Just came back from Greece ??. We (me, my sister and my 5-year-old niece) did 2 nights in Athens in the beginning, 3 nights Santorini staying at Kamari Beach Hotel, 2 nights Mykonos staying at Giannoulaki Hotel and another 2 nights in Athens at Crystals City Hotel. Mr Apostolos organized all trips and we loved it. The visit to wine vineyards and Oia in Santorini. A visit to Delos while in Mykonos on a private boat was worth it and we also liked Acropolis and Delphi while in Athens. We loved the Black Beach in Santorini and White Beaches in Mykonos. Tickets for Ferries were well organized, drop and pick up was all in time. We recommend Mr Apostolos and his Team highly.. Virgo, Lisa and Sonia Uganda ?? and the Netherlands ??
Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced the further suspension of its sailings until the already announced 2021 season commencing March 6, 2021.
Celestyal was one of the first cruise lines worldwide to take an immediate decision to temporarily suspend cruise operations out of the abundance of caution for our guests, crew and local communities in mid-March. This decisive action resulted in no COVID-19 cases on our ships and were able to repatriate our guests and crew safely home before international air travel and borders globally shut down.
Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer for Celestyal Cruises, said, “As the core of our season runs from Spring through the Autumn, we were optimistic that we would be able to resume our cruise operations later this summer. However, given the prevailing uncertainty regarding travel restrictions through the balance of our operating season from our largest international source markets coupled with the continuing discussions at the European Union level regarding the enhanced health protocols that will apply to EU cruise operations, we made the difficult but prudent decision to postpone resuming cruise operations until the scheduled start of our normal spring season next year. We felt that as a company, we have already put our travel partners and guests through enough date changes on when cruising could return safely. By voluntarily pausing operations until our scheduled departures of next year, Celestyal will be better positioned to offer more clarity and certainty to our valued partners and guests, as well as peace of mind. We will now shift our full attention to developing both 2021 and 2022 business where we are seeing encouraging signs of pent-up demand and be well prepared to implement all enhanced health protocols that will ultimately be established by the EU and the countries where we operate. Whilst we appreciate and share in the disappointment this decision has on our guests, their wellbeing, as well as that of our loyal crew and the local communities we visit is always top of mind.”
For all named and paid individual guests impacted by this suspension, Celestyal Cruises is offering a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 120 percent of original booking value. Guests will have until the end of December 2021 to redeem their Future Cruise Credit against any of Celestyal Cruises’ itineraries through end of December 2022. To provide additional peace of mind, should guests choose not to redeem their FCC by end of December 2021, they will automatically receive a full refund equal to the original amount paid to Celestyal upon the voucher’s expiration. Celestyal is providing unique confidence to both guests and travel advisors through the welcomed assurance of their FCC’s supported by enhanced consumer rights and underlying guarantees, as the case may be.
Celestyal Cruises will automatically send the Future Cruise Credit voucher directly to guests or their travel advisors, so there will be no need to call the Contact Center other than to rebook.
Celestyal Cruises recently launched their 2021 and 2022 digital brochure supported by the generous early booking promotional campaign ”Escape To The Future”, and a comforting “Peace of Mind” policy that allows newly booked guests to change any cruise that sets sail through December 31, 2021. This applies to new bookings made until August 31, 2020. As long as the booking is changed at least 30 days before the sail date, a future cruise credit for 100 percent of the value received by Celestyal will be issued. The credit can be used toward any cruise that sets sail through December 31, 2022.
Positive prospects for the resumption of cruise operations in Greece by August were raised during discussions between CLIA and the Greek Minister of Tourism, Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and experts of the National Public Health Organization, according to Maria Deligianni, CLIA Regional Representative, East Mediterranean.
“All parties agreed on the need for national and industry coordination, and a clear timeline, in order to achieve a smooth resumption of cruise operations” Mrs Deligianni says.
“Cruise lines are looking at a gradual, phased resumption with potentially a limited number of cruise trips initially. We informed Greek officials that cruise lines are interested to include Greece in their itineraries in coming August, an aspiration which was positively received by the Government. For its part the Government indicated its intention to develop a national protocol as key to resumption of operations based on guidelines being prepared by the European Commission, specifically the EU Health Gateways guidance and the European Maritime Safety Agency”.
“While we stressed the need for all stakeholders to work intensively so that everything is ready by August, the safety, health, and well-being of passengers and crew is the industry’s number one priority” says Mrs Deligianni and concludes: “Our discussions focused on the development of framework protocols, highlighting a holistic approach which includes the whole cruise trip, from the booking process until the departure home. Emphasis was given on the strict pre-boarding measures and onboard procedures as well as the measures that will be taken at the embarkation and disembarkation ports, and transit calls”.
