| 7 Days ~ Greece
Classical Tour
This feature packed
tour of mainland Greece is well paced and expertly planned. In fact, it is
so successful that it has operated, due to popular demand, virtually
unchanged for 20 years. Suited to visitors with limited vacation time or
those combining with a cruise. Visits to the Parthenon, the ancient sites
of Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi, as well as the monasteries of Meteora
provide a unique history lesson for those interested in the birth of
Western Civilization.
DAY
1 – ATHENS AT LEISURE
After being met at the
airport and transferred to your hotel, there is time to relax or explore
before a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Metropolitan. (dinner)
DAY 2 – ATHENS
SIGHTSEEING
Your sightseeing tour
this morning delves deep into the glorious history of Athens. Highlight of
the tour, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis, still dominating the
frantic bustle of modern Athens with its serene presence. Admire the
Parthenon, built to the honour of the goddess Athena and still amazing in
its grace, despite the loss of the Elgin Marbles. Then see the Temple of
Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Why not join your fellow travellers for a night
out with dinner and entertainment? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 3 – ATHENS
– OLYMPIA
Cross the breathtaking
Corinth canal to the Peloponnese region and drive to the ancient ruined city
of Mycenae. Walk through the Lion Gate, see the giant ‘Cyclopean’ stones
which were used to build the city walls and visit the Beehive Tombs. A
delightful drive takes you across the Arcadia Mountains to Olympia,
birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776BC. Hotel: Antonios. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)
DAY 4 – OLYMPIA
– DELPHI
Tour Olympia, this
morning seeing sites of the ancient temples, the Olympic Stadium and
Gymnasium. Cross to the mainland and follow the coast to Delphi, clinging to
the side of Mount Parnassus at 2,000 feet. Ascend the Sacred Way, past the
splendid Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians to the Temple of Apollo,
where the Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words’. Hotel: Amalia.
(Buffet breakfast, dinner)
DAY 5 – DELPHI
– KALAMBAKA
Cross fertile Thessaly,
the ‘bread basket of ancient Greece’, and head for the amazing
monasteries of Metéora, incredibly perched on pinnacles of rock. Visit
one of the monasteries and enjoy stunning views before continuing to your
hotel in Kalambaka. Hotel: Divani.
(Buffet breakfast, dinner)
DAY 6 –
KALAMBAKA – ATHENS
A morning scenic drive
along the coast brings you to Thermopylae, site of the famous battle between
the Spartans and Persians. Return to Athens for your final night in this
fascinating city. Hotel: Metropolitan. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – ATHENS
The tour ends with
transfers to Athens airport. (Buffet breakfast)
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