1st DAY:
Starting from Athens we drive westwards along the scenic coast, until we reach the CORINTH CANAL with its breathtaking views (Short Stop). The Corinth Canal is a junction of international sea transport and serves ships coming from the western Mediterranean and Adriatic en route to eastern Mediterranean and black sea ports and vice-versa. Continue along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf to EPIDAURUS (Visit). On the headland called "Nesi" at Palaia Epidaurus, the theatre of the ancient city is quite well-preserved, in the shape it acquired during the latter years of its function. Apart from a few rows of seats, the cavea is made of limestone with poros staircases. The theater is marveled for its exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken word from the proscenium or scene to all 12,000 spectators, regardless of their seating.
Then depart for NAUPLIA 1st capital of Greece in 1829 (Short Stop) drive to MYCENAE (Visit) “Mycenae 'Rich in Gold', the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics, is the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization.” In the afternoon depart for OLYMPIA – Dinner & Overnight in OLYMPIA. (D) (sometimes the first overnight can be offered in Nauplia).
2nd DAY: Olympia the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it sprawls over the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush, green landscape. Although secluded near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one world-wide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus. Visit the Archaeological Site & the Museum and then drive via PATRAS to RION, across the channel to ANTIRRION on the “State of the Art” new suspended bridge considered to be the longest and most modern in Europe. Arrive in NAFPAKTOS (drive through) then continue to DELPHI – Dinner & Overnight in DELPHI. (B.D)
3rd DAY:
Situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important games in Greece after the Olympics, which were held every four years.
Visit of the archaeological site and the Museum where one can see among other archeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteerdedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela, in 478 B.C. when he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games. This incomparable statue is a representative example of the ''severe'' Attic style, certainly the work of a major artist.
After visits depart for KALAMBAKA. Short visit of the village upon arrival.
Dinner & Overnight in KALAMBAKA (B.D)
4th DAY:
Visit the Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Changing bus to continue your tour to Thessaloniki.
Arrival at Thessaloniki,the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. (B.D)
5th DAY: In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the "co-reigning" city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. Visit unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churche of St. Demetrius, White Tower,Roman Forum,Ottoman Marker and the Byzantine walls. Short walking tour includes the ruins from the Palace and Arch of Galerius, Visit Rotunda with fine early –Christian mosaics.Rest of the day free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city. (B.D)
6th DAY: Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town's famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle's School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colourful market area. A walk in a city where past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki. (B.D)
7th DAY: Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.(b)
N.B.: Please ladies for the visit of the Monasteries you need a skirt and the gentlemen long trousers.
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Parents should hold with them a certificate or other proof documents of children's age!
This is obligatory to receive the discount price and their museum entrance ticket!
Inclusions:
- Transportation by A/C deluxe coach
- English speaking licenced guide
- Entrance fees
- Hotel accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner at the hotel
- Free wifi on the bus
- Free wifi at the hotel
• SURCHARGE: Environmental fee 7€ per room per night from 01/01/2024 will be paid directly to the hotel reception by the client
• Vegetarian meal available upon request.
• Drinks and tips are not inlcuded.
• Admission to Monasteries and churches visited on our tours is not allowed to gentlemen wearing shorts and ladies wearing trousers, shorts, short skirts or blouses not covering the shoulders.