SPLENDORS OF GREECE
Including Greek Isles Agean Cruise
September 13 – 24, 2008
Join Rev. Geri Glinski and other
like-minded Unity friends on a classic journey to explore the Splendors of ancient Greece by land and sea! The timeless legends of the Aegean Islands evoke the adventures of Homer’s heroes, while lively harbors and charming towns showcase today’s vibrant Greek culture. Here, dazzling white-washed villages and lively ports serve as a backdrop to classical archaeological sites that have continued to lure travelers and scholars since ancient times.
The Acropolis, perched on a high hill in the center of Athens is stunning. The mystical mountains of Greece hold the treasures of Delphi, Meteora and many other extraordinary sites. Greece is where the foundations for present-day government, philosophy, sciences, and the arts began. The food is fabulous, the local folks friendly and the sunsets on Santorini dazzling! This is a trip you don’t want to miss!!
TOUR PRICE: $2,341.00
$500 deposit required to reserve your space
Single supplement: $745.00
You must have a valid passport
INCLUDES:
- Land accommodations in 4 star hotels
- Hellinic Cruises “Jewels of the Agean” 4 day cruise in standard inside cabin
- Port fees of $90.00
- Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- All transfers
- Land transportation in private motorcoach
- Services of local Greek “mystical” guide
- Private reception first night on your cruise ship
- All sightseeing entrance fees (as indicated in itinerary)
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Group international airfare approx. $1,199.00
- Meals not specified
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips to guides, porters and cruise staff
- Trip cancellation & emergency medical insurance
- Optional tours while on the cruise ship
Day by Day Itinerary:
Sat. Sept 13, 2008 Depart USA for Athens Greece.
Sunday Sept. 14 - D
Arrive Athens and transfer to the Electra Hotel. Tonight enjoy a “welcome dinner” and orientation.
Monday Sept 15 – B, L, D
This morning board the ship and begin your 4 day Jewels of the Aegean cruise and explore the world famous island of Myconos with its beautiful windmills. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception for the Unity Palm Harbor group and socialize with your fellow travel mates before a delicious dinner!
Tuesday Sept 16 – on-board - B, L, D
Morning arrival in Kusadasi, Turkey, ancient Ephesus. The impressive site includes the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsius, and theTemple of Diana, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
Afternoon sail to the isle of Patmos, site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine. Visit the Monastery of St. John, built on one of the islands highest points. From there walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse and visit the cave where he lived and had his vision of the end of times. A popular island with spiritually minded people, there is no denying the feeling of sacredness here.
Wednesday Sept 17 – on-board B, L, D
Spend the day on the island of Rhodes, stroll around the medieval city and see the fantastic Palace of the Grand Master, built by the Knights of St John. You may choose an optional excursion to the lovely town of Lindos and climb it’s Acropolis, then explore the ancient Greek Temple of the Goddess Athena.
Thursday Sept 18 – on-board B, L, D
Morning at Heraklion, Crete, home of the oldest female worship in Greece and the famous Minoan Snake Goddess. Explore the Palace of Knossos, home to king Minos and his legendary beast, the Minotaur. In the Archaeological Museum you will find works of art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, arms and frescoes found in a number of ancient Minoan sites. Sail north to the isle of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. Exquisite whitewashed villages cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule. Visit the ruins of Akrotiri, said to be the site of ancient Atlantis.
Friday Sept 19 – B, L
Morning arrival in Athens. Board your private bus and begin your scenic drive into the mountains to breathtaking Delphi, passing through the cities of Thebes and Livadia. Delphi, was believed to be the “navel” (omphalos) of the world and Apollo’s most important and famous oracle was there. Follow the Sacred Way up to Apollo’s Temple, where his priestess Pythia delivered her oblique prophecies, marvel at the beauty of the landscape and consider the never-ending search of mortal people for the truth and the real meaning of life. Next visit the Museum which is full of masterpieces.Enjoy lunch at a local Greek restaurant. Afternoon free to explore and relax. Dinner on your own. Overnight Delphi Amalia Hotel
Saturday Sept 20 – B
This morning explore more of Delphi, one of the most spectacular mystical sites in the world. Here a seeress was suspended from a tripod over psychoactive vapors. Attendants deciphered the future from her inspired prophecy. Academe itself, the Western institution of higher learning, arose from a prophecy issued here. Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims at the holy sites of this place of power, inspiration, purification. Feel the nurturing, healing energy still present at the Temple of Athena, dedicated to protecting women. Take time for meditation to experience the very special qualities of this site. Afternoon free to explore the town. lunch & dinner on your own. Overnight Delphi.
Sunday Sept 21 – B, D
Your journey continues as you drive from Delphi to Kalambaka to visit the unique monasteries of Meteora. The Greek word Meteora means "suspended in the air". The conglomerate rock at Meteora has eroded into fantastic rock towers upon which medieval monks built incredible isolated monasteries. In 1988, UNESCO declared Meteora to be a World Heritage Site. Lunch on your own today. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and overnight at the Kalambaka Amalia Hotel
Monday Sept 22 - B, L
Relaxing morning drive back to Athens passing through a number of beautiful places on the way. After checking into the Electra Hotel, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. The remainder of the day is free for shopping and exploring Athens on your own. Nearby is the shopping district the Plaka and many restaurants for dinner choices. Overnight Athens
Tuesday Sept 23 – B, D
This morning visit the world famous Acropolis, the Erechtheum and the Parthenon, Temple of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. The Parthenon represents the “harmony between material and spirit”. Here enjoy a panoramic view of the city and observe the Agora (market-place), where many ancient philosophers spent their time. Continue with a bus-tour of Athens to the Olympic Stadium, University Of Athens, the Academy, Temple of Zeus, Constitution Square and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The afternoon is free. Group farewell dinner at a Greek taverna in Plaka area. Overnight Athens.
Wednesday Sept 24. AM departure to USA. Welcome Home from a magical journey enjoying the Splendors of Greece!
TESTIMONIALS:
My journey with Gayle through Greece was WONDERFUL. It was my first time
abroad and my first time traveling with women I didn't know. She
immediately made me feel welcomed and matched me with a perfect roommate
(who I still keep in contact with even though she lives in Ohio).Gayle's
trip was very organized. She made a point to brief you the night before on
the next days events. I knew where we were going, what I would be seeing
and the history behind it. This gave me the opportunity to be in the
moment and enjoy it.
Our trip was not only filled with beautiful sunsets, great food and
shopping. It had adventure, education and challenges. It really was a
marvelous growing experience. I climbed to the top of a volcano one day
and down four levels into a cave the next. I saw many ancient ruins and was
told some great stories by our wonderful guide. It is a very
spiritual place, you can really feel the energy.
Gayle turned about to be a great supporter and encourager. I was
struggling with the decision of changing careers. We had talked many
times. I felt truly empowered by the end of our trip.
Five months later, I left a sixteen year career in dental hygiene for a position as a
financial advisor! Gayle is a great friend and continues to be a positive force in my life.
Peg Lutz
Financial Advisor
Waddell & Reed, Inc
Michigan
Gayle Lawrences Journeys of Discovery are truly transformational! I experienced the "trip of my dreams" traveling to the ancient Goddess sites in Greece and Crete and made wonderful new women friends during our journey together. Little did I know that the Goddess power would truly change my life once I returned home.
Gayles tours are professionally prepared and well designed including well known places of interest but also off the beaten path "non-tourist" sites. Every woman should experience travel with Gayle at least once in her lifetime.
Dr. Deleasa Randall, PhD
Professor of Communications, Ohio
Please read Deleasa's personal story of her Goddess experience in Greece.
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