Classical Greek Odyssey

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Full Itinerary CLASSICAL GREEK ODYSSEY.

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0844 3350 197

Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00 GMT

JOURNEY SNAPSHOT

ACTIVITY LEVEL: FLIGHT INFORMATION: Flights depart LHR to arrive into Athens Level 2 International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos DESTINATION: [ATH] on Day 1 and depart from Athens Airport [ATH] on Day 11 Classical Greek Odyssey PICKUP LOCATION: DURATION: Athens International Airport Eleftherios 11 days/10 nights Venizelos [ATH]

© The Big Journey Company2020 - 2021.All rights reserved. Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282. Call: 0844 3350 197

OVERVIEW Choose your own departure date for your group.

Greece is the birthplace of Western civilisation. But also known for its beautiful scenery. Explore the countries most famous historical sights, including Olympia, Delphi and the Parthenon and sail across the azure waters beautiful islands

ITINERARY SUMMARY

DAY 1 - Welcome to Athens

DAY 2 - Athens and the Acropolis

DAY 3 - To the Peleponnese - Corinth Canal, Nemea & Nafplio

DAY 4 - Temple of Epidaurus

DAY 5 - King Agamemnon's Mycenae

DAY 6 - Ancient Olympia

DAY 7 - Across the Gulf of Corinth to Delphi

DAY 8 - The Oracle of Delphi & Arachova

DAY 9 - Tastes of Greece & Sunset at Cape Sounion

DAY 10 - Sailing the islands of the Saronic Gulf

DAY 11 - Farewell Greece

FULL ITINERARY DAY 1 - WELCOME TO ATHENS Welcome to Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization! We will meet you from your flight and transfer you to the hotel where your Tour Director will meet with you and your fellow travellers. Your adventure in the historic city of Athens has begun!

Included meals: Dinner

DAY 2 - ATHENS AND THE ACROPOLIS In the morning, we set out to discover Athens and to visit one of the most iconic sights in the world. We climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis, the sacred rock of Athens and citadel of the city in antiquity. We become time-travelers by visiting the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating Acropolis Museum. Built in the shadows of the famous temple, the museum houses every artifact found on the Acropolis, with items dating from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine period.

In the afternoon, our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, the Academy, the University of Athens, the National Library, we view the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch.

With the rest of the day and at leisure, perhaps head to Monastiraki Square, in the foothills of the Acropolis, full of hustle and bustle and explore the nearby flea market and Roman Forum ruins. Alternatively, why not ascend Mount Lycabattus, the highest peak in modern day Athens for a fantastic 360° view of the metropolis. With its winding streets and plethora of giftshops and local artisanal produce, the Plaka district is a great place to find that perfect gift to take home to friends and family, relax a cafe or restaurant and enjoy Greek cuisine!

Included meals: Breakfast

DAY 3 - TO THE PELEPONNESE - CORINTH CANAL, NEMEA & NAFPLIO In the morning, we start our drive out of Athens to the Peloponnese peninsula. On our way we will stop at the historic Corinth Canal to take pictures. Cutting the 4 miles across the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, the canal just 70ft wide joins the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. First attempted in the Roman era, it was only completed in 1893, saving boats hundreds of miles of perilous sailing around the Peloponnese.

We continue our drive to the town of Nemea. The Mythical Nemean lion was a vicious monster that lived in a cave on Mount Triton. Hercules trapped the beast and then killed it with his club. We visit one of the wineries in the nearby area. Here we will taste several local wines, learn about Greek wine production, and enjoy lunch amid the vines before continuing to the picturesque town of Nafplio, our stop for the night. Nafplio was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from 1821 until 1834, as well as being part of the Venetian and Ottoman Empires over the years. Here you can admire the unique architecture and charm of the Venetian and neoclassical buildings. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel in Nafplio.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 4 - TEMPLE OF EPIDAURUS After breakfast, the first stop is a visit to Epidaurus to discover the Sanctuary of Asclepius, dedicated to ancient Greece's healer-god. We see the best preserved ancient theatre in all of Greece. With a seating capacity 12,000, the theatre is famous for the harmony of its design and the perfection of its remarkable acoustics, a structure that is still used for plays and concerts today! We will also visit the small museum hosting architectural items from the temple and the buildings of the shrine, as well as inscribed columns and pedestals, altars, bronze medical equipment, sculpted votive offerings and tablets, representations of the Temple of Asclepius, dating from the 4th century BC)

After the visit we will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Lygourio village, nearby the archaeological site.

We return to Nafplio for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Perhaps wander into town to discover the picturesque buildings and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in Nafplio.

Included meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 - KING AGAMEMNON'S MYCENAE After breakfast at hotel we check out and depart from Nafplio. We will pass Tyrins, located on the fertile Argolis plain, between Nafplio and Argos. The site at Tyrins has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age (7th-4th millennium BCE) but reached its greatest period of importance in the 13th century BCE as a major centre of the Mycenaean culture. It is connected with the myth of Hercules who performed the celebrated twelve labours ordered by King Eurystheus.

We will then stop at a historical site whose former inhabitants are the central characters of one of the most famous stories in the world. Mycenae was the home of King Agamemnon, who set off from Mycenae to sail across the sea to rescue his sister-in-law, Helen from Paris in the city of Troy. The stories of the Trojan War and Horse, as well as those of Odyssey are well known by all. In Mycenae, you can visit the remains of the pre-historic citadel fortified with the Cyclopean Walls, the Lionesses' Gate, the remains of the Mycenaean Palace and the Tomb of Atreus, whose tomb we actually enter. After the tour we will enjoy lunch in local restaurant, before continuing our drive to Olympia. After check-in, we will enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6 - ANCIENT OLYMPIA After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the nearby site of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the most important sanctuary of Zeus, father of all gods and goddesses.

