Classic Greece - 8 Day Luxury Independent Tour | 
| This 8 day vacation from picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic ruins is a classic. From Athens and ancient Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus to Olympia and Delphi with a special visit to the Archaeological Museum, spectacular ancient history will unfold. Enjoy a whole afternoon in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries. Visit Varlaam Monastery, famous for its frescoes, and St. Stephen’s, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view. Next is Thermopylae, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas’ 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes’ huge Persian army. Drive past Thebes and Marathon before returning to Athens where you will visit the Acropolis. |
| Name: Classic Greece - 8 Day Luxury Independent Tour | |
| Category: EUROPE - Greece | |
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Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Arrival in Athens, Greece
Private transfer from the airport to the hotel. Time to rest or to start exploring the Hellenic capital.
Day 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 splendors 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. Overnight in nearby Nauplia.
Day 4: Nauplia/Olympia
Spectacular scenery on the way through the Arkadian Mountains. Then an afternoon in OLYMPIA, where the athletes of antiquity performed in honor 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.
Day 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 B.C. bronze statue.
Day 6: Delphi/Meteora Area
North via Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka for an afternoon in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries. We have selected two of them for you to visit: VARLAAM MONASTERY, famous for its frescoes, and ST. STEPHEN’S, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view.
Day 7: Meteora Area/Thermopylae/Athens
Past Larisa to the comfortable coastal highway. Today’s highlight is a 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 in 490 B.C. 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders.
Day 8: Athens
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features 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 Royal Palace, 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.
Day 9
Private transfer from the hotel to the Athens airport.
Departure Dates: Year round, at your convenience.
Pricing: Based on double occupancy. On tour air fare and or trains included.
Itinerary: Based on 4 star accommodations, can be modified to fit your interests and needs.
Deposit: 10% per person, minimum $500
Final Payment: Due 60 days before departure.
Air Fare: Air fare to the tour start point and return air fare home is not included. |
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