Overseas Adventure Travel - The Aegean Islands, Athens & Ephesus by Small Ship 2021 - Grand Circle Travel
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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®
The Aegean Islands, Athens & Ephesus by Small Ship
2021
Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22)
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled
1
Dear Traveler,
At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. The Aegean
Islands, Athens & Istanbul itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the
discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:
As I explored the ruins of Ephesus, I felt a deep connection with this ancient city and the 300,000 Roman
people who called it home. Steeped in traditions and myths, the legendary city once boasted one of the
most colossal temples ever built, the Temple of Artemis—one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World. But what struck me the most was the beauty of its impermanence. This once-grandiose temple was
destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, each era leaving its mark upon this place.
History aside, I was really moved by the stories of the local people who live here now. You’ll meet them, too,
and hear their personal experiences when you share home-cooked meals with local families during two
Home-Hosted Dinners —one in a village in Paros, an island with a large artisan population; and another
in Kalambaka, where you’ll learn about what life is like in this quiet region compared to bustling Athens.
The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it.
So we keep our groups small, with only 20-25 travelers (average 22) to ensure that your encounters with
local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will
be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.
To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and
stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips.
Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.
So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your The Aegean Islands, Athens & Istanbul adventure, I hope
you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire.
Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. For more inspiration, you can watch videos and slideshows from travelers like you at www.oattravel.
com/traveler-moments. You can also share some of your own favorite moments by uploading your
travel videos and slideshows directly onto the trip-specific pages of our website.
USA Today “Best Tours”
10Best Readers’ Presented by
Choice Awards Solo Traveler
2
CONTENTS
A Letter from Harriet Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The O.A.T. Difference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Grand Circle Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Leader in Solo Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
THE AEGEAN ISLANDS, ATHENS Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features,
& ISTANBUL Dining & Services on Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Your Adventure at a Glance: M/V Athena, M/V Artemis & M/V Arethusa . . . 67
Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Ship Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
and What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary . . . . . . . . . . 9 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS:
Pre-Trip Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE
Post-Trip Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Cruising and The Greek Islands . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Deck Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Culture & Points to Know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Dates & Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Taking Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Safety & Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Athens in Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 44 Istanbul in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
44
Visa Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shopping: What to Buy, Customs,
Shipping & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . 46
Vaccines Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY
Money Matters: Local Currency &
Tipping Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Greece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
.
53 Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . . 83
.
Tipping Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Historical Overview of Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
.
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . 54
Optional Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Turkey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
.
Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . . 85
.
Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 56
Turkey: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
.
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 57
Suggested Packing Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Electricity Abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
RESOURCES
Suggested Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . 64
Suggested Film & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
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EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE
in Greece & Turkey
This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the
culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters
with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized
small group journeys on the road less traveled.
SMALL GROUPS: 20-25 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
(AVERAGE OF 22)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should
The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows
when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are
and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using
exceed 25 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation
people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a
reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab.
bonds with your travel mates. Personal service
from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS
transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character,
experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic
manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger
THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever
Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and
Leader is a resident of the region you are hospitality.
visiting, so you will get a true insider’s
perspective that brings each place alive—the OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES
stories, food, customs, hidden treasures With 36 regional offices around the world,
and more. we are perfectly poised to leverage our local
relationships to deliver an excellent experience
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported
Engage with local people through visits to by our team in Athens.
farms, factories, markets, and artisans’
studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals;
and more.
Uncover ancient history in the city of Ephesus, Turkey Connect with Greek culture in the village of Naxos
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THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY
Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation
of your Aegean Islands, Athens & Istanbul adventure.
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) A DAY IN THE LIFE
VISIT Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like
GCF was established in 1992 to help change to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s
people’s lives in the world where we live, find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an
work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or exclusive, immersive experience that places
donated $200 million worldwide. you in the heart of a community where you’ll
meet various people where they live, work,
You’ll see GCF’s work in action when we and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a
explore the site where the Temple of Artemis hand with daily chores; and break bread with
once stood at Ephesus, one of the original our hosts.
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Grand
Circle Foundation has been contributing to Perhaps you’ll join a local resident or
the preservation and ongoing excavations of community leader for a guided walk through
this remarkable site, with its donations to the the town, visit a market, or enjoy a unique
Foundation of Friends of Ephesus. opportunity to meet teachers and students at
a local school if school is in session.
CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS
Every culture has its joys and achievements, HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES
and we celebrate them all. But every place Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds
also has its challenges, and to gloss over them engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the
would not do justice to those whose stories things that can happen across a kitchen table,
need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local
deserves more than a sugar-coated version of family in their home for a snack or a meal.
things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will This is a rare opportunity to witness family
lead frank discussions on controversial issues, life, learn local customs, and taste some
and introduce you to people whose stories will home-cooked fare.
expand your understanding.
On this adventure, we’ll enjoy two intimate
For example, we’ll speak to an expert in Home-Hosted Dinners with local families—
Russia about free speech and the popularity first, in a village in Paros, an island with
of President Vladimir Putin; in Zambia, we’ll a large artisan population; then again in
have a candid conversation with a park ranger Kalambaka, where we’ll learn about what
in Kafue National Park on trophy hunting, a life is like in this quiet region compared
controversial sport which generates around to bustling Athens. Savor home-cooked
$200 million in annual revenue across Africa; traditional meals and take this opportunity to
and we’ll meet a local Tangier woman to chat with your hosts about traditional Greek
discuss women’s roles and the challenges they familial dynamics.
face in contemporary Moroccan society.
