Page 16 - AAA Northway – AAA Now! – Fall 2017

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Mythical Greek Isles
By Dorothy Crouch
Lying between the Ionian and Aegean Seas, Greece expands from borders on the Balkan Peninsula out
into the water, dotting the region with more than 1,400 islands. Greece boasts beauty and a fascinating human history that links to 12,000 B.C. Tracing the region’s history during a journey to Greece naturally becomes part of a visitor’s adventure, as ubiquitous ancient ruins, such as the Acropolis and Parthenon appear throughout the country.
Seeing the Cyclades
Surrounding Delos, a sacred Greek island, the Cyclades boast everything a traveler envisions when thinking about Greece. Mykonos is home
to hills filled whitewashed buildings and marble streets, while fishing boats fill the surrounding sea. According to legend, the island is the namesake of Apollo’s grandson.
Walking through the town of Chora, visit Panayia Paraportiani, a group of churches on which construction began in the 15th century and was not completed until the 17th. The expansive white buildings are set atop a hill, making the location ideal for watching the setting sun. Also impressive around the time of sunset is Kato Myli, the familiar
site that boasts six windmills, each of which are covered with thatched roofs. The view from Kato Myli affords views of the town below, with it’s winding streets and lively atmosphere.
Diverse Rhodes’ Culture
On the island of Dodcanese, Rhodes sits as a capital that is uniquely Greek, yet also a blend of the many cultures that have been brought to the region. Whether its roots from 407 BC, the influences of 16th- century Ottoman Turkish and 20th-century Italian invasions, the city of Rhodes has been influenced by many cultures. It wasn’t until 1948 that Rhodes was officially recognized as part of Greece. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a title that it has held for nearly 30 years.
While the Old Town reveals an array of the influences from the city’s invaders, the sense of history and glimpses into specific time periods are part of the city’s charm. The medieval influences are apparent in the architecture that includes bastions, minarets, alleys and soaring walls. The Street of the Knights leads travelers among medieval inns and churches. In the Turkish District, visitors will find the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and can also indulge in the baths
at Yeni Hamam. While the region has been home
to many visiting cultures, the city’s roots in Greek influences remain throughout the area. Find the Temple of Venus ruins, whose soaring arches and carefully placed stones have stood since the structures beginnings in the 3rd century BC.
Santorini’s Natural history
The archipelago of Santorini comprises Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni – islands that are still part of the active Hellenic Volcanic Arc. Despite the violent volcanic activity that created Santorini, the destination is renowned for its romantic setting. Overlooking the sea, many of the villages sit atop cliffs affording expansive views.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios traces its roots to the 6th century B.C. This site, a testament to the faith and craftsmanship of the island’s inhabitants, includes a temple, cistern, and smaller building, which locals believe might have been a sacristy.
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*Note: Rhine Getaway price based on CAT F, select November 2018 sailings. Romantic Danube price based on CAT F, select November 2018 sailings. Grand European Tour price based on CAT F, select October 2018 sailings. Cruise fares listed are for cruise and cruisetour only in US dollars, per person and fares/discount offers are based on double occupancy. Prices are based on lowest price at time of print and are subject to change without notice. 2-for-1 cruise fares and international air discounts are considered a single offer. International air does not have to be purchased to get cruise offer. Must request 2018 Early Booking Discount at time of booking and pay in full by current expiration date; call for details. Valid on new bookings only as of 9/1/17, subject to availability and may not be combinable with any other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Referral Rewards. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. Additional terms and conditions apply; see passenger Ticket Contract at vikingrivercruises.com. **Note: $200 per person AAA Member Benefit shipboard credit offer is available to AAA members on Viking River Cruises itineraries ranging 14 days or more. $125 per person shipboard credit is available for river cruise itineraries of 8-13 days. Shipboard credits can only be applied when booked directly by AAA travel agent. This offer is only valid on 2018 river cruise itineraries and combinable with special pricing, past passenger discounts, refer a friend credits and future cruise vouchers. Offer is not combinable with group rates, interline and wholesale bookings and is not applicable to Egypt or Southeast Asia itineraries. Shipboard credit has no cash value. Valid only for Viking River Cruises sailings. CST: #2052644-40
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