Sacred Connections 2 programs May 12th to May 25th 2022 September 13th to September 27th 2022
DAY ONE, ATHENS…
Our journey will begin in the beautiful ancient city of Athena. Settle into your room at the hotel and join us at 6.30pm to meet the group. There will be welcome drinks and nibbles before we step out for the evening for our first meal together. We will share the Greek food, Greek wine and connect as a group. After this we return to the hotel to settle back into our rooms in preparation for our first outing tomorrow.
DAY TWO, DEPHI…
We travel together today to the sacred town of Delphi, this famous ancient sanctuary that grew rich as the seat of Pythia, the oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world.
Moreover, the Greeks considered Delphi the navel (or centre) of the world, as represented by the stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi. In myths dating to the classical period of ancient Greece (510-323BC) Zeus determined the site of Delphi when he sought to find the centre of his “Grandmother Earth” (Gaia) He sent two eagles flying from the eastern and western extremities and the path of the eagles crossed over Dephi where the omphalos or navel of Gaia was found.
When we arrive we will have the evening to take in the sites of this beautiful township, and go on a walking trip together.
DAY THREE, DELPHI…
Today we will take in the sacred site of Apollo and Tholos Temple, Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.
Nestled amidst the pine forested slopes and rocky crags of the sacred peak are the beautiful and exceptionally well preserved ruins of Delphi.
A city of wondrous artistic achievements and grand athletic spectacles during the flowering of Greek culture in the first millennium BC. Delphi is best known however as the supreme oracle site of the ancient Mediterranean world.
This was the sacred place of the earth goddess Gaia and was guarded by her daughter, the serpent Python.
This afternoon on returning to our hotel we will gather together to share the experiences of the day and be part of a group talk.
DAY FOUR, JOURNEY TO PATRAS…
Today we will be collected at the hotel after breakfast and travel to the beautiful City of Patras, which is the third largest city in Greece and regional capital of Western Greece in the Peloponnese The core settlement has a history spanning for four millennia, in the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan centre of the eastern Mediterranean. The first traces of settlement in Patras date as early as the third millennium BC in the area of Aroe. In antiquity Patras remained a farming city, It was in Roman times that it became an important port.
On arrival, we will settle for a short time in our rooms and afternoon we will explore the exciting city of Patras. There is the medieval Patras Castle, Roman Odeon, the Roman amphitheatre, Roman aquaduct, the Turkish baths and the Patras lighthouse.
We will enjoy lunch together before heading back to our hotel where you will be free afterwards to visit the old town yourself and discover its hidden treasures.
DAY SIX, OLYMPIA…
An early morning breakfast will then see us travel together to the beautiful ancient city of Olympia. This town is on the Peloponnese’s peninsula, famous for the nearby archaeological site of the same name, which was a major religious sanctuary of ancient Greece, where the Olympic Games were held. The site was primarily dedicated to Zeus and brought people from all over the Greek world, as one of a group of such Panhellenic centres, which helped to build the identity of the ancient Greeks as a nation. Here we will experience the sacred site of the Olympic games. The archaeological site held over 70 significant buildings and ruins of many of these have survived. We will enjoy the beautiful township and shops of Olympia before heading back to our hotel late in the afternoon.
DAY SEVEN, JOURNEY TO THE ISLAND OF KEFALONIA…
Today we will say goodbye to Patras and make our way to the enchanting island of Kefalonia, we will travel to the port and then in just under 3 hours on the water by boat arrive at the port of Argostoli.
From an archaeological point of view, it is an extremely interesting Island. Without doubt, the most important era for the island was the Mycenaean era from approximately 1500 to 1100 BC.
Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionic group of Islands and the 6th largest island in Greece, it is famous for its beautiful forested landscape and magnificent beaches, as well as being the Island where the movie Captain Corellis Mandolin was filmed.
This island is diverse and laid back, from the relaxed nightlife, beautiful archaeological sites through to Winerys and magnificent water ways, this island is one of the most understated, and beautiful gems Greece has to offer.
DAY EIGHT, KEFALONIA DAY TRIP…
Today we will start our journey soon after an early breakfast to explore the emerald island of Kefalonia, including, Drogarati cave, over 100 million years old with stalactite and stalagmite formation, St Erasimos nunnery, Robola winery, Drogaratic and and Melissia Lake, Georges castle and more.
We will also enjoy lunch together today whilst absorbing all the many and varied experiences the island has to offer.
