this is the test for the news category. we are hereby testing the news category!

Santorini is a small, circular group of volcanic islands located in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km south-east from the mainland of Greece. It is also known by the name of the largest island in the archipelago, Thira or Thera. It is the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km² (28 sq mi), and in 2001 had an estimated population of 13,600. The inhabitants are citizens of Greece and speak Greek. It is the most active volcanic centre in the Aegean Arc, though what remains today is largely a caldera.

The name Santorini was given to it by the Venetians in the 13th century and is a reference to Saint Irene. Before then it was called Kallisti, Strongili or Thera. The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the last several thousand years when it erupted cataclysmically about 3,500 years ago. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by ash deposits hundreds of feet deep, and its effects may have indirectly led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 70 km to the south.

Modern Santorini

Santorini was annexed to Greece in 1912. Major settlements in Santorini include Fira (Phira),Oia, Emporio, Kamari, Imerovigli, Pyrgos and Therasia. Akrotiri is a major archaeological site with ruins from the Minoan era. The island has no rivers and water is scarce. Until the early nineties locals used to fill water tanks from the rain that fell on their roofs and courts, from small springs as well as by importing it from other areas of Greece.

Nowadays, there is a desalination plant that provides running, yet nonpotable, water to most houses. The primary industry of Santorini is tourism. The pumice quarries have been closed since 1986 in order to preserve the caldera of Santorini.

Santorini is home to a small but flourishing wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety,
Assyrtiko. Assyrtiko vines are extremely old, as they are resistant to phylloxera and have consequently not needed to be replaced during the great phylloxera epidemic of the early 20th century. They are adopted to their native habitat by being planted far apart and their principal source of moisture is dew. They are trained in the shape of baskets, with the grapes hanging inside to protect them from the winds.

In 1704 an undersea volcano breached the sea surface forming the current centre of activity at Nea Kameni, and eruptions centred on it continue—three times in the twentieth century, the last being in 1950. Santorini was also struck by a devastating earthquake in 1956.

Overview

Waterfront penninsula resort offering luxury rooms with magnificent sea views or seafront bungalows with private pools or private gardens. Accommodations are designed after an island style with luxury conveniences.

Room Information

The elegantly decorated deluxe rooms are located in the centre of the peninsula providing accommodation for two guests. Marble lined bathroom and private terrace are standard features in all rooms. Deluxe Residence Suites consist of beautifully sea view suites featuring one bedroom, a separate sitting area with sofa bed, which serves as an extra bedroom, a large TV screen and CD player as well as a mini TV in the marble lined bathroom. Vista Suites consist of corner sea view suites featuring one bedroom, a separate living room with a large TV screen, a CD player and push button operating curtains. Main features include a marble lined bathroom and a private terrace with furniture. “Panorama” Rooms & Suites feature one bedroom, a living room with a large TV screen and a CD player. Special features, such as personal butler service, separate check in/out desk and all day concierge service consummate the luxurious atmosphere of the “panorama” floor.

Restaurants & Bars

Experience the science of wining and dining. Ten excellent restaurants grace the premises serving International and Greek cuisine. Most of the resort’s restaurants hold Five Star Diamond Awards from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

Facilities & Services

Enjoy your own fitness regimen at the resort’s many recreational facilities. The water sports center offers a wide range of options. The hotel’s luxurious spa centre is accredited as one of the Leading Spas of the World. Situated on the Mediterraneo beach, is created with all the experience and techniques by the experts offering a variety of facial and body treatments. Zen by spa concept welcomes its guests to indulge in a unique spa experience by the internationally awarded Elemis spa therapy. Top of the Line Services include butler service, ticketing/travel services, vip check in/out, beauty salon & barber shop, spa center/fitness club, personal trainer/sports tutor, in room spa therapies/beauty treatment, in room dining, private chef, in room shopping of exclusive jewellery & garments, private tailor, same day laundry & dry clean service, sun-beds, umbrellas and bar service, hairdresser, private parking with 24hr security, control panel for lights and curtains, twice daily housekeeping, choice of pillows, terry and satin bathrobes, terry slippers, brand name luxury toiletries, in-room safe, library of cd’s and dvd’s, satellite tv, electric shuttles.

