Cinitron means motivation

53 Alexandras Avenue, Tel..: +30 210 64.20.390 Fax: +30 210 64.20.377

Athens 114 73 - GREECE E-mail: info@cinitron.com.gr Web: www.cinitron.com.gr

SCHOOL TRIP

From New York

To Greece

16 – 28 June 2013

…I spoke of love, of the rose’s health, of the ray

That by itself goes straight to the heart,

Of Greece that steps so surely on the sea

Greece that carries me alwaysAmong naked snow-crowned

mountains…

Burnished Day - From: Sun the first

Odysseus Elytis, poetwinner of the 1979 Nobel Prize for

Literature

Greece on map

Famous quotes about Greece

Without Greek studies there is no education

Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer

The world is the expanding GreeceAnd Greece is the shrinking worldVictor Hugo, French writer

If there had not been the virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know which the outcome of the World War II would had beenSir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of

the United Kingdom

Hence we will not say that Greek fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like GreeksSir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

How can any educated person stay

away from the Greeks? I have

always been far more interested in

them than in science

Albert Einstein, Jewish-American

scientist

If it is true that the violin is the most perfect of musical

instruments, then Greek is the violin of human thought

Helen Keller, American writer

Suggested program

Monday, June 17th , 201309:20 – Arrival in Athens Airport. Your guide will be waiting for you to meet and greet you. Embark coach and transfer to Athens for a panoramic city tour (approximately 1 hour). Arrival at the hotel in Athens. Luggage drop off, since check in time is at 14:00. You will start with a walking tour to Plaka district. Plaka is the picturesque old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. You will also visit the New Acropolis Museum. Located in Athens’s historic area of Makryianni, the New Acropolis Museum stands less than 1,000 feet southeast of the Parthenon, at the entrance of a network of pedestrian walkways that link the key archaeological sites and monuments of the Acropolis. This location was carefully selected to enable a dialogue between the Museum’s exhibition spaces and the Acropolis buildings. The Musuem is one of the highest-profile cultural projects undertaken in Europe in this decade. The modern gallery in the shadow of the Parthenon, is the new home to a unique horde of treasures from ancient Greece that have for years been housed either in storage or in a smaller, inadequate museum space down the road. Free lunch in Plaka. Afterwards, you will check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight in Athens.

Sunday, June 16th , 201316.10 in the afternoon- Departure from JFK airport New York with Delta flight DL 132 for Athens (direct flight)

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013Breakfast at the hotel. Meet with your guide and depart for the Acropolis Hill on foot through the Dionyssiou Areopagitou pedestrian street – one of the most beautiful walking streets in the world.

The Acropolis hill, so called the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most important site of the city and constitutes one of the most recognizable monuments of the world. It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself as it represent the apogee of artistic development in the 5th century BC. During Perikles' Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.

Afterwards, you will embark to the bus that will transfer you to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. This is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art.Return to Plaka area and lunch break on your own. Suggestions for activity after lunch (at an extra cost)1)Visit the Byzantine museum. 2)We can organize a treasure hunt or a quiz game in Plaka or in Ancient Agora. Students will split on different teams and the one who wins will get a special prize!3)Visit the Foundation of the Hellenic World for attending a show at the “Tholos”.4)After lunch free. In the evening we suggest to attend on your own either the “Dora Stratou” Greek dance performance or a performance at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Overnight in Athens.

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and departure for Mani, in the prefecture of Peloponnese. Mani, the southernmost and middle peninsula of the Peloponnese, is a treasure trove of Byzantine and post Byzantine churches, Frankish castles and stunning scenery. The isolated aspect of this beautiful area, combined with the independent nature of its inhabitants meant that some traditions developed separately from the rest of the Peloponnese and Greece so that a distinct society made its mark on the landscape. To this day the architecture of the area is famed for the tower houses and fortified family dwellings from the period of the Ottoman occupation of Greece.On the way detour for short visit to Epidaurus in order to admire its famous theatre, marveled for its exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken word from the proscenium or scene to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their seating. Free lunch on your own.Embark to the bus and continue for a short stop for swimming at the famous Ktima Petalea or Mavrovouni beach. Arrival at the hotel in Mani and check-in. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight in Mani.