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GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION
Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time
ON THIS ADVENTURE …
Dear Traveler,
Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle
In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more
Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family than $200 million to projects around the
Foundation, as a means to give back to world. Here are just a few of the ways we have
the world that had already given us so partnered with the communities on this trip..
much. We’ve pledged or donated more
than $200 million worldwide to support Friends of Ephesus
the education of young people and the Total Donations: $150,000
preservation of international treasures The Friends of Ephesus are dedicated to the pres-
and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ervation and continued excavations of this ancient
city, including projects such as the restoration and
Of course, none of this would be possible
excavation of the Church of St. John, funded in
without your help. A portion of the
part by a GCF grant.
proceeds of every adventure is donated to
Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your Kivotos Ark of the World
life will be enriched by the discoveries Total Donations: $7,500
you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also This youth center serves 150 children every week,
help to enrich the lives of the people providing vital services such as assistance with
you’ll meet along the way. Thank you homework, access to hot meals, groceries, and a
for traveling with us, and for helping to shelter. GCF has provided funds to supply the shel-
change people’s lives. ter with some basic necessities including clothes,
shoes, pencils, notebooks, books, and more.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis Chair,
Grand Circle Foundation
How you can help
To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects,
you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside
Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the-
inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive
updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news
and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas
Adventure Travel.
www.grandcirclefoundation.org
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THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL
in Greece & Turkey—and Around the World
ON THIS ADVENTURE …
FREE or low-cost Single Supplements: The leader in solo-friendly
We have a limited number of FREE or low- travel for Americans—
cost single supplements on this adventure
by the numbers
and FREE Single Supplements optional
trip extensions—a savings of $775-$1,100
per person compared to other travel More than 50,000 solo travelers
companies. But single spaces fill quickly, joined us in 2018 and 2019—on their
so early reservations are advised. own or with a friend or relative
One of our most popular trips for solo
travelers. More than 305 solo travelers 20,000 single spaces with a
joined us on this adventure in the past two FREE or low-cost Single Supplement
years—either independently or sharing in 2021—a 25% increase from 2019
a room with a mother, daughter, sister,
or friend.
High ratings: More than 82% of these solo
More than 90% of solo women
travelers rated their adventure
travelers rated their adventure excellent.
excellent
Since you will be joined by others traveling
independently in your group, it’s easy
to forge special bonds as you experience 38 exclusive women’s departures
unforgettable moments together. featured on 23 of our most popular
adventures—8 of which are single-
You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your only departures
dedicated local Trip Experience Leader
(a resident of Greece or Turkey), and the
expertise of our regional office team
in Athens.
Increased Single Space: In 2021, we have
97% more single spaces than in 2019, with
up to 5 single spaces per departure. See
available FREE or low-cost single space at
www.oattravel.com/tgr2021.
Solo doesn’t mean “alone.” Three out of eight O.A.T. travelers
join our small groups as solos, so you will be in good company.
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Explore aboard our privately owned 50-passenger M/V Athena or Arethusa
The Aegean Islands, Athens & Istanbul
Small Ship Adventure
GreecĕŶĞāłŭ̇ũÖóĞŋƑÖ̇RŶāÖ̇'āķťĞĢ̇bÖķÖĿðÖĴÖ̇māŶāŋũÖ̳Ά̳Greek Islands: Syros, Mykonos, Delos, Paros,
ÖłŶŋũĢłĢ̇bÖķƘĿłŋŭ̇ÖŶĿŋŭ̳Ά̳Turkey: Ephesus, Istanbul
Countries: 2Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆8Ά7 Nights Aboard Our Privately Owned 50-Passenger M/V ŶĞāłÖ̵ŋũm̓Á̵Arethusa
Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included
(average of 22)
• International airfare, airport transfers, • 15 guided tours and cultural experiences
16 days from $ 7595 government taxes, fees, and airline fuel
surcharges, unless you choose to make
• Services of our local Trip Experience
Leader with your group of 20-25
Includes international airfare your own air arrangements
(average of 22) throughout
Travel from only $475 a day • Accommodations for 1 night in Athens, your adventure
2 nights in Itea, 2 nights in Kalambaka,
• Gratuities for local guides and
15 days from $ 6195 7 nights aboard our privately owned
small ship with wireless Internet
motorcoach drivers
Without international airfare access, and 2 nights in Istanbul • All port charges
FREE Single Supplement available • 31 meals: 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 11 • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage
dinners—including 2 Home-Hosted per person, including tips
Dinners—plus all onboard house beer,
wine, and soft drinks
• 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward
your next trip
Maximize Your
Discoveries & Value
To get a richer view of the Included Features on this adventure,
Optional extensions: watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.oattravel.com/tgr2021
Ancient Glories: Olympia,
Nafplion & Athens
5 nights pre-trip from $1395
Travel from only $279 per night
Cappadocia’s Unique Landscapes
& Vibrant Ankara
5 nights post-trip from $1195
Travel from only $239 per night
Old port, Mykonos, Greece
The Aegean Islands, Athens & Istanbul
8
The Aegean Islands, Athens & Istanbul
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
5 nights in Athens & the Peloponnese: From Homer to the First Olympics
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 5 Explore Olympia
Day 2 Arrive Athens, Greece Day 6 Olympia • Explore Epidauros •
Explore Nafplion
Day 3 Explore Athens • Optional Cape
Sounion tour Day 7 Nafplion • Explore Mycenae •
Athens • Join main trip
Day 4 Athens • Olympia
Day 1 Depart U.S. Upon arrival, your Trip Experience Leader
will offer an optional orientation walk to get
Fly from the U.S. to Athens, Greece. to know the area around your hotel between
6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Day 2 Arrive Athens, Greece
Dinner/Evening: Dinner is on your own tonight
• Destination: Athens
beginning at around 7:30pm. Then, take some
• Accommodations: St. George Lycabettus time to settle in or rest up after your long
or similar flight. Or, feel free to discover night life in
Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you Athens—perhaps you’ll stop by one of the city’s
will arrive at the Athens airport between 2pm many wine bars.
