Soccer Program to Northern Greece
DAY 1
Arrive at the airport of Athens, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy free time
in Athens for a firsthand look at the beauty and culture of this famous city which dates back to 1200 B.C. An orientation briefing will
follow before dinner. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
After your breakfast, 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. You will also visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, one of the finest in the world. Its superb collections of
sculptures, ceramics, jewelry and frescoes really stand out and are not to be missed. You can learn more about mythology, ancient
religion, art and representations of divinities and various social groups like priests, soldiers or philosophers. The afternoon is free for
exploration of the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3
Start your 4-day tour by traveling to scenic Delphi, one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth, according to a poet.
Drive through beautiful countryside, pass the cities of Thiva (Thebes) and Livadia and see the town of Arachova, well-known for its
local industry of rugs, carpets and leather goods. Arrive at Delphi and explore the archaeological site which was once believed to be the
“navel” (omphalos) of the world. Walk along the Sacred Way to see the Athenian Treasury, the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle
delivered her ambiguous prophecies, and the Theater. Also visit the Museum with its splendid collection of ancient works of art,
including the Sphinx of the Naxians, the Silver Bull, the Column of the Dancers, the “Omphalos” and the pride of the museum,
the 5 th c. B.C. bronze “Charioteer”. Dinner and overnight in Delphi.
DAY 4
In the morning you continue to Kalambaka. Check-in at the hotel and free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5
This morning you get a taste of the beautiful countryside. Here you find scenery of unique and striking beauty: perched on top of
gigantic granite pinnacles, you see the ageless Meteora Monasteries full of treasures of Christian art. Visit two of the amazing
Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. Afterwards drive from Kalambaka to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6
After your breakfast drive to Edessa, the city of waters. Edessa is very famous for its fantastic waterfalls. The waterfalls didn't use to
be the same as they are now. Until the end of the 14th century, the main volume of the water was held in a small lake in the west of
the town. Then the waters (perhaps after a geologic or weather phenomenon) passed through the town and fell thematically from its
rock, creating many small rivers as a result, and the lake where they were from ceased to exist. Many travelers of the 17th and 18th
century describe the picture of the town with a rock from which waterfalls multiple to create many waterfalls. Today the waterfalls are
a well-known sight of immense beauty in the whole country and in the world. The big waterfalls "Karanos" fall from a heigh on 70m.
You can also safely admire the double waterfalls and the cave next to it. At the edge of the rock between the waterfalls and the
traditional settlement Varosi lies the open-air water museum. The mills which date from the Byzantine times have been restored and
show the close relationship that the town had with its waters: wheat mills, sesame mills, fulling mills and other workshops where
several productions were made. Large factories were built in the same area, which now serve as museums where the industrial
development of the town can be seen. Unique is the hemp factory, where rope was produced, and the architectural design of the
buildings. Back to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7
In the morning, get acquainted with Thessaloniki. See the landmark of the city, the White Tower, as well as the Walls of the
Byzantine Acropolis, the Roman Arch of Galerius and the Rotonda. Visit two of the city’s oldest and most admired Christian
churches, the Basilicas of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia (Divine Wisdom). Drive back to Athens on the national road with stops on
the way. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
DAY 8
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 an
extremely picturesque place 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 overnight.
DAY 9
The morning is free and you can take the opportunity to explore the city of Athens. Don’t forget to visit the famous Plaka, with its
many shops and cafes! Tonight, your farewell dinner is at a Greek taverna with live music and dancing. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 10
Fly back home full of wonderful memories and experiences from your journey.
