Mediterranean Odyssey
Yachting the Cyclades Islands in Greece
August 19 – September 1, 2003
INTRODUCTION
Imagine . . . the gentle rhythms of sparkling ocean waves
as they break into glistening kaleidoscopes of color against the
smiling bow. Lay back as gentle sea breezes carry the glimmering
hues over you and lull you into peaceful slumber. You drift away
as golden rays of sunlight dance over your body, filling your entire
being with a deep warmth unlike any you have ever felt before.
Can anything feel this good? Unable to decline
the alluring, sensuous caress that beckons, you inhale the illusion, let go and
drift afar into another place and time—a place where hedonism rules; a time to
drink heartily from life’s cup.
Imagine . . . satisfying
your every desire while adventuring in the playground of the Gods. The dream
is easily within your grasp when you join Toto Tours on a Mediterranean Odyssey in
the legendary Greek Isles. Gazing out at these pristine islands rising from a
sea of azure blue, you will understand that there simply would be no other way
to experience the world of the ancient Greeks, or to recapture the spirit of
their celebrated way of life, than to journey among these glittering jewels by
means of your own private yacht.
With Poseidon’s blessings, we will set off from
Athens through the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea. Each day and night will
bring forth new destinations, faces, adventures, and pleasures as we sail for
Kea, Tinos, Delos, Mykonos, Naxos, Sifnos, Kythnos and Santorini.
A fusion of stone, sunlight and sparkling sea, these picture-perfect islands
are considered by many to be the very quintessence of Greece. Upon first glance
you will know why the Gods made this their home-away-from-Olympus.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Depart U.S. / Travel Day
Today is a travel day. Flights to Europe typically depart in the
late afternoon or early evening, arriving at their destination the
next morning. Discounted airfares are available, so be sure to call
us for a price quote before finalizing your flights.
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Arrive Athens
Upon landing in Athens, transfer on your own to the Divani Palace
Acropolis Hotel. The day is free to go sightseeing or recover
from jet lag. This evening we gather in the hotel lobby, get acquainted
over cocktails, then commence our Odyssey with a Welcome Dinner. (Dinner
Included)
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Tour Delphi
After breakfast, travel by motorcoach through the Greek countryside
to the most important sanctuary of the ancients—Delphi. During
a fully guided tour of this site’s incredible monuments we might
learn the secrets of the great Oracle, or run a footrace in the ancient
stadium, or even dare to take center stage at the great amphitheater
for a dramatic moment. Return to our Athens hotel in late afternoon,
and the rest of the day is free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Friday, August 22, 2003
Board Ship / Sail to Kea
This morning we check-out from our hotel and transfer by motorcoach
to the port of Piraeus, where we board our ship, the M/V
Nicolas A. The following itinerary is subject to alterations
in the event of windy weather and adverse sailing conditions. Two
meals are included aboard ship each day, and one daily meal is on
your own in each port of call so that we can truly savor the flavor
of each island.
We commence our sea journey by motoring past an
impressive temple ruin as we leave the mainland. Our destination today is Kea,
with its typically Cycladic architecture of snow-white two-story houses, narrow
cobbled streets and numerous churches dating from the 17th Century. (Breakfast
/ Lunch / Dinner)
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Kea to Tinos
On Tinos, witness the fervent religious devotion of pilgrims
as they crawl on their hands and knees up the hill to a church with
a holy relic. Others choose more secular pursuits, shopping-until-they-drop
in the huge market. (Breakfast /
Lunch)
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Tinos to Mykonos
From the picturesque windmills dotting the horizon to the playful
beaches, sandy bodies, bars and transvestitie shows, the famed gay
mecca of Mykonos may be our favorite destination. Explore
the hill village of Kalafati, perfect your all-over tan at Super
Paradise Beach, or lose yourself in the labyrinthine maze of
narrow and winding streets. The nightlife here has become legendary
throughout the gay world. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Monday, August 25, 2003
Delos
This morning we take a half day guided tour of the sacred island
of Delos and its impressive ruins, believed to be the birthplace
of Apollo. We’ll visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, Stoa of
Philip, Temple of the Athenians, Horn Altar and Temple
of Artemis, to name a few. Return to Mykonos for one more night
of unbridled revelry. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Mykonos to Naxos
Naxos is the greenest and most fertile of the Cyclades
with countless ruins nestled amidst potato fields and olive groves.
