9 days Winter Classical Greece _ Saronic Islands
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 area 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 and Varkiza. The crowning
feature of the tour is Cape Sounion, 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 five-day classical tour of Greece begins with a scenic drive to the legendary Corinth Canal, 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. Drive to Nauplion for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
In this morning, you will 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 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 and 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 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 7
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 one of the amazing Byzantine monasteries of Meteora and
drive from Kalambaka to Athens for overnight.
DAY 8
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 this port, you may choose to visit the majestic 5th century BC temple of the Goddess Afaia (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.
Sailing 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.
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 this port, you may choose to visit the majestic 5th century BC temple of the Goddess Afaia (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.
Sailing 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 9
You will be transferred to the Athens International Airport for your flight back home, full of wonderful memories from your
journey.