DAY NINE, JOURNEY TO ITHICA…
Today we will visit the magical island of Ithica, home of the mythological hero, Odysseus. One of the most magical and remarkable islands in Greek mythology, it as a mythical essence, and boasts some of the most breath-taking beauty you have experienced. The relaxed character and emerald green waterways make it one of the most heavenly islands for those looking to totally relax.
Beautiful villages, traditional identities, Ithaca also offers a medieval village in Anogi, Loizos Cave and Katharon Monastery will be some of the jewels will be experience in this full day trip
DAY TEN, ZANTE…
Today we will travel to the magical island of Zakynthos, the third largest island in the Ionian Sea. Famous landmarks include the Navagio beach and beautiful blue caves cut into cliffs around Cape Kinari, only accessible by small boat.
After reaching the island and settling into our hotel, we will have a gathering and talk, then we will enjoy the slower pace of this afternoon before we have dinner together and reflect on our journeys so far.
DAY ELEVEN, FULL DAY TRIP…
After breakfast we will begin to explore the island, beginning by taking a boat trip to the blue grotto caves and famous beach, Navigo (shipwreck) bay. After lunch we will visit the sea turtle Caretta-Caretta from Zakynthos.
The island of Zakynthos, and especially the bay of Lagenas, is one of the most important shelters for the endangered species of Caretta-Caretta in Greece. This unique kind of sea turtle distinguishes for the red-brown shell and the big head and can reach up to 1,25 m in height and 180 kilos in weight. The water pollution, the extensive fishing activity and the over-development of beach resorts have led these turtles to be extinct. The female turtles lay their eggs in particular seashores with dry sand and after 50-75 days of brooding, little turtles come out of their eggs and return to the water. Twenty to thirty years later, these turtles will come back to that same spot where they were born to lay their own eggs.
The National Sea Park of Zakynthos is unique of its kind in the Mediterranean and was founded in 1999 for the protection of the ecosystem and the sea turtle Caretta- Caretta. This national park consists of Lagenas bay, the beaches where turtles lay their eggs and a stretch of land which connects the lake of Keri and two small islets, Marathonist and Peluso. About 1,300 nests are created every summer by the sea turtles along 6 beaches on the bay of Lagenas. A series of measures have been adopted by the Greek legislation in order to protect the Caretta-Caretta and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (Zante) is now well established.
DAY TWELVE, YOUR FREE DAY…
After breakfast we will gather together for a group share and talk and then you will be free to explore the island, where you can take time to reflect on all the experiences so far, take in some more sights that this beautiful island has to offer.
DAY THIRTEEN, TRAVEL TO ATHENA…
Today we farewell Zakynthos travelling in our private minibus to the sacred city of Athena.
We will visit the Corinth Canal on the way, a breathtaking view of the canal can be seen and its crystal blue waters. When we arrive in Athens settle into your room at the Hotel Astor.
We will complete our evening by having free time in the Plaka before our final day together tomorrow.
DAY FOURTEEN, SOUNION…
Today we will begin our day with a unique on foot, coffee and shopping tour! Lisa will share with you her favourite cafes and beautiful shopping experience from shoes, jewellery, Greek ice cream, traditional Ouzo bar and Greek souvenirs.
After lunch we will have time to rest before meeting to travel to Sounion, the sacred site of Poseidon, this beautiful temple is approximately 1hour and 30minute drive from the centre of Athens.
The story of Aegeus, is linked to this site where the tragic story of the love of a father for his son, when he thought his son had died, due to the colour of the sails of his ship, he plunged himself into the sea, not knowing the sails of the ship his son Theseus was on had simply not been turned to indicate his safety.
After visiting Sounion, we will have dinner together on the beach at the foot of the temple.
DAY FIFTEEN – ATHENS AND BEYOND…
Today we will farewell each other after breakfast as we journey on to other destinations or return home.
Twin Share pp inclusive* - paid in full by December 31st 2020 $4500.00
Twin Share pp inclusive* - paid in full after December 31st 2020 $4850.00
Single room paid in full by December 2020 $5550.00
Single room paid in full after December 2020 $5850.00
Non-refundable deposit required $895.00 at time of booking
Travel insurance essential
Payment Plans available
All hotels will be 4-star quality
All tours are private pickups
Breakfast will be included every day as well as several lunches and dinners on various days to be confirmed
There will be forums and teaching throughout the trip yet to be advised
Should you have any questions around your travel arrangements, extra nights or any further information, don’t hesitate to contact us
This itinerary is subject to change if necessary www.mercurialconnections.com.au [email protected]
Lisa +61(0)412 013 744
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