Archeological Tours 9 Days
Day 1: Tripoli
Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, is the capital and largest city of Greece, dominating the Attica region. Arrival at the airport which is named Elefthérios Venizélos, started operating in 2001 and it is about 30 km from Athens. Transfer to Tripoli, which is less than 2 hour drive from Athens. On the way, we will stop to the Corinth Canal, about 30 km from Athens. Overnight in Tripoli.
Day 2: Tripoli
The tour will start from the ancient city of Tegea (ancient Tegeatis), one of the most developed and important cities of ancient Greece, with the byzantine church built exactly above the ancient Greek theatre of the city. Our tour will be continued with the visit in the village of Alea with the ancient temple of Alea Athena, the second biggest temple in Peloponnese after the temple of Zeus in Olympia, and the brand new museum. And finally, visit to the local traditional “Kalogris” winery to taste the Greek wine. Overnight in Tripoli.
Day 3: Tripoli
After breakfast, we visit the magical Lousios gorge with the hidden monasteries built among the rocks. We arrive at another traditional settlement, Dimitsana, where we will visit the outdoor Hydro Movement Open Air Museum, unique in the Balkans, to see how the locals were using the energy generated by the water. Then we will move on to the byzantine Filosofou monastery. Our next stop is the Prodromou monastery, which played a significant role during the Greek revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans. Finally, we will have a tour in ancient Gortys, through where the Spartans used to pass on their way to Olympia to participate in the Olympic Games. Overnight in Tripoli.
Day 4: Tripoli
Sparta is located just 57 km from Tripoli, on the foot of mount Taygetos, the highest mountain of Peloponnese. There, we will visit the byzantine city of Mystras, with its fortified castle and many churches. It is the most important and complete site from the byzantine age, as the whole city still exists, and many of the monasteries are still alive! Our tour continues with the visit to the statue of Leonidas (king of Sparta, and the legendary 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae), and then the Acropolis of the city and its theater. Overnight in Tripoli.
Day 5: Tripoli
After breakfast, we start our tour in Mycenae, the center of the Mycenaean world in the Bronze Age, 3500 years ago. You will be guided in the remains of the Acropolis of the city, passing through the Gate of Lions, going up to the Palace of the King Agamemnon, the greatest king of Mycenae. You will also visit the great vaulted grave of Atreus, also King of Mycenae and father of Agamemnon, and the unique museum which displays important findings of the area. Our next stop will be Epidaurus, with the famous ancient theatre. In the afternoon we will visit Nafplio and the Venetian castle, Palamidi, with its 999 steps ascent. Overnight in Tripoli.
Day 6: Galaxidi
We head to ancient Olympia where we will have a guided tour to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. There, you will step in the ancient Olympic Stadium and then see the entire site ; the great Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the ancient gymnasium and the Palaestra, and finally, the workshop of Phidias where the great sculptor crafted the gigantic chryselephantine statue of Zeus, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Then, we will have a visit to the Olympia museum to see the brilliant Hermes of Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios and the pediments of Zeus temple. Our trip continues north, passing by the Rio- Antirio bridge, up to Galaxidi, a beautiful seaside village close to Delphi. Overnight in Galaxidi.
Day 7: Athens
After your breakfast, we drive to Delphi, the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world, and according to mythology, the “Navel of the Earth” — nowadays listed as a monument of Global Heritage by UNESCO. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to admire the temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the Stadium and also the spectacular view over the rocky slopes. The tour will end with the archaeological museum of Delphi, one of the best in Greece. Our today’s trip continues to quaint Arachova. Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: Athens
The contrast between the monuments of a glorious past and the modern elegant structures is what you will enjoy most during your tour of Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Day 9
Transfer to the airport.
Included:
- 5 nights Tripoli 4* BB
- 2 nights Athens hotel 4* BB
- 1 night Galaxidi hotel 4* BB
- City tour / Archeological tour
- Transfers from / to airport
- Transfer from / to hotel
