DESCRIPTION
Welcome to an enchanting journey through the heart of ancient Greece, inspired by Pausanias' "Description of Greece." Embark on a seven-day exploration that delves into the rich history and captivating landscapes of Attica, as chronicled in Book 1.
τῆς ἠπείρου τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς κατὰ νήσους τὰς Κυκλάδας καὶ πέλαγος τὸ Αἰγαῖον ἄκρα Σούνιον
πρόκειται γῆς τῆς Ἀττικῆς: καὶ λιμήν τε παραπλεύσαντι τὴν ἄκραν ἐστὶ καὶ ναὸς Ἀθηνᾶς
Σουνιάδος ἐπὶ κορυφῇ τῆς ἄκρας. πλέοντι δὲ ἐς τὸ πρόσω Λαύριόν τέ ἐστιν, ἔνθα ποτὲ
Ἀθηναίοις ἦν ἀργύρου μέταλλα, καὶ νῆσος ἔρημος οὐ μεγάλη Πατρόκλου καλουμένη (…)
INCLUDED
- All transfers in luxury 9-seater van
- English/Italian-speaking driver/escort
- Accommodation in double rooms in 3*/4* hotels
- Breakfast
- VAT
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunches and dinners
- Flights to and from your place of origin
- Official guide service
- Stay taxes
- Medical/luggage travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance for medical reasons
- Entrance fees to sites and museums where applicable
- Anything not specified as included
DAY 1: ATHENS - THORIKO - MINES OF LAURION - CAPE SOUNION - ATHENS
Departure from Athens Airport to Thoriko: Explore one of Greece's oldest mining settlements. Although Pausanias does not mention it, Thoriko is near Laurion, known for its Athenian silver mines. Visit the ancient mines of Laurion.
Visit the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion: Enjoy the spectacular view from the promontory. Pausanias describes Cape Sounion as the end of the Attic land, with a temple dedicated to Athena Sounias (Book 1, 1.1).
Return to Athens and overnight stay.
Distance traveled: 120 km
DAY 2: ATHENS
Visit of the Hill of the Muses and Pnyx. Visit of the Acropolis, a central point in Pausanias' description of Athens. Pausanias does not specifically mention the Hill of the Muses or Pnyx, but the Acropolis is highly described (Book 1, 2.4 - 1,30.1).
National Museum of Athens: Discover artifacts from ancient Greece.
Temple of Olympian Zeus (Book1,18.6) and Ilissos Valley: Although Pausanias focuses on other temples, this is one of Athens' most imposing monuments.
Overnight stay in Athens.
DAY 3: ATHENS
Ancient Agora: Center of public life in ancient Athens, cited by Pausanias for its historical and political importance (Book 1, 3.1-1.4).
Roman Agora and Hadrian's Library: Evidence of Roman influence on Athens.
Kerameikos Site and Museum: The most important cemetery of ancient Athens, known for its monumental tombs. Pausanias mentions Kerameikos and its significance (Book 1, 29.4).
Plato's Academy and Colonus Hill.
Overnight stay in Athens.
DAY 4: ATHENS - ELEUSI - ELEUTHERAI - AGIOSTHENA - ATHENS
Ancient Roman Bridge in Eleusis.
Archaeological Site of Eleusis: Place of worship of the Eleusinian Mysteries, important according to Pausanias for its religious significance (Book 1, 38.5).
Fortifications of Eleutherai and Aigosthena, mentioned by Pausanias (Book 1.38.8 and 1.44.4), are part of the region's defensive history.
Overnight stay in Athens.
Distance travel: 150 km
DAY 5: ATHENS - PIRAEUS - VARI - VRAVRONA - ATHENS
Section of Conon's Walls at Piraeus.
Tomb of Themistocles at Piraeus: Important for its symbolic value (1.1.2).
Mouth of the Ilissos: Cited by Pausanias in his tour of Athens (Book 1, 19.5).
Temple of Apollo Zoster (1.31.1) and Cave of the Nymphs at Vari.
Archaeological Site of Brauron, known for the Sanctuary of Artemis (1.33.1)
Overnight stay in Athens.
Distance traveled: 110 km
Day 6: ATHENS - OROPOS - RHAMNOUS - MARATHON - ATHENS
Oropos and Archaeological Site: Cited by Pausanias for the oracle dedicated to Amphiaraus (Book 1, 34.1).
Archaeological Site of Rhamnous: Known for the temple of Nemesis, described in detail by Pausanias (Book 1, 33.2-1.3).
Marathon Archaeological Museum: Visit the tumulus of the Plataeans and slaves and the tumulus of Athenians. Pausanias mentions Marathon for the famous battle and its monuments (Book 1, 32.3-1.5).
Overnight stay in Athens.
Distance traveled: 140 km
DAY 7: DEPARTURE
Transfer to Athens Airport for the return home.
Cancellation policy.