Greece: Photographic Tour of Santorini

There are overnight flights from the U.S. to Athens, Greece, where you will then connect to the Santorini Airport (Thira – JTR). Participants can overnight in Athens prior to taking flight to Santorini, and/or upon return from the isle. We can recommend the Holiday Inn, Athens Airport Hotel (Attica Avenue), which provides shuttle service, or a short taxi ride.

Arrive anytime today to Santorini from Athens, a transfer from the port or the Thira Airport will await you, taking you to the hotel. Participants will check in and relax on their own. We will have a brief introductory meeting this evening upon everyone’s arrival (time to be announced). (D)

We will have six full days to explore the nearby village of Firostefani, and other villages on the magical island of Santorini. Transportation will be on foot in the hill towns of Santorini, and coach service to the villages. Kathyy will organize early morning walks in the vicinity of the hotel, for those that wish to photograph prior to breakfast. We will then walk to town or travel to surrounding villages for a full day of work. Lunch will be enjoyed at various locations, returning to the hotel with time to work on your photogarphs, and capture the last light of the day. Please note the tour entails plenty of walking, with many steps in the hill towns. Dinners will be on your own at local restaurants, with a farewell dinner provided. Santorini is the last island to the South of the Cyclades Archipelago. Centuries ago a volcanic eruption followed by a devastating explosion sculptured the rugged cliffs and brought about the unique spectacle of Santorini and the Caldera basin. The villages of Santorini Greece, where the traditional architecture can be seen are: Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, Emporio, and others. It has been said that the sunsets in Santorini are the best in the world; from the Caldera breathtaking views of the volcano and neighboring islands, from the east, miles of dark sandy or pebbled beaches, everywhere one sees blue domed churches, stunning whitewashed buildings, and remnants of days gone by. Fira, the capital of Santorini, is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the volcano. Stepped streets with sun-bathed verandas allow visitors to relax and enjoy the spectacular views at sunset, capturing the iconic whitewashed buildings perched on the dramatic cliffs. Imerovigli (the name means watchtower) is set on the highest point of the caldera’s rim. A trail descending from the church of Ayios Georgios crosses the isthmus and encircles Skaros, then finally reaching the small chapel of Theoskepasti, with a memorable caldera view. At the tip of the northern horn of the island sits Ia (Oia), Santorini’s second largest and most picturesque town. The cubical white houses stand out against the natural color layers of rock, earth, and solid volcanic ash that rise from the sea. In 1900, there were approximately nine thousand inhabitants, now a mere 500 permanent residents, and more than 100 boats. Many of the mariners use the endless flight of stairs from the kastro to descend down to the water and the small port of Ammoudi, where the pebble beach is home to the island’s nicest fish tavernas. Traveling South of Firostefani, we will visit the lovely Emporio and Pyrgos. Though today Pyrgos has only 500 inhabitants, it was once the capital of the island. It boasts of medieval houses, stacked on top of one another and back to back for protection against pirates. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the ruined Venetian castle, which can be reached by climbing the picturesque streets, which follow the shape of the hill. Overnight HOTEL IRA. (B & L each day, D Farewell Dinner)

You will be transferred to the airport or port today, for your return to Athens, or choose to explore various islands. (B)