2nd day: Sightseeing in Athens, Acropolis. Overnight in Athens. After breakfast start by Bus the roundtrip in the historical center of Athens. Constitution Square and the houses of parliament where we will see the carefully selected (tall and handsome) soldiers in their unique uniforms guarding the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We will see the changing of the guard and their strange march, also quite unique to this brigade known as the Evzones. We will see the presidential palace, one of the homes of the Ex King Constantine of Greece and the Zappion gardens. The Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896 will be a favorite visit to remember. The temple of Zeus standing tall in all its beauty, entered by Hadrian's Gate, and then to the Acropolis itself. This wonder of the world needs no introduction. It is sheer magnificence. One day soon, we all hope that the stolen marble (Lord Elgin or Britain plundered these precious pieces under false pretences), will be returned to the rightful home in order to complete the amazing masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens. Our guide will give us a full professional background on the city and of the Acropolis itself. We will visit the museum on the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Nike. We will then be transferred back to our hotel, unless we wish to take the short walk into the Plaka district and take lunch on our own in one of the many charming tavern’s there.
3rd day: Full day trip to Korinth-Mykene-Epidavros; Overnight in Athens. By coach we will start from hotel the early morning rush hour traffic and on to the national highway, passing by the Shipyards and the oil refineries, which are vital to the countries lifeline. We will arrive at the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. There will be a short stop here to allow us to see the narrow canal, and maybe we will be lucky and see one of the passenger ships or cargo ships being tenderly guided through. Then on to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides (the city of gold) of ancient poets, see the Lion's Gate and the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. Then continue to the seaside resort of Nafplio and to Argolis nestling at the foot of the Palmidi Fortress atop the cliffs. After lunch we will then be driven to the most wonderful site of the Epidaurus Theater. Created in the 4th Century BC, this amazing theater is still in operation to this day and it is considered to be the peak of an actors/actresses career to perform on this hallowed site. The acoustics are still phenomenal to this day. This is an experience, which will remain in our mind forever; such is the sheer amazement of this theater 6,000 years old. We will then drive back to Athens, and our guide will answer all our questions and inform us of more history and mythology than we will probably be able to remember a truly wonderful journey.
4th day: Full-day excursion to Meteora monasteries; Overnight in Paralia.Today we will travel to the North. Passing through picturesque villages and towns of central Greece, we will arrive in the fertile Thessalian plaintowards Kalampaka. Then on Meteora, a geological miracle, which must be actually seen to be believed. We will visit Meteora· monasteries and enjoy a unique and most impressive scenery with Ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standings between Earth and Sky atop huge rocks. After lunch we will continue to the North for another two hours by Bus. We will reach the Olympus Riviera Region and Paralia where we will have our next overnight.
5th day: Excursion to Olympus and Ancient Dion; Overnight in Paralia. Today we will explore the Region of the Gods, named Pieria or Olympus Riviera. Olympus Riviera is the region where you can combine your mountain holiday with a vacation by the sea. Not only will you find the Thermaic coast enchanting, you'll admire Olympus, the mountain of the gods. Pieria is thickly forested, with plane trees, pines, poplars and firs on Olympos. The capital of this prefecture, Katerini, lies between the plain of Pieria and Mt. Olympos. At Dion, 17 km. South of Katerini, archaeologists have brought to light the extensive ruins of the Macedonians' sanctuary of the gods. Amidst the lush vegetation and springs of the Pierian plain, just before the ascent to Olympos begins, one can see the ruins of the sanctuary buildings - the temples, two theatres and a stadium while next to them, to the north, the remains of the ancient city of Dion stretch out. It was closely associated to Zeus as its name implies (in Greek the god is called Dias). Thousands of Macedonians used to flock to this place for the festivities and games dedicated to the god, which grew in importance after the 5th century BC. In the afternoon we will return in the same Hotel in Paralia for our overnight.