Inhabited for nearly 5,000 years, its towns run the gamut from a
Cretan mountain stronghold to a seaside capital out of the Venetian
past. Naxos is beginning to overtake Mykonos as the
gay destination of choice. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Naxos to Santorini
Today cruise into the caldera of an extinct volcano that is now
the island of Santorini, with little white houses that protrude
from its edge like ancient teeth from the mouth of an old man. Tonight
you may want to take advantage of its many gay friendly clubs. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Free Day on Santorini
Today is free day to explore the island. Ride a donkey up to the
rim of the caldera, visit Akrotiri (a multi-tiered excavation
of a Minoan settlement) or the ruins of ancient Thira (a 9th
Century city silenced by volcanic eruption). (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Friday, August 29, 2003
Santorini to Sifnos
Sifnos has enough swinging night action in the villages to
satiate the tastes of even the heartiest of Dionysious’ followers.
There are lovely villages, fantastic beaches, more than 300 churches,
fine restaurants, and some of the finest pottery in all of Greece. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Sifnos to Kythnos
Kythnos’ terrain is mainly mountainous, but the harshness
of the bare earth is relieved here and there by vines, fig-trees,
pretty little bays, and impressive cliffs on the island’s north coast. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Kythnos to Piraeus
Cruise back to Piraeus during the last full day aboard our
yacht. Tonight Toto Tours hosts a festive Farewell Dinner on board
to conclude our Meditteranean Odyssey. (Breakfast
/ Lunch / Dinner)
Monday, September 1, 2003
Departure
After breakfast we disembark the ship and provide one group transfer
to the Athens Airport for those flying home today. Those wishing
to extend their stay, transfer on their own to Athens. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Athens: Divani
Palace Acropolis, in the shadow of the Acropolis and
just 10 minutes walk from the city center. The hotel has a restaurant,
rooftop garden, coffee shop, bar, disco, gym, and pool. Rooms
feature A/C, satellite and pay-TV, mini-bar, direct phone with
computer socket, hairdryer and private bathroom.
Cyclades Islands: M/V Nicolas A, a
110-foot motor-sailing yacht with color TV, video player and stereo
system in the deck level lounge/dining room. Each cabin has A/C and
private bath. Eleven cabins with upper/lower berths; four cabins
with double beds (see ship layout).
PREPARING FOR THIS TOUR
Entry Requirements—For U.S. and Canadian Citizens a valid
passport is the only document required to enter Greece for
stays of up to 60 days.
Immunizations—No immunizations are currently required for
travel to Greece, but it is wise to have your inoculations up-to-date.
Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements—There is currently no separate departure
tax required of visitors leaving Greece other than that included
with the cost of your airline ticket.
Suggested Viewing
(movies filmed in Greece)
WHAT TO BRING
Pack LIGHT and try to limit yourself to two small, soft-sided suitcases!!!
Dress is very casual in Greece, and you will spend most of your time
in a swimsuit while on the ship. Remember—storage space on a vessel
of this sort is at a premium, so pack shorts and other durable, easy-care
items you can wear for several days.
During late August temperatures in Athens usually
range from 72 to 88 degrees F, with slightly cooler temperatures on the islands.
You can expect the weather to be hot and dry; light-colored, lightweight cotton
items are advisable. Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag just
in case your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do. Leave the finery and expensive
jewelry at home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ Passport.
____ Sneakers for on deck and island sightseeing.
____ Sandals for the beaches.
____ Lightweight, cotton long pants (2 pair)
for Athens dinners/cool nights.
____ “Smart casual” shirts (2) for dinners in
Athens and island dinners out.
____ Shorts (5 - 6 pair).
____ T-shirts, socks, underwear for at least
8 days.
____ Windbreaker or rain repellant jacket.
____ Cool sleepwear.
____ Flashlight & batteries.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm.
____ Sunglasses / sun hat.
____ Suntan lotions, avoid oils, you’ll
burn!
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Swimsuit & beach towel.
____ Camera & plenty of film.
____ A few favorite CDs for the lounge’s sound
system.
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
Greek currency has changed to the standardized EURO. As of January
29, 2003, the interbank exchange rate €0.92 to the US Dollar.
For cash withdrawals, ATMs are widely available in Athens and on
many of the islands. We recommend that you wait until arrival in
Greece to exchange currency in order to obtain the best rate. Budget
approximately $20 per day spending money for meals on the islands.
LIABILITIES AND DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in
whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury,
sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault
of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required
to sign a standard liability form. The tour operators reserve the
right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at
any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without
notice.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the "Reservations" link
above. Print the form, fill
out the information requested, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with
your $500
deposit
check. The balance of $2,095 (double) or $3,395 (single) is due 80
days prior to departure (by June 1, 2003). Tour registration is not
complete until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form
of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto
Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable
to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even
encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified
by certain traits. They are:
