Trip Schedule
Day 1: Arrive Athens
Αrrive in Athens the capital of Greece and start your journey for a life-changing experience. Meet and assist at the airport and transfer to the centre of the city. On route to your hotel you will have a first glance of the ancient treasures and Christian history in a condensed city tour with the bus where our guide will point out the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Presidential Palace and the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as the Kallimarmaro (the “beautifully marbled”), an athletic stadium in the centre of Athens that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Check into your Hotel and have the remainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavour of the city. This evening you will enjoy the first of many delectable Mediterranean style dinners.
Day 2: Athens
Following breakfast today we will visit Athens the foundation of democracy. Early morning visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and centre of Athenian public life) and the fabulous New Acropolis Museum. A short walk through the narrow streets of the Old city, the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes. You cannot miss the little church of “Panagia Kapnikarea” one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Athens in the middle of Ermou Street that dates back to 1050 and the Annunciation Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, popularly known as the “Mētrópolis” on Mitropoleos street. Evening free.
Day 3: Athens – Akrata “watermill”– Patras “winery”- Ancient Olympia
After breakfast we depart for our trip into the Peloponnese. Our first stop will be at the picturesque village of AKRATA where we’ll have a visit to the past “good old times” and the traditional old watermill where we will also be introduced to some local products. Passing from the city of PATRAS we will visit a local winery where we will have a guided tour around the premises and the vineyards where also at the end of our tour we will have the unique experience of wine tasting. Late in afternoon arrival in ANCIENT OLYMPIA for overnight.
Day 4: Ancient Olympia – Patras – Nafpaktos
After breakfast we will visit the original home of the Olympic Games first held in 776 B.C. Olympia was a sacred precinct to the god Zeus, whose temple once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This morning’s included sightseeing takes in the ancient stadium where the games were held and the temples of Zeus and his wife Hera. In the afternoon drive through Patras, the capital of Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Short stop to see St.Andrews church. then cross the magnificent newly built bridge connecting Rio with Antirio across the Gulf of Corinth, and proceed to the picturesque village of Nafpaktos. Check into the hotel and then visit the monastery of Metamorfosis Sotiros where we will have a unique experience discovering the world in a monastery for monks with a huge cultural and humanitarian deed. Overnight in Nafpaktos.
Day 5: Galaxidi – Delphi – Kalambaka
After breakfast departure, passing the beautiful fishing village of Galaxidi we reach Delphi, in the ancient times known as the ‘Navel of the Earth’. Delphi was the greatest Oracle of the ancient world, where people flocked to seek advice. Now, it’s one of the grandest sights in Greece; it’s theatre and Temple of Apollo still stand in their lovely natural setting. In the afternoon drive north by way of Lamia and onto Trikala in Thessaly for an overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6: Kalambaka – Meteora – Athens
After breakfast we will visit the Meteora with it’s 24 rock-top monasteries in an unreal, fantastic landscapes. The present monasteries were built in the 14th and 15th centuries during a time of instability and revival of the hermit ideal, they flourished until the 17th century but only six survive today; four of these still host monastic communities which we will visit “Varlaam” Monastery famous for its frescoes and St.Stephen’s featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view. Afternoon return to Athens, overnight.
Day 7: Athens
Day free to explore the shops and museums or take a trip to the coast for a swim. Afternoon you could take the optional excursion to romantic Cape Sounion and in the evening Greek dinner night with live entertainment, music and dancing, will be a fitting farewell to this fascinating country.
Day 8: Athens – return
Transfer from your Hotel to the Airport for your return flight home.
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