Thursday, June 20th, 2013Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a half day tour to the famous caves of Diros and the well known medieval fortified town of Mystras.

The Diros caves were discovered accidentally by locals. The stalactites and stalagmites will make you feel like you are travelling on a canoe on a subterranean lake.

Mystras is situated outside the modern city of Sparta and is considered a byzantine Pompei. The complete medieval town and its churches are considered a world heritage site.

Free lunch.Return to the hotel and free time. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight in Mani.

Friday, June 21st, 2012Breakfast at the hotel. Check out from the hotel and departure for visiting the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia.

Olympia is a sanctuary of ancient Greece in the valley of Elis, known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. The games were held every Olympiad (i.e. every four years). The Olympic Games dating back possibly further than 776 BC. The first Olympic Games were in Olympia in honor of Zeus. In 394 AD, (after exactly 1170 years) emperor Theodosius I abolished them as they were then considered reminiscent of paganism.

Free lunch on your own.Check in at the hotel. Free time.Dinner free. Overnight in Olympia.

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013Breakfast at the hotel. Check out from the hotel and departure for visiting the archaeological site of Delphi. We will pass the famous Rio-Antirio Bridge, the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rion on the Peloponnese to Antirion on mainland Greece.

Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus. In Greek mythology, Delphi was the site of the Delphic Oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and a major site for the worship of the god Apollo after he slew the Python a deity who lived there and protected the navel of the Earth. We will visit the archaeological site of Delphi and its museum.

Free lunch on your own. After Delphi you continue to the International Airport of Athens, to take your flight to Heraklion, Crete.

Date Flight Route Departure Arrival

22/6/2013 Α3 328 Athens - Heraklion 23:00 23:50

Arrival in Heraklion. Board on the bus and transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel Overnight in Herkalion.

Sunday, June 23rd, 2013 Breakfast at the hotel. At the hotel lobby you will meet your local guide who will be escorting you in your tours in Crete. Departure for a visit at the Cretan Open-air Museum “Lychnostatis” which aims to promote the understanding and awareness of the Cretan folk cultural heritage. The museum is, apart from a valuable tourist asset, an exemplary self - motivated conduct on tradition, culture and environment of the island. Its scope lies on the following themes: Cretan Folk Tradition and Ethnology, Cretan Nature and Environment and Cretan Folk Culture. In 1996 the museum was nominated for the European Museum Award. It has again between nominated for the 2010 award.

The museum comprises the following buildings and locations :

Traditional Dwellings ( a farmer's and a merchant's house ) Chapel Windmill Olive oil - press Wine-press Distillery for ' raki ' ( alcoholic beverage ) Threshing - floor Shepherd's shelter Ceramic workshop Weaving and plant-dying workshop Herbarium Garden with Cretan fruit – treesHerb-garden

Flora and cactus - garden Mineral and stone exhibition Cretan folk artists' gallery Auditorium [150 seats] for audio-visual shows , seminars , e.t.c. Open-air theatre [250 seats] for cultural and artistic events Library stocked with books and periodicals on Cretan folk culture Cafe (where typical beverages and sweets are served) Museum-shop (where mementoes and products of the museum are sold).

Afterwards, you will visit the archaeological site of Malia, located 3 kms east of the village of Malia. This palace - the seat, according to myth, of Minos’ brother Sarpedon - was first constructed on 1900 BC. The already large settlement, some parts of which are preserved around the palace, became a palace-city. This first palace was destroyed on 1700 BC and rebuilt on 1650 BC. The new palace was destroyed on 1450 BC and not reoccupied. During the Mycenaean period a small building, probably a sanctuary, was constructed in the ruins. Most of the ruins visible today belong to the Neopalatial complex - the second palace - whose rooms are set around three courts: the Central Court, the North Court and the Tower Court. The majestic size, complex plan and multiple details of the palace make it a fascinating place to visit.

