12 DAYS CLASSIC GREECE TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Athens - Arrival Day
Upon arrive in Athens, you will meet with our local representative at the
airport and be transfered to your hotel. Once you settle in, you are free to
stroll in the old Plaka district. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2 - Athens Half Day City Tour
(Breakfast included)
In the morning, after breakfast, we will pick you up from the hotel and shall
start our sightseeing tour of the centre of Athens:
Panathinaikos Stadium or Panathenaic Stadium
Also known as the Kallimarmaro (i.e. the "beautifully marbled") in Athens, is
the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble.
In ancient times, it was used to host the athletic portion of the Panathenaic
Games, in honour of the Goddess Athena. During classical times, the stadium had
wooden seating. It was remade in marble, by the archon Lycurgus. In 329 BC and
was enlarged and renovated by Herodes Atticus. In 140 AD, to a seated capacity
of 50,000. The remnants of the ancient structure were excavated and refurbished,
with funds provided by Evangelis Zappas for the revival of the Olympic Games.[2]
Evangelis Zappas sponsored the Olympic Games that were held there in 1870 and
1875. The stadium was refurbished a second time in 1895 for the 1896 Olympics,
with completion funding provided by the Greek benefactor George Averoff whose
marble statue now stands at the entrance, based on designs by architects
Anastasios Metaxas and Ernst Ziller.
University, National Library and Academy
The National Library of Greece is situated near the center of city of Athens. It
was designed by the Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen, as part of
his famous Trilogy of neo-classical buildings including the Academy of Athens
and the original building of the Athens University.
The library holds 4,500 Greek manuscripts which is one of the greatest
collection of Greek scripts. There are also many chrysobulls and archives of the
Greek Revolution
The Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Gate
The Temple of Zeus at Olympia which was built between 472 and 456 BC, was an
ancient Greek temple in Olympia, Greece, dedicated to the chief of the gods,
Zeus. It was the very model of the fully-developed classical Greek temple of the
Doric order. The temple stood in the most famous sanctuary of Greece, which had
been dedicated to local and Pan-Hellenic deities and had probably been
established towards the end of the Mycenaean period. The Altis, the enclosure
with its sacred grove, open-air altars and the tumulus of Pelops, was first
formed during the tenth and ninth centuries BCE, when the cult of Zeus was
joined the already establish cult here of Hera
Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens or Citadel of Athens is the best known acropolis in the
world. It is the significance of the Acropolis of Athens, such as that it is
commonly known as The Acropolis without qualification. The Acropolis was
formally proclaimed as the pre-eminent monument on the European Cultural
Heritage list of monuments on 26 March 2007. The Acropolis is a flat-topped rock
that rises 150 m (490 ft) above sea level in the city of Athens, with a surface
area of about 3 hectares. It was also known as Cecropia, after the legendary
serpent-man, Cecrops, the first Athenian king.
Also we will visit many other mythical monuments. After the tour, you will
transfer back to your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the
city.
Day 3 - Athens / Olympia
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we drive towards the Corinth Canal where we will make our first
stop.
The Theatre of Epidaurus
The theater was constructed in the late 4th century BC. Originally it had 34
rows and was used for dramatic performances. The Romans added another 21 rows.
Even in ancient times, the theater was considered to have great acoustics. The
actors can be perfectly heard by all 15,000 spectators without the sound having
to be amplified. The limestone rows filter the low-frequency sounds -such as the
murmur of the crowd - but amplify the sounds from the stage.
It still is one of the most beautiful open-air theaters. The view behind the
scene was and still is an integrated part of the theater.
The theatre was discovered in 1970 and the excavation began in 1972.
Supplementary excavations were needed to bring the entire theatre to light and
to consolidate the building. Restoration work has been carried out so that the
theatre can still be used safely.
The Museum of Asclepius
Asclepius is the god of medicine and healing in ancient Greek religion.
Asclepius represents the healing aspect of the medical arts; his daughters are
Hygieia ("Hygiene"), Iaso ("Medicine"), Aceso ("Healing"), Aglæa/Ægle ("Healthy
Glow"), and Panacea ("Universal Remedy"). The rod of Asclepius, a snake-entwined
staff, remains a symbol of medicine today, although sometimes the caduceus, or
staff with two snakes, is mistakenly used instead. He was associated with the
Roman/Etruscan god Vediovis. He was one of Apollo's sons.
