Classical Greece
DAY 1
Arrive at the airport of Athens, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
In the morning, follow 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 with a bus tour of the center of Athens and
admire the Old Olympic Stadium, the National University, the National Library, the Academy, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution
Square with the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and much more. The afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight at the
hotel.
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, where the god of medicine Asclepios was worshipped. Nowadays, thousands of people visit the
area to admire the Theater and its fantastic acoustics. In the evening drive to Tolon, a picturesque village, for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
This morning, get acquainted with the lovely town of Nafplion, the first capital of Greece. Stroll around the promenade and explore the
narrow streets and Venetian squares of Nafplion. Take the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum or the church of St. Spyridon,
where the first president of Greece was assassinated. In the afternoon travel through the region of Arcadia and arrive at Olympia, for dinner
and overnight.
DAY 5
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 new “hanging” bridge which connects the Peloponnese to the
region of Continental Greece in order to reach Delphi. In the evening dinner and overnight in Delphi.
DAY 6
In antiquity Delphi was the site of the most important and famous oracle of 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 Athens, passing the cities of Livadia and Thiva
(Thebes) on the way. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
DAY 7
Today, experience the charm of the Greek islands by visiting three of the most attractive isles near Athens. Aegina has a lovely town full of
neoclassical buildings and a well-preserved classical Temple dedicated to the local goddess Afea. Poros is as small green island, closer to the
Peloponnese than to Attica, which offers a pleasant walk on the promenade near the little shops. Finally, Hydra is like a school of arts
because of the unique architecture of its fortress mansions which belonged to the shipowners of the island during the period of Ottoman
Rule. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8
The day begins with a scenic drive to Cape Sounion, the southeastern extremity of Attica. It’s a magnificent headland, famous for its strategic
importance and the spectacular white marble columns of Poseidon’s Temple (5 th century B. C.). The afternoon is free and you can take the
opportunity to explore the area of Plaka, the main shopping district of Athens. Tonight, your farewell dinner is at a Greek taverna with live
music and dancing. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 9
Fly back home full of wonderful memories from your journey.
