Mykonos Town & Aegean Maritime Museum

Description

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

Board your private motorcoach for a brief transfer to the town of Mykonos, a cosmopolitan destination amongst the Greek islands. Your guide will take you on an exhilarating walking tour through the town's labyrinth of winding streets and steep lanes, past whitewashed houses and red-roofed churches, each stunning examples of Cycladic architecture.

Local legend states that if a girl drank from the Tria Pigadia (Three Wells), she was sure to find a husband. Although drinking the well water now is ill-advised, the quaint charm of this spot, the town's sole water supply until the 1950s, has captivated visitors throughout the years and is a wonderful photo opportunity.

Continue walking to the main shopping district, Matoyianni Street, where you'll find exclusive boutiques, galleries featuring local artists and outdoor cafes. As you stroll along this glamorous avenue, keep an eye out for Petros the Pelican, the official mascot of Mykonos.

Seen from miles around, the view of the famed Paraportiani Church, located just outside the city walls, is spectacular - so have your camera ready. Paraportiani evolved over two hundred years, beginning in 1475. Four small churches were joined together, forming a single main structure, and a fifth church was placed on top to form the dome. The iconic whitewashed structure contrasts magnificently against the bright blue sky.

Have you been noticing the windmills? They are a quintessential Mykonos feature, playfully punctuating the landscape. Their snow-white color, pointed roofs and sophisticated design are testament to the island's innovative spirit. No longer operational, they stand proudly as a symbol of Mykonos' rich past.

One of the most romantic spots in Mykonos is the neighborhood of Little Venice, dotted with petite fishermen's huts painted in jeweled tones. These little homes are literally built right on the edge of the sea. Many artists have worked to capture the area's eternal beauty with their brushes and Little Venice is one of the most photographed towns in all of Europe.

Your tour will pause for a cold beverage at a local venue before continuing on to the fascinating Aegean Maritime Museum.

Located in a traditional island house, the museum's exhibits include exquisite ship models from eras ranging from the Hellenistic Period to the 19th century. Built to preserve the study of Greek maritime history and tradition, the museum displays a variety of ancient artifacts, including shipping documents, navigational instruments, and an impressive collection of nautical coins. In the garden, ancient marble gravestones preserve the memory of sailors that were lost in shipwrecks.

At the completion of your tour, you'll have ample opportunity to explore this charming town on your own, shop for souvenirs, sample the local fare or just wander the narrow streets before returning to the ship.

Special Notes:

This tour involves extensive walking and travels narrow, cobblestone streets. Not recommended for passengers with limited mobility. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses, and adequate sun protection.

Please bear in mind that in the summer months of June, July and August the weather in Greece can be extremely hot. Passengers must note that during the months of July and August the streets of Mykonos will most probably be busy and in some cases crowded. Passengers with physical limitations are requested to take this into consideration when booking the tour.

This tour has an extremely limited availability.