PROGRAM ITINERARY

FIRST WEEK

1. Fly from the States to Athens and arrive the next morning.
   
   
2. Athens. Arrive in AM. Transfer to tourist-class hotel near the Acropolis.Hotel Philippos or Athens Select . PM: Safety lecture and orientation with group leader.and painting instructor Dinner in Plaka together. Evening stroll around Acropolis. Overnight with breakfast.
   
   
3. Leave Athens on chartered bus with official Greek tour guide. Cross Corinth Canal to Nemea (visit famous stadium, ancient town and museum) (1-2 hours drawing time at this less crowded site)- Mycenae (visit the Lion's Gate, Royal Tombs) (1 hour time for quick sketching, photography) - Nauplion . If overnight is on Friday or Saturday there would be the opportunity to attend a performance in the ancient theatre of Epidaurus (at extra cost) - a unique experience. (provide opportunity to reserve tickets). Overnight in Nauplion with breakfast.in the old town overlooking the port in a renovated guesthouse.Hotel Marianna.or similar
   
   
4. Nauplion - St. Arias Monastery (visit orthodox monastery in a.m.) - Epidaurus (visit of the ancient site of Asclipius and the theatre famous for it's acoustics) (2-3 hours drawing time) - Nauplion - and Palamides Fortress (free time for exploration, drawing, etc.) Small, comfortable beach is easily reached by foot. - Nauplion (overnight).
   
   
5. Nauplion - Olympia:. Lunch in Megalopoli or other small town. Afternoon visit of Museums and the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia .. Relax in pool. Overnight with breakfast Hotel Europa (first Class Hotel) in Olympia.
   
   
6. Olympia: Dedicated day for drawing in site and museum. Optional trip to seaside village for lunch, swimming and sunset.. Overnight with breakfast.
   
   
7. Olympia - Dimitsana - Stemnitsa. Visit the mountain villages of Dimitsana and Stemnitsa. Optional visit of the water power museum. Time for drawing, etc. Traditional dinner provided by hotel this night for group. Overnight in Dimitsana.. Hotel Dimitsana ( if possible) or Overnight in Stemnitsa.
   
   SECOND WEEK
   
   
8. Stemnitsa - Rest or take optional hike to the monastery of St. Prodromos in the Loussios Gorge. Time for drawing, writing, contemplation. Overnight in Dimitsana or Stemnitsa.
   
   
9. Dimitsana - Kalavryta - Diakofto (scenic rail through the steep canyon / 1 hour) Visit Kalavrita War Memorial - (cross Gulf of Corinth by ferry) and continue drive to Delphi. Overnight with breakfast
   
   
10. Delphi: visit the site and museum. Afternoon free for drawing in site and museum, critiques or own activities. Dinner in the mountain village of Arachova. Overnight with breakfast in the hotel in Delphi .
    
    
11. Delphi- Dedicated day for drawing, free day or drive to port with traditional houses Galaxidi. Lunch and swimming near Galaxidi. Return from Galaxidi with time for revisiting site and museum. Overnight in Delphi.
    
    
12. Delphi - Ossios Loukas Monastery (important monastery with golden mosaics) - Athens - Piraeus. Embark around 6.30-7 pm overnight ferry to Chania Crete. Overnight on board in 4-bedded cabins with private shower/WC.
    
    
13. Crete / Chania (arrival 6 am). Transfer to the hotel. Free time to visit Archaeological Museum (small), Maritime Museum (small), snorkeling tour in afternoon, shop the stoa marketplace, etc. or relax. Major critique in evening. Overnight with breakfast
    
    
14. Chania - Heraklion by private coach. Guided visit to the Knossos Palace and Arch. Museum Free day for drawing at Arch. Museum, exploring the city, swimming.. Overnight with breakfast. Hotel Lato or similar.
    
    THIRD WEEK
    
    
15. Heraklion to Sitia - Monastery of Toplou , Vai -Palm tree beach. -Island of Milos. Take ferry boat from Sitia,Crete at 3.30 pm on Wed, Sat and Sun. to travel to the island of Milos arrive after midnight.
    
    
16. MILOS. Breakfast. All day painting in the Chora - the old town overlooking the sea with white painted houses, churches etc. Dinner and overnight.
    
    
17. Milos.Excursion boat around the island which is volcanic origin with stops at caves, and colored beaches for swimming as well as to the island of Kimolos. Overnight with breakfast.
    
    
18. Chartered bus to the Catacombs and the mineral museum and the best beaches of the island and the other communities of the island. Overnight.
    
    
19. Milos-Piraeus - Athens, Piraeus. Free day in Milos Swimming opportunity. Boat transportation to Piraeus. Boat departs in the afternoon , or midnight if coming from Crete on the above days Wed,Sat,Su. Overnight on board the ferry with 2-berths cabins., or in Athens upon arrival pending on the ferry chosen.
    
    
20. Arrive 6 a.m. Extra breakfast at the hotel included . 9:00 Guided visit to the Acropolis, Dionysos Theatre, Acropolis museum (4.5 hours) Afternoon free. Overnight with breakfast.
    
    
21. Athens. Guided visit with local bus: National Archaeological Museum with its Art treasures (3 hours + free time in the museum). Overnight with breakfast. Optional Dora Stratou Greek Folkdance performance, (open air). Overnight with breakfast.
    
    
22. Athens. Early morning sunrise visit to Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion by bus. Afternoon free for Benaki Museum, Cycladic Museum,- revisiting National Arch. Museum for drawing. Overnight with breakfast.
    
    
23. Athens. Dedicated day for drawing. Final dinner together as group in Plaka. Overnight with breakfast.
    
    
24. Athens. Final Day in Greece. Time for summary critiques. Last chance to explore subway, shop for gifts. Transfer to Airport 3:00a.m.