfast, pack your beach bag and head to Falasarna, one of Crete's best known sandy beaches with local ancient ruins and multiple cafes. There's lots of opportunities for water sports including surf lessons (can be booked privately) and Stand Up Paddle Boards that can be rented at the local surf shop.  Return to the hotel in the afternoon with free time before dinner. 
Overnight Chania.

Friday, July 22

Breakfast at the hotel, with class time and instruction in the morning. Later in the afternoon visit Balos Beach.  Remainder of the day is free before dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight Chania.

Saturday, July 23

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and board the bus for Rethymno, one of Crete's most famous white-washed villages.  In the afternoon, board the overnight ferry for the return to the mainland and Pireaus. Dinner onboard. 

Overnight ferry to Athens

Sunday, July 24

After breakfast on the ferry, disembark and take the coach to the centre of Athens and check into the hotel.  There will be classes today with free time in the afternoon to explore the fun shops, ice cream bars and sites of the Plaka. Dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight Athens 

Monday, July 25

Breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a walking tour that will include Syntagma Square and Lycabettus Hill, the city's highest point,  where a cable car takes visitors up for fabulous views across the city.  Dinner at the hotel this evening and free time. 

Overnight Athens.

Tuesday, July 26

This morning transfer to the Airport for your return flight home and the end of your Greek Odyssey!  Depart Athens on Air Transat Flight TS695 at 2:20pm, arriving in Toronto at 6:10pm.