Business Facilities

Be creative in a professional atmosphere of the Grand Resort’s private business venues and handle your business issues with great success. Conference services and facilities include a fully equipped business center, translation and secretarial services, audiovisual equipment and technical support, slide and video projectors, plasma tv screens and dvd set, computer center and laptops, wireless internet access, teleconferencing, wired and cordless microphones, in-room safe with plug for valuable electrical devices, international business newspapers.

Travel Information

Located 20 minutes from Elefterios venizelos international Airport the resort is a waterfront peninsula in the seaside resort town of Lagonissi, a trendy Suburb of Athens.

Duration: 10 nights/12 days (3 nights Athens, 7 day cruise)

Day 1 : (Tuesday) Welcome to Athens

Once you arrive in Athens, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest.

Day 2 : (Wednesday) Athens City Tour

Enjoy a morning city tour of Athens visiting Acropolis and its museum. Spend the afternoon exploring Plaka (old Athens section), Ermou Square, or visiting the Monastiraki flea Market.

Day 3 : (Thursday) Delphi

Drive to Delphi through Levadia and Arachova. Upon arrival, visit the museum, the Athenian treasury, visit the temple of Apollo and Castalia spring. Return to Athens late in the afternoon.

Day 4, 5, 6 : (Friday-Sunday) Istanbul cruise

After the breakfast transfer from the hotel to Piraeus port and board your 7 day cruise. Upon arrival in Istanbul on Saturday you will explore the only city in the world straddling two continents - Europe and Asia. Istanbul, with its blend of East ad West, has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture such as Agia Sofia, Blue mosque and furthermore the Topkapi Palace with its treasures o the Ottoman Empire.

Day 7 : (Monday) Mykonos

Continue sailing to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, famous for its nightlife, whitewashed buildings, narrow alleyways full o shops, tavernas and stylish cafes.

Day 8 : (Tuesday) Kusadasi & Patmos

In the morning arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, where you can visit Ephesus, best known as one of the most preserved Greek/Roman cities of Asia Minor. Also, visi the home where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days (optional). Continue to the island of Patmos where you may visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, both UNSECO World Heritage Sites (optional).

Day 9 : (Wednesday) Rhodes

In the morning arrive in the island of Rhodes. Enjoy this beautiful island guarded by the medieval walls constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 13th century. Take a beautiful walk on your own in the town, or visit the ancient Acropolis of Lindos at the brink of a precipice 400 feet above sea level (optional).

Day 10 : (Thursday) Heraklion, Crete & Santorini

In the morning you will arrive in the port of Heraklion, in Crete. Visit the famous Minoan Palace of Knossos (optional). In the afternoon continue sailing to Santorini, Famous for its whitewashed villages built on the edge of a cliff known as the “Caldera” overlooking the Aegean Sea. (Option to disembark the ship and extend your stay by spending a few nights in Santorini)

Day 11 : Piraeus / USA

Disembark the ship early in the morning and transfer to the Athens airport for your return flight back to the USA.

Tour Includes :

• Round-trip transfers in Athens and Santorini
• 3 nights accommodation in Athens
• Athens city tour and its museum
• Full day tour of Delphi with lunch
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• 7 day Greek island cruise
• Breakfast Daily
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during cruise
• Domestic Air from Santorini to Athens (excluding taxes)
• Local Assistance if Desired

Rates: $2,425 to $2,830 depending on time of year
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Duration: 10 nights/12 days (2 nights Athens, 1 night Olympia, 4 nights Lefkada, 3 nights Corfu)

Day 1 : Welcome to Athens

Once you arrive in Athens, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest.

Day 2 : Athens City Tour

Enjoy a morning city tour of Athens visiting the Acropolis & its museum. Spend the afternoon at leisure to stroll Plaka (ol Athens section) an shop at the flea market in Monastiraki.

