April 6 - 13, 2024
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR OF GREECE
6 – 13 APRIL 2024
Thessaloniki – Vergina - Kalambaka – Delphi – Olympia – Nafplio – Athens
Day 1, Arrival in Athens
Arrive to Athens and transfer to Thessaliniki. Meet with the group from Turkey and your Greek guide. Free time to walk around the beautiful city center. Overnight in Thessaliniki.
Day 2: Thessaloniki – Vergina archaeological site - Delphi
You will depart early in the morning for Pella archaeological site.
Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)
The city of Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia, was discovered in the 19th century near Vergina, in northern Greece. The most important remains are the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world.
After the end of the tour, you will depart to Kalambaka. Overnight in Kalambaka
Day 3: Meteora Monasteries - Delphi
Today you willgetan experience deep inside the genuine history of the monasteries and the wondrous natural sights of Meteora. Take a visit in 3 of the Holy monasteries and learn how the first monks created this unique heritage. Witness the wondrous byzantine architecture by exploring the inside of 3 monasteries and take a closer look in the life of the monks. Explore with yourguide into the secret spots of the Unesco World Herritage Site and take unforgettable views of the rocks and rest of the monasteries.
Once the tour ends, you will depart to Delphi. Overnight in Delphi
Day 4: Delphi archaeological site/museum – Olympia
You will reach Delphi and visit the actual archaeological site and museum, a world heritage monument according to UNESCO, with a professional guide. Amongst others, you will visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum which contains masterpieces such as the Bronze Charioteer and the image of the famous athlete Aghias.
In the afternoon, you will continue to Olympia. Overnight in Olympia
Day 5: Olympia archaeological site - Nafplio The site of Olympia is one of the largest and most beautiful sites in Greece. Your guide will walk you along through the valley of wild olives and plane trees to the Ancient Ruins as you walk under the frame of the great temple columns you will feel the awe of the Olympian history. The guide will then take you to visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum. As this is one of the most important historical sites in Greece you will spend a comprehensive guided tour, and some free time to enjoy the ambience of the sight.
Then continue the scenic drive to Nafplio. Considered one of the prettiest towns in Greece, Nafplio was the first capital after independence and has been a major port since the Bronze Age. Settle in your hotel, where you will have time to relax before you go into the old town of Nafplio. Overnight in Nafpliο.
Day 6: Mycenae – Epidaurus archaeological sites - Athens
After breakfast you will drive to Mycenae, a place intrinsic in the works of Homer, 9th century BCE poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion's Gate and wander through the remaining ruins. Also visit the third-century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures renowned for its superb acoustics.
Then, you will head to Athens, the capital of Greece. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: Athens City Tour
After breakfast, you will go on a morning driving tour of Athens. Visit the Constitution Square, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the House of Parliament, which was the royal palace until 1935. Also visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and Panathinaiko Stadium, venue for the first Olympic Games. Explore the Acropolis, the vantage point that offered protections of the ancient city-state and the center of ancient Athenian religious and commercial life. Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: End of tour
After breakfast you will have free time to explore on your own the city of Athens, before your departure back home.
Archaeological Tour of Greece led by Prof. Gul Isin
Archaeology Professor, Akdeniz University
Price / Person:
Per person in Dbl room: €2530.-
Single Supplement: €650.-
Included:
Excluded:
Indicative hotel list subject to availability:
Thessaloniki: Colors Urban or similar
Kalambaka: Amalia or similar
Delphi: Amalia or similar
Olympia: Amalia or similar
Nafplio: Amalia or similar
Athens: Amalia or similar
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