Athens
Athens, the historical capital of Europe. Welcome to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilization. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. Its recorded history spans around 3.400 years and it has been inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E. Today, under the shadow of Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi- cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities.
The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary Greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting-edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year-round city break destination. The city of Parthenon is an open-air museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. It leads to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape.
Upon arrival at the Athens International Airport, meet and greet from our English-speaking professional assistant and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day, at your convenience. (No meals). If time permits, depending on your arrival time in Athens, we suggest you have one of our optional tours with a supplement. (Cape Sounio or Athens by night Tour with traditional Greek show).
Breakfast at the hotel and at the indicative time you will be picked up for the Athens sightseeing guided tour. The Athens half-day tour begins with a panoramic tour of Syntagma Square (Greek Parliament & the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), The National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, the Catholic Cathedral and Schliemann House.
We will pass through the Athens Trilogy Highlights, which includes the University & the Academy of Athens, and The National Library. Our licensed guide will introduce you to the old and new history of Athens as passing by these magnificent buildings. We continue for a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. We continue and pass by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Ending the panoramic visit we will continue our tour to the archaeological site of the Acropolis (Sacred Rock), a UNESCO world heritage monument and visit Propylae as well as the small temple of Athena Nike. Our tour will be complete with visits to the unforgettable Parthenon and the Erechthio.
Last but not least we will have a pleasant short walk and pass through Herodion (Herodus Atticus and the Dionysos Theater and visit the New Acropolis Museum one of the most interesting Museums globally. Duration of the city tour in total approx..5 hours. After the tour return to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Option A: Full day tour to Delphi
After breakfast, pick up from the hotel for your day trip to Delphi to explore one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, the “Navel of the world” in ancient times. On our way from Athens to Delphi, we will pass through the Boeotian Plain, one of the most important agricultural centers in Greece, the city of Thebes, the birthplace of King Oedipus.
We will continue towards Mount Parnassus, making a brief rest stop on the way. Upon arrival to Delphi, we will pass by Castalia Spring, visit the archaeological site, and see the monument of the Athenians Treasure, the Athenian Stoa, the polygonal wall, the monument of Plataea and of course the temple of Apollo, famous for its oracle. We also visit the Delphi Museum, whose spectacular exhibits include the Sifnians Treasure frieze, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinous, the metopes of the Athenian treasure, and of course the famous bronze Charioteer, originally created to commemorate a victory during 476 BC. Pythian games, and many other artifacts.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Athens via the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, built on the southern slopes of Parnassus, known for its attractive hand-woven rugs, rugs and quilts, as well as its wine and cheese (short stop).
Return to Athens late afternoon.
Option B: Full day tour to Argolis
During this tour we will leave Athens and go to Peloponnese with first stop at the picturesque Corinth Canal, which connects the Corinthian Gulf in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.
After crossing the canal bridge we will arrive at Mycenae, homeland of King Agamemnon and visit the remains of the prosperous city that dominated southern Greece during the late Bronze Age.
We’ll make a stop at the Temple of Asclepius in Epidaurus, the most famous healing site during Greek and Roman times. We will also visit the famous ancient theater of Epidaurus, a popular destination and major tourist attraction, fascinating, well known for its acoustics, its aesthetics and its imposing connection with nature and the landscape surround.
Breakfast at the hotel and free morning for last-minute shopping! Transfer to Athens International Airport to catch your flight bac home!
Important note: in case transfers are made between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. a nightly charge will apply.
Rates upon request.
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
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