An Aegean Sun, An Emerald Soul
Our Family Odyssey: 2025
Thursday, July 24: Travel Day
- 3:55 PM: Depart from Newark (EWR) on United flight UA 124.
Friday, July 25: Arrival & Riviera Relaxation
- 8:10 AM: Arrive at Athens Airport (ATH).
- Collect Mercedes Vito and drive to Casa di Luce for an early check-in and rest. Conf: 6401708061
- Afternoon: Drive to and check into Grecotel Cape Sounio.
- Enjoy a relaxed day at the resort, swimming and recovering from travel.
Saturday, July 26: Beach Day & Parents' Night Out
- Explore a local beach like Legrena or Charakas Beach.
- Evening (Parents): Dinner at Pharaoh in Athens.
Sunday, July 27: The Temple at Sunset
- Enjoy the resort during the day.
- Late Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Temple of Poseidon to watch the sunset.
Monday, July 28: Acropolis Adventure
- Relaxed day before heading into Athens.
- 6:00 PM: Private family tour of the Acropolis with Kids Love Greece.
Tuesday, July 29: Journey to the Cyclades
- Morning: Drive to Piraeus Port and return the Mercedes Vito.
- 08:00 AM: Board the Seajets TERA JET 2 as foot passengers.
- 10:45 AM: Arrive in Paros. Luggage handled by Hermes Paros transfer.
- 12:00 PM: Collect Audi Q3 from Avis and drive to Acron Villas. Conf: 37896458US5
July 30 & 31: Island Exploration
- Settle into Acron Villas and begin exploring.
- Suggested activities: Visit Kolymbithres Beach, explore Naoussa's old port.
Friday, August 1: Be Your Own Captain
- Full-Day Boat Rental with The Sailor's Ride.
- Explore the coastline, discover secluded coves, and enjoy a day of swimming and snorkeling.
- Meet at Aliki port at 10:00 AM. Booking: 1ACWGW1X
Saturday, August 2: Michael's Departure
- Michael takes an evening flight from Paros (PAS) to Athens (ATH).
- Overnight at the pre-booked Seasabelle Hotel.
Sunday, August 3: Michael flies to USA
- 10:25 AM: Michael departs Athens (ATH) on United flight UA125 to Newark (EWR).
August 4 - August 8: Family Time on Paros
- The family continues to enjoy the villa and the island.
- Suggested activities: Pottery class, snorkel tour, explore Lefkes village.
Saturday, August 9: Michael's Return via Naxos
- Michael arrives at Athens (ATH) at 8:10 AM.
- Connects to the 12:30 PM SKY express flight to Naxos (JNX), arriving at 1:10 PM. Conf: DYODDV
- Takes the confirmed 2:30 PM Blue Star Ferry from Naxos to Paros, arriving at 3:15 PM. Conf: 2008883779
Monday, August 11: Farewell to Paros
- Morning: Return rental car in Parikia. Luggage transfer by Hermes Paros.
- 2:25 PM: Board the Seajets TERA JET 2 ferry back to Piraeus. Conf: 8818TQJHO
- Welcome Pickups van transfer from Piraeus to the Seasabelle Hotel. Conf: w-5016411-1
Tuesday, August 12: Journey to the Emerald Isle
- 9:30 AM: Transfer from Seasabelle Hotel to Athens Airport (ATH).
- 1:00 PM: Depart on Aer Lingus flight EI441 to Dublin.
- 3:25 PM: Arrive at Dublin Airport (DUB). Collect full-size van from Sixt at 4:00 PM. Conf: 9723300060
- Drive to and check into Keenan's of Tarmonbarry. Conf: 13155
Wednesday, August 13: Norman Knights & Ancient Stones
- Morning: Visit the interactive Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre in Granard.
- Afternoon: Discover the 5,000-year-old Aughnacliffe Dolmen and unwind at Leebeen Park.
Thursday, August 14: Iron Age Roads & Canal Greenways
- Morning: Explore the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre.
- Afternoon: Rent bicycles for a leisurely ride along the Royal Canal Greenway.
Saturday, August 16: Dublin Discoveries
- Morning: Drive to Dublin and visit the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
- Late Afternoon: Drive to and check into pre-booked rooms at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport. Conf: 14037
Sunday, August 17: Departure
- 6:00 AM: Drive rental van to the Dublin Airport terminal and return to Sixt.
- Proceed to check-in and U.S. Pre-clearance.
- 9:20 AM: Depart from Dublin (DUB) on United flight UA22 to Newark (EWR).
Accommodations
| Dates | Location | Hotel | Confirmation # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25 | Athens Airport Area | Casa di Luce (Day-use) | 6401708061 |
| Jul 25 - 29 | Cape Sounio, GR | Grecotel Cape Sounio | N/A |
| Jul 29 - Aug 11 | Paros, GR | Acron Villas Paros | N/A |
| Aug 2 - 3 & Aug 11 - 12 | Athens Airport | Seasabelle Hotel | N/A |
| Aug 12 - 16 | Longford/Roscommon, IE | Keenan's of Tarmonbarry | 13155 |
| Aug 16 - 17 | Dublin Airport | Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport | 14037 |
Transportation & Logistics
| Leg | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | EWR → ATH on United UA 124 | Arr. Jul 25 @ 8:10 AM |
| Car Rental (Greece) | Mercedes Vito from Avis | Collect ATH (Jul 25), Return Piraeus (Jul 29) |
| Ferry (To Paros) | Piraeus → Paros on Seajets TERA JET 2 | Departs Jul 29 @ 08:00 |
| Car Rental (Paros) | Audi Q3 from Avis | Collect Parikia (Jul 29), Return Parikia (Aug 11). Conf: 37896458US5 |
| Boat Rental (Paros) | The Sailor's Ride | Full Day (Aug 1). Conf: 1ACWGW1X |
| Transfers (Paros) | Hermes Paros Luggage Transfer | Port to Villa & Villa to Port |
| Flight (Michael) | ATH → Naxos on SKY express GQ 402 | Departs Aug 9 @ 12:30 PM. Conf: DYODDV |
| Ferry (Michael) | Naxos → Paros on Blue Star Ferries | Departs Aug 9 @ 2:30 PM. Conf: 2008883779 |
| Ferry (From Paros) | Paros → Piraeus on Seajets TERA JET 2 | Departs Aug 11 @ 14:25. Conf: 8818TQJHO |
| Transfers (Athens) | Welcome Pickups & Hotel Shuttle | Piraeus to Seasabelle (Aug 11). Conf: w-5016411-1 |
| Flight | ATH → DUB on Aer Lingus EI441 | Departs Aug 12 @ 1:00 PM |
| Car Rental (Ireland) | Full-Size Van from Sixt | Collect DUB (Aug 12), Return DUB (Aug 17). Conf: 9723300060 |
| Flight | DUB → EWR on United UA 22 | Departs Aug 17 @ 9:20 AM |