Day 3 : Olympia

From Athens drive through the Corinth Canal with a short stop. Continue to Epidaurus and visit the archaeological site and theater famous for its remarkable acoustics. The continue to Nafplion and Mycenae where you will visit the Lion Gate and the tomb of Agamemnon. Continue through the central Peloponnese to arrive in Olympia. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day4 : Delphi

In the morning, visit the archaeological site and the museum of Olympia. Then, drive via Patras to Rion, where you will cross The Rion-Antirion bridge, the world’s longest cable-stayed suspended bridge deck, widely considered to be an engineering masterpiece. Then continue through Nafpaktos and arrive to Delphi. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 : Athens

In the morning visit the museum in Delphi. See the unique bronze Charioteer and proceed through the sacred way to the Athenian treasury. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo home of the Oracle and Castalia Spring. Return to Athens early in the afternoon.

Day 6,7,8 : Santorini

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy 3 days at this beautiful volcanic island with its breathtaking views draped along the high cliffs of Santorini’s dramatic Caldera. Take postcard pictures while walking through the white washed villages of Fira and Oia and be daring to ride one of the donkeys as part of the native charm of the island.

Day 9 : Return to the USA

Transfer from the hotel in Santorini to the airport for your early morning flight back to the USA.

Tour Includes:

Round-trip transfers in Athens and Santorini
Hotel taxes an service charges
3 nights accommodations in Athens with breakfast daily
2 nights Historical Tour of Greece at First Class Amalia Hotels, including breakfast and dinner
City tour of Athens & its museums
3 nights in Santorini with breakfast included
Round trip domestic air (excluding taxes)
Local assistance if desired

Rates: $1,865 to $2,658 depending on time of year
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Duration: 7 nights/8 days (2 nights Athens, 4 day cruise, 2 nights Santorini)

Day 1 : (Saturday) Welcome to Athens

Once you arrive in Athens, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest.

Day 2 : (Sunday) Athens Tour / Acropolis

Enjoy a tour of Athens combining many of the cities principal modern and classical sights such as Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. At the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Niki, and finally the beautiful Parthenon and its museum. The afternoon is free to explore the Plaka (old Athens section), Ermou Square for shopping, or visit the Monastiraki flea Market.

Day 3 : (Monday) Cruise, Mykonos

After breakfast, transfer fro Athens to Pireaus port for a 4 day cruise to the Greek Isles. First port of call is Mykonos, famous for its nightlife, whitewashed buildings, and narrow alleyways full of shops, tavernas & stylish cafes.

Day 4 : (Tuesday) Kusadasi & Patmos

In the morning arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, where you can visit Ephesus, best known as one of the most preserved Greek/Roman cities of Asia Minor. Also, visi the home where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days (optional). Continue to the island of Patmos where you may visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, both UNSECO World Heritage Sites (optional).

Day 5 : (Wednesday) Rhodes

In the morning arrive in the island of Rhodes. Enjoy this beautiful island guarded by the medieval walls constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 13th century. Take a beautiful walk on your own in the town, or visit the ancient Acropolis of Lindos at the brink of a precipice 400 feet above sea level (optional).

Day 6 : (Thursday) Heraklion, Crete & Santorini

In the morning you will arrive in the port of Heraklion, in Crete. Visit the famous Minoan Palace of Knossos (optional). In the afternoon continue sailing to Santorini, Famous for its whitewashed villages built on the edge of a cliff known as the “Caldera” overlooking the Aegean Sea. Disembark the ship in Santorini and transfer to your hotel.

Day 7 : (Friday) Santorini

Enjoy 2 days at this scenic volcanic island with its breathtakingviews and white washed houses draped along the high cliffs of Santorini’s dramatic Caldera. Take postcard pictures while walking through the villages of Oia and Fira and be daring to ride one of the donkeys as part of the native charm of the island.

