Description
Highlights
1. Sacred sites and historical marvels
2. Best of Geek Historical and heritage sites
3. Guided by New Testament sources.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Day 2: Acropolis Site, Acropolis Museum Tour and other archaeological sites.
Day 3:Journey through The Peloponese.
DAY 4: Ancient Olympia.
DAY 5: Delphi and neighboring towns.
DAY 6: Meteora and back to Athens.
DAY 7: Athens Riviera and Cape Sounion.
DAY 8: Athens Gastronomic tour.
DAY 9: Departure Day.
DAY 1 – Welcome to Athens
Welcome to Greece, where the sun shines 250 days in the year!
Upon your arrival you will be warmly greeted and received by your own private driver who will take you to the heart of the city where you will spend your first night in Athens.
The centre of Athens has plenty to offer by way of ancient monuments, wonderful tavernas, and cobblestoned streets to wander through and explore. The areas of Plaka and Monastiraki are treasure troves waiting to be discovered, you can wander the cobblestoned streets and find great shopping, bars and tavernas as well as plenty of artisans selling their wares.
There is also the option of an Athens Orientation tour which will be available to you should you wish to partake.
And of course, there is always the option to stay in your luxurious hotel and unwind after your journey or take a short relaxing walk in your neighbourhood and explore the heart of the city at your own pace.
DAY 2 – Acropolis Site, Acropolis Museum Tour and other archaeological sites.
After a delicious breakfast, take a fully guided tour of some monumental archaeological sites of Athens.
The rich, deep-rooted history of Greece has been preserved in the form of several iconic monuments and museums across the country. The most important of all is the Acropolis of Athens – a Citadel built atop a massive hill. It comprises of the ruins of several historic buildings including the Parthenon, A white marble temple built between 447 and 432BC (making it 2,406 years old), dedicated to the Greek Goddess, Athena.
Next you will see the Ancient Agora. The word “Agora” literally means gathering place or assembly. It is a large area with ancient ruins and much greenery, and was the gathering place of athletic, artistic, business, social, spiritual and political life in the city of Athens.
Explore the historical Plaka area, close to the Thiseion temple, dating back to the 5th century BC. Stoa of Attalus, Hadrian’s Library, and the picturesque Tower of the Winds. The return route takes you over the Hill of Mars, also known as Areopagus, where Saint Paul preached his Sermon on an unknown God, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, in 54 A.D., which is directly below the Acropolis. Continue your tour to the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, still used today as a summer venue for open-air concerts and theatrical performances.
Then the spectacular Kalimarmaro stadium, the home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, built entirely out of marble.
And finally, the old Royal Palace of Greece, completed in 1843, better known as Syntagma an incredible building that has housed The Hellenic Parliament since 1934. It faces out onto Syntagma square and is surrounded by the National Gardens. Here, the changing of the Guards outside the tomb of the Unknown Soldier takes place every hour, on the hour, rain, shine or snow, 24/7, 365 days a year – it is a curious and intriguing ceremony that is not to be missed.
DAY 3 – Journey through The Peloponese.
After breakfast, your private chauffer will pick you up from your hotel to begin your 4-day tour of Greece’s Mainland, The Peloponnese. Your journey will take you along the Saronic Gulf’s coastal road towards the Corinth Canal, also known as the Isthmus of Corinth. It is of prime importance as it connects the Ionian and Aegean seas circumnavigating the Peloponnese and cutting almost 185 nautical miles, making the passage of cargo and passenger ships much more efficient. You will also visit Ancient Corinth, which was founded in the Neolithic Period sometime between 5000-3000BC. A major city in the 8th Century BC well known for its architectural and artistic innovations including the innovation of black pottery and where St. Paul spoke to the Corinthians.
Now we continue our journey, driving across the Peloponnese and heading to the famous city of Sparta, the hometown of Leonidas (The Greek king of the city-state of Sparta) popularized by the movie 300. You will have the opportunity to see Leonidas statue along with the remains of the palace and theatre. Sparta was recognized as the leading force of the unified Greek army during the Greco-Persian wars between 431 and 404 BC.
After visiting Sparta, we head for the capital of the Byzantine Empire, a picturesque little town known as Mystras, where there are beautiful churches and monasteries to explore.
Our final stop for the day is the town of Olympia where you will spend the night relaxing and rejuvenating after today’s adventures.
DAY 4 – Ancient Olympia.
Your second day of exploration on the Peloponnese peninsula begins in Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the most important sporting event in the Ancient (and modern) world. The Olympic Games took place here every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. The site was also a place of worship dedicated to the Greek God Zeus and Hera from the 10th century BC and you will find numerous small shrines, gymnasiums and sculptor’s workshops to explore.
Up until this very day the Olympic torch is lit in Ancient Olympia before it makes its way to the current years host city.
Olympia’s Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Greece as it houses finds from the excavation of the sanctuary of Zeus. The museums exhibits are displayed in chronological and thematic order from Prehistoric to Roman times and allows you to build a picture of a very historically relevant period in Ancient Olympia. Do look out for the unique sculptural masterpieces such as Praxiteles’ Hermes, Paeoneus’ Victory and Apollo.