The starting line is still visible etched in the marble in the stadium at Olympia, inviting you to run and in your imagination compete with the ancient athletes. Enjoy the play of light on the soft greenery and dappled ancient columns in this wonderful and peaceful setting. We will also visit the archaeological museum beside the ancient site, which contains fascinating exhibits such as the pediments and the metopes of the Temple of Zeus, the Statue of Nike and of Hermes. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day to explore the small town of Olympia or relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Evening and dinner at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 - ACROSS THE GULF OF CORINTH TO DELPHI After breakfast we check-out and depart from Olympia. We will drive north towards Patras, the third largest city-port in Greece and then onto Rion, where we cross over the “state of the art” Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge- the modern suspended bridge connecting Rion to Antirrion across the Gulf of Corinth.

On our way to Delphi we will stop in the picturesque town of Nafpaktos overlooking the Corinthian Gulf. Apart from the colourful boats mooring at Nafpaktos port, we will also see a statue of Cervantes, who lost his arm in a naval fight close to Nafpaktos during the Medieval times. From the port of Nafpaktos lies a long beach that stretches for many meters and it is the perfect option for a plunge near town. On a hill above Nafpaktos sits an imposing Venetian castle with a breath-taking view of the sea and the opposite coasts of the Peloponnese.

After time for lunch at leisure, we continue on to Delphi where we arrive in late afternoon for check-in at hotel, dinner and overnight.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 8 - THE ORACLE OF DELPHI & ARACHOVA Delphi was known as the centre of the Ancient world, or "omphalos" (navel) of the earth. Its prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenistic world. On the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Archaeological Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. We will enjoy free time for lunch and souvenir shopping in Delphi before departure to Athens.

On our way back to Athens, we will stop at the small mountain village of Arachova. Today, it is often referred by Greeks as "Winter Mykonos"

for its luxury resort like feel. Here you will get a taste of a cosmopolitan Greek mountain experience since Arachova is a popular destination for those seeking winter sports and weekend escapes - in winter months, Athenians flock to Arachova taking a break in the refreshing mountain air. We will then continue back to Athens, where we will check in and enjoy dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 9 - TASTES OF GREECE & SUNSET AT CAPE SOUNION This morning, we will get a chance to taste some of the real flavours of Greece! A walking tour around Athens will inlude a number of tastings of Greek and Athenian delicacies, washed down with 2 local drinks as we learn the stories and background of Greek cuisine.

In the late afternoon, we head south of the city, driving along the picturesque coastal road towards Cape Sounion. We will pass the beautiful beaches of Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, with its countless coves and beautiful blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. Famous for its radiant sunsets, Cape Sounion is dominated by the Doric white marble Temple of Poseidon. Overlooking the blue Aegean Sea, we will watch the sun set over the temple of the sea god before returning to Athens for our Farewell Dinner in a traditional Greek restaurant with live music.

Included meals: Breakfast, Food Tastings and Farewell Dinner

DAY 10 - SAILING THE ISLANDS OF THE SARONIC GULF A trip to Greece would not be complete without a visit to its beautiful islands. On our last full day, we will sail to not one but three islands in the Saronic Gulf. An early start sees us transfer to the port of Marina Flisvos to set sail at 8am.

The first stop is the island of Hydra. A fashionable artists' colony, it is a retreat of intellectuals and a favourite film location. The amphitheatrical town rings the colourful harbour with well-preserved sea-merchant family mansions. We have time for a leisurely stroll, some shopping or swimming (weather and sea permitting) before we reboard and make our way to the island of Poros. As we sail across the blue seas, we will enjoy a buffet lunch on board.

Poros is where the first naval arsenal of independent Greece was established. The island provides delightful scenery marked by the low pine- wooded hills.

After a short visit, we head off again to our last port of call – Aegina, an attractive and tranquil resort island. Here we can either join the optional guided excursion to the Temple of Aphaia; one of the finest and best preserved of Greek temples or walk leisurely around the harbour and browse in small gift shops. We sail back to Athens and return back to Marina Flisvos around 7:00 p.m. After a transfer back to hotel, the final evening in Athens is at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 11 - FAREWELL GREECE Time to bid farewell to Greece, as we check out and make your way back to Athens Airport to commence our journey home

Included meals: Breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ATOL Protection International return flights from London Heathrow Airport [LHR] to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos [ATH] Meet & Greet at the airport on arrival 10 nights accommodation as detailed in the itinerary Meals as detailed in the itinerary Transportation throughout in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary English speaking tour guides where applicable. Porterage/baggage handling in/out of hotels Services of a Big Journey Company Tour Director throughout (subject to minimum numbers)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Transfers on arrival or departure, to/from the airport(s), outside of the tour dates Additional food/beverage unless otherwise included in the programme Personal expenses Personal Travel & Medical Insurance Visas (if required) Optional excursions Gratuities Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour. Visas are not currently required for entry to Greece for US, UK & Canadian citizens. For other passport holders please check before travel if you require a visa. Check in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary. Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable and final payments are due 14 weeks prior to departure. Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

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Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00 GMT