and 6pm. An O.A.T. driver will meet you at the
airport and assist you with the approximate Day 3 Explore Athens • Controversial
40-minute motorcoach drive to your hotel, Topic: Gender inequality in Greece with
where you’ll meet travelers who joined us on Irini Pantazi
our Athens & the Peloponnese: From Homer to the
• Destination: Athens
First Olympics pre-trip extension. Depending
on where we stay, we’ll likely be overlooking • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
the city of Athens, and close to the exclusive • Accommodations: Hera Hotel or similar
shopping area of Kolonaki. Typical rooms are Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s discoveries
contemporary style, most have balconies, feature the Controversial Topic of gender
and all are air-conditioned and equipped inequality in Greece. We’ll speak to the
with satellite TV, telephone, minibar, and president of a non-governmental organization
private bath. dedicated to closing the gap between men and
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
9
women in Greece to get a firsthand view of In a 2019 index published by the European
how women in this country receive unequal Institute for Gender Equality, Greece ranked
treatment. Read more about this enlightening the lowest out of all the member states of
activity below. the European Union. On average, Greek
women earn just 75 cents on the dollar when
Breakfast: Served at the hotel between 7am and
compared to their male peers, and female
8:15am. A host of local Greek and international
unemployment is at around 15%—double that
options will be available.
of men. While women are making some strides
Morning: At around 8:30am, gather with in academia—about 50% of Greek university
your small group and Trip Experience Leader graduates are female—their career prospects
at the hotel for a welcome briefing, complete upon graduation are less inspiring, as women
with a refreshing morning beverage. During constitute only 37% of the country’s workforce.
this approximately 1-hour briefing, we will
We’ll learn about this issue in depth during our
introduce ourselves and review our itinerary in
hour-long conversation with Irini (or another
more detail (including any changes that may
member of the NCGW if she is unavailable). As
need to occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will
the head of a non-governmental organization
also discuss logistics, safety and emergency
dedicated to closing the gender gap through
procedures, and answer questions we may
advocacy and partnership with officials and
have—come prepared; this is your chance to
policymakers in the EU and Greek government,
get them answered firsthand, whether you have
Irini is acutely aware of the challenges
questions about a particular optional tour, how
faced by women in Greece today. And as
much free time you’ll have, or specific activities
an accomplished former prosecutor with a
or places you are hoping to see. Once the
storied career in the judiciary, she’ll also be
welcome briefing wraps up around 9am, you’ll
able to share her firsthand experience about
have a few minutes to prepare for the day’s
overcoming the obstacles that stand in the path
discoveries.
of career-oriented women in Greece.
At around 9:30am, we’ll depart by motorcoach
Irini will speak for about 15 minutes, and we’ll
to visit the Acropolis Archaeological site. Your
then have around 45 minutes to engage in
Trip Experience Leader will guide you on a
conversation and ask questions of our own.
tour of this marvel crowned by the majestic
Our small group size gives us the opportunity
ruins of the Parthenon. It is perhaps the most
to have a meaningful dialogue with this local
architecturally perfect structure in the West.
expert, so be sure to take advantage of the
Lunch: Enjoy lunch around 1pm at a local chance to ask thoughtful questions to deepen
restaurant in Plaka, the historic neighborhood your understanding of this challenging issue.
of Athens.
At around 3:15pm, we’ll bid Irina farewell.
Afternoon: Around 2:15pm, we’ll gather The rest of the day is free to make your own
together at a meeting space owned by the discoveries.
National Council of Greek Women (NCGW) for
Dinner: On your own this evening. Ask your
a conversation with its president, Irini Pantazi,
Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.
about a Controversial Topic: gender inequality
in Greece. Evening: At leisure—feel free to enjoy a night
cap at the hotel bar.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
10Day 4 Athens • Delphi • Arachova Classical, and Roman periods, including
scenes of the gods watching the Trojan War, a
• Destination: Arachova
nine-statue family monument from the fourth
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
century BC, and a sculpture of Roman Emperor
• Accommodations: Nafsika Palace or similar Hadrian’s beloved friend Antinoos.
Activity Note: Today’s guided tour includes up
Then, spend another two hours discovering
to two hours of walking, with several sets of
the archaeological site. Absorb the majesty
stairs (up to 60 stairs, consecutively).
of ancient Delphi, including the Temple of
Breakfast: At the hotel between 7am and 8am. Apollo where the oracle once prophesied. This
A host of local Greek and international options ancient sanctuary is beautifully set at the foot
will be available. of a mountain with a vista over olive groves
stretching to the Bay of Itea. Those entering
Morning: At approximately 8am, we’ll depart the sanctuary of Apollo in ancient times first
by private motorcoach, traveling about 3.5 purified themselves with the water of the
hours overland across the Thessaly Plain before Castalia Fountain, situated in the area. As you
climbing the slopes of Mount Parnassus on our approach the Temple of Apollo, you’ll walk
way to Arachova. We’ll arrive in the picturesque the Sacred Way used by ancient Greeks such
mountain village of Arachova around 11:30am. as the historian Plutarch, who was a priest of
Locals flock to Arachova each winter when Apollo at Delphi. See treasuries built here by
its ski resorts open, but it’s also a popular the Athenians, the Thebans, the Corinthians,
destination year-round for locals and visitors and the Syracusans—the great powers of
alike to escape the bustle of Athens for peaceful their day—including the theater, built to seat
mountain views. Its storybook cobbled roads 5,000 people, from which it’s possible to get
and old houses, too, make for relaxing strolls at an impressive view if you climb to the top
any time of year. We’ll take a short orientation row. You’ll also see the famous Tholos at the
walk with our Trip Experience Leader and then sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. Located a short
head to lunch. distance from the main ruins, the circular
Lunch: Included at a local restaurant in structure was constructed between 380 and
Arachova at around 12pm. 360 BC and once consisted of 20 Doric columns,
three of which have been restored.
