Spiritual Archaeology on CreteJune 4–15, 2008[For this page in PDF format
(3 pgs, 19 Kb), click here.] DetailsAs a member of our group June 4-15, 2008, you will enjoy: - Comfortable, safe and worry-free travel.
- Exceptional attention to detail by experienced, Greek-speaking tour leaders.
 - A variety of informal, cutting-edge seminars, including: an overview of Crete’s dramatic history; the unique character of Bronze Age civilization; the role of visionary ritual practices in Bronze Age society and art; the sensual elements of Mediterranean culture and cuisine, including aromatic plants, native herbs, wild foods and their relationships with Crete’s traditional healing practices.
- Unique archaeological tours with Yorgos Spiridakis, one of Crete’s most knowledgeable guides. Archaeological tours include: the temple/dwelling of Knossos; the 14th century frescoes in the church of Panagia Kera (All Holy Woman of Lights); the vast, well-preserved Iron Age town of Lato; the Bronze Age cemetery of Arkhanes; and the archaeological museums of Heraklion and Arkhanes.
- The opportunity to experience one of Western culture’s original shamanistic practices at some of the sacred sites where these rituals were performed for thousands of years.
- Lodging in a small, charming, family-owned inn, a restored, 19th century villa in a 4,000-year-old town and a modern four-star hotel in Crete’s capitol.
- Crete’s best-loved traditional dishes, lovingly prepared just for us in small cafes and taverns, as well as exquisite meals at several sophisticated modern restaurants. Throughout the trip, most meals will be created from the season’s freshest, locally grown, frequently organic, ingredients.
 - Leisure time built into the schedule.
- Conversations and discussions with a fascinating group of like-minded travelers.
- Excellent shopping in the mountain village of Kritsa, the towns of Arkhanes and Aghios Nikolaos, and the city of Heraklion, with helpful tips from us about our favorite shops.
- Plenty of pre-departure information, including complete details on traveling in Greece, a recommended reading list, and lots of helpful advice about what to pack.
Price:The cost of this trip is 3,895 Euros. A deposit of 1,895 Euros reserves your place. Final payment of 2,000 Euros is due before January 5, 2008. After January 1, 2008, if you wish to join the tour and space is available, payment in full (3,895 Euros) is required. All payments must be made in Euros. Please contact us for payment instructions.  Early Bird Discount:Register and pay in full before January 1, 2008, and the cost of the trip is only 3,595 Euros. Exchange Rate:To learn the current exchange rate of 3,895 Euros in your country’s currency, please visit http://fxtop.com. Why the Trip is Priced in Euros:When we contract with service providers in Greece (for transportation, lodging, etc.), we lock in the price in European Euros. As you probably know, the US dollar has steadily declined against the value of the Euro (with minor spikes). Due to US political and fiscal policies, unfortunately for everyone concerned, this trend will likely continue. In these financial climates, some businesses try to avoid potential losses by inflating the dollar price of their tours to Europe. Other companies pass along to the traveler any increases in costs due to fluctuations in the exchange rate. We have a different approach. We want you to get the best possible value for the money you pay for our trips. We quote the price for the trip in Euros, and ask our US clients to pay directly in Euros, not dollars. This way, you receive the best possible price without exchange rate “padding.” After you’ve paid in full for your trip and air fare, once you arrive on Crete, you’ll have minimal additional travel expenses for this trip (e.g., for personal items, souvenirs, a few meals and any optional excursions on your own during leisure time.) And, unlike the rest of Europe, Crete’s economy still offers quite a bargain for North American travelers. Arrival and Departure Logistics:The trip begins in the Heraklion airport on Crete the morning of June 4, 2008. The trip ends when you depart from your hotel on the morning of June 15, 2008. Group members are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Heraklion, Crete. The Price Includes:- Robinette Kennedy and Patricia Kyritsi Howell as your exclusive guides throughout the trip. Yorgos Spiridakis as your guide for five days of the trip.
- Nine nights’ lodging, double occupancy. This includes one night in a four-star Heraklion hotel, six nights in a small, family inn in the village of Kritsa, and four nights in a restored 19th century villa in the town of Arkhanes.
- Motor excursions and taxi transfers for trip activities within Crete.
- Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites.
- Fees of local archaeological professionals who join us at various events.
- Most meals, including breakfast each day (and including a farewell feast). Please contact us for details.
The Price Does Not Include:- Airfare from your home city to and from Heraklion, Crete.
- Personal Items (laundry, alcoholic beverages, optional excursions and other items not cited above.)
- All meals not cited above. Crete is still a bargain for North Americans. A fabulous lunch or dinner may be enjoyed for approximately 10-15 Euros per person.
- The additional cost of a single room, when available. Please contact us for details.
- Tips for local archaeological guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff and other service personnel who facilitate your trip.
- Costs of any transportation or luggage delays while traveling to and from Crete.
- Taxi transfer from your hotel to the Heraklion airport on June 15, the morning of your departure from Crete (approximately 25 Euros per taxi; three passengers per taxi).
Cancellations and Refunds:Full refunds minus a 250 Euro cancellation fee are available until February 5, 2008. Written cancellations received between February 5 and March 5, 2008 are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds are available after March 5, 2008. While our trips enjoy an excellent reputation, we strongly recommend that each traveler purchase a personal travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation protection. Your travel agent can provide details. How to reach us:
Phone: (001) 706-746-5485
Email: info@robinettekennedy.com
Postal Mail:Crete 2008
P.O. Box W
Mountain City, Georgia 30562 USA
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