Itinerary

Day 1: Athens

Our journey starts in Athens, Greece's bustling capital. It is one of the world's oldest cities and there's a feast of things to see and do, so you may wish to book some extra nights' accommodation before your tour starts to make the most of your time here. A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Athens is highly recommended. There are no activities planned today so you may arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel (details are in your travel documents). In the evening you meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 6pm, but please check for the exact time and place in a noticeboard located near the reception at our hotel), where our tour leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. This evening there is the optional visit to the famous Plaka area to enjoy a traditional dinner and show at an excellent taverna, where we can dine on typical Greek cuisine and watch performances of traditional dances from different parts of the country.

Day 2: Acropolis - Nafplion

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today we visit two of Athens most impressive sites. The first is the Temple of Olympian Zeus - the largest temple in all of Greece. It was completed under the rule of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD, after over 700 years of construction. Of the original 104 Corinthian columns of the temple, only 15 still remain. Next it's on to the famous Acropolis – one of the western world's most important historical structures. Our guided tour starts with our ascent to the top of this sacred rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside we are confronted with the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. The Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion are also impressive. We then drive to the Peloponnese, our first stop is ancient Epidaurus (Epidavros), the sanctuary of the god of medicine, Asclepius, and the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world. The highlight of Epidaurus is the 3rd century theatre - one of Greece's best preserved classical structures. This theatre has incredible acoustics and is still used today for major performances. We then continue on to the delightful seaside town of Nafplion (Nafplio), which was the first Greek capital. Due to its strategic location on the Argolic Gulf, it was an important port town from as early as the Bronze Age. In your free time you may choose to explore one of the town's three fortresses or perhaps wander through the narrow winding streets, filled with Venetian houses and neoclassical architecture, and stopping at the centre of the old town – Syntagma (Constitution) Square. The seaside promenade is lined with a multitude of lively cafes and restaurants and is a great place to sit back and soak in the wonderful seaside atmosphere.

Day 3: Mycenae - Dimitsana

Meals included: 1 breakfast

This morning we visit Mycenae. We explore the ruins of this city which during the second millennium BC was a powerful military stronghold and a major centre of Greek civilisation. Perhaps the most famous town from ancient Greece, it was written about by the poet Homer and the famous geographer, Pausanias. Our guide will take us to explore the site including the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus, a self supporting domed tomb. Being surrounded by mountains, sea and expansive countryside of olive and orange groves, the site also offers wonderful views. We then drive further east of the Peloponese into the spectacular Lousios Valley, one of the most scenic places in the central Arcadia region. We discover the incredible working monastery of Prodromos. Hidden deep in the valley away from the threat of intruders, this wooden and clay structure was built precariously into a rock face. The local monks will show us around on a tour of their home. Upon entering the chapel, we are confronted with splendid 14th century frescoes decorating the rock walls. We also visit the Byzantine monastery of Philosophou, built in 963 AD and the base for a secret school known as 'Kryfo Scholio', which was run by monks during Ottoman rule to teach Greek children their own language and religion. We then drive to the charming medieval village of Dimitsana, our base for the night. Built in the 7th century on two hills above Lousios Gorge, Dimitsana's charm lies in its idyllic location, set amidst magical mountains.

Day 4: Andritsena -Olympia

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We farewell Dimitsana and travel to Andritsena to visit the unique Temple of Vasses – Greece's most isolated temple. Built between 400 and 420 BC on the site of a Archaic temple, the temple stands at a height of 1130m on Mt Kotilio and combines all three architectural styles; Doric, Ionian and Corinthian. The temple which is one of the best preserved monuments of the ancient classical world is today protected by a giant tent. After our visit, we drive to Olympia where we spend the night.

Day 5: Ancient Olympia - Delphi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We drive on to explore the archaeological site of ancient Olympia, a complex which once comprised of a series of temples and public buildings and was the site of the first Olympic Games. Over the centuries and during both times of war and peace, the games were held every four years without exception. Even during periods of battle, the ancient games were bound by a sacred truce which required city states to cease fighting and travel to Olympia to compete. On our guided tour we see all the major sites including the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school (palaestra), priest houses (theokoleon), Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome, where chariot races were held. After our tour, there is some free time to visit the museum which houses the impressive marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and sculptured head of Hera. After our tour we board our minibus and drive to the town of Delphi, at the foot of Mount Parnassus in picturesque Phocis Valley. After settling into our hotel, we enjoy free time to wander through the town's lively main street.

Day 6: Delphi - Kalambaka

Meals included: 1 breakfast

This morning, after breakfast we visit the fascinating Sanctuary of Apollo in ancient Delphi, home to the Delphi Oracle. The setting amidst the surrounding mountains adds to magnificence of the site of great mythology significance. Legend tells that Zeus released two eagles from different ends of the world and Delphi was the spot where they met, Zeus threw the Sacred Stone at this same point, making Delphi the centre of the world. Our guide will lead us through the complex and we will explore the Temple of Apollo, the most important building of the site and the place were statues and offerings to the gods were housed and were cult rituals took place. We will also see the Sanctuary of Athena, the 4th century BC theatre and the well-preserved stadium during our visit. There will be free time after our tour of the site to visit the Delphi Museum. Later in the afternoon, we then board our minibus and drive north to the town of Kalambaka in the centre of the country. This evening we can choose to have dinner at the hotel or maybe take a short walk into town to dine in one of the local tavernas.

Day 7: Meteora - Athens

Meals included: 1 breakfast

After breakfast we travel up to the magical monasteries of Meteora, one of Greece's most extraordinary sites. Built on top of a series of ancient rock pinnacles this is a sight that needs to be seen to be believed. Settlement of the area dates back to the 11th century when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora. Over the years the monks climber further up the rock face to inaccessible peaks and built the first monasteries by bringing building materials with basic baskets and ladders. In the 14th century when the Turkish occupation was in full force, the monks moved to the area to seek protection. As the monasteries also attracted many writers, painters, poets and philosophers, it has been said that they were responsible for keeping Hellenic traditions, culture and religion alive, which may otherwise have been lost during Ottoman rule. On our visit to Meteora, we will visit two of the monasteries, one of which will be the Moni Varlaam (Varlaam Monastery) with its fine examples of late Byzantine frescoes. This afternoon we drive back to our starting point Athens where we spend our last evening.

Day 8: End Athens

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Our journey comes to an end after breakfast, in Athens. Extra nights' accommodation can be booked in Athens for those wishing to see more of the city - please enquire with Peregrine or your travel agent at the time of booking. You may also wish to join our 'Crete and Santorini Explorer' – an adventure around the Greek islands.

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