CLASSICAL TOUR WITH METEORA

Day 1 Athens-Epidaurus-Mycenae-Olympia

This morning leave Athens by the coastal road and drive north to the Corinth Canal, stopping for a short visit, then continue east to Epidaurus. The theatre of Epidavros is one of the most impressive sights in Greece, and is astonishingly well preserved. Home of the 3rd century theatre, the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides were performed here until the 4^th century BC and then revived in 1955 with the Epidavros festival. The next stop will take you to the town of Nafplion (short stop), then continue onto Mycenae, home of Agememnon, the ancient king, who united and commanded the Greeks during the Trojan war. The ruins of Mycenae were thought to be a myth until the excavations of Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870’s. Visit the archaeological site of Mycenae, one of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12^th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture. Finally depart to Olympia through the Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis & Megalopolis. Dinner and overnight in Olympia. (D)

Day 2 Olympia-Delphi

After breakfast visit one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity, dedicated to the father of the gods, Zeus. Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and also where they were first held – reputedly in 1000 BC. The games began in 776 B.C. to honour Zeus. Pelops, the king of the Peloponnese was, according to mythology, their founder. The games, that, from beginning to end were dominated by religious character and austere ritual, would take place in front of the temples, but later as the athletes taking part in the games, as well as the spectators increased, in well organised installations. Visit the stadium and the archaeological museum before proceeding to Delphi, crossing over the magnificent bridge at Patras. Continue through the picturesque small Venetian town of Nafpaktos then onto Galaxidi and Itea before reaching Delphi. Dinner and overnight in Delphi. (B/D)

Day 3 Delphi-Kalambaka

Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios (Treasury of the Athenians, Temple of Apollo etc.) and the Museum. Delphi in ancient times was considered the centre of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the place on earth where man was closest to God. In Mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of two eagles, released by Zeus and sent in opposite directions. Where they met indicated the centre of the earth. Delphi is known as the centre of worship for the God Apollo, son of Zeus who embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity. Leave Delphi for an interesting trip through Central Greece and the town of Lamia to Kalambaka. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Kalambaka. (B/D)

Day 4 Kalambaka-Meteora-Athens

This morning you will visit the particularly impressive scenery of ageless monasteries containing priceless historical and religious treasures, which stand between Earth and Sky atop huge rocks. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (visit the Leonidas monument) and Kammena Vourla.

Arrive in Athens early in the evening and transfer to the airport or to the hotel. (B)

COST  PER PERSON:  AU $920

CLASSICAL TOUR WITH METEORA COSTS INCLUDE:

• Transportation in minivan, midibus or coach, dependent on numbers

• English speaking guide

• Accommodation for 3 nights

• Meals as indicated – 3 Breakfasts, 0 Lunches, 3 Dinners

• Entrance fees at monuments & places of visit

• All sightseeing and tours as indicated