Day 8 : (Saturday) USA

Transfer from the hotel in Santorini to the airport for your early morning flight back to the USA.

Tour Includes :

• Round-trip transfers in Athens and Santorini
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Athens city tour and museums
• 2 nights accommodation in Athens
• 4 day Greek island cruise
• 2 nights accommodations in Santorini
• Breakfast Daily
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during cruise
• Domestic Air from Santorini to Athens (excluding taxes)
• Local Assistance if Desired

Rates: $1,770 to $2,850 depending on time of year
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

You are greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is free to explore.

Day 2: Athens

Tour Acropolis, with its breathtaking view and renowned Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum. Remainder of the day is free. (B)

Day 3: Cruise- Mykonos

Morning transfer to the port for ferry ride to Mykonos; disembark for a 3-night stay. (B) (L)

Day 4&5: Mykonos

Enjoy the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways, the Paraportiani church, and the famous windmills near the waterfront. (B)

Day 6: Mykonos- Cruise

Late afternoon transfer to your cruise ship for a 3-day cruise of the Greek Islands. (B) (D)

Day 7: Cruise- Kusadasi (Turkey)- Patmos

Arrive in Kusadasi, gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Cruise to the island of Patmos, home of the grotto where St. John write the Book of Revelation. (B) (L) (D)

Day 8: Cruise- Rhodes

Explore Rhodes on your own, or optional tour. Or visit a crystal clear Aegean beaches. (B) (L) (D)

Day 9: Cruise- Heraklion- Santorini

Arrive at Heraklion, Crete, explore on your own or enjoy optional tour to the Palace of Knossos. Sail to Santorini, the land of the fabled Atlantis. Disembark your ship and enjoy a two-night stay. (B) (L)

Day 10: Santorini

Enjoy a day at leisure in Santorini. (B)

Day 11: Santorini- Athens

A whole day free. Late afternoon transfer to airport for your short flight to Athens, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 12: Athens- USA

A Key Tours representative escorts you to the airport for the flight home. (B)

Price Includes

• International round trip airfare to Athens from New York.
• 8 nights accommodation in the hotel class of your choice
• 3-day/ 3-night Greek Island cruise with inside cabin accommodations
• Half-day Athens sightseeing tour
• Meals indicated in the itinerary by the code letter
• Hotel and port transfers
• Hotel service charges and taxes
• Domestic flights (only for air and land package)

Price Excludes

• Airport taxes
• Personal expenses
• Optional tours
• Customary tips to drivers, guides and cruise crew
  

Option A

Day 1: Athens- Arrival
You are greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is free to explore.

Day 2: Cruise- Mykonos
Transfer to Piraeus for a four day cruise. Arrive in Mykonos, and the famous windmills. (B) (L) (D)

Day 3: Cruise- Kusadasi (Turkey)- Patmos
Arrive in Kudsadasi, gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Cruise to the island of Patmos, home of the grotto where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. (B) (L) (D)

Day 4: Crusie- Rhodes
Arrive in Rhodes. Explore o9n your own or join an optional sightseeing tour. Taxis wait to take swimmers to nearby crystal clear Aegean beaches. (B) (L) (D)

Day 5: Cruise- Santorini- Crete
Arrive in and explore Santorini, land of the fabled Atlantis. Sail on to Herakion, Crete, where you can explore on your own or join an optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos. (B) (L) (D)

Day 6: Athens
Disembark from your cruise and start touring Athens’ famed Acropolis, with its breathtaking view and renowned Parthenon. Visit the Acropolis Museum. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Stay overnight in Athens. (B)

Day 7: Athens- Nauplion- Olympia
Drive along the Saronic Gulf, cross the Corinth Canal to Mycenae’s Lion Gate and beehive tombs, and Epidaurus’ world famous theater. Proceed to the town of Nauplion after a short stop. Travel via Tripolis and Megalopolis, and arrive in Olympia, home of th stadium where the Olympics originated,. Stay overnight in Olympia. (B) (D)

Day 8: Olympia- Delphi
In the morning visit the Temples of Zeus and Hera and the Hermes’ sculpture. After driving to Patras, take the ferry from Rion to Antrion. Pass picturesque Nafpaktos, through Itea, to Delphi for dinner and overnight stay. (B) (D)

Day 9: Delphi- Athens
Take a morning visit to the Castalia Spring explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, Pythios, and the Delphi Museum. Drive through picturesque villages on way to Athens. (B)

Day 10: Athens- Return
A Key Tours representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Option B

Days 1-9
Same as Option A.