Afternoon: We’ll check in to our hotel in
Arachova at around 1:30pm, and then have Our tour will conclude at around 6pm, after
about an hour and a half free to relax or explore which we’ll return to our hotel and have the
independently. rest of the day to explore independently.
At around 3pm, we’ll make the 15-minute Dinner: On your own in Arachova. Your
drive to the recently renovated Delphi Trip Experience Leader can recommend a
Archaeological Museum, which we’ll explore restaurant.
with our Trip Experience Leader or a local Evening: Feel free to take the rest of the
guide. The unmatched holdings here include evening to rest up for tomorrow’s discoveries or
the larger-than-life bronze Charioteer, dating enjoy a night cap at the hotel bar.
to about 470 BC and one of the finest surviving
bronze works of antiquity. The museum is filled
with other masterpieces from the Archaic,
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
11Day 5 Arachova • A Day in the Life of a During our hour-long conversation, we’ll also
Delphi honey farm be joined by an official from Itea’s municipal
government, who will help us understand
• Destination: Kalambaka
the role that traditional Delphi honey plays
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in this region’s cultural heritage, and how
• Accommodations: Grand Hotel Meteora local politicians are helping to make sure the
or similar industry can continue to thrive in the modern
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s discoveries age. The wild thyme and fir flowers that are
include our NEW A Day in the Life experience, native to this remote region of Greece result
which will take you to a honey farm in the in the production of delectably sweet organic
remote Delphi countryside. You’ll meet the honey that has been prized since the days of
family owners to learn about the secrets of the ancient Greeks. MoKa Honey Farm has
traditional Greek honey, and don a beekeeper’s been passed down through the same family for
suit to spend some time among the hives. This generations, and we’ll learn how its current
authentic cultural immersion is likely to be a owners have refined the traditional techniques
highlight of your adventure—read more about they’ve inherited from their forebears.
it below.
After our conversation, we’ll get a hands-on
Activity Note: Travel time to Kalambaka will be demonstration of the day-to-day tasks of the
approximately 4 hours. farm when we suit up in protective beekeeping
gear and head out into the hives to meet the
Breakfast: At the hotel between 7am and busy workers who make the farm thrive—the
8:30am. A host of local Greek and international honeybees. Giannis and Nikiforos will walk us
options will be available. through a day in the life of a beekeeper as they
open up the hives and harvest the sweet honey
Morning: At approximately 8:30am, we
within—if you’re feeling bold, you can even
will depart our hotel and drive by private
try handling the bees yourself. We’ll also have
motorcoach for 30 minutes to Delphi, where we
the opportunity to enjoy a taste of honey as it’s
will visit MoKa Honey Farm for our NEW A Day
harvested straight from the hive.
in the Life experience.
We’ll spend about an hour with the bees, and
We’ll arrive at the farm at around 9am and
then join Eleni, Lemonia, and Elias in the
introduce ourselves to the family that owns,
kitchen for a crash course in traditional Greek
works, and lives here over a cup of traditional
cooking. We’ll put on our aprons and help
Greek coffee. We’ll meet the owner, Giannis,
prepare an afternoon meal, which might consist
and his wife, Katerina, who work together to
of homemade bread, kolokythokeftedes (fried
produce traditional, organic honey, and prepare
zucchini and feta balls), and traditional sauces
it for sale in their local community and around
like tzatziki or typokafteri (a spicy feta spread).
the world. Giannis’ mother and father, Lemonia
and Elias, also live on the farm, and we’ll chat Lunch: We’ll sit down with our hosts at 12pm
with them about life in the Greek countryside. and enjoy lunch together, sharing the meal
We’ll also meet Nikiforos, the co-owner of the that we helped craft in the kitchen. We’ll dine
farm, and his mother, Eleni, to learn about how for about an hour, enjoying more opportunity
this tightly-knit group works together to keep
the farm running day to day.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12to converse and learn about daily life in this for displays of these iconic stories in their
tranquil setting beneath the shadow of Mount original language, complete with intricate
Parnassus. drawings. The museum also features a room
dedicated to the Meteora Rocks, where you
Afternoon: At around 1pm, we’ll clear the
can learn about their geological history with
table and say our goodbyes, then drive by
an interactive display.
private motorcoach to travel overland for about
4 hours through a landscape studded with • How to get there: Around a 5-minute taxi
rocky pinnacles to Kalambaka. The gateway ride from hotel, about $17 USD one way.
to Meteora, Kalambaka provides unique views • Hours: 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday; 11am-
of the nearby colossal rock formations you’ll 5pm, Saturday-Sunday.
discover tomorrow, and features a towering • Cost: About $5 USD per person.