Alternatively, you can visit a the Acqua Plus Waterpark and spend 2 hours of fun and excitement. The Acqua Plus Waterpark is famous as the first water park in the Balkan region. It is located in Hersonissos, the most cosmopolitan resort in Crete. The gorgeous garden is the most impressive area of this water park. Cretan flowers and trees together with exotic flowers come together to create a Garden of Eden. The slides are hidden under the weeping willow and the games pass between the palm trees, bougainvilleas and French marigolds. The park offers a quite wide range of facilities and activities like Lazy River, Aqua Slalom, Black Holes, Slides, variety of water sports, restaurant, fast food, snack bar, etc. The Water Park occupies 57 acres of total fun for all the family, everywhere you turn you discover a new water attraction. Year after year, greek families come here for a summer like no other.

Return to the hotel to enjoy your lunch. After lunch you will visit the Aquarium of Heraklion, called Cretaquarium. Cretaquarium is part of the Thalassocosmos complex, the largest research, technology and entertainment center in the Mediterranean, which extends over 6 hectares at Gournes, Heraklion. 4.000 living organisms fill the aquarium’s tanks and make up the reality of the sea world paradise. Return to the hotel and rest of the day free.Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Heraklion.

Monday, June 24th, 2013Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a full day tour. Arrival at the archaeological site of Knossos. Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture. Afterwards, you will visit the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis. The tomb is built on the top of a hill, overlooking Heraklion. Last but not least, you will visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. The museum is one of the great museums of Greece and the best in the world regarding the Minoan art as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilizaiton of Crete with a smaller section for post-Minoan art and artifacts. Return to the hotel to enjoy your lunch.

In the early afternoon, departure for Kato Karouzanos, a traditional village set in lush rolling hills, which provides a chance to sample the Real Crete in microcosm. Upon arrival a teacher of dances will show to our group the most popular dances of Crete and Greece. They will learn how to dance cretan dances and they will enjoy themselves with ‘’Zorba the Greek” the famous syrtaki dance.At apprx. 20:00 hrs you will join a traditional Cretan night including buffet dinner and live Cretan music and dancing. You will have time to wonder through the village, seeking out the locals at the cafenion, lighting a candle in the Greek Orthodox Church or trying to find a bargain in the handicraft shop. Your evening meal is then taken in the local tavern, where you will be treated to a typical Cretan dinner. Music and dancing are part of the Cretan people's life. Therefore, a performance of traditional Cretan and Greek dances in colorful costumes, a fire dance and of course a very special performance of Sirtaki Dance, 'Zorbas the Greek‘, will entertain you throughout the evening. What a great chance to practice some more on the dances you’ve just learned!After a delightful Cretan night return to hotel.Overnight in Heraklion.

Tuesday, June 25th, 2013Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for visit at the Kazantzakis Museum, located at the traditional village of Myrtia. The museum pays tribute to the important intellectual, author, thinker, philosopher, politician and traveller Nikos Kazantzakis.Continue to the close-by entrance of Karteros gorge where we shall take a 2 – 2 ½ hrs hiking. The gorge’s route is parallel to the river of Karteros. Walking through the gorge is easy as special infrastructure works have been made for visitors’ comfortable access. In the past 10 watermills were functioning within the gorge and local fishermen would fish eels and crabs. The scenery in Karteros is magnificent. A green path with small ponds, little waterfalls, and marvelous rock formations create a magical place. Visiting Karteros gorge is an unforgettable experience!After the gorge stop for swimming and free lunch. Return to hotel and rest day free.Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Heraklion.

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013•Breakfast at the hotel. •Check out from the hotel. Departure for Chania. •On the way we visit the First Aid Station of ARCHELON (the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece) in Pagalohori, Rethymno. Since 1983, the primary objective of ARCHELON, has been to protect the sea turtles and their habitats in Greece through monitoring and research, developing and implementing management plans, habitat restoration, raising public awareness and rehabilitating sick and injured turtles. The environmental education lasts nearly 1h and 30min. It contains presentation about sea turtles, about the activity of ARCHELON on nesting beaches and the ways that the students can help. After the presentation students will be transferred on the beach where they can implement, through games, the information they received from the presentation (for example they locate a fake nest). If the group has available time can participate in easy voluntary actions, for example construction of nest shades with beach mats. •Stop for lunch.•Afterwards we head for Souda where we will make a short stop to visit the Allies Cemetery. There are 1,527 graves, illustrating the scale of the battle of Crete. Most were British with a large contingent (447) of New Zealanders and 197 Australians. An enclosure at the entrance of the cemetery contains a register of all those buried here. •We will also visit the peninsula of Akrotiri and the impressive monastery of Agia Triada. The monastery was founded in the beginning of the 17th century and was a prominent religious school until about 40 years ago. In Akrotiri we will also visit the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos (the great politician and statesman). •Arrival in Chania. Check in at the hotel. •Overnight in Chania.