And then we keep passing through the town of Nafplio, Mycenae, where we can
discover the prehistoric Acropolis with the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's tomb. The
Lion Gate of Mycenae was the entrance to the city. Atop the gate, two lions
rampant are carved in stone relief. Similar bas-reliefs of two lions rampant
facing each other are found in a number of places in Phrygia in Asia Minor.
In the afternoon we will keep going on our journey to Olympia by crossing the
central Peloponnese. Overnight in Delphi.
Day 4 - Olympia / Delphi
(Breakfast included)
In the morning we will visit the Olympic stadium, it was originally designed in
1979 and built in 1980-1982 it is a stadium which is part of the Athens Olympic
Sports Complex. It is also known as the Athens Olympic Stadium and Spiridon "Spiros"
Louis Stadium, named after the man to win the first (modern) Olympic marathon
race in 1896.
Afterwards we will visit to the Museum of Olympia. It is one of the great
museums of Greece in Olympia, of the Elis Prefecture, and houses artifacts found
in the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. It was officially opened in 1982.
One of the best known exhibits is the Nike of Paeonius, which is featured on the
medals awarded during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Delphi by crossing the new suspension bridge
which is the largest in the world and arrive to Delphi. Overnight in Delphi.
Day 5 - Delphi / Meteora
(Breakfast included)
Delphi is located in lower central Greece, on multiple plateaux/terraces along
the slope of Mount Parnassus, and includes the Sanctuary of Apollo,the site of
the ancient Oracle. This semicircular spur is known as Phaedriades, and
overlooks the Pleistos Valley. Southwest of Delphi, about 15 km (9.3 mi) away,is
the harbor-city of Kirrha on the Corinthian Gulf. Delphi also located in the
south-western of spur of Mount Parnassus.
Today we will visit the local museum The Delphi Archaeological Museum which is
well-known for The Charioteer of Delphi. The Charioteer of Delphi also known as
Heniokhos (the rein-holder), is one of the best-known statues surviving from
Ancient Greece, and is considered one of the finest examples of ancient bronze
statues. The life-size statue of a chariot driver was found in 1896 at the
Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi.
Afterward we will depart for Kalambaka. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 6 - Meteora / Athens
(Breakfast included)
In the morning we will visit Meteora. Meteora is one of the largest and most
important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to
Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at
the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus
Mountains, in central Greece.
Afterward we will depart for Athens via Thermopylae, where the statue of the
Spartan King Leonidas is located. Also it is a location in Greece where a narrow
coastal passage existed in antiquity. It derives its name from several natural
hot water springs
In the afternoon we will arrive your hotel in Athens, the rest of the day is
yours to explore the city. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7 - Athens - Free Day
(Breakfast included)
Today is yours, you can join the excursion to visit Athens or spend a relax day
to walk around Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Day 8 - Athens / Mykonos
In the morning, we will transfer you from the hotel to Piraeus port for
embarkation to the cruise. Firstly we will take you to the exciting island -
Mykonos. Mykonos is the most vibrant island of Aegean with its windmills and
little Venice. You can have the free time to explore this little city until
00:00. Mykonos (transportation with tender boats) is a Greek island and a top
tourist destination, renowned for its cosmopolitan character and its intense
nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros
and Naxos. It is believed that the island was named after a local hero, who is
considered an offspring of the god Apollo and was worshipped locally in
antiquity. Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in
the early part of the 11th century BC. More recent discoveries have uncovered
remnants in Ftelia beach from the Neolithic Kares tribe dating back to as far as
3000 BC. In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus
and the Titan, and the island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons.
Mykonos is known for its sandy beaches. Overnight onboard the cruise ship
Day 9 - Kusadasi / Patmos
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Today the first port is Kusadasi in Turkey. Kusadasi is a resort town on
Turkey's Aegean coast and the center of the seaside district of the same name in
Aydin Province. The city stands on a bay in the Aegean with the peninsula of
Guvercin Ada sticking out into the sea at one end, and the mountain of Kaz Dagi
behind. The area has been a centre of art and culture since the earliest times
and has been settled by many civilizations since being founded by the Leleges
people in 3000 BC. Later settlers include the Aeolians in the 11th century BC
and Ionians in the 9th century. Originally seamen and traders the Ionians built
a number of settlements on this coast including Neopolis. Kusadasi caters to
tourists, arriving by land, and as the port for cruise ship passengers heading
to Ephesus.
