The island of Aegina is one of the most popular tourist destinations, as it is the closest island to Athens (just 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus).
From 1 November 1827 to 3 October 1829, the town of Aegina was the temporary capital of the newly founded Greek state. It was during this period that Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias had impressive neoclassical mansions built to house his headquarters, which are well worth a visit.
Despite being a small island, it boasts a wealth of sights and natural beauty. The highlight of the island is the famous Temple of Aphaea. It forms an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, the so-called “sacred triangle” of antiquity. The town of Aegina, the capital of the island, stands out for its well-preserved buildings. In the outskirts you can find charming little villages with a marked traditional character, such as Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, Kypseli, Agii and Vagia. Aegina is also surrounded by many smaller islands such as Moni, Metopi, Diaportia, Lagouses, Kyra, Dorousa, Spalathonisi, Anonyma which can be visited by boat from the port of Aegina.
During your stay don’t miss: The Archaeological Museum of Kolona, in Aegina, The Markellos Tower, built by Markellos, hero of the War of Independence of 1821 and later governor of the island, which now houses the Kapodistrias Spiritual Center, The Kapodistrias Orphanage, the first public building during the Kapodistrias administration, Eunardeio, a building from 1829 in Doric style and The Cathedral of Aegina, the first cathedral of the modern Greek state, which also housed the Government of Kapodistrias and the first parliament of the modern Greek state.
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. If time permits, depending on your arrival time to Athens, you may enjoy one of our optional tours. (Cape Sounion or Athens By Night Tour with Traditional Greek show).
After breakfast at 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 proceed, we pass by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Finally, we make our way to the archaeological site of Acropolis, UNESCO world heritage monument and we visit Propylaea, as well as the small Temple of Athena Nike. Of course, our visit shall not be completed 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. At the end of our tour, return to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.
Transfer to port & departure to Aegina Island, located just 35 minutes away from Athens. Spend your day and night in charming Aegina.Those visitors who are excited by learning about history will not be disappointed by what Aegina has to offer, as it has a special place in Greek mythology and history. The myth has it that the island tookits name from the most beautiful of the twenty daughters of Asopos, the river god, who eloped with Zeus to the then deserted island. In historical terms, there is evidence that the island was inhabited from as early as 3500 B.C. Don’t miss visiting its most popular sites: the temple of Aphaia and the church of AgiosNektarios.Also, there are several good sandy beaches on the island from which you can delight in the clean and crystal clear waters. Overnight stay in Aegina.
Early in the morning depart to Agistri by ferry from Aegina to spend the day enjoying the crystal waters of Agistribeaches. The island has four main communities, Megalochori, Skala, Limenaria&Metochi, which are ideal for getting to know rural Greek life on a small relaxing and calm island. In Agistri you will come across pine woods, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, traditional colors, peacefulness and yet an intense nightlife, depending on your mood. Late in the evening, embark on the ferry at port of Agistri and return to Athens.Overnight stay in Athens.
Breakfast at the hotel, morning at leisure for your last-minute shopping or strolling down the streets of Athens. Depending on your international departure flight, transfer to Athens International Airport.
Rates upon request.
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
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