When: October 19-31, 2008

          SANTORINI extension: October 30 - November 2

Led by:Jim Gold and Lee Otterholt

Featuring:

• CLASSICAL TOUR: Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Mycenae, and Epidaurus!
• GREEK ISLAND CRUISE: Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos, Santorini, home of legendary Atlantis.
• In Turkey, visit Kusadasi and Ephesus!
• INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCING with Lee Otterholt!
• FOLK DANCING with local GREEK TEACHERS!
  

Land only: $3195
Land and air: $3695

About Jim Gold

About Lee Otterholt
Lee Otterholt, born in the USA of Norwegian-American parents, has lived and worked most of his life in Norway as a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. He founded the Center for International Folk Dance in Oslo;he was also professor of dance folklore at the Norwegian National College of Ballet, and University College of Oslo.

Lee established folk dance and performing groups in Norway, taught at festivals and workshops throughout Europe, United States, and East Asia, and was the author of folk dance and instructional manuals used in Norwegian schools. A choreographer for folk ensembles, theater, and TV, Lee was one of the principal choreographers for the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer.

Ochi Day Parade on the Island of Santorini

Day 1: Sunday, October 19: Departure on Olympic Airway from JFK airport in New York City. Day 2-3: Monday-Tuesday, October 20-21: Arrival in Athens. Transfer to Herodian Hotel. Explore the ancient and modern city of Athens including visits to the Royal Palace, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis, National Library, Omonia Square. Greek folk dancing with famed Dora Stratou dancers! Meet the Dora Stratou dancers.

Pontic Dancer

Day 5: Thursday, October 23:
Drive through central Peloponnese passing Megalopolis and Tripolis. Tour of historic Olympia. Dinner, folk dancing, and overnight at the Amalia Hotel.

Day 6: Friday, October 24:
Morning drive through Nafpakto. Visit archeological sites at Delphi. Dinner, folk dancing, and overnight at Amalia Hotel.

Day 7: Saturday, October 25:
Morning visit to Delphi museum. Drive through Arachova, Lamia, and Trikala. Arrive in Kalambaka. Dinner, folk dancing, and overnight at Amalia Hotel.

Day 8: Sunday, October 26:
Visit breathtaking cliff monasteries of Meteora. Rising from gigantic rocks, they appear as nature's gift to the pious who chose solitude and a life of worship. Lunch and Greek folk dancing in a local Kastraki restaurant. Return to Athens, passing through historic Thermopyle. Overnight: Herodion Hotel.

FOUR DAY GREEK ISLAND CRUISE!
Day 9: Monday, October 27:
Leave Athens and sail from the harbor of Piraeus to Mykonos on our spacious Ocean Monarch cruise ship. Lunch on board.

Day 10: Tuesday, October 28:
Visit Kusadasi in Turkey. Optional excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, best preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Bazaar shopping tour of Kusadsi led by Jim. Sail to the beautiful island of Patmos where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation.

Day 11: Wednesday, October 29:
Sail to Rhodes. Explore the medieval city. Optional excursion to Lindos with its ancient Acropolis and breath-taking views. Walking tour of Rhodes led by Jim. Greek folk dancing with Nelly Dimoglou Dancers.

Day 12: Thursday, October 30:
Visit Heraklion, capital of Crete. Optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos. Then onto Santorini, home of the legendary kingdom of Atlantis. Return to the ship that night or stay for the SANTORINI EXTENSION.

Day 13: Friday, October 31:
Stay on cruise to arrive in Piraeus. Transfer to airport for flight back home.

SANTORINI EXTENSION!
Days 12-15: Thursday Night-Sunday,
October 30-November 2:
Included are accommodations and daily breakfasts at the Aressana Hotel. Saturday night or Sunday morning flight to Athens, then flight home on November 2.