Tropical Harmony 2015
Island Hopping in the Aegean
June 10 – June 21, 2015
Day 1 – June 11(Thursday) Arrival in Athens, Greece
Upon arrival in Athens meet your Tour Director for a transfer to the hotel. Later meet your new best friends and Tour
Director for a Get-Acquainted and Welcome Dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2 – June 12 (Friday) – Athens
Today is set aside for rehearsal at the hotel from 9 am – 2 pm. Guests have the day for sightseeing and singers have the
later afternoon free. (Possible dinner party with chorus from Athens.) (B)
Day 3 – June 13(Saturday) – Athens
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the Parthenon atop the ACROPOLIS, an enduring symbol of ancient
Greece and one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. Also visit the Erechtheum with the Porch of Maidens, the
beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman temple of Zeus, theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught.
Vistas of the government buildings and elegant homes In the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of
the glorious past. (B)
Day 4 – June 14 (Sunday) – Athens – Piraceus – Ferry to Mykonos
Head for the port of Piraeus or Rafina this morning. Board your FERRY early this morning and sail into the deep blue
waters of the Aegean Sea. Later, dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos, where mythology’s Heracles defeated and
killed the giants. Here, characteristic windmills, swaying palm and eucalyptus trees, and dazzling white Cycladic
architecture greet you. At a local restaurant this evening, sample local specialties, like Iouza loukaniko (sausage) and
kopanisti (peppery goat cheese), then mingle with the locals at a quaint taverna or take a bus to the main square of
Mando Mavrogenous. (B)
Day 5 – June 15 (Monday) – Mykonos
The granite island of Mykonos is one of the most characteristic of the Cyclades and has retained its timeless beauty.
Walk through the network of narrow streets and visit the CHURCH OF AGIA KIRIAKI, renowned for its beautiful icons. Be
sure to watch for Petros the Pelican, the island’s celebrated mascot. Today also includes a visit to a pastry shop for a
taste of authentic Amygdalota, a delicious almond cookie. Afternoon at leisure to relax or for individual activities. (B)
Likely performance with local SATB chorus.
Day 6 – June 16 (Tuesday) Mykonos – Express Ferry to Santorini
Today, board a high-speed EXPRESS FERRY and sail to Santorini (Thera), the stunning “Black Pearl of the Aegean” and,
according to some, site of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis. Tonight, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant
and a customary glass of Ouzo. (B,D)
Day 7 – June 17 (Wednesday) – Santorini
Spend the morning getting acquainted with the history and creation of Santorini. Stroll along the cobblestone streets
and enjoy the local atmosphere. Later, maybe relax in one of the local cafes. (B)
Possible performance.
Day 8 – June 18 (Thursday) – Santorini – Ferry to Heraklion, Crete
Board your ferry for the island of Crete, the largest and most rugged of the Greek Islands, to begin your stay in
Heraklion. Dinner will be at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
Day 9 – June 19 (Friday) Heraklion
Today visit the HERAKLION MUSEUM, one of the largest and most important museums in Europe. A few miles away is
Knossos, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. At the KNOSSOS
excavations, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great
empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artifacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was
the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide leads you on a journey of
discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island. The Palace,
decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber
with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. (B)
Day 10 – June 20 – Heraklion to Athens
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Join together for a FareWell Dinner tonight. (B,D)
Day 11 – June 21 (Sunday) Departure from Athens
A transfer is provided to the airport for your home bound flight today. (B)