|
ITINERARY:
DAY 1.
ATHENS
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Balance of day at leisure.
DAY 2:
ATHENS GUIDED CITY TOUR
Morning sightseeing
tour of Athens. The striking contrast
between breathtaking monuments of a
glorious past and modern elegant
structures is what you will enjoy during
your tour of Athens. Visit the
Acropolis,the crowning beauty and glory
of Ancient Athens, with its many
monuments atop its rocky base, including
the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the
temple of Athena Nike and the
Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens.
Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic
Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium(site of
the first modern Olympic Games in 1896),
the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in front
of the Parliament House on Constitution
Square. See views of government
buildings and elegant structures of the
19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou
Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral,
the Academy, University, National
Library. In contrast, conclude your tour
with a visit to the new Acropolis museum
(closed on Monday’s), a marvel of
architecture with a full exhibition of
the glory of Ancient Athens. Afternoon
at leisure.
DAY 3. FULL DAY SARONIC ISLANDS CRUISE
Early morning transfer to the port to embark your cruise ship
for your full day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Poros, and
Hydra.
Sail for the island of
HYDRA a favorite of the international Jetset, Hydra
is the beloved muse of painters, craftsmen and
photographers. Its unique architecture, crystal clear
waters, splendid craft & jewel shops, folk art and the
island’s traditional means of transport – the donkey, make
it one of the last examples of “living Mediterranean
history”. In Hydra you have time at leisure for strolling,
shopping or swimming.
In the early afternoon sail for the
island of AEGINA, passing
through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian
coast from the island of POROS. Aegina, is known for
its rich history, inspiring pistachio grove landscapes,
Aegina Port’s lively fish market and colorful floating
fruit and vegetable marketplace as well as picturesque
seaside villages such as St. Marina with its taverns,
traditional shops and beautiful golden beaches. During
our call at one of the ports you may choose to visit the
majestic 5th century BC temple of the Goddess Aphaia
(Optional Tour) which is regarded as the best
preserved ancient temple of Greece offering a
magnificent view of the whole Saronic Gulf.
Lunch is served on board.
Sailing to POROS
the smallest of the three islands-
Poros Town rests in a narrow strait between Poros Island
and the Peloponnese, quietly nestled in the embrace of
deep green pine forests and mildly scented lemon groves.
A climb to the town’s magnificent bell tower offers an
unforgettable view.
And if you think that the day ends
here….. you are mistaken!
A “Traditional Greek Folk Show” with singers
and dancers in original costumes form all of Greece who,
together with our Officers, Hostesses will entertain and
animate you up to the final moment as the ship returns
to Athens.
DAY 4.
ATHENS / DELPHI
Drive through LEVADIA and
ARACHOVA (famous for its bright multi colored
carpets) arrive in DELPHI.
At the foot of Mount Parnassos,
within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the
Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi,
which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece.
Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world.
According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles
sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find
the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set
within a most spectacular landscape, was for many
centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol
of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian
Games, the second most important games in Greece after
the Olympics, which were held every four years.
Between the sixth and fourth
centuries BC, the Delphic oracle, which was regarded as
the most trustworthy, was at its peak. It was delivered
by the Pythia, the priestess, and interpreted by the
priests of Apollo. Cities, rulers and ordinary
individuals alike consulted the oracle, expressing their
gratitude with great gifts and spreading its fame around
the world. The oracle was thought to have existed since
the dawn of time. Indeed, it was believed to have
successfully predicted events related to the cataclysm
of Deukalion, the Argonaut's expedition and the Trojan
War.
Visit of the archaeological site
and the Museum where one can see among other
archeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the
Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by
Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela, in 478 B.C. when
he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games.
This incomparable statue is a representative example of
the ''severe'' Attic style, certainly the work of a
major artist.
DAYS 5.
ATHENS / AIRPORT
According to your departure flight, you will be transferred to
the airport. |