Byzantine church in the town center. Shops • Learn about Greek natural history and agri-
full of artisan wood carvings, paintings, and culture at the Natural History Museum. One
embroidery line the streets. of Kalambaka’s newer attractions, the mu-
seum is a complex featuring two permanent
We’ll arrive around 5pm and check in to our
collections; one is dedicated to the plethora
hotel, where you’ll have about two hours of
of birds and mammals found throughout the
free time. Each air-conditioned room includes
region, and the other is a dynamic display of
a telephone, HD TV, minibar, and private bath
over 250 mushroom species. Learn about the
with hair dryer. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure
life cycles of fungi in various environments,
after checking in; you might choose to visit
and perhaps purchase some truffle oil or
one of Kalambaka’s unique museums, like the
mushroom pasta at the museum shop.
Hellenic Culture Museum, full of artifacts of
Greek literature and art. We’ll regroup at about • How to get there: Around a 5-minute taxi
7pm for dinner. ride from hotel, about $17 USD one way.
• Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday; 10am-
Dinner: Included at our hotel in Kalambaka at 6pm, Saturday-Sunday.
around 7pm. • Cost: About $5 USD per person.
Evening: The evening is yours to explore • Learn about Theopetra Cave, considered
independently. Your Trip Experience Leader can the oldest man-made structure on Earth.
offer discovery suggestions. Recently reopened to the public, the cave was
inhabited by humans as early as the 50,000s
Freedom To Explore: During your two days in BC. Situated at the foot of a limestone cliff,
Kalambaka, you have the freedom to explore this cave features a man-made stone wall
this small town on your own during your free that is at least 23,000 years old. Be transport-
time. Below are a few recommended options for ed back in time by this archaeological marvel,
independent explorations: and stand in the very spot where some of the
first human beings may have taken refuge
• Discover Greece’s artistic and linguistic
from the cold in winter. If you choose to
legacies at the Hellenic Culture Museum. The
explore the Cave, your Trip Experience Leader
private collection of Dr. Pavlos Balogiannis,
the museum aims to preserve the history of
the Greek language, as well as Greek art and
literature. Make your way through the unique
exhibition of Aesop’s fables, for example,
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
13can arrange a private taxi ride for up to three Our explorations wrap up around 12:30pm, at
travelers with a Kalambaka local, who will which point we’ll return to the bus and drive
share what it’s like to live and work here. back to Kalambaka.
• How to get there: Around a 15-minute taxi Lunch: On your own in a nearby town beginning
ride from hotel, about $33 USD one way. at around 1pm. Ask your Trip Experience Leader
• Hours: Varied—call info center ahead of for the best place to find stuffed mushrooms
your visit. (a staple dish of this region), or perhaps
• Cost: About $3 USD per person. traditional chicken kebabs.
Day 6 Kalambaka • Explore Meteora • Afternoon: At around 2:30pm, you have the
Home-Hosted Dinner option to visit a nearby icon-painting workshop
in Kalambaka with your Trip Experience
• Destination: Kalambaka
Leader, where you’ll discover the intricacies of
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
an important Byzantine tradition. The painting
• Accommodations: Grand Hotel Meteora
of Christian icons on wood panels originally
or similar
began in the Eastern Roman Empire, typically
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today we’ll sit created to help faithful Christians put faces
down with a local family in Kalambaka for a to the saints and holy figures to whom they
Home-Hosted Dinner. In smaller groups of no prayed. This particular artisan you’ll meet is
more than 5, you’ll share a meal and an evening one of the few women in Meteora who practices
of meaningful conversation with a Greek family this craft, having opened a shop to pursue her
to learn about everyday life in this region of the passion after her children grew up and moved
country. Read more about this activity below. away. You might ask this local artisan not only
about iconography itself, but about women’s
Breakfast: At the hotel between 7am and 8am.
roles in spirituality, historically and today.
A host of local Greek and international options
will be available. Or, if you’d prefer, take about an hour to make
your own discoveries in Kalambaka, perusing
Morning: Around 8:30am, depart for an
some of its artisan shops or stopping for a cup
approximate 30-minute motorcoach ride to the
of coffee.
towering rock formations, on top of which are
built the famous monasteries of Meteora. Around 3:30pm, we’ll reconvene to board the
motorcoach for our return ride to the hotel.
Upon arrival at around 9am, we’ll spend about
Beginning at around 4pm, the rest of your
three hours visiting two monasteries with our
afternoon is at leisure. You might visit one of
Trip Experience Leader or a local guide, some of
the museums listed on Day 5.
which date to the 16th century. Meteora means
“suspended in the air,” and these retreats are Dinner: At approximately 6:15pm, we’ll
indeed perched atop pinnacles that rise about break into smaller groups of no more than 5
1,000 feet from the valley floor. For centuries, and depart to local homes in Kalambaka for
the monasteries served as Christian redoubts a Home-Hosted Dinner, arriving at around
while the Ottoman Turks ruled Greece, and the 6:30pm. Your host family will hail from one
monasteries are still in operation today. of a variety of working- or middle-class
backgrounds, from homemaker and teacher,
to travel guide and gymnast. Depending on the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14day that we visit, our hosts’ children may join Morning: At around 9am, we’ll board our
us for dinner as well, offering a perspective of motorcoach and bid Kalambaka goodbye,
life in Greece from multiple generations. embarking on an approximate 5-hour drive
in total. We’ll pause our drive around 11am to
Our small group size allows us to sit down
stretch our legs.
at the dinner table with our host and have a
meaningful conversation about what everyday Lunch: On your own at around noon, when we
life is like in quiet Kalambaka, a town of about stop in a nearby town. Your Trip Experience
12,000, in contrast to places like bustling Leader will recommend some nearby spots
Athens. You might gain a firsthand perspective for lunch.