Thursday, June 27th, 2013Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Elafonissi or Falasarna. Both are among the most beautiful beaches in Crete.Elafonissi is a tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon no more than a metre deep. Elafonissi means “deer island”, but you won’t see any deer on the island or in the surrounding area. The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The limpid, blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise. The island is 75 kilometres from Hania. Falassarna beach has won prizes for being the most beautiful beach in Crete and is always one of the top ten beaches in Europe, with its wonderful, fine white sand and warm, crystal-clear water. The beach of Pachia Ammos is so big that it rarely feels overcrowded even in high summer, when you are surrounded by hundreds of people. Falassarna is 59 km from Chania. Return to the hotel.Free lunch. Late afternoon departure for a walking tour in picturesque Chania town. You shall admire the traditional old quarters, the colourful houses, the narrow alleys and the flowered gardens.Return to hotel. Overnight in Chania.

Friday, June 28th, 2013Very early breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel and departure for the Chania airport.06:45 – Departure of flight A3 331 to Athens.07:35 – Arrival in Athens airport. Free time at the airport. 12:40 – Departure of flight DL 133 for New York (direct flight). 16:55 – Arrival in New York.

Enjoy a safe trip back home!

PARTHENON HOTELhttp://www.airotel.gr/hotel/parthenon Category: 4*Address: 6, Makri street,Athens 117 42 - GreeceTel.: (+30) 210 9234594

Description: The hotel is situated at the foothill of the Acropolis next to Plaka. Many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, including the Acropolis Museum. Boutiques, bars and restaurants are a 10-minute walk. The Acropolis Metro station is only 150 meters away.

SUGGESTED HOTEL IN ATHENS

Rooms facilities:The hotel offers 79 spacious rooms which feature Free wireless Internet, Magnetic security lock, Air condition, Safe deposit, Flat LCD TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Mini fridge, Hair dryer.

Hotel facilities:The hotel offers a Restaurant, Bar, 24-hour front desk, Garden, Terrace, Non-smoking rooms, Soundproof rooms, All public and private spaces non-smoking.

PETRA & FOS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPAhttp://www.petrakaifos.gr/

Category: Small Luxury HotelAddress: Itilo, ManiTel.: (0030) 210 6420390 (Athens office) Description:

The hotel "Petra & Fos" (=Stone & Light) comes out of the calm waters of Itilo's gulf, in Laconian Mani, through the rocky bas-relief of southern mount Taygetos. The minimal luxury that characterizes every detail embraces the senses creating the perfect environment for small or grader escapes to one of the most fascinating landscapes in Greece. At a heart beat from the hotel one can find the picturesque village of Itilo. Well-preserved stone-built houses, stone-paved paths and old churches (like the temple of Virgin Mary's Dormition, or the churches of Saint Georgios and of Taxiarches) mark the place.

SUGGESTED HOTEL IN MANI

Rooms facilities: Air Condition Room Service Room make-up Internet LCD television Direct telephone line Hair-dryer Bathrobes Safe Mini bar Sea view in all rooms

Hotel facilities:23 luxury rooms Front desk - Lobby Breakfast room - Restaurant-Snack bar Buffet breakfast Rejuvenation & Beauty Center Gym Business & Meeting Center Rooms for meetings / Events / Gala Laundry services Luggage storage Central heating Free parking space Room Amenities

EUROPA HOTEL ANCIENT OLYMPIAhttp://www.hoteleuropa.gr/en/index.html

Category: 4*Address: 1, Drouva street27065 Ancient Olympia Tel.: (0030) 26240 22650

Description:

The Best Western Hotel Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia, at the foot of which there is the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games.

SUGGESTED HOTEL IN OLYMPIA

Rooms facilities:The hotel has 78 rooms and 2 suites.All rooms are air-conditioned, have satellite TV, music, refrigerator, a safe, direct dial phone, balcony, and marble WC.