Day 10: Athens- Istanbul
A Key Tours representative escorts you to the airport for a short flight to Istanbul. Arrive and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. (B)

Day 11: Istanbul
Tour Topkapi Palace, Saint Sophioa, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Covered Bazaar. Stay overnight in Istanbul. (B) (L)

Day 12: Istanbul (The Bosphorus Cruise)
Enjoy a half-day tour of Dolmabahce Palace or cruise the Bosphorous depending on weather conditions. Afternoon free to explore. Optional dinner with belly- and folk-dancing. (B)

Day 13: Istanbul- Return
A Key Tours representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Price Includes
- International round trip airfare to Athens from New York.
- 3 nights accommodation in the hotel class of your choice
- 4-day Greek Island cruise with inside cabin accommodations
- 3-day classical tour of Greece, staying in the first class hotels
- Half-day Athens sightseeing tour
- Meals indicated in the itinerary by the code letter
- Hotel and port transfers
- Hotel service charges and taxes

Price Excludes
- Airport taxes
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours
- Customary tips to drivers, guides and cruise crew

Duration: 12 nights/14 days (2 nights Athens, 3 nights Rhodes, 4 nights Crete, 3 nights Santorini)

Day 1 : Welcome to Athens

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is free to explore this amazing city.

Day2 : Athens Tour / Acropolis

Enjoy a tour of Athens combining many of the city’s modern and classical sights such as the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. At the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens, the Propylea, the temple of Athena, and finally the beautiful Parthenon and its museum. The afternoon is free to explore Plaka (old Athens section), Ermou square for shopping, or the Monastiraki flea market.

Day 3, 4, 5 : Rhodes

Transfer to the Athens airport and take a short flight to the island of Rhodes where upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. Spend 3 days in this cosmopolitan destination with a history that goes back 4,000 years. Walk through the medieval city enclosed within its walls. Visit squares, museums with rare exhibits, art galleries, churches, the Grand Master’s palace, the famous Street of the Knights and historical buildings. Enjoy the natural surroundings, crystal clear seas, the bright sun and the warm hospitality of the islanders.

Day 6, 7, 8, 9 : Crete

Transfer to the Rhodes airport and fly to Heraklion, Crete where upon arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel. A rich blend of mythology, archeology, and history, together with the unparalleled beauty of the landscape, the people, and the traditions, make Crete one of the most seductive hideaways. Ideon Andron, the birthplace of the Olympian God Zeus, the remains of the Minoan palaces, Byzantine churches, Venetian buildings, and beautiful beaches are there to discover.

Day 10, 11, 12 : Santorini

Board the hydrofoil or ferry boat from Crete to Santorini. Upon arrival at the pier you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy 3 days at this scenic volcanic island with its breathtaking views and white washed houses draped along the high cliffs of Santorini’s dramatic Calder. Take postcard pictures while walking through the villages of Oia and Fira, and be daring to ride one of the donkeys as part of the native charm of the island.

Day 13 : Return home

Transfer from the hotel in Santorini to the airport for your early morning flight back to the USA.

Tour Includes:

• Roundtrip transfers in Athens, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini

• Hotel taxes and service charges

• 2 nights in Athens

• Athens city tour and museum

• 3 night in Rhodes 4 nights in Crete

• 3 nights in Santorini

• Breakfast daily

• Domestic Air and Hydrofoil

Price Excludes

• Personal expenses

• Customary tips to drivers, guides and escorts

• Optional tours