of how local people feel about contemporary
Afternoon: We’ll continue our drive after lunch,
issues in Greece such as traditional familial
arriving at the port of Piraeus around 4:30pm
dynamics and unemployment in rural Greece
to embark our small ship. For the next seven
due to the country’ economic challenges.
nights, our privately owned 50-passenger
Together, we’ll share a home-cooked meal, vessel will be your home. The ship is staffed by
typical of what local families in this region a friendly, English-speaking crew who will be
would enjoy in their daily lives. Our hosts will eager to welcome you aboard and show you to
choose the menu, but we’re likely to begin your room. Each of the ship’s outside-facing
with a selection of hors d’oeuvres such as cabins features a porthole or balcony,
fresh hummus and pita, followed by a main flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and its own
dish of oven-roasted meat and potatoes private bath. The lounge is equipped with
(with vegetarian options available as well), couches and chairs and a coffee-maker, and the
accompanied with a glass of wine or beer. adjacent bar serves complimentary house beer,
house wine, and soft drinks throughout the day.
We’ll wrap up dinner around 8:15pm to head
A topside Sun Deck features ample wooden deck
back to the hotel, arriving at around 8:30pm.
chairs for admiring the scenery. Complimentary
Evening: Feel free to take the rest of the wireless Internet is available in all cabins and
evening to rest up for tomorrow’s discoveries or common areas—the front desk staff will be
enjoy a night cap at the hotel bar. happy to provide you with an access code.
Around 5:30pm, your Captain will conduct a
Day 7 Kalambaka • Athens • Embark ship • safety briefing, followed by an introduction
Greek dance performance to the crew. Then, around 6:45pm, join your
• Destination: Athens small group in the lounge for the first in a
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner series of nightly Port Talks. These informative
conversations, led by your Trip Experience
• Accommodations: M/V Arethusa or
Leader, will give you an overview of the
M/V Athena
following day’s itinerary and prepare you for
Breakfast: At the hotel between 7am and the destination ahead.
8:30am. A host of local Greek and international
options will be available. Dinner: At 7:15pm, you and your fellow
travelers will be invited to the dining room
for your Captain’s Welcome Dinner. As with
all the dinners during your cruise, the dress
code is relaxed and smart casual (though some
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
15travelers opt to wear a day dress or slacks is the largest of the island ports that you’ll visit.
to the Welcome Dinner), and you are free to In the late 19th century, it was the main port for
sit at whichever table you please. You’ll be all of Greece, and it has a wealth of beautifully
offered a choice of appetizer, soup, entrée, restored historic buildings including old
and dessert—including regional options—and mansions and churches. Discover the charms
complimentary house beer, house wine, and of this lively traditional Aegean port town,
soft drinks. (Half-portions are available upon including visiting the bustling local market.
request.) You’ll also taste one of Greece’s favorite
sweets, loukoumi, a gelatin candy dusted with
Evening: Once dinner wraps up around
powdered sugar.
8:45pm, sit down for a traditional Greek dance
performance in the lounge. In Ancient Greece, After the tour wraps up around 10:45am, enjoy
folk dancing was considered a tribute to the some free time to peruse the tucked-away
gods, and was one of the prominent skills shops in the area that feature artisan soaps,
taught to Greek children of antiquity. Typical jewelry, and much more. We’ll make the
Greek dances are characterized by leaps and return walk to the ship around 12:15pm in time
intricate leg movements and are very much for lunch.
communal experiences, with participants
Lunch: Lunch will be served buffet style on
typically linking hands or arms throughout
board at around 12:30pm. Enjoy a choice of
the routine.
regional and international options that include
Later tonight, your ship sails toward the soups, entrées, and desserts, as well as a salad
island of Syros. bar with condiments. Complimentary house
beer, house wine, and soft drinks are always
Day 8 Explore Syros • Explore Mykonos available.
• Destination: Mykonos Afternoon: Our ship begins the cruise to
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Mykonos at approximately 1pm, arriving at
• Accommodations: M/V Arethusa or the port around 4:30pm. We’ll then embark
M/V Athena on an approximate one-hour walking tour of
this popular vacation spot for international
Breakfast: All breakfasts onboard are served
jet-setters. We’ll stroll along the harbor,
buffet-style in the ship’s dining room. You
perhaps witnessing the inimitable Petros the
may choose from an assortment of familiar
great white pelican, the unofficial “mascot”
options—including hot and cold cereals, eggs,
of the port town. We’ll also discover Little
sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, and toast. Breakfast
Venice, a charming neighborhood of Mykonos
service is from 7:30am-8:30am today, and you
known for its variety of shops, including
are welcome to dine at your convenience. Early
local boutiques, an olive oil soap shop, and a
risers can enjoy coffee and pastries beginning at
contemporary art gallery. Nearby, we’ll visit the
6:30am in the lounge.
Mykonos windmills, originally built between
Morning: Disembark your small ship around the 17th and 19th centuries. Our walking tour
8:45am to begin your approximate two-hour wraps up at a local market, where you’ll have
walking tour of Syros with your Trip Experience the opportunity to interact with locals with the
Leader or local guide —whose main port town, guidance of your Trip Experience Leader.
Ermoupolis, is the capital of the Cyclades. This
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
16After the walking tour wraps up around Heritage Site. After your tour, you have the
5:30pm, enjoy about a half hour of free time option to hike Mount Kynthos for panoramic
before heading back to the ship. Feel free to views of the island and the sparkling Aegean.
return to your cabin and take about an hour
At around 11:45am, we’ll tender back to the ship
to rest after today’s discoveries before your
in time for lunch.
