Classical treasures of Greece
Duration: 8 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
DAY 1: ATHENS ARRIVAL
Arrival at Athens is both a homecoming to the birthplace of Western Civilization and an experience of a vibrant city and its people, in whose eyes you may see traces of legendary heroes! After you check into your hotel, you have some free time to explore the city! By day, the Attica light will lead you to streets filled with pulsating life and colors, a different story in every shop. And by night, you can begin your own Odyssey among the variety of restaurants, bars and clubs available for your entertainment.
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DAY 2: ATHENS CITY TOUR
Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square and the Panathenian Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896). See the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and visit the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens. Also visit the Acropolis Museum, which was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on its feet, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine period.
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DAY 3: ATHENS – CORINTH – MYCENAE – EPIDAURUS – TOLON
In the morning, we depart Athens and drive to the Peloponnese. First stop will be at the Corinth Canal before reaching the ancient city of Corinth where the apostle Paul lived and preached. On to Mycenae where you can see remains of the prehistoric citadel fortified with Cyclopean walls, the Lionesses' Gate, the Mycenaean Palace and the tomb of King Agamemnon. Continue to Epidaurus with its famous well-preserved theatre and drive to Tolon beach resort for overnight.
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DAY 4: NAFPLIO – TRIPOLIS – MEGALOPOLIS - OLYMPIA
Today’s journey begins with the beautiful seaport town of Nafplio, where we enjoy some free time. Drive through central Peloponnese to ancient Olympia which holds the stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC. Thereafter they were held every 4 years. We visit the archaeological site and museum. The starting line is still visible etched on the marble in the stadium, inviting you to run and in your imagination compete with the ancient athletes!
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DAY 5: OLYMPIA – PATRAS – ORACLE IN DELPHI
We start our drive via Patras to Rion, driving through Nafpaktos in central Greece. Continue to visit the archaeological site in Delphi where the priestess Pythia pronounced her famous prophecies in the Temple of Apollo. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians.
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DAY 6: DELPHI - ATHENS
This morning we visit the Archaeological Museum in Delphi containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.After the visit, we start our drive back to Athens.
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DAY 7: ONE DAY CRUISE
Enjoy a cruise to the lovely Greek islands of Poros, Hydra & Aegina including lunch on board. First stop is Poros, with its delightful scenery marked by the low pine-wooded hills. Continue to Hydra, fashionable artists' colony, a retreat of intellectuals and a favorite film location. Our last port of call is Aegina, an attractive and tranquil resort place. Return to Athens early evening for overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 8: ATHENS DEPARTURE
Private car transfer to Athens International Airport for your departure flight. Now that you have had an insider’s view of Athens and your senses have taken in the brilliant light and warm hospitality of the Greeks, we hope you return home with the desire to come back to Athens again soon and discover more of this classic land.
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