Tour Duration: 8 days Tour Code: RG2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$1429 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ATHENS, GREECE. Time to rest or to start exploring the Hellenic capital. At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director
2
ATHENS. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the Parthenon's crowning beauty atop the ACROPOLIS, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman Temple of Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of the government buildings and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of the glorious past. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, why not try out local fare and entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (B)
3
ATHENS-CORINTH-MYCENAE-EPIDAURUS-NAUPLIA. Motor along the coast to the bridge crossing the spectacular Corinth Canal, then visit ANCIENT CORINTH, where St. Paul preached. Two more major features today: MYCENAE, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendours so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate, Europe's oldest known monument, remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Then a short drive to EPIDAURUS for a tour of its amazingly wellpreserved 2,300-year-old open-air theatre. Overnight in nearby Nauplia. (B,D)
4
NAUPLIA-OLYMPIA. Spectacular scenery on the way through the Arkadian Mountains. Then an afternoon in OLYMPIA, where the athletes of antiquity competed in honour of the King of Deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM that displays Praxiteles' magnificent statue of Hermes. (B,D)
5
OLYMPIA-DELPHI. Drive to the busy seaport of Patras and proceed through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to mystic Delphi. The afternoon is devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. End the day with a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. (B,D)
6
DELPHI-METEORA AREA. North via Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries. Visit VARLAAM MONASTERY, famous for its frescoes, and ST.STEPHEN'S MONASTERY, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view (Ladies are suggested to pack one long skirt as shorts or trousers may be inappropriate when visiting the monasteries.) (B,D)
7
METEORA AREA-THERMOPYLAE-ATHENS. Today's highlight is a guided visit to THERMOPYLAE, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas' 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes' huge Persian army. On the way back to Athens, your Tour Director will tell you about Thebes, the setting of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, and Marathon, where 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders in 490 BC. Enjoy an optional dinner in a romantic restaurant. (B)
8
ATHENS. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
ATHENS: Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis
ANCIENT CORINTH: Guided visit of the excavations
MYCENAE: Guided visit of the excavations
EPIDAURUS: Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theatre
OLYMPIA: Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum
DELPHI: Guided visit of the excavations, visit the archaeological museum
METEORA AREA: Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen's Monasteries
THERMOPYLAE: Guided visit
MEALS: Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily (B); 4 three-course dinners (D)
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 7 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 4
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
59
EUR
Name:PLAKA WITH DINNER Location:ATHENS Details:Sample a glass of ouzo and enjoy a Greek-style four-course dinner with drinks included at a taverna in the festive Plaka district. Folk dances put you in that special mood reminiscent of Zorba the Greek.
65
EUR
Name:ROMANTIC GREEK DINNER IN MICROLIMANO Location:ATHENS Details:This evening don't miss the chance to admire the illuminated harbor of Microlimano. It is said this port was protected by the goddess Mounihia Artemis, that's why it is sometimes referred to as port of Munihia. The panorama, including fishing boats and luxury yachts, make it the perfect place to enjoy your four-course dinner with drinks at one of the city's finest restaurants.
Optional Excursions
