Back on March 1, 2002, AHI was featured here for its family vacations in three other countries, but today, class, the subject is learning about Greece on an idyllic island in the Aegean, Poros, to be exact. For $2,295 (almost all-inclusive), you can study that nation's history, mythology, architecture and art between soaking in the ambiance, colors, food and drink of the island.
Actually two islands joined by a bridge over a narrow canal, Poros is one of the Saronic Gulf islands, its harbor dotted with yachts and fishing boats, its waterfront lined with cafes, shops and tavernas (85 in the main town of Poros alone). A favored retreat of Henry Miller, Poros was also home much of the time to the 1963 Nobel Prize-winning Greek poet, George Seferis, and to knowledgeable Athenians.
Poros is the site for the weeklong "Alumni College in Greece" program offered by AHI International, with lodging in smaller hotels (government-rated 3 or 4 stars out of 5). The headquarters hotel for the program is the family-owned New Aegli, high above a sandy beach overlooking the beautiful Askeli Bay. Facilities include an outdoor pool, and a panoramic-view restaurant with dining indoors or out. Though furnished in local style, the rooms have air-conditioning, private bath, shower, TV and phone, not to mention a big balcony with views of sea or hillside.
Discussions of the Greek contributions to humanity mentioned above and a Meet the People session will be featured, plus one full day for exploring Athens. The price, $2,295 (per person sharing a double room), includes round-trip airfare on Lufthansa from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York and Washington DC. (Add $100 for departures from Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.) Also in the package: 7 nights at the New Aegli on Poros, 1 night at the Electra in Athens, round-trip transfers from Athens to Poros (including a 55-minute hydrofoil trip), all excursions and seminars, 3 full meals daily (including wine with dinner), a welcome reception and dinner, a "graduation" ceremony, a farewell reception and dinner, a "Greek Night" entertainment in Athens, $250,000 in flight insurance and a travel bag.
You can extend an additional two nights in Athens for $320 per person, with lodging at the Electra, buffet breakfast daily, a morning tour of the National Archeological Museum, transfer to airport and all taxes and service charges.
Departure dates are September 10, October 1 and October 22, 2002. Contact AHI at 800/323-7373 or see their Web site, www.ahitravel.com.