Next up you will continue your journey deeper into the Peloponnese as you head towards Arachova, a modern ski resort with breathtaking mountainous landscape. Arachova is also known for its cozy café’s and tavernas and its bustling nightlife. We hope you will enjoy your evening there relaxing and rejuvenating before you take on another day of exploration and discovery.
DAY 5 – Delphi and neighboring towns
After breakfast we head to Delphi and its incredible Archaeological Museum. Originally, Delphi was an ancient religious sanctuary, home to the Oracle of Delphi and the Priestess Pythia who was famed through the ancient world for divining the future and was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. Later it was dedicated to the Greek God Apollo.
After visiting Delphi, continue towards Kalambaka, a settlement with prosperous history and significant monuments, via the historical town of Gravia where Odysseus Androutsos stopped the invasion of 8000 Turks with his Army of 100 men. It is noted in history that over 400 of Turks died, while Androutsos lost only 2 of his men.
Finally, we make a pit stop for coffee in the town of Domokos, to give you a chance to relax before we head to your hotel in Kalambaka for the night.
DAY 6 – Meteora and back to Athens
Start your day by visiting Meteora, a unique and impressive site with 24 ageless monasteries perched on top of huge monolithic granite rocks, with unforgettable views. You will have the chance to explore three of the monasteries, suspended between the earth and sky, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, as well as many pieces of Byzantine art.
Now it is time to head back to Athens with a stop on your way back for coffee or lunch. You will also be able to visit the site of the giant statue of Leonidas in Thermopiles, which was popularized by the movie 300, where the Persians battled against the vastly outnumbered Greeks for three days. Although it was clear that the Persians were going to win, Leonidas stayed and fought the final battle with only 300 men from Sparta showing the indominable spirit of the Ancient Greeks.
The last stop on your journey back to Athens will be at a beautiful portside and picturesque little town worth exploring.
DAY 7 – Athens Riviera and Cape Sounion
After breakfast, you will have the morning free to do some exploration of your own in Athens. We recommend a stroll around the cobblestoned streets of the historical center of Athens where you will chance upon numerous Archaeological sites and have the chance to do some souvenir shopping.
In the afternoon you will be met by your local guide to begin your day trip to Cape Sounion via the Athens Riviera. Sit back, relax and take in the scenic drive from the centre of Athens along the coast of the Athenian Riviera as you head to Cape Sounion. You will drive through one of the finest stretches of coastal road in Greece, passing through picturesque villages and the seaside towns of Faliro, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. With a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, you will be able to take in some of the most breathtaking Aegean blue scenery while passing local beaches and the famous Vouliagmeni Lake.
Cape Sounion is the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula and home to the world-renowned archaeological site of the Temple of Poseidon. Built between 444 and 440 BC, it is one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Greece. The Greeks considered Poseidon to be the master of the sea and his power was considered the be second only to Zeus in Greek Mythology. As the God of the sea, he was of particular relevance and value to the Athenians given the importance of trade by sea and it is believed that mariners and fishermen of Ancient Greece prayed to him to keep them safe from storms and shipwrecks. It also happens to be one of the most spectacular sunset spots in Greece, so be sure to take it all in.
DAY 8 – Athens Gastronomic tour.
There is no better way to close you visit to Greece than by sampling the local cuisine. What better way to immerse yourself into the local culture than through food?! You will now be treated to a private food tour where you will not only have a chance to sample the incredible street food of Athens but you will also get to taste appetizing treats that every true Athenian enjoys as part of their daily routine. You will learn about time tested Greek cooking methods and how they developed over time, as well as be privy to authentic recipes and age-old culinary traditions. Your expert guide will take you to dedicated artisans who have perfected their recipes over decades and in some cases, generations. You will be taken to specialty stores offering the best products from all over the country. And of course, no culinary exploration of Athens would be complete without the visit to the central food market, also known as Varvakeios, one of the most vibrant sensory experiences in the city. Here small producers exhibit their products from across the country in this large and bustling market and it is the perfect spot to try some of the best feta cheese and olives in the world. Last but not the least, your guide will recommend a choice of great local establishments off the beaten touristy path of Athens where you will have a chance to relax and enjoy a time-honored Greek tradition of ‘meze’ – light snacks with local spirits accompanied by the Greek music so you may fully immerse yourself in Greece’s famous laid-back vibe.
DAY 9 – Departure Day
The time has come to say goodbye to Greece. We hope that your holiday has been memorable and fulfilling. After breakfast you will be met by your chauffer who will drive you to the Airport where you will catch your flight to head back home.
All of us from the Greecebesttour team look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Including:
•2 Overnight Stays in Athens at your preferred luxury hotel.
•1 Overnight stay in Olympia at your preferred luxury hotel.
•1 Overnight stay in Delphi or Arachova at your preferred luxury hotel.
•1 Overnight stay in Kalambaka at your preferred luxury hotel.
•2 Overnight stays in Athens at your preferred luxury hotel.
•Athens Orientation Tour (optional)
•Acropolis Museum, Acropolis and local Archaeological sites.
•Guided tour of the Peloponnese – Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Meteora
•Visit the Athens Riviera
•Athens Gastronomic tour
•All Airport/Port private transfers
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