An insight into the different periods of Greek history on this 8 day journey!

Itinerary:

Day 1: ATHENS, PIRAEUS
Arrival at the Athens airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Welcome by our tour guide. Transfer to the hotel – Info Meeting – Reception and chance for an aperitif, Greek anise liquor (ouzo). The afternoon is free. Evening: opportunity for a Greek night. Early in the evening we visit the Port city of Piraeus. Then we spend the evening in a local tavern in the world-famous old town of Athens – at the edge of the Acropolis – and with varied folklore festival dances, folk music and have dinner. Around midnight, return to the hotel, overnight stay.

Day 2: ATHENS CITY TOUR, PLAKA
Morning city tour in Athens with a visit to the world famous Acropolis, the symbol of Athens and the National Museum. Guided tour of the modern and ancient city of Athens (Temple of Zeus, University, National Library, Royal Palace, Kalimarmaron stadium). Shopping in the old town of Athens, Plaka. Then an afternoon excursion to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula projecting into the Aegean Sea. We may experience the sunset at Poseidon temple, which is one of the unforgettable impressions of a trip to Greece. Return to the hotel.

Day 3: CORINTH CANAL, EPIDAURUS, MYCENAE
Morning drive to the Corinth Canal (world famous and was built at the end of the previous century as an artificial connection between the Saronic Gulf and the Gulf of Corinth) 15 minute Photo stop. We then continue the trip to Ancient Corinth. Visit to the Ancient site, Agora, Temple and Museum. We go past vineyards and gnarled olive trees, and then we reach Epidaurus, the Sanctuary of Asclepius. Visit the museum and theatre, famous for its acoustics. Many summer festivals take place here (Festival of Epidaurus). Continue to Mycenae. Visit the well-preserved Cyclopean Walls, the Royal Tombs, the magnificent Lion Gate, the earliest form of monumental sculpture in Europe. Here the German Archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (in 1874) began with his excavations and discovered the Royal Tombs of the House of Atreus and their huge hoards of gold. Return to our hotel.

Day 4: COG RAILWAY, MEGA SPILEON, VALLEY OF VURAIKOS, CAVE OF LAKES
We drive over the Corinth Canal, then ride the legendary Cog railway through the enchanting canyon of Vuraikos of Diakofto to the mountain village of Kalavrita. Visit the historic monasteries Aghia Lavra and Mega Spileon. This is where the Greek war of Independence began against the Ottoman Empire in the 19th Century. The view from the monastery to the valley of Vuraikos is breathtaking. Lunch break in Kalavrita. On the way back we visit the “Cave of the Lakes”. In the evening drive to our hotel in either Loutraki or near Patras – Niforeika. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: OLYMPIA, ACHAIA CLAUSS
Early morning drive to the archaeological site of Olympia – Birthplace of the Olympic Games, the effect is similar to today’s visitors as it was in ancient times. The famous National Shrine located in an unusually romantic landscape at the foot of the pine clad Cronus. Guided tour of the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia and the museum. After a lunch break, we continue our journey to Delphi, and make a short detour to Achaia Clauss. A notable sight here is the winery of the factory – the oldest in Greece- with old barrels and wine from last century. Guided tour of the imperial cellar, wine tasting and tour of the facility. Continue via Rion – Antirion and through Itea and Galaxidi to Delphi. Early evening arrival at our hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: DELPHI, OSIOS LOUKAS
After breakfast, visit the ancient site of Delphi, the most famous Oracle of ancient Greece in honour of the god Apollo, god of music and art. In Delphi, we will visit the archaeological site and the museum where we can admire among other things, the famous statue of Iniochos (charioteer). Time for a stroll, a short break in Delphi. Early in the afternoon on the way to Athens we make a short detour to visit the monastery of Osios Loukas. Especially worth seeing are the mosaics, murals and icons of the famous Cretan Saints painter, Michael Damaskinos. Return to Athens.

Day 7: SARONIC ISLANDS
After embarking in the port of Piraeus, we ride to the first and largest of the Saronic islands of Aegina. In a densely wooded hill we find one of the best preserved temples of antiquity, dedicated to the goddess Athena Aphaia. The second Saronic Island is the green island of Poros with the lively promenade. The third island is Hydra, a rocky island with its picturesque harbor and mansions. It is a preferred summer residence for a lot of artists and one of the most beautiful islands of the Aegean Sea.

Day 8: RETURN HOME
After breakfast drive to the airport of Athens. Flight home.