Mykonos Town & Island Drive for Small Groups

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board your motorcoach for a scenic drive through the rocky countryside en route to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island's south-west coast, Agios Ioannis, home to soft sand, crystalline blue waters and an amazing view of the island of Delos - the historic Archaeological site and reputed birthplace of the twin Gods, Apollo and Artemis.

Then, continue your drive to the charming village of Ano Mera at the center of the island, home to the lovely Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Originally built in 1542 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its impressive architecture, whitewashed exterior and colored dome have long charmed visitors from around the world.

A beautiful marble fountain sits in front of the church, and its interior houses an impressive wooden iconostasis (altar screen), made in 1775 by Florentine artists. Note the hanging incense holders that line the wall: they're decorated with silver dragons holding red eggs in their mouths, evidence of Eastern influences.

A welcome respite in your day is a stop at Kalafatis Beach, where the deep blue Aegean Sea and golden sand beckon you for a short stroll in the sunshine. Refreshments are available for purchase from local vendors.

Return to Mykonos for your guided walking tour; passengers who do not wish to continue may return to the ship.

Mykonos is a picturesque town with a labyrinth-like maze of tiny streets, white houses and red-roofed churches. Don't be fooled by its small size; it is one of the most cosmopolitan towns of the Aegean. But despite the many shops, boutiques and stylish cafes, the town has not lost its charm and the island's strict building regulations have kept its Cycladic architectural style beautifully intact. Your guided, walking tour through the narrow, winding streets introduces you to some of the area's most treasured landmarks.

Look up and you'll find windmills dotting the landscape. Although no longer operational, they hearken back to the days when the area was once an agricultural powerhouse.

You'll want to have your camera ready to photograph Little Venice, famous for its narrow rows of brightly colored homes that literally sit in the sea. A timeless subject for artists, Little Venice is considered one of the most romantic spots in the Greek Isles.

No tour of Mykonos would be complete without the opportunity to see Paraportiani Church. A true Byzantine jewel, the island's most famous church sits just outside the city walls. Paraportiani is actually five churches, four comprise its base and the fifth is built as the dome on the top. Widely photographed, you won't want to miss the opportunity to capture it with your own lens.

At the completion of your tour, you are welcome to continue sightseeing on your own. As you walk through the streets, don't be surprised if Petros the Pelican, the island's mascot, pops out to say hello.

Special Notes:

Passengers must be able to walk for approximately 3/4 miles over narrow cobble-stoned streets that are uneven in places and have some steps. Passengers with limited mobility should take this into consideration.

Passengers who feel they are unable to participate in the walking tour of the Town of Mykonos will be given the option to return to the ship by motorcoach before the walking tour commences.

The tour finishes in the Mykonos Town after the walking tour. Passengers then have the option of returning to the ship directly or at leisure using the shuttle bus service.

Photography and video are not allowed in the Monastery. Respectful attire must be worn by all who visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Shorts and bare shoulders are not allowed.