Trip Experience Leader leads a Port Talk
around 7pm. Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room from
noon to about 1:30pm.
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
around 7:30pm. Afternoon: Our ship departs for Paros around
2pm. Feel free to enjoy a drink in the lounge and
Evening: Moor for the night in Mykonos.
watch as your ship cruises the Aegean, or retire
You have the freedom to spend the rest of
to your room to rest.
your evening onboard as you wish. Perhaps
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in Dinner: Served onboard in the ship’s dining
the lounge. room around 7pm.
Evening: Your ship arrives in Paros this
Day 9 Explore Delos • Paros
evening. You have the freedom to spend the
• Destination: Delos rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in
• Accommodations: M/V Arethusa or the lounge.
M/V Athena
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available onboard Day 10 Explore Paros •
from 7:30am-8:30am. Early risers can enjoy Home-Hosted Dinner
coffee and pastries beginning at 6:30am in the • Destination: Paros
lounge as the ship begins sailing to Delos.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning: At around 7am, our ship arrives • Accommodations: M/V Arethusa or
in Delos, a remote location inaccessible to M/V Athena
larger ships. We’ll disembark the ship at Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: This evening, enjoy
around 8:15am and tender to the shore of a Home-Hosted Dinner with a local family
the ancient site via small boat, arriving at in Paros. Together, we’ll share home-cooked
around 8:30am. We’ll spend about three hours cuisine and intimate conversation about daily
touring the archaeological museum—featuring life on this Greek Island. Read more about this
an impressive collection of ancient Greek activity below.
statues—and, of course, the site itself with your
Trip Experience Leader or local guide. Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available onboard
from 7am-8am. Early risers can enjoy coffee
The mythological birthplace of Apollo and and pastries beginning at 6:30am in the lounge.
Artemis, Delos has been settled for more than
5,000 years. You’ll stroll among the restored Morning: Begin your discoveries in Paros with
remnants of markets, towers, and fountains, a visit to Lefkes, the island’s original capital.
and see the preserved mosaics that earned We’ll disembark the ship around 8:30am for an
this island its designation as a UNESCO World approximate 20-minute drive to the traditional
village, at which point we’ll set off on an
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
17hour-long walking tour of the narrow streets You might get the chance to sample some
and past iconic white and blue homes. Around of these fresh ingredients when you enjoy a
10am, we’ll stop to try a Greek drink called special island dinner prepared by this local
souma, which is made from grape pulp and Greek family. Over a traditional meal, you’ll
sea water. learn about what island life is like for the people
of Paros, from its beach culture to its large
We’ll then depart by motorcoach for the fishing
population of artisans.
village of Noausa, arriving around 10:30am.
Nousa is located on the northern bay of Paros Evening: Depart for the ship around 8:30pm.
and is known for the bright blues of its ocean You have the freedom to spend the rest of
and myriad colorful fishing vessels roped your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll enjoy
up along the docks. We’ll witness these on a a nightcap at the bar or relax in the lounge.
walking tour that will bring us down cobbled Overnight, our small ship charts a course to
streets and past a variety of outdoor businesses Santorini.
that thrive due to the amount of sunlight this
part of the island receives. Around 11am you’ll Day 11 Explore Santorini
have some free time for shopping or further
• Destination: Santorini
exploring the village. We’ll depart for the ship
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
around 11:30am.
• Accommodations: M/V Arethusa or
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room M/V Athena
between noon and 1:30pm.
Activity Note: Should the Fira museum be
Afternoon: Around 2:30pm, we’ll disembark closed, your visit will be substituted by an
our ship and explore Parikia, the capital of alternate activity.
Paros and the location where our ship is docked.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available onboard
This is the island’s bustling hub of art and
from 7am-8am. Early risers can enjoy coffee
culture and stretches out along the seafront,
and pastries beginning at 6:30am in the lounge.
allowing you to gaze out on the other islands
that dot the Aegean as you explore. Starting Morning: We arrive on the island of Santorini
around 3:30pm, you’ll have free time to explore very early this morning around 4am. This
Parikia on your own. Perhaps you’ll visit the glittering island is the remnant of the rim of a
Paros archaeological museum, an open-air volcanic caldera, much of which was blasted
exhibit that allows you to get remarkably close away by a huge eruption in 1600 BC. The
to relics that are thousands of years old. bay enclosed by the crescent is nearly 1,300
feet deep.
At around 6:30pm, we’ll break into smaller
groups and depart by bus for our Home-Hosted Right after breakfast around 8am, we’ll embark
Dinner, arriving at approximately 7pm. small boats to tender to Santorini’s port and
capital, Fira. The town of Fira is perched on the
Dinner: Savor a Home-Hosted Dinner at a
caldera rim, about 1,000 feet above the water.
Paros family’s home around 7pm. Paros is
To get there, we’ll take a funicular (cable car)
known for its production of an array of cheeses,
for an approximate 15-minute ride to ascend to
including xynomyzithra, a crumbly whey
the town. Arrive in Fira Town around 8:30am,
cheese, as well as for its agricultural prowess
witnessing gleaming white houses that look
in terms of home-grown fruits and vegetables.
down hundreds of feet to the bay. You’ll visit
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
18a local museum with your Trip Experience Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries in
Leader or local guide and learn about the Santorini beginning at around 2:30pm. Perhaps
excavations and findings dating back to the you’ll visit the Akrotiri archaeological site for
fifth millennium BC at Akrotiri—an ancient an in-depth look at Santorini’s history. Or, if
Minoan city buried by volcanic ash—during you’re looking for a more active afternoon,
your tour here. stroll through the small village of Imerovigli
and participate in an approximate one-hour
At around 10am, we’ll head back to the
cliff hike back to Fira.
