11 DAYS ATHENS AND CLASSICAL STUDY TOUR OF GREECE
This tour is a basic, short duration tour that encompasses major classical sites of Greece, such as the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage site), Olympia, Sparta, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nemea, Corinth and Eleusis. It is recommended with universities/schools with limited time in Greece, covering major sites and museums.
Itinerary
Day 0: ATHENS-USA. Departure from US for transatlantic flight to Athens.
Day 1: ATHENS. Arrival in Eleutherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens. Meeting and transfer by private coach and assistant to your centrally located hotel near the Plaka area and Acropolis area. Orientation tour and welcome drink at your hotel. Welcome dinner in selected taverna in the Plaka. Overnight at hotel Herodion or similar. (B,D)
Day 2: ATHENS. After breakfast, meet your private, licensed guide and walk to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the Theater of Dionysus. Pass by Ancient Agora for a visit. Stroll around Monastiraki area, the open flea market and in the evening enjoy a traditional Greek cooking class with dinner in the centre of Athens. Overnight with breakfast. (B,D)
Day 3: ATHENS. Morning visit with your private bus and guide of the National Archaeological Museum. Afternoon drive along the Riviera Attica. Stop on the way to see a replica of an Ancient Trireme, an impressive wooden construction in Palio Faliro. Then drive along the coast and reach the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, where myth of Theseus returning from Crete having killed the Minotaur and his father Aegeus falling into the sea originated. Visit a unique Monastery, where young nuns from all over Europe produce their own organic products and open to discuss their daily monastic life. Dinner overlooking the water in Varkiza. Overnight in Athens. (B,D)
Day 4: ATHENS- DELPHI. Morning departure after breakfast for Classical tour of Greece. Drive to Thebes. Visit the newly re-opened Archaeological museum and move on to Arachova, a traditional alpine village located on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Dinner in the restaurant Bacchus and overnight in Delphi at hotel Leto or similar. (B,D)
Day 5: DELPHI- OLYMPIA Morning visit of Delphi, the site of the famous oracle of the ancient times, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, and its Museum with the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer. Lunch break on your own in Delphi. Afternoon departure for Olympia. Drive over Nafpaktos, the small historical town, known as the Lepanto of the medieval times with its famous battle, to reach Antirion. Cross the bridge to Rio and on to Patras prior to reaching Olympia. Check in at the hotel Europa or similar. Dinner amidst their garden and overnight. (B,D)
Day 6: OLYMPIA-SPARTA Early morning visit of the site of Olympia, where the first ancient Olympic Games took place. Visit the Sanctuary of Zeus, the Stadium and the Archaeological Museum and Museum of the History of Olympia Games. Early afternoon departure for the ancient, rival city-state of Athens, Sparta. Arrive in Sparta for dinner and overnight at hotel Maniatis or similar. (B,D)
Day 7: SPARTA- NAFPLION. Morning visit of Sparta, the Arch. Museum and the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive oil, a unique and interesting display. If interested, you may visit to the medieval Byzantine settlement of Mystras. Visit the churches with the unique frescoes, the Palace and possible hike to the Fortress at the top. Depart for the first capital of liberated Greece, Nafplion. Stroll around the picturesque old town and its port. Dinner on your own and overnight at hotel Marianna, a traditional style hotel overlooking the old town. (B)
Day 8: NAFPLION-MYCENAE-TIRYNS-NAUPLION. Morning departure from Nafplion to visit Mycenae, the remnants of the Palace of King Agamemnon, with the Mycenean Acropolis with its Lions' Gate, the Palace and the Tholos tombs. Then, continue to Tiryns, another Mycenean settlement with imposing Cyclopean walls . Return to Nafplion and climb up the Venetian Fortress, Palamidi, with amazing views of the town. Dinner in Nafplion and overnight. (B,D)
Day 9: EPIDAURUS-NEMEA. Morning departure to Epidaurus, to visit the Sanctuary of Asclepios, the god of Healing with its well preserved theatre of Epidaurus, world famous for its acoustics. Continue to visit the site of Nemea, its Stadium and impressive Temple of Zeus and its Museum. Winery visit to learn about the local red varieties and how the Greek vineyards have flourished in that area. Overnight in Nafplion. (B)
Day 11: CORINTH--ELEUSIS-ATHENS. Morning departure with your private guide/lecturer and bus toward Corinth. Visit the famous site and Museum, known also in Christianity for St. Paul’s visit. Pass the Corinth Canal and reach Eleusis, the site of the Eleusian Mysteries for visit. Afternoon arrival in Athens. Suggestions: visit the Benaki Museum, Plato’s Academy or even the modern aspect of Athens such as the Niarchos Cultural Center where the National Library and National Opera House are located. Farewell dinner in selected taverna and overnight in Athens (B,D)
Day 12: ATHENS-USA. Morning transfer by bus and assistance to the airport for return flight to the US.(B)
We provide:
Accommodation for eleven (11) overnights in 3 *** and 4 **** central hotels in twin bedded rooms, with all modern comforts and central locations in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Sparta and Nafplion
Daily buffet breakfast
Eight (8) dinners during the land tour and Athens , including a welcome and farewell dinner
Cooking class in Athens with hands-on traditional Greek cooking, including olive oil tasting and dinner on premises
Winery visit including tour of the facilities and wine tasting
All bus transportation in modern air-conditioned motor coach with professional driver as per itinerary (including driver's expenses).
Professional, academic guide/lecturer throughout tour
Transfers to/from the airport by private bus and assistant
Assistance in obtaining reduced entrance passes in Greece from local authorities for teachers/professors based on proper documentation
Free cell phone with start-up minutes for the teacher /leader’s use while in Greece
24-Hours Assistance from local reps in Greece.