| Day 1 |
Arrival in Athens.
Departure for Mani by bus. |
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Day 2-5 |
Your home for the next 3 days will be a small complex of self-catering bungalows by the sea, where the group will have the opportunity to learn a lot not only about the authentic Greek hospitality but also cook Greek recipes, learn about the local customs, get in contact with local producers – mainly of organic cultivations - and explore a bit the area which has many natural beauties, interesting architecture and a long history. *
*Mani property information: this is a small complex of 10 self-catering bungalows, 8 with maximum capacity of 4 persons and 2 bungalows for 2 persons. It is located in a small village about 30kms from Gythion town, 500m from the village centre and only 50m from the beach (unfortunately too cold to swim). The bungalows are built amidst a beautiful and well cared enclosed plot of 6000 m˛ with citrus trees, olive trees, bougainvilleas and many other plants. Other amenities include a tavern, a bar and a swimming pool (also closed in the winter). The same family also owns a traditional castle house (built 185) in the village, where they operate a small conference center and a traditional cafe-confectionery.
Owners: the property is owned by a really charming family. The father was a sea captain; the mother is a renowned cook with her own TV show on one of the major channels and the epitome of the Greek hostess; the son has recently completed his higher education in tourism and hospitality in a prominent university in Switzerland. |
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| Day 6 |
| Morning in picturesque town of Gythio to partake in the festivities of Shrove Monday**. Late afternoon arrival in Nafplion to explore this lovely old town and its imposing castle, Palamidi. Overnight in Nafplion. |
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| Day 7
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| Full day tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus. Overnight in Nafplion |
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| Day 8
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| Return to Athens via Delphi. |
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| Day 9
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| Athens city tour, including a visit to the central market. Overnight in Athens. |
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| Day 10 |
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Day at the hotel. Overnight in Athens. |
| Day 11 |
| Day trip via hydrofoil to Hydra in the Sardonic Gulf. |
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| Day 12 |
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Transfer to the airport and flight back home |
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| Additional Notes
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We have calculated the cost of the tickets for Hydra based on the current price. We have no indication what the price in March 2009 will be but based on past experience, the price is not increased in the winter.
The tickets to Hydra are so expensive that with only a small supplement of about 10 euro per person, the group could go on the 1-day cruise that goes to all 3 islands (Aegina, Hydra and Poros) and also have lunch and entertainment on board! Just another option that we could talk about. |
| More Details On The Mani Program
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All visits scheduled while in Mani will be escorted by the owner of the property who will also do the guiding in English.
Your visit coincides with the harvest of the olives. Your group will participate in the harvest, watch the production of olive oil in a traditional olive press and taste on the spot the produce with bread.
On Sunday you can go to Areopoli – a small traditional town closer than Gythion – for the Carnival.
On Shrove Monday you will go for the flying of the kite and some “fasolada” in another village in the area. |
| TRIP INCLUDES
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- 9 overnights in 3* hotels
- 3 in Mani
- 2 in Nauplion
- 4 in Athens
- Breakfast in the hotel everyday
- 2 lunches while in Mani
- 4 dinners, 3 in Mani and 1 in Athens
- Drink package during the meals in Mani, including coffee and either one soft drink or a glass of wine or beer (330ml)
- A/C bus for the mainland tour that starts from the airport (Day 1-6) and for the airport transfer on day 10
- English speaking escort upon arrival in Athens, at the hotel (day 8) and at the restaurant for the farewell dinner (day 9)
- All expenses of the driver (meals, overnights) during the mainland tour (Day 1-6)
- Professional licensed English speaking guide in Argolis (Mycenae/Epidaurus), Delphi and Athens.
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| TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
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- Entrance fees to the sites & museums. The current cost for Acropolis (only the site), Mycenae, Epidaurus and Delphi is EUR 35 per person. Students with valid IDs have a discount.
- Bus service while in Athens. The hotels we have based our offer upon are very close to the sites and the potential hotels for the visit (can be done on foot or by using the metro). As for the day on an island, you can use the metro system to get to the hydrofoil in Pireaus, which is cheap (€ 1,60 per person, round-trip) and fast.
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the driver
- Meals other than those listed above
- Drinks during the farewell dinner
- Services not outlined above
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