Constellation of Greek islands or sailing vacation - Day 1

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In summer 2013 Family Travel Concierge offers great tour around Greek islands. 
Please note, the number of seats is limited! On this tour in 2013, we sell only 12 seats (6 double cabins). 

Greece has everything!
             
In Greece everyone will find what he or she is looking for. Are you a fan of ancient history and myths? Are you a connoisseur of art and architecture? Are you gourmet and a person who like exotic things? Are you a person who likes sea travel and beaches, diving and fishing? Then quickly come with us to Greece! 
It is impossible not to fall in love with Greece. Greece is so beautiful! Its mountains and valleys, villages and towns, coast and islands are bathed in the glow of the Aegean Sea. Flowering tangerine and lemon trees, meadows, shady olive groves, fragrance of thyme ... it is how you will remember this amazing country.  There is a reason why gods from Mt. Olympus chose this land!

Constellation of Greek islands or sailing vacation.

Aegina, Paros, Milos, Delos, Syros, Santorini, Mykonos, Kay, as well as ancient monuments of Athens, ancient Corinth, Mycenae and Epidavros 

Day 1, June 6 2013 - Friday

Arrival in Athens. Group Meeting between 09.00 and 12.00. Transfer to the port at 12.00. Accommodation on board of our ship from 13.30. Lunch in the port. 

Athens is the capital of the country. Athens is an ancient city in the world. Athens is the birthplace of democracy. Athens is the center of civilization.

An ancient legend says that the god of the sea Poseidon and the goddess of wisdom Athena wanted to get the land of Attica. The gods promised to give it to someone who would make  the most useful gift to the people. Poseidon struck his trident and stream of water came from Acropolis. Athena waved and there was an olive tree, which she gave to the people ... Athena won. In honor of the winner Greek capital was called Athens.

 Athens lies on the bottom of the valley surrounded by three mountains Lekanopedio (literally "bowl-valley"). To the south east there is  Mount Imitos (or Gimet), known for its delicious honey since ancient times. This mountain is a "barometer" of Athens. If on its top you see a cloud, it means there will be rain. If you see sun then it will be sunny 330 days a year.  On the north of the capital there is Mount Parnitha (1413 m). It is very popular among city dwellers because in the summer, even in the warmest days, snow does not melt here. 

Going to the sea from Piraeus at 14.00.  

Trip to the island of Aegina (20 km from Athens). Arrival at Aegina around 15.30.  
Visit the ancient temple Afea. 
Aegina means "Pigeon Island"! Aegina is famous for its pistachios! People live on the island for more than 4 thousand years, and it is named after nymph Aegina. Here you will appreciate the purity of the local air. It is home to many celebrities of Athens and is a popular place for artists!

The island is shaped like a triangle (area of ​​84 sq. km., 11.000 inhabitants). Ancient legend states that the island was once called Oynoni, but later it was renamed to Aegina, who was settled here by god Zeus for pleasure and entertainment. Zeus and Aegina gave life to Ajax, who later became the first ruler of Aegina. Starting from the VI century BC, the island became an important trade and maritime center. Aeginas were considered "kings" of trading business, taking control of trading at Black, Marble and Aegean seas. During the Peloponnesian War Aeginas, supporting Sparta, struggled against Athens. It led to the decades old conflict between  two states. In 456 BC, the Athenians captured Aegina eliminating a competitor who created various economic and political problems for Athenians. That was when Aegina was converted into a luxury resort island, where the Athenians had always liked to relax.

We arrive to this island to visit one single building, Temple Afea, created in XIII - V centuries B.C. and dedicated to the Cretan goddess. In ancient times, Afea was considered not only a patron of Aegina, but also the goddess of fertility and spring. In addition, Afea had another unique feature; it became invisible and escaped from her admirers.  Cretan goddess was considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, so the businessmen of antiquity came here to Aegina to pray and ask for their business and prosperity. So we'll do that!
The island of Aegina is famous for its olive trees. "Mother of all things," it is how Heraclitus called olive tree, without which it is impossible to imagine Greece. The great statesman Solon put olive tree under the protection of the law punishing anybody who would harm the tree. A branch of the olive tree was a symbol of victory in  Olympic competitions. After the wine, olive oil had been the main "bargaining chip" in ancient times. Today it is a matter of pride. On Aegina you are given a chance to go to the beach (about 2 hours). Dinner on board. Then we sail to the island of Milos (about 10 hours). We sleep on board.

To be continued...