Κλασική Ελλάδα και Κυκλάδες
Διάρκεια: 11 Ημέρες
Το ακόλουθο πρόγραμμα πραγματοποιείται μόνο για γκρουπ άνω των 20 ατόμων. Μεμονωμένοι ταξιδιώτες δε μπορούν να συμμετέχουν.
DAY 1: ARRIVE TO ATHENS
Welcome to Greece! The birthplace of Western civilization! Upon your arrival, you will meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Your adventure in the historic city of Athens has begun.
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DAY 2: HALF DAY ATHENS CITY TOUR
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis with the famous Temple of Parthenon & its Museum. From the Acropolis Hill we will also get a glimpse of the Theatre of Dionysos and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, lying on the slopes. Continue with a panoramic tour of the highlights of the city. Return to the hotel. And enjoy rest of the day at leisure. Dinner provided at the hotel.
Optionally: In the afternoon we will watch a theatrical production and then enjoy making our own ancient Greek masks!
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DAY 3: FULL DAY ATHENS TOUR
Today’s visits will begin with the National Archaeological Museum, the largest in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. Then head to Lycabettus Hill, a limestone rock reaching 300m (908 feet) above sea level. Reached by funicular railway or on foot, it offers a superb panoramic overview of Athens. We will reach the top by foot (approx. 40 min.). and enjoy free time to enjoy the wonderful views or to have a coffee/refreshment at the cafe/restaurant. Return to the hotel for dinner.
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DAY 4: TOUR TO ELEUSIS
We drive 20 km (12,4 miles) out of Athens to reach the archaeological site of Ancient Eleusis (Elefsina in modern Greek); home of the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries is also an oasis of green that is teeming with life. The biggest religious centre during antiquity continues to hold the secret of the mysteries, which were attended even by slaves, children and women – a great show of democracy for the time. The figures of Demeter, Persephone and Cronus and the rites for the coming of spring continue to enchant visitors today, and it is even said that the spring’s first wildflowers appear in Elefsina before they do in any other part of Greece thanks to its privileged relationship with the gods. After visiting the site we return to Athens.
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DAY 5: FULL DAY DELPHI
After breakfast we depart for our full day tour to Delphi, the centre of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle, the Treasury of the Athenians. We also visit the archaeological museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Return to Athens for dinner & overnight at hotel.
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DAY 6: PIRAEUS – NAXOS
Morning transfer to Piraeus port for ferry to Naxos, the largest and most fertile Cycladic Island. Arrive in the early afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure; walk leisurely at the old part of Chora with its old style houses, the little shops, the small tavernas and the old style bakeries. Dinner provided at the hotel.
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DAY 7: NAXOS
Depart for a walking tour. Visit the Castro (old walled city) section, on its elevated ground overlooking the harbor, providing some of the quietest and most photogenic alleyways to be found in the town. Continue to the most recognizable landmark of Naxos: the Portara, an iconic 6th century BC marble gate on the islet of Palatia in the harbor. It is the only remnant of a temple dedicated to Apollo. Afternoon at leisure for a walk or a bus to the nearest beach to enjoy swimming (weather permitted) or sunbathing. Enjoy group dinner at the hotel.
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DAY 8: NAXOS - SANTORINI
This morning we check-out from the hotel and transfer to the port for ferry to Santorini, the island of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world, with the most spectacular landscape, breathtaking views, black beaches and romantic sunsets. Afternoon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Walk around the capital of the island, the town of Fira and enjoy a fantastic view from the cliffs of Caldera at your own leisure. In the evening, meet with the rest of the group for dinner at local restaurant.
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DAY 9: SANTORINI
Enjoy the entire day free to explore this amazing and unique island!
Optional: VOLCANO BOAT TOUR
From Athinios port we board our small boat and set sail to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where we will stop and have the opportunity to walk up the ascending soil path and approach the crater of the still active volcano. Return to the boat and continue to the second lava covered island Palea Kameni with its hot springs. Take this opportunity to swim in the tepid waters of the hot springs or just enjoy the view. Return to Athinios port and transfer to the hotel.
Optional: VOLCANO BOAT TOUR
From Athinios port we board our small boat and set sail to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where we will stop and have the opportunity to walk up the ascending soil path and approach the crater of the still active volcano. Return to the boat and continue to the second lava covered island Palea Kameni with its hot springs. Take this opportunity to swim in the tepid waters of the hot springs or just enjoy the view. Return to Athinios port and transfer to the hotel.
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DAY 10: SANTORINI - ATHENS
Check-out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for an early-afternoon flight to Athens. Meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy rest of the day at your own leisure. Farewell group dinner with enjoyable Greek show.
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DAY 11: DEPARTURE
As you reflect on your visit to the ancient sites that brought history to life and the beautiful islands, you may realize that you have just touched the surface of all that Greece has to offer and you may find yourself already dreaming of your next Greek vacation! A smile of satisfaction will accompany your transfer to Athens International Airport for your departure flight back home.
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