motorcoach for an approximate half-hour drive
to our next destination, the cliffside village Return to the ship around 6pm in time for your
of Oia. At every turn, Oia offers glimpses of Trip Experience Leader’s nightly Port Talk.
alabaster seaside houses made for Venetian
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
sailors; views of the Santorini caldera; and
around 7pm.
picturesque scenery set to white-yellow
sunlight. Locals and visitors alike flock to Oia Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
in the evenings for its spectacular sunsets. rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll
Throughout your approximate half-hour enjoy a nightcap at the bar with your fellow
walking tour, you’ll visit local artisan shops, travelers, or retire to your cabin for the evening.
enjoy views of the caldera, and explore the Later tonight, you’ll cruise on to Kalymnos.
beautiful blue-and-white Church of Panagia
Platsani in the village center.
Day 12 Explore Kalymnos • Controversial
Our tour wraps up at around 11am, giving you Topic: Sponge fishing and ecological
about a half hour of free time to peruse shops destruction with Aphrodite Papachatzis
and cafés on your own. At 11:30am, we’ll depart and Nektarios Kypraios
by motorcoach for a half-hour drive to a local
• Destination: Patmos
winery. Here, you’ll get the chance to taste
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
some of Greece’s finest libations, complete
• Accommodations: M/V Arethusa or
with a few light snacks. The winery workers
M/V Athena
will show you around the premises, giving you
insight into the unique qualities of Greek wine, Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today, we will learn
from where the grapes are cultivated to how about a Controversial Topic when we meet a
wine-making today differs from the process sponge workshop owner and a marine biologist
that began over 2,000 years ago. for a conversation about the pros and cons of
Kalymnos’ sponge fishing industry. Sponges
We’ll depart the winery around 1pm to
have been a local industry of this island since
head back to the village of Fira, arriving at
the days of the ancient Greeks, and is cherished
around 1:30pm.
by many as an important cultural tradition
Lunch: On your own in Fira. Your Trip today. Some, however, are concerned that the
Experience Leader would be happy to suggest unrestrained practice is causing irreparable
the best spots for traditional seafood—or even harm to the local environment. We’ll hear both
some street-vendor falafel, depending on your sides of the story during today’s enlightening
preferences. conversation—read more about it below.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
19Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available onboard Next, we’ll hear from Aphrodite’s brother,
from 7am-8am. Early risers can enjoy coffee Nektarios. He, too, was born on Kalymnos,
and pastries beginning at 6:30am in the lounge. but instead of taking up the family business,
pursued a career in marine biology, and has
Morning: Our ship docks in Kalymnos around
worked with the Institute of Marine Biology
8am. We’ll step ashore at around 8:15am
of Crete and the Hellenic Center of Marine
and walk for 15 minutes to a local sponge
Research since 1998. As an expert who studies
workshop for a conversation with its owner,
the harmful effects of overfishing on the
Aphrodite Papachatzis, and her brother, the
Mediterranean’s ecosystem, Nektarios is
marine biologist Nektarios Kypraios about a
concerned about how modern technology is
Controversial Topic: the role of sponge fishing
contributing to pollution, disease, and the
in Kalymnos’ cultural identity, and its harmful
destruction of vital fish breeding grounds.
impact on the local ecosystem.
While he understands that sponges play a vital
In the days of antiquity, Kalymnos was the role in Kalymnos’ cultural heritage, he believes
sponge-fishing capital of the world. While the that current methods are unsustainable and
island’s rocky terrain made the land difficult to will inevitably lead to an environmental crisis
inhabit, the bounty of the sea nonetheless drew unless tightly regulated.
throngs of intrepid divers seeking to make their
The siblings will spend 20 minutes sharing
fortune. While changes to the global economy
their expertise with us, and we’ll then have
and the invention of synthetic sponges have
40 minutes to engage in conversation to ask
since reduced the prosperity of the trade,
questions of our own. Our small group size
sponge fishing remains a beloved part of
and O.A.T.’s connections in the Mediterranean
Kalymnos’ cultural heritage, and fleets of
afford us the rare opportunity to speak directly
ships still sail the surrounding seas in search of
to local people who are directly impacted by the
sponges today. Some, however, are concerned
complicated issues of the day.
that this surge of sponge fishing is upsetting
the delicate balance of the Mediterranean’s At around 9am, we’ll bid Aphrodite and
ecosystem and must be reined in. Nektarios goodbye and depart by private
motorcoach for a panoramic tour of the island.
We’ll dive into both sides of this modern-day
controversy during our hour-long Known for its majestic mountains, avid
conversation. First, we’ll hear from Aphrodite, climbers travel from all over the world to take
who runs a small sponge workshop with her on the challenge of Kalymnos’ many climbing
husband, and will tell us about how sponge tracks. In contrast, the island’s glittering
fishing remains an important part of Kalymnos’ beaches are perfect places to relax—but for a
economy. Aphrodite’s workshop has been in more active experience, many visitors take to
her family for three generations, and, like the sea, scuba-diving in search of mysterious
many Kalymnos natives, sponges are a part of underwater caves and marine life.
her identity. Although the world might have
On our tour, we’ll get a sense of the island’s
moved past the glory days of Kalymnos’ sponge
history when we stop at around 10:30am to visit
trade, the island still supports a booming
the Traditional House with our Trip Experience
cottage industry, and many jobs depend on its
Leader, a museum featuring folk relics of
continued existence.
Kalymnos’ past. As we enter each room, we’ll
step back in time to discover what local life was
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
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