The itinerary included many of the "classic places" - Athens and Delphi plus the islands of Crete and Rhodes. Famous sights included the Acropolis of Athens, the Oracle of Delphi, the Palace of Knossos in Crete as well as scenic towns, countryside, islands, the sea, and coastal areas. Our thanks to Gordy Backlund, band officer and our "resident tour planner," whose previous experience has been invaluable in getting the "best deals" and arranging special stops.

Note : click on any of the pictures below for links to larger format views. All images are less than 100 kb. Most links have 2 or 3 images - some with extras not on this page.


Fri. June 23: Travel Day
Leave Minneapolis (KLM or Delta) for Athens.
 
Sat. June 24: Arrival in Athens

Athens from Mt. Lycabetus

Arrive in Athens. Private transfer to the Herodion Hotel near the Acropolis for check-in, meeting the guides, and trip orientation. Late afternoon and evening free. Dinner on your own.
 
Sun. June 25: Athens
At 8:30 am meet in the lobby for sightseeing tour of Athens with the guides:

Parthenon

visit the Acropolis and the museum there then on to the National Archaeological Museum.

Erectheon	Symposium

Afternoon free. At 8:15 pm meet in the hotel lobby for transfer to a "Welcome Dinner" at the restaurant "Symposium".
 
Mon. June 26: Athens to Delphi
At 9:00 am depart for the drive through the fertile plains

Arachova

of Boeotia to Arachova, a lovely village noted for its colorful rugs and woven goods. Group lunch at a restaurant overlooking

Gulf of Ikea	Delphi concert site

the deep valley of the Pleistos river, olive trees in the plain of Krisa, and the Gulf of Itea (Gulf of Corinth). Continue on to Delphi, the center of the ancient world. Free afternoon and early evening. At 7:00 pm transfer to the concert site for a 9:00 pm concert in Delphi. Overnight in Delphi at the King Iniohos hotel.
 
Tues. June 27: Delphi
In the morning visit the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Castalian Spring, all situated on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus in a landscape of remarkable beauty and majesty.

Oracle of Delphi	Temple of Apollo

View also the magnificent finds from the ancient site in the charming small museum. In the afternoon depart for a side trip to the seaside village of Galaxidi for lunch on your own, swimming, and relaxation. Free evening. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Delphi.
 
Wed. June 28: Delphi
Morning and early afternoon free. At 4:30 pm depart for

Livadia	Concert site

Livadia, where the Oracle of Trophonius is located. Free time until early evening. 9:00 pm concert in Lividia followed by a dinner with our hosts from the state of Boeotia. Return to Delphi. Overnight in Delphi.
 
Thurs. June 29: Delphi to Chania, Crete
At 9:00 am leave for the Athens airport to take a flight to Chania, Crete. Private transfer to either the Hotel Kydon or Porto Veneziano hotels. Free afternoon and evening. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Chania.
 
Fri. June 30: Chania, Crete
In the morning, explore the old town of Chania, noted

Chania harbor
Concert	Dinner

for its well preserved neighborhoods from the Venetian and Turkish periods. Visit the archaeological museum, the public market, and the harbor with its Venetian lighthouse restored by the Egyptians. Meet at 5:00 pm for a rehearsal. Joint concert with a choir from Chania at 9:00 pm followed by a dinner featuring local foods, wine, folksongs, and dances with our hosts.
 
Sat. July 1: Chania, Crete
Morning and afternoon free. At 4:00pm drive to Rethymnon.

Rethymnon concert

Free late afternoon and early evening. At 7:30 pm transfer to the concert site for a 9:00 pm concert near the port in Rethymnon. Return to Chania. Overnight in Chania.
 
Sun. July 2: Crete to Rhodes
At 9:30 am busses leave for Heraklion for sightseeing at Knossos, the renowned palace of King

Knossos

Minos, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for the flight to Athens. Make the connecting flight to Rhodes. Private transfer to the Mediterranean Hotel (on the beach). Dinner on your own. Overnight in Rhodes.
 
Mon. July 3: Rhodes
Morning and afternoon free. At 7:30 pm transfer to concert site for a 9:00 pm concert in Rhodes. Overnight in Rhodes.

Rhodes beach	Concert

 
Tues. July 4: Rhodes to Athens
At 9:00 am sightseeing of the Old and New Towns of Rhodes: visit

Palace

the museum and the Palace of the Grand Master. Afternoon free. In the evening, private transfer to the airport for a flight to Athens. Private transfer to the Herodion Hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Athens.
 
Wed. July 5: Athens
Full day sightseeing excursion. For the Saronic Gulf Cruise, pick-up at 7:45 am and transfer to

Hydra	Aegina

the port to board the "Hermes". Visit the islands of Poros, Hydra, and Aegina. Lunch on board. Return to Athens in the evening. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Athens.

Thurs. July 6: Travel Day
Private transfer to the airport for your outgoing flight.

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