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Sacred Odyssey into the Heart of Ancient Greece
The Myths, Heroes, Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece
June 12 - 22, 2012
Island of the Gods
A Crete Encounter
June 20 - 25, 2012
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Tour Leaders:
Phil Cousineau is a writer, teacher, independent scholar, documentary filmmaker, travel leader, storyteller and author of many books including the national best-seller The Art of Pilgrimage. Currently, he is host of the much-praised “inner travel” program, Global Spirit on Link TV. Read more about Phil Cousineau on our About Your Tour Leader page.
Guaranteed Departure!
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Map - View of tour destinations
View Sacred Odyssey into the Heart of Ancient Greece in a larger map
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 Tue, Jun 12: Arrive Athens (D)
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 Arrive at the Athens airport and be met by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to explore this ancient city on your own. Athens, the capital and largest city in Greece, dominates the Attica periphery. One of the world’s oldest cities, Athens is full of myths, mysteries, and legends. Steeped with a rich history that spans around 3,400 years, the city is home to many sacred ancient sites, monuments, and landmarks. A fusion of old and new, Athens is also a cosmopolitan metropolis buzzing with lively activity and vibrancy.
In the evening we will gather as a group at a local tavern in the Plaka district for our Welcome Dinner. Dining on delicious traditional food we will enjoy live Greek bouzouki music and entertainment while admiring the magnificent views of the Acropolis in the distance.
(Overnight in Athens)
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Day 2 Wed, June 13: Athens (B, L)
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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we follow the Panathenaic Way, the ancient procession of the goddess, up to the Acropolis. Once arrived, we will visit the magnificent ruins of the Parthenon, currently undergoing restoration, and visit the Theatre of Dionysus, the world's oldest theatre where great plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides were first performed. We then visit the Acropolis Museum, which is home to all the findings and artifacts from this ancient site. The museum itself sits on the archaeological site of Makrygianni and over part of the ruins of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. We then take a break for lunch either at the museum or a nearby restaurant.
 After lunch we walk to the Agora, the heart of Athens, and one of the most historically important, but least visited sites in Athens. The Agora is the ancient marketplace where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle strolled, and the traditional morning meeting place for the citizens in Athens. Here the people would discuss politics and philosophy, worship at one of the many altars, visit the Temple of Poseidon, and shop at one of the many markets. Today it is one of the quietest and most meditative places in Athens, with magnificent views of the Parthenon atop the Acropolis. This evening, explore Athens independently or join Phil for a night of traditional bouzouki in the Plaka.
(Overnight in Athens)
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Day 3 Thu, Jun 14: Athens to Delphi (B, L, D)
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 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we depart for Delphi. We stop en route in Eleusis to visit to the Sanctuary of Eleusis, one of the greatest shrines of antiquity in honour of Demeter and Persephone. Here we will learn about secret rites and initiation ceremonies that honoured the wandering Demeter and her daughter Persephone who was held hostage in the underworld by the god Hades. Their drama was enacted here and witnessed by initiates under a vow of secrecy. Sophocles remarked that “happy is man who has seen the secret rites,” which were intended to reveal the mysteries of rebirth. This morning we will take time to roam the ruins and share in a discussion about the role of the goddess in Greek mythology and the role of ritual in Greek life.
Upon our arrival in Delphi in the afternoon, we will settle into our hotel and then have time to stroll around the town and do a little shopping before gathering for dinner as a group.
(Overnight in Delphi)
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Day 4 Fri, Jun 15: Delphi; Olympia (B, L, D)
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 After breakfast at the hotel, we gather for a morning discussion about the Oracle of Delphi, also called the Pythia, or the Sibyl, who uttered prophecies for pilgrims who came to her temple for over twelve hundred years. Afterward, we will walk in silence from the small town of Delphi and wind our way up the ancient Sacred Way to the home of the Oracle at the Temple of Apollo. Here, we will dwell on the threshold of one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in all the world where everyone will have time to approach the temple, and, in the spirit of the ancient pilgrims who brought their deepest questions here for 1200 years, we too will ask a question. We will then visit one of the most beautiful stadiums in ancient Greece, and the old theater. Finally, we will visit the Delphi Museum, which features the original stone omphalos, symbolic of Delphi being the navel or centre of the ancient world, and see the brilliant bronze sculpture of the Charioteer found in a shipwreck in the 19 th century.