6th day: It is a free day in Paralia. Overnight in Paralia. Paralia make up the brightest and most cosmopolitan side of Pieria. Vast beaches and the sea combine with radiant smiles, which seem to be absorbed into the golden glitter of the sand. The facilities and warm cosiness offered by the family-run hotels will make our stay truly unforgettable. We will, no doubt, find Pieriathe buying opportunities; the night life and the best clubs in Macedonia; the traditional Greek cuisine and the fish taverns with their rich menu of seafood "mezedhes". Irrisistible
7th day: Excursion to Thessaloniki; Overnight in Paralia. Today after Breakfast we will visit the capital city of North Greece, Thessaloniki, only 70 km North of Paralia. Thessaloniki, with a population of 1,000,000 inhabitants. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, as it was founded about 315 BC, on a site of old prehistoric settlements going back to 2300 BC, by Cassander, King of Macedonia. He named the new city after his wife, Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander The Great. Since then, Thessaloniki has become the chief city of Macedonia and its most important commercial port, since it stretches over twelve kilometres in a bowl formed by low hills facing a bay that opens into the Gulf Thermaikos. We will visit some of the most important Byzantine monuments of the city same as one of the many museums. We will see the St.Dimitrios Cathedral with the ruins of the Catacombs. After this we will have enough time for to visit the Market with the thousands of modern shops in very attractive prices. Afternoon, the coach will drive us back to Paralia for our last overnight in North Greece.
8th day: Full day excursion in Delphi; Overnight in Athens. Early in the morning we will drive to the South in direction to Athens. But before Athens we will visit one of the most important archeological sites of Greece, Delphi. Arriving in Delphi, set amongst one of the largest Olive groves in Greece. The road leading up to Delphi is lined with colorful blooms of broom and Daphne. The combination of color and fragrances is quite special. Delphi is considered to be the "Omphalos", the navel, or center of the ancient world, and the name of Delphi was known way beyond the boarders or Greece thousands of years ago. The ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Temple of Apollo and the treasury of the Athenians are in exceptionally good condition despite the vagaries of time and weather of the thousands of years. We are fortunate in being able to see, and almost taste the period such is the location and the condition of the site. Our guide will inform us of details which even some of the books have forgotten to embellish. On the way back to Athens we will pass through the "bread basket" of Greece, where much of the produce is grown for the markets; potato's, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, watermelons etc fill the fields between the corn and the wheat crops. Passing by Thebes (the tragedy of King Oedipus) and to the pretty town of Levadia, famous for Kokeretsi, which is cooked on spits over charcoal fires. There is a short stop here and you will have the opportunity to buy one of these rugs if you like. Arrive in Athens at about 19.00. Overnight
9th day: Free day in Athens. Evening tour – Greek night. Optional full day cruise in the beautiful Islands of the Saronik Golf. Overnight in Athens Another free day. But this time in Athens where we will have the possibility to visit by own some monuments in the center of the city or to visit the market. Optional, full day cruise to beautiful the islands of the Saronic Golf. After an early breakfast in our hotel the coach will pick us up between 08.00 and 08.30 and take us to the ship berthed in Trokadero port in Palio Faliro. Once aboard the captain and his trusty crew will set sail for the island of Hydra, arriving a little before noon. We will have time to disembark and enjoy a stroll around this delightful little island with its rich stone, and calm life-style away from the big city still visible in the distance. At 13.30 the Captain will blow his siren as he steers the big ship out of port and sets sail for Poros where we will have another short stop before going on the Aegina island. We will have lunch served on board. In Aegina we will have time for a quick swim!! At 18.00 the Captain will once again hoot his siren as he eases out of the port for the return leg to Athens arriving in Trokadero at around 20.00 hrs where the coach will be waiting to return us to our hotel. A thrilling and fascinating day, and an opportunity to see new islands and their way of life (without a car!!).
Our evening will star with a ride to the port of Piraeus, passing by the port of Zeas (private yachts), and a short stop to the famous Mikrolimano where we will enjoy a drink of ouzo with Greek appetizers. Then we will drive back to Athens, to the old area of Plaka, for dinner in a typical Greek Tavern with bouzouki music and Greek Folk dances, will introduce us to the modern Greek culture. This is also our last night in Greece and we have the right to enjoy one more glass of Greek wine.
10th day: Transfer to the airport and departure
