ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1 Athens, Canal, ancient Corinth, Nafplion, Epidaurus, Mycenae – Sparta

Meeting point at the center of Athens, in Syntagma Square at 8:30 AM (right outside New Hotel) and the Greek tour starts from Athens early in the morning. Drive along the scenic coastal road of Athens towards the magnificent structure of the Corinth Canal which is in Peloponnese.   Tthe southern peninsula of Greece. The canal connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Time for rest and some amazing photos above the Canal.

Leave the Isthmus and drive to the ancient Corinth (the city of Apollo and Aphrodite). Ancient Corinth was an important city in the ancient years, the richest and most famous port of the ancient Greece. We will make a short stop for some great photos and rest. Then you will visit the archaeological site and museum plus the Church that has the first letter written to the Corinthians in four languages, Greek, Arabic, French & English.

Then we drive to Epidaurus & visit the ancient theater there with the fantastic acoustics that is even used nowadays mostly in summer festivals, plays, etcA must see is also the sanctuary of Asklipeios, son of God Apollo.

We will go on to Nafplion, the first modern capital of Greece from 1821 till 1834. Visit the Castle of the City, Palamidi that is over the town as well as Mpourtzi the island fortress, the first defense line of the port. A wonderful seaside place ideal for some walking and tasting the famous Greek cuisine. Have a memorable lunch in a traditional restaurant or tavern. Drive to Mycenae, the golden city of King Agamemnon, the one who united all the Greek cities to fight for a common purpose against Troy.

Mycenae was the city from where Mycenaean civilization started. Visit the archaeological sites of the burial Royal Tombs of kings and queens, the cyclopean walls, the Lion Gate & the treasury of Atreas. Next we drive to Sparta. Free time for leisure.

Day 2 Sparta, Diros Caves, Olympia

Sparta is the hometown of the brave Spartans. Visit the Acropolis of Sparta. Click some great pictures in front of King Leonidas Statue who fought the Persian army. Then you will visit the archaeological museum & oil museum. Drive to Diros Caves, one of the most excellent lake caves in the world. They are located in Mani area and were explored since 1949 because of their size and structure. Stalactites & stalagmites that form imposing pillars are a unique sight in the chambers of Diros Caves and can be seen by small boats. By the end of the tour we drive to Olympia.

Day 3 Olympia – Rio Antirio Bridge, Galaxidi, Itea, Delphi

Ancient Olympia is the birth place of the ancient Olympic Games in classical times. There you will visit both the archaeological site and choose between Archaeological Museum of Olympia with a great amount of artifacts and statues in it, and the Museum of the Olympic Games.

You will visit the temple of Zeus, Pelopion the stadium, the Temple of Hera, the Phillipeion, the Phidias workshop etc. Sample more local Greek cuisine for lunch after which we drive to Delphi through the largest cable bridge in Europe, Rio Antirio and the magnificent town of Nafpaktos and Itea.

Day 4 Delphi, Meteora, Kalambaka

After breakfast visit the archaeological site with the ancient theater and the museum. Delphi was the center of the Universe according to Zeus, the King of the Gods. It was the place the prophecies were revealed to all men by Pythia, the High Priestess.

You will visit the Oracle of Apollo, the Omfalos, the temple of Athena Pronaia, Kastaleia Spring and see some magnificent artifacts and statues such as Eniochos the charioteer, the twin brothers and Sphynx of Naxos. We will lunch there with a great view of the mountain Parnassus and Itea and after that we will drive to Meteora. Free leisure time and overnight at Kalambaka or Kastraki.

Day 5 Meteora, Thermopylae, Return to Athens

After breakfast visit the monasteries of Meteora. They come second in religious importance & size after Mount Athos in Orthodox Christianity. The monasteries are built on high pillars in Central Greece after the 11th century and they have never been abandoned as nuns & monks live there even today.

After lunch at Kalambaka or Kastraki proceed towards the battlefield of Thermopylae or Hotgates & the Hot Springs where King Leonidas and the 300 brave Spartans gave their lives for the freedom of Greece. Return back to Athens

Day 6 Athens, Acropolis, Greek by night

Half day city tour of Athens covering Acropolis, Omonia Square & Acropolis museum. Halt for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. Proceed, passing by temple of Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Triology which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens and the National Library.

Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House, Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church and finally Acropolis (visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens).

Continue the expert guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the Acropolis Museum.

For the night we suggest you the Greek Traditional Night. Experience authentic Athenian culture on this lively night tour. See the city’s iconic sights and then enjoy a meal accompanied by drinks and Greek music and dance at a local tavern.

Day 7 Athens, free day OR Cruise to Hydra, Poros, Aegina

Free day in Athens OR take a cruise from Athens to the fabulous Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina for a relaxing day on the sea. In Poros you will have free time for shopping and strolling. Next we proceed towards Hydra where you have nearly two hours to enjoy the unique charms of the island.

On arriving in Aegina join an excursion to the Temple of Aphaia (cost not included) or take a walk around the main town. The island is a popular getaway for Athenians during the summer months. After sailing back to the port you will be transferred to Athens from where you will board your flight for your hometown.