 We then enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and admire the spectacular views before continuing on to Olympia, a sanctuary of ancient Greece, and home to the Olympic Games of the classical period. Olympia was considered a national shrine for the Greeks and housed many treasures and works of art ranging from temples, monuments, sacred altars, theatres and statues. Upon arrival at our hotel we will settle in and then enjoy dinner at the hotel. After dinner, Phil will lead a late evening discussion and storytelling session in a local tavern with traditional local music.
(Overnight in Olympia)
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Day 5 Sat, Jun 16: Olympia (B, L, D)
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 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a day of ancient discoveries. Together we shall make our way to the site of the ancient Olympics and spend the day visiting the ancient gymnasium, and the palaestra (wrestling forum). At the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic torch is lit every four years, we will gather for a group discussion. We will then visit the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and finally enter the excavated stadium, the origin site of all Western athletics. Breaking for lunch, we will dine at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, we walk through an old olive grove for a visit of the Olympics Museum, which features a collection of Olympic torches, medals, and memorabilia of the Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the visionary who revived the Modern Olympic Games in the belief it would revive the spirit of the well-lived life. Here we will have another group discussion about the relationship between athletics and spirituality, and the sacred aspect of sports in ancient times.
We return to the hotel to freshen up, followed by dinner at the hotel. This evening, stroll through Olympia on your own, or join Phil at an old tavern for an optional late night discussion.
(Overnight in Olympia)
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Day 6 Sun, Jun 17: Olympia to Nafplion; Mystra; Sparta (B, D)
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 Enjoy breakfast at your leisure and then spend time this morning to independently wander the town. You may also want to revisit the Olympic site and ruins once more and explore the museum more thoroughly. We then depart from Olympia and journey to the 13th century monastic site of Mystra, famous for its mosaics and frescoes, and regarded as the “Florence of the Orient”. Later, we continue on to the ancient seaport town of Nafplion making a brief stop in Sparta, home of Menelaos and Helen of Sparta (and later Troy), and Leonidas, the leader who fought the Persians, along the way. We will also take a brief mid afternoon break for a picnic with a discussion of the origins of the Trojan War and the Greek cult of beauty, embodied in Helen, Aphrodite, and Paris.
We arrive in Nafplion in the late afternoon, where we will find one of the best examples of restoration in modern Greece. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we will enjoy dinner and a stroll through the beautiful cobbled town square of Nafplion.
(Overnight in Nafplion)
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Day 7 Mon, Jun 18: Nafplion, Mycenae (B)
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 After breakfast at our hotel, we head to the ancient citadel of Mycenae, with its cyclopean walls and history of Menelaus and Clytemnestra. Here, we will spend the morning exploring the archaeological site, first excavated by Heinrich Schliemann (discoverer of Troy, in Turkey). We then visit the nearby tholos or beehive huts. Surrounded by the glorious scenery, we will enjoy a picnic and discussion where we will examine the influence of Homer on our impression of Greek history. We then return to Nafplion for the evening. Tonight you are free to roam this charming town, sample delicious cuisine in the town square, or immerse yourself in the lively culture.
(Overnight in Nafplion)
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Day 8 Tue, Jun 19: Nafplion; Athens to Santorini (B, D)
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 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then prepare for our return to Athens. We will stop en route in Epidaurus to visit the famous sixth century BCE dream temples of Asclepius and the ancient amphitheater, which is known around the world for its breathtaking acoustics. Here, we will participate in a discussion about the ancient roles of dreams, healing, herbs, and the oracle. We will take time to meditate, journal, sketch and walk the ancient grounds. After visiting the temples, we will visit the on site museum.