Hotel facilities:RestaurantTraditional Greek Tavern (operates during summer)BarOutdoor swimming pool

The visitors of the hotel can access the internet using the wireless internet connections. There is a well organized area were you can use the provided Computers, (plus a printer and scanner).

KNOSSOS BEACH http://www.knossosbeach.com/

Category: 4*Address: Kokkini Hani, P.O.Box 1177, Kato Vathia, Heraklion Crete Tel.: (0030) 2810 761000

Description:

Knossos Beach is a Crete resort, located in Kokkini Hani, 12 kms east of Heraklio, It is a sea front group of suites and bungalows. An ideal resort in Crete for calm and relaxing vacations, with many facilities and services. The world famous Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the richest museums in Greece are at close proximity to the resort.

SUGGESTED HOTEL IN HERAKLION, CRETE

Hotel facilities:The hotel disposes a variety of choices concerning Crete restaurants and bars. Two long sandy beaches stretch along the water front bungalows, with umbrellas & sun lounges (free of charge). Watersports are available on the beach. There are two swimming pools with sea and fresh water. Fitness studio and massage therapies are also available.

Facilities of Standard room or Bungalow: Individually controlled Air-conditioning Fridge Floor to ceiling double-glazed opening glass

doors Satellite TV Music channel Direct-dial telephone Hairdryer Safe deposit box Roof fan 220V electricity

SANTA MARINA BEACHhttp://www.santamarina-hotel.gr/

Category: 4*Address: Aghia Marina, 731 00 Chania - CreteTel.: (0030) 28210 68350

Description:The Santa Marina hotel is situated 8 klm west of the beautiful city of Chania, on a long sandy beach, the Santa Marina famous beach. It consists of two complexes which are connected with an underground tunnel. In 2007, Santa Marina Beach has completed a full renovation of all the rooms and the majority of the public areas and gardens.

SUGGESTED HOTEL IN CHANIA, CRETE

Rooms facilities:Santa Marina hotel has 188 spacious and comfortable rooms, all with balcony, 3 channel radio, direct dial phone, air-conditioning, Τ.V., mini bar, and private bathroom. The hotel consists of two different buildings that are connected to each other with a tunnel.

Hotel facilities:Both hotel complexes are surrounded by extensive colourful gardens where you can walk, relax or play. Many sea sports are close to the hotel and available to all guests. Conference and exposition facilities are also available. There is also a fitness room and a play ground. The hotel offers a variety of meals from traditional Greek to famous international dishes. There is a main restaurant for breakfast and dinner, a self service restaurant, a pool bar, a beach bar and the main bar with TV area.

SUGGESTED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Date Flight Route Departure Arrival

16/6/2013 DL 132 New York – Athens 16:10 09:20 (17/6/2013)

28/6/2013 DL 133 Athens – New York 12:40 16:55

SUGGESTED DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Date Flight Route Departure Arrival

22/6/2013 A3 328 Athens - Heraklion 23:00 23:50

28/6/2013 A3 331 Chania – Athens 06:45 07:35

INCLUDED SERVICESAir tickets New York – Athens - New York & airport taxesAir tickets Athens - Heraklion & Chania – Athens & airport taxes2 overnights in Parthenon Hotel – in Athens – on Bed & Breakfast basis 2 overnights in Petra & Fos Hotel – in Mani – on Half Board basis (breakfast & dinner)1 overnight in Europa Hotel – in Olympia – on Bed & Breakfast basis 4 overnights in Knossos Beach Hotel – in Heraklion – on Half Board basis (breakfast & lunch or dinner)2 overnights in Santa Marina Beach Hotel – in Chania – on Bed & Breakfast basis All transfers and tours as described in the programEnglish speaking guide for all toursRepresentative from Cinitron to escort the group from Athens throughout their stay in Crete till their departure flight from Athens to New YorkGreek dances lessonCretan night with buffet dinner & live music and danceEntrance fees for: Acropolis museum, Dyros cave, Lychnostatis museum, Kazantzakis museum, Agia Triada Monastery. For the rest archeological sites and museums that are mentioned in the program we shall issue free pass from the Greek Ministry of CultureEntrance-donation to ArchelonSigns with the school’s logo for the coachesTravelling insuranceGREEK VAT 23%