WANDERWOMAN® GREEK ISLANDS GETAWAY TOUR FALL 2023
WanderWoman® Fall Greek Island Hopping
Getaway October 7-19, 2023
COME Celebrate 25 Years of WanderWoman Women-only Travel with founder Erja Lipponen!
This was the very first tour we offered in 1998 and it is our most popular WanderWoman Journey with some travelers repeating it. Join Erja this fall traveling to the most beautiful islands in Greece: Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets, eat healthy Mediterranean cuisine, explore ancient sites, make new friends, relax, and laugh a lot! October is a wonderful time to visit Greece’s popular islands – the weather is pleasant and most of the crowds have gone home.
Price: $4998.00 per person based on double occupancy for reservations received by 06 April
After this date add $125 per person
Email to reserve your spot on our WanderWoman® Journey to Greece!
Solo travelers opt to share a room & pay NO single supplement
Single Supplement: $1399
ATHENS (Athina) 2 nights: The heart of Greece
Day 1: Before heading to the islands of Greece, we begin in Athens, the cultural hub of Greece. We’ll be staying in the heart of the PLAKA, the old city, beneath the Acropolis at a 5-star boutique hotel complete with spa and within walking distance to restaurants and shops. Be sure to visit the hotel’s rooftop pool with Acropolis views. On our first evening we will gather for a welcome reception with an opportunity for everyone to get acquainted before heading to one of Athens’ best restaurants. (D)
Day 2: On our first full day we will explore Athens by foot on a privately guided walking tour of the PLAKA area of Athens including the ACROPOLIS, the NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM, and the ANCIENT AGORA; evening at leisure. Next day morning flight to CHANIA. (B, L)
Chania (Hania, Xania) 3 nights
Day 3: We begin our island hopping adventure on the island of Crete, in the picturesque town on Chania on the western side of the island. Our hotel is located on a quiet pedestrian street in the old Venetian port. After checking in, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the old port and discover why Chania is considered to be one of Greece’s most beautiful cities. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner of traditional Cretan cuisine at a favorite restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4: Experience a fun hands-on journey through Crete’s culinary traditions. We’ll start with a visit to a local market before driving to village for an informal cooking class. You’ll learn the secrets of preparing healthy, delicious, Mediterranean dishes under the direction of a local cook. Those who prefer to take a less active role may choose to just relax and appreciate the atmosphere (you’ll want to bring your camera). Our fun experience culminates at the table, where together, drinking Cretan wines, we will enjoy the food we prepared and the company of new friends. (B, L)
DAY 5: On our last full day in Chania, enjoy a day at leisure: explore shops, nearby beaches, or local museums. For those who would like a to hike the SAMARIA GORGE, we have reserved our local naturalist to join us on an optional guided hike. This gorge is Europe’s second longest, “the eighth wonder of Europe.” After hiking, swim in the refreshing waters of the Libyan Sea on the southern coast of Crete and let the black pebbles of the beach caress your feet! This is a challenging but very rewarding hike. (B)
Heraklion (Iraklio) 1 night
DAY 6: Today we drive along the scenic northern coast of Crete to Heraklion (2.5 hours), the modern capital of the island. Heraklion will be our base for touring fantastic KNOSSOS palace of the legendary King Minos and ancient goddess worshipping culture. Enjoy a privately guided tour of this fascinating palace complex, which dates back to the 2nd millennium BC, and the HERAKLION MUSEUM where finds, including beautiful frescoes and intricate jewelry, from the site are displayed. Our 5-star hotel is located downtown within walking distance to restaurants and points of interest.(B, L)
Santorini (Thira, Fira) 3 nights
Day 7: Travel by ferry (2.5 hrs) to the island of Santorini. This beautiful island is believed by some to be Plato’s lost Atlantis. Archaeological evidence indicates that a highly advanced civilization flourished here over 3500 years ago. Visit Akrotiri Archaeological site where you can walk along the streets where the ancient inhabitants of Strongili (as the island was known long ago) once walked. Also tour the Prehistory Museum and see beautiful artifacts from this ancient culture, which at its peak suddenly disappeared. Visit the volcanic black sand beach in Kamari, and sample local wines at one of Santorini’s famous wineries. Our small luxury hotel is perched on the caldera’s edge with private balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea where our breakfasts are served. (B, L)
Day 8: Optional hike along the most scenic path on Santorini. The trail takes us along the caldera’s rim to the northern most point of the island, the charming village of Oia. For those preferring not to hike, a transfer to Oia will be arranged. There will be time to stop for lunch, explore artisans’ shops and meander the village’s scenic alleyways. (B)
Day 9: For a different perspective of this unique island, we’ll take a private cruise excursion in the caldera (the crater created by the eruption of the volcano) and learn about its fascinating geologic past. Sail past the small uninhabited Nea Kameni (the new burnt island) formed after the destruction of “Atlantis” and the white and red beaches. There will be opportunities to swim in a volcanic hot spring or just sit back and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Along our course we’ll anchor and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared for us by our crew. (B, L)
Mykonos (Myconos) 3 nights