Later in the afternoon, we make a brief stop in Corinth, home of King Sisyphus, and the infamous temple in honour of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, and the spectacular nearby canal. Here, Phil will recount the ancient story of Sisyphus. Once in Athens, we transfer to the airport and hop on a quick flight to magical Santorini. We check into our hotel upon arrival and then stroll to a local restaurant for our dinner this evening.
(Overnight in Santorini)
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Day 9 Wed, Jun 20: Santorini; Oia (B, D)
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 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a discussion on the mystery of the Minoans. Phil will also share a tale of the labyrinth at the Knossos Palace, and talk about Theseus, Ariadne, and the mighty volcanic explosion in Santorini that destroyed much of the island as well as parts of distant Crete, and with it, Minoan civilization. We will also explore the connection of the myth of Atlantis, which Plato associated with this cataclysmic event. Afterward, we will travel by coach to visit the Akrotiri Museum (if it has reopened by this time). Later, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure; bask in the golden sunshine, stroll along the spectacular volcanic black sand beach, and splash around in the warm Mediterranean waters.
In the evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner Cruise and sail to Nea Kameni to visit the active volcano. We stop on the island for a while and then continue on to Palea Kameni where the thermal springs provide natural heated baths. We then sail along nearing Thirassia Island and begin to feast on our delicious buffet dinner. By dessert we have reached Oia where we end a splendid evening with a magnificent sunset.
(Overnight in Santorini)
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Day 10 Thu, Jun 21: Santorini to Athens (B, D)
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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and your last morning with Phil before transferring to the pier to board a hydrofoil to Piraeus (Athens). Upon arrival, check into the hotel and explore Athens independently taking the time to visit new sites or revisit your favourites. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the remaining group at a local tavern.
(Overnight in Athens)
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Day 11 Fri, Jun 22: Depart Athens (B)
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Breakfast at your leisure at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your return home.
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Island of the Gods
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Day 10 Thu, Jun 21: Heraklion; Crete (B, D)
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 Enjoy one last breakfast with the whole group this morning. The day is at leisure before journeying on to Crete with Phil and others who have decided to continue on. Transfer to the pier for a late afternoon hydrofoil ride to Heraklion, (also known as Iraklion), the largest city and capital of Crete, and one steeped with a rich and varied history. In the evening we gather for dinner at the hotel and then enjoy free time to explore the city independently.
(Overnight in Heraklion)
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Day 11 Fri, Jun 22: Heraklion, Crete (B, D)
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 Today we enjoy another breakfast at the hotel before our visit to the magnificent Heraklion Museum, which boasts many magnificent discoveries from the Knossos excavations over the last century, including the famous Bull-Leaper sculpture, the brilliant frescoes of leaping dolphins, and the gorgeous array of “snake goddesses”. This visit will prepare us for our later visit to the site of Knossos, discovered and partially restored by Sir Arthur Evans in the late 1800s. After touring the site we will have a picnic lunch on a nearby hill-site and a discussion on the role of the goddess in Minoan mythology. We shall also discuss the rise of the Atlantis myth as told by Plato, and myriad others, ever since the Minoan culture was destroyed. Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel and then spend the evening at your leisure exploring the city.
(Overnight in Heraklion)
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Day 12 Sat, Jun 23: Heraklion; Agios Nikolaos; Plaka (B, D)
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 After another wonderful breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a free hour to shop in town to pick up any last minute gifts and souvenirs. We then head down the Knossos road south to the Paliani Monastery, one of the oldest in Crete, with roots dating back to the Early Byzantine Period. At the monastery, which has much earlier associations with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, we will see its famous ancient myrtle tree, which pilgrims have used as a place to find twig or leaf charms for good luck. Here we will join in discussion and talk about the role of sacred trees in Greek mythology. Afterward we will visit the Church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) and enjoy its magnificent murals. Still today, the nuns at Paliani sing hymns in honour of both the goddess Aphrodite and the Virgin Mary, a rare sharing of worship.
