Winter Classical Greece & Saronic Islands 8 days
DAY 1
Arrive at the airport of Athens, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening you
will have a walk to Plaka for a welcome dinner at a very nice and traditional Greek tavern under the Acropolis. Overnight at
the hotel.
DAY 2
In the morning, walk with your guide to the world-renowned Acropolis to see the architectural miracles of the Golden Age of
Pericles: the Propylea, the Erechtheum and, above all, the Parthenon (temple of Athena, goddess of wisdom). Take in a
panoramic view of the city and observe the Agora (marketplace) where many ancient philosophers spent their time.
Continue to the center of Athens and admire the National University, the National Library, the Academy, the Temple of
Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the
afternoon drive along the coastal road passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and countless
coves, one with a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. A crowning feature of the tour, Cape Sounion is dominated by the
spectacular Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean Sea. Sounion has been a sacred site since very ancient times.
The "sanctuary of Sounion" is first mentioned in the Odyssey as the place where Menelaus stopped during his return from
Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Archaeological evidence has shown that there were two organized places
of worship on the cape by the 7th century BC: a sanctuary of Poseidon at the southern edge and a sanctuary of Athena
about 500 m to the northeast. Return to Athens for overnight.
DAY 3
Your four-day classical tour of Greece begins with a scenic drive to the legendary Canal of Corinth, where you stop for
pictures. Drive on to the Homeric city of Mycenae to see the remains of this prehistoric acropolis, its Palace, the Grave
Circles and the famous beehive Tombs. This was the kingdom of Atreus and his son Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks
in the campaign against Troy. Continue to Epidaurus which was known in antiquity as a healing center, a place where the
god of medicine Asclepios was worshipped. Nowadays, thousands of people visit the area to admire its fantastic acoustics.
In the afternoon we arrive to Olympia for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
Spend the morning in Olympia admiring the splendors of this unique place where the ancient Greek ideas of unity, peace
and fair play flourished. See the impressive ruins of Hera and Zeus’s Temples, the Leonidaion, the Workshop of the
sculptor Pheidias and of course, the famous Stadium where the Olympic Games were held. Also visit the Museum with
its new display of amazing pieces of sculpture, pottery and the architectural remains of the ancient edifices. Don’t miss the
pride of this museum, the “Hermes” of Praxiteles, one of the most wonderful ancient statues ever made. Then go north to
Patras and drive on the brand new “hanging” bridge which connects the Peloponnese with the region of Continental Greece
in order to reach Delphi. In the evening, dinner and overnight in Delphi.
DAY 5
In antiquity Delphi was the site of the most important and famous oracle in the then-known world, the oracle of Apollo (the
god of light and music), who spoke to the mortals through his priestess Pythia and was known for the oblique nature of his
prophecies. Walk up the Sacred Way to see the Treasuries, the Theater and the Temple of Apollo, next to which was the
exact spot that was believed to be the “navel” (omphalos) of the earth. Visit the museum of Delphi and marvel at the
splendid collection of artifacts from the excavation including the bronze “Charioteer”, one of the best-preserved ancient
works of metallurgy. Continue to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6
In the morning you visit one of the amazing Byzantine monasteries of Meteora, perched on top of gigantic rock pinnacles of
weird shapes. Drive to Athens passing via Thermopylae for overnight.
DAY 7
Today you will enjoy a day cruise to the Saronic Gulf.
7:45am
Transfer by motor coach from Athens to Flisvos Port and embark on the cruise ship.
8:15am
Sail for the island of Hydra, a favorite of the international jet-set. Hydra is the beloved muse of painters, craftsmen and
photographers. Its unique architecture, crystal clear waters, splendid craft and jewel shops, folk art and the island’s
traditional means of transport (the donkey) make it one of the last examples of “living Mediterranean history”. In Hydra you
have time at leisure for strolling, shopping or swimming.
In the early afternoon sail for the island of Aegina, passing through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast
from the island of Poros. Aegina is known for its rich history, inspiring pistachio grove landscapes, Aegina Port’s lively fish
market and colorful floating fruit and vegetable marketplace, as well as picturesque seaside villages such as St. Marina with
its taverns, traditional shops and beautiful golden beaches. During our call at one of the ports you may choose to visit the
majestic 5th century BC temple of the Goddess Aphaia (Optional Tour) which is regarded as the best-preserved ancient
temple of Greece offering a magnificent view of the whole Saronic Gulf.
Lunch is served on board.
Sail to Poros, the smallest of the three islands. Poros Town rests in a narrow strait between Poros Island and the
Peloponnese, quietly nestled in the embrace of deep green pine forests and mildly scented lemon groves. A climb to the
town’s magnificent bell tower offers an unforgettable view. And, if you think that the day ends here... you are mistaken! A
“Traditional Greek Folk Show” with singers and dancers in original costumes from all around Greece who, together with our
Officers, will entertain and animate you until the final moment as the ship docks in Piraeus.
7.15pm.
Arrival at Flisvos Port and transfer to Athens for your farewell dinner in Plaka. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 8
You will be transferred to the Athens International Airport for your flight back home, full of wonderful memories from your
journey.