Overnight onboard the cruise ship.Visit the harbor and the ancient city of
Ephesus, one of the best preserved anvient cities.
Patmos (transportation with tender boats)
Which is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, one of the northernmost islands
of the Dodecanese complex. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the
Eastern Orthodox tradition. In 1999, the island's historic center Chora, along
with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse,
were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The monastery was founded by Saint
Christodulos. Patmos is also home to the Patmian School, a notable Greek
seminary. Patmos is mentioned in the Christian scriptural Book of Revelation.
The book's introduction states that its author, John, was on Patmos when he was
given (and recorded) a vision from Jesus. Earliest Christian tradition
identifies this writer as John the Apostle. As such, Patmos is a destination for
Christian pilgrimage. Visitors can see the cave where John is said to have
received his Revelation (the Cave of the Apocalypse), and several monasteries on
the island are dedicated to Saint John. Overnight onboard the cruise ship
Day 10 - Rhodes
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Enjoy your day in Rhodes where you can visit Lindos, the famous for its
Acropolis and the old town of Rhodes, the Grand Master s Palace and the Street
of the Knights. You can take the optional excursions for guided tour or explore
Rhodes by yourself. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of
both land area and population. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the
Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The medieval Old Town
of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. The city of
Rhodes is located at the northern tip of the island, as well as the site of the
ancient and modern commercial harbours. In terms of flora and fauna, Rhodes is
closer to Asia Minor than to the rest of Greece. The interior of the island is
mountainous, sparsely inhabited and covered with forests of pine (Pinus brutia)
and cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). The island is home to the Rhodian deer. In
Petaludes Valley (Greek for "Valley of the Butterflies"), large numbers of tiger
moths gather during the summer months.Overnight onboard the cruise ship.
Day 11 - Heraklio / Santorini
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
The first port of call today is Heraklion In Crete. Heraklion or Iraklion is the
largest city and capital of Crete. It is also the fourth largest city in Greece.
Its name is also spelled Herakleion, a transliteration of the ancient Greek and
Katharevousa name, ?????e???, or Iraklio, among other variants
You will have the opportunity to view the most important sites of the island,
taking the optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan
civilization.
In the afternoon we follow the magical island of Santorini. Santorini
(transportation with tender boats) is a small, circular archipelago of volcanic
islands located in the southern Aegean Sea. The largest island is known as Thera,
forming the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands. Santorini is
essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the
earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the
creation of the current geological caldera. Excavations starting in 1967 at the
site called Akrotiri under the late Professor Spyridon Marinatos have made Thera
the best-known "Minoan" site outside of Crete, the homeland of the culture. The
island remains the home of a small, but flourishing, wine industry, based on the
indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko, with auxiliary cultivations of two other
Aegean varietals, Athiri and Aidani. Overnight onboard the cruise ship.
Day 12 - Athens - End of the Tour
(Breakfast included)
In the early morning, we will arrive Piraeus port and disembarkation after
breakfast. Transfer from the port to Athens International airport for your
flight back home. We hope your cruise was a memorable one and we would like to
see you in future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and
thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.
12 DAYS CLASSIC GREECE TOUR INCLUDES:
- Airport transfer from Athens airport to hotel in private car
- Accommodation in a double room with breakfast in Athens
- Accommodation in a double room with breakfast and dinner in Olympia
- Accommodation in a double room with breakfast and dinner in Delphi
- Accommodation in a double room with breakfast and dinner in Meteora
- Guided half day Athens Sightseeing
- 4 days Classical tour with Meteora
- 5 nights 4 days cruise including cruise ticket with full board while on cruise
- (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snacks)
- Professional English speaking guide
- All entrance fees to Acropolis site and museum
- Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
- Return airport transfer from Piraeus port to Athens airport
12 DAYS CLASSIC GREECE TOUR PRICES IN EURO:
Per Person |
Shared Double |
Single |
|
€ 1,259.00 |
Not available |
|
€ 1,491.00 |
Not available |
|
€ 1,629.00 |
Not available |
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