After a picnic lunch on the beautiful grounds of the monastery we will make our way to the Dikteon Andron, the spectacular cave which has long been considered the legendary secret birth site of Zeus, so he might be hidden from the wrath of his father, Cronos, or Saturn, and where he was raised by the she-goat, Amaltheia. So much did he love her that he honoured her after her death by placing her in the sky as the constellation Capricorn.
Return to Heraklion for dinner at the hotel.
(Overnight in Heraklion)
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Day 13 Sun, Jun 24: Heraklion to Athens (B)
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We enjoy our last breakfast in Crete before transferring to the airport for our flight back to Athens. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure visiting the sites and picking up last minute gifts and souvenirs. You will overnight at an airport hotel for handy departure the next morning. We give thanks to the gods and goddesses for their gifts throughout the journey, and rejoice in the magic that is Greece.
(Overnight in Athens)
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Day 14 Mon, Jun 25: Depart Athens (B)
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Today we bid a fond farewell to this mystical and ancient land, full of memories, wonderful experiences, and a wealth of knowledge. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
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(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
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Tour Inclusions & Price
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Main Tour Includes:
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10 nights accommodation based on double/shared occupancy
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Arrival and Departure Transfers
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Breakfast Daily, 4 Lunches and 8 Dinners
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Transportation by Private Coach Bus
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Local Flight – Athens to Santorini
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Hydrofoil Santorini to Athens
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Hotel Taxes
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Baggage Handling at the Hotels (1 bag per person)
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Fees and Gratuities for Tour Leaders
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Admission to all sites as per itinerary
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Local Guides for all visits
Special Added Features:
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Travel with author, teacher and filmmaker, Phil Cousineau
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Insightful Group Discussions
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Welcome Dinner with Traditional Entertainment
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Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon & Theatre of Dionysus
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Visit the Acropolis Museum
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Visit the Sanctuary of Eleusis
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Visit the Temple of Apollo
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Visit Delphi Stadiums and Old Theatre
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Visit the Delphi Museum
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Visit the Site of the Ancient Olympics and the Olympic Museum
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Visit the Ancient Citadel of Mycenae & the Tholos
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Visit the Dream Temples of Asclepius & the Ancient Amphitheater in Epidaurus
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Visit Akrotiri Museum (if open)
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Farewell Dinner Cruise
Crete Extension Includes:
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4 nights accommodation based on double/shared occupancy
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Breakfast Daily, and 3 Dinners
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Transportation by Private Coach Bus
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Hydrofoil Santorini to Heraklion
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Flight from Heraklion to Athens
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Hotel Taxes
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Baggage Handling at the Hotels (1 bag per person)
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Tips for Bellboys, Housekeeping, Restaurant Waiters, and Bus Driver
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Fees and Gratuities for Tour Leader
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Admission to all sites as per itinerary
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Local Guides for all visits
Special Added Features:
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Visit the Ancient Marketplace
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Visit Gortys
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Visit Heraklion Museum
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Visit Knossos
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Visit Paliani Monastery
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Visit Church of Agios Ioannis
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Visit Dikteon Andron Cave
Tour Does Not Include:
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Airfare to Athens, Greece
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Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote)
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Meals and drinks not specified as indicated in the itinerary
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Tips and Gratuities (approx. 3 Euro per person/per day for local guide & driver)
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Cost to obtain valid passport
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Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final retreat itinerary.
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Tour Price
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Single Supplement |
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USD $3850.00
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USD $680.00
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Island of the Gods USD $1220.00
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USD $190.00
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Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are not traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be happy to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.
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© 2003 - 2011 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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