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.
Corfu
Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world. Their culture wielded strong influence in the city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.
In the beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical “repertoire” came to be successfully applied to local artistic traditions. Palaces, fortresses, austere public buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called “kantounia”, will make you feel as if you’ve travelled to Genoa or Naples.
Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas, and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors.
At your arrival, a private taxi will wait for you at Athens International airport. Our assistant will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it, to take you to your hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Athens.
After breakfast at the hotel, pick up for our Athens Sightseeing Tour. Our Athens Half Day Tour begins with a panoramic drive around Syntagma square, passing by many sightseeing hot spots such as National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Catholic Cathedral and Schliemann’s House. We will then drive past the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Our licensed guide will make you feel as if you are experiencing firsthand Athens’s old and new history as you look at these stately buildings. We continue for a photo stop at Panathenaic Stadium, otherwise known as Kallimarmaro Stadium, where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. As we proceeded, we pass by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Finally, we make our way to the archaeological site of Acropolis, an UNESCO’S world heritage monument and we visit Propylae, as well as the small Temple of Athena Nike. Of course, our visit shall not be complete without the Parthenon and Erechtheion. The expert guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour continues with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, to visit the New Acropolis Museum. With this Athens half day tour, you will enjoy one of the top UNESCO’S world heritage monuments. Overnight in Athens.
Breakfast, transfer to Athens airport to catch the domestic flight to Corfu. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Time at your leisure and overnight in Corfu.
Breakfast, island tour with visit to Achillion Palace: We cross small villages half hidden among the olive groves and we will arrive to the pretty village of Gastouri which still retains some of the old-world charm that inspired the Empress Elisabeth (the legendary Sissy) to build her dream Palace in the eighteen nineties. We walk through the romantic gardens with its many statues mainly of Achilles, the favorite hero of the empress Sissy, and flowering shrubs, which has little changed since the days when Empress Sissy roamed its paths alone. Visit the chapel within the Palace and see a collection of souvenirs connected with Elisabeth of Austria and Emperor William of Germany who bought the Achillion in 1906.
In Corfu town you will enjoy the elegant architecture of the Palace of Saints George and Michael, the old Town Hall, the Liston in Esplanade square, the small squares and the two Venetian fortresses. In front of the old fortress, you will find the only Cricket field in Greece due to British influence. You will have the chance to stroll around its narrow streets (kantounia), visit Saint Spiridon church, do your shopping,relax drink your coffee at the famous Liston where only the aristocrats where allowed to go. Overnight in Corfu.
Breakfast, and Paleokastritsa, Lakones & Olive oil tasting: Drive to the west part of the island to the picturesque Paleokastritsa where we will visit Virgin’s Mary monastery. The monastery was founded in the 13th century, but little has been seen today, which is more than 200 years old. Inside however, the modern building is an excellent example of Greek monastic architecture. There is an arched inner courtyard, and a small museum with Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons. The view from the Monastery is superb, with in the foreground the boat of Odysseus (Kolovri). From here we will reach the mountain village of Lakones and you will enjoy one of the finest panoramic views in Europe. Leading to the mountain road, the Byzantine Castle Angelokastro will be seen at the top of the highest peak of the island’s coastline on the northwest coast near Paleokastritsa and built on very steep and rocky ground. It is located 1,000 ft (305 m) on a cliff above the sea. Later in Vistonas village short stop to visit the Olive oil museum. The creation of the ENŌTIS Olive Oil Museum originated with the preserving tools, machinery and other artifacts from the – five generations – family olive oil mill and forming a collection. With a vision to present and convey the history of olive oil production. Our tour turns back to the starting point from Troumbetas pass. Overnight in Corfu.
Breakfast. Day at leisure. Overnight.
Breakfast, pick up from the hotel and transfer to Corfu airport to catch the flight for Athens, connecting to your international flight back home.
Included:
Not included:
Rates upon request.
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
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