Day 10: Travel by ferry (2.5 hrs) to the island of Mykonos. This beautiful island is perhaps best known as a jet setter destination with world famous beaches, white-washed cubic buildings with colorful doors adorned by bougainvillea. But Mykonos has a great deal more to offer. We will explore this charming town on an evening orientation walk, which will reveal a Mykonos most don’t hear about. Our hotel is situated near the harbor, a short walk from the maze-like streets of Mykonos Town (Hora) with its restaurants, shops, and little museums. (B)
Day 11: Travel by boat to the nearby island of Delos, which is a short boat trip (40 minutes) away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in all of Greece. The island of Delos was famous already in the time of the Odyssey, and between 900-100 BC it was a major cult center and pilgrimage site. According to some ancient myths, it is the birthplace of the goddess Artemis and her twin brother the god Apollo; associated with the moon and sun respectively. Interestingly, modern scientists have identified Delos as the second brightest place on earth. Today this small Aegean Island is an open-air museum and a “MUST SEE” for anyone interested in the mythology, history or the archaeology of Greece. (B)
Day 12: A day to unwind. Consider visiting the beach where the movie Shirley Valentine was filmed, relax poolside at our hotel, or explore some of the island’s hidden treasures. In the evening, our group will gather for a special farewell dinner at one of Mykonos’ finest gourmet restaurants. (B, D)
Day 13: After breakfast transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Athens. (B)
Live Laugh & Travel!™
GETTING TO GREECE
The group’s meeting place is Athens airport in Greece with a group transfer to our hotel. Although airfare to Athens is NOT included, we will gladly help with making your flight arrangements. Also we can assist you with any pre or post tour arrangements in Greece and beyond. Arriving in Athens a night prior to the tour start date is recommended for those traveling a long distance.
TOURS
The tour price includes privately guided sightseeing tours and activities with our official Greek tourist board guides and/or local experts: Athens walking tour including the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and Plaka, Chania’s Historic Venetian Port District, Cretean Cooking Lesson, Knossos Archaeological Site and the Heraklion Museum, Santorini Island Tour including the Prehistory Museum & Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Walking tour of the Medieval town of Pyrgos, Hike along the rim of the caldera in Santorini, Wine Tasting at a local winery Santorini, Caldera Boat Excursion, Delos Island tour (we’ll join a larger group). All admission fees and transfers to above sites are included Optional activities, which can be arranged locally, include scuba diving, boat excursions, hiking, spa treatments, etc. You can choose activities to fill everyday or you can relax and enjoy the beaches and the local atmosphere. This WanderWoman® tour is escorted by Erja Lipponen, owner & founder of Eurynome Journeys, who will attend to details to assure you a hassle-free vacation. Erja has traveled to Greece numerous times over the past 38 years, both leading groups and traveling alone, and is looking forward to sharing some of her favorite places in Greece with you and discovering new favorites. On days that are “at leisure,” Erja will be available to arrange activities, recommend restaurants, and lead optional hikes/walks. On days when dinner is not included, a meeting time will be set of those wishing to join Erja and enjoy dinner together. Visit our “About Us” page to learn more about our small group tours and about Erja.
HOTELS
For this tour we have selected unique hotels ranging from a historic, intimate, small properties with dramatic views to sophisticated 5-star city hotels. We avoid the typical group tour oriented hotels and stay at smaller quaint hotels and inns with local ambiance when possible. Most of the hotels are within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and points of interest – giving you freedom to explore right out the door! The hotels are Greek-style. The rooms all vary slightly, but all rooms have private baths, direct dial telephones, and TVs. Some of the hotels do not have elevators and may require the climbing of stairs.
PRICE: $4998
Price is based on double occupancy for reservations received by 06 April 2023. After this date add $125 per person.
Single supplement for private room: $1399
We may be able to arrange for a triple room at a slightly reduced rate if three are traveling together.
Price includes: 12 nights at 5-star and unique boutique hotels in Greece; domestic transportation in Greece including two ferries;, minibuses, taxis, and two domestic Greek flights. The tour price also includes breakfast daily, 4 healthy Mediterranean-style lunches and 3 dinners with local wine, and tips for drivers (drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included unless noted above).
Upgrade rooms available at some properties: Rates upon request.
RESERVATIONS
To reserve your space call or email Eurynome Journeys for an application form and terms and conditions. We will hold your space for up to two weeks at which time a $1000 deposit per person is due. Add $125 to deposit for Athens option. Within 90 days of departure payment in full is due. Travel insurance should be purchase within 14 days of your first payment.
NOTE: All tour participants must be fully vaccinated (final dose being at least 14 days before your travel date) against Covid-19 with an FDA authorized vaccine. Proof of vaccination is required. The CDC recommends postponing international travel until fully vaccinated.
Click here for a free travel insurance quote from Travel Guard Insurance
NOTE: This is an active vacation involving walking and climbing stairs and thus requires a certain degree of physical fitness. This tour is NOT suitable for those with limited mobility. All group activities are NON-SMOKING.
LIVE, LAUGH & TRAVEL!™
1998-2018 Celebrating 20 Years of Specialty Tours & Women’s Travel Vacations and Retreats to Europe, US & Beyond!