The economic contribution of the cruise industry in the Greek economy is close to 1 billion euros per year, with almost 12.000 jobs depending on cruising. In the discussions with the government, CLIA highlighted that it is not only the cruise lines experiencing economic losses from the suspension of operations but also the cruise destination countries such as Greece, looking too for the resumption of cruise operations. The suspension of operations which has exceeded the 90 days has led to a total national economic impact at least of 200 million euros while more than 1.700 jobs can be lost. Cruising is an important part of the tourism flows by bringing more than 15% of the total 33 million visitors in the country every year.
Your Athens Milos Santorini Mykonos vacation starts. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel in Athens. The balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 2: ATHENS – HALF DAY CITY TOUR
This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (shortstop).
Continue and pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colourful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, theNational Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts an order in the mind”, the Parthenon.
Tour will end by visiting the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum, “State of the art” in museum construction and very rich in content.
Afternoon free to visit Plaka (The old Athens city) with lots of souvenir shops, restaurants and taverns.
DAY 3: ATHENS – MILOS
Early morning transfer to Piraeus port to embark the ferryboat to Milos. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
DAY 4: MILOS
A free day in Milos. Milos is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group.
The island is famous for the statue of Aphrodite (the “Venus de Milo”, now in the Louvre), and also for statues of the Greek god Asclepius (now in the British Museum)
Milos was a source of obsidian (natural glass used for razor sharp “stone tools”) during the Neolithic ages for the Aegean and Mediterranean as early as 13,000 years ago.
There are about 70 beaches on Milos Island. Also an interesting Archaeological Museum.
DAY 5: MILOS – SANTORINI
At the indicated time you will be transferred to the port for your ferryboat to Santorini. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
DAY 6: SANTORINI – VOLCANO CRUISE
Today enjoy a half day cruise to the small islands of Nea Kameni & Palea Kameni located inside the caldera, the Hot Springs with the green and yellow waters (with free time for swimming) and the island of Thirassia.
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Vlyhada marina. Orientation with the boat and sailing on the south coast of the island.
We will pass near the red and white beaches and continue sailing the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea to the Caldera. Near the Nea Kameni (volcano island) we will see the old port and then go to Palea Kameni and Thirasia. We will see the hot springs with green and yellow waters and have time for swimming here or in another place depending on the season of the year.
We continue sailing below Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira towns and will arrive in Vlyhada marina. Transfer to your hotel
DAY 7: SANTORINI – MYKONOS
At the indicated time you will be transferred to the port for your ferryboat to Mykonos. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
DAY 8:MYKONOS
A day at leisure in Mykonos to enjoy the sun, sea & the beauties of this unique island.
Mykonos is known around the world as the Ibiza of the Aegean, the most popular destination of the Mediterranean. An international “jet-set” known for its beautiful sandy beaches, hundreds of tiny white chapels and incredible nightlife. Stroll around the streets of the capital that are considered the most beautiful of the Greek islands and enjoy the great nightlife. It’s easy to get lost in its maze of gleaming white walls dotted with blue domes and windows and balconies full of flowers. Have a coffee or a cocktail in one of the famous bars and promise to return for longer stay and more experiences.
Do not miss the visit to the shrine of Delos in honour of the Greek god Apollo, which can be reached after a delightful boat ride.
DAY 9: MYKONOS – ATHENS
At the indicated time you will be transferred to the port for your ferryboat to Piraeus. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Athens
DAY 10: ATHENS – AIRPORT
According to your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.This is the end of your Athens Milos Santorini Mykonos vacation that we hope gave you a good taste of Greek Islands. We are waiting for your in your next Greece Vacation.
Thank you for bringing us to many beautiful sights in Greece. We had a wonderful time because of you.
Our tour leader/driver was very warm and friendly and helpful. Also very generous and kind.
We will strongly recommend you to all our friends who wish to visit Greece.
Thank you
Angela, Benedict, Genevieve, Alexandrea
Singapore
Classical Greece Epirus Meteora Santorini private tour will give you a complete view of the famous sites of Classical Greece and a view of the unspoiled Epirus zone, Visit Meteora Monasteries and a short visit to Santorini island, famous for its beauty and the best sunset of the world.
DAY 1: ATHENS
Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
If you like tonight we can take you to a nice
restaurant outside of Athens at the mount Pendeli for dinner or to a
restaurant in Plaka area to have dinner and enjoy a program with folk
music and dances (food not included) and return you to your hotel.
DAY 2: ATHENS – HALF DAY CITY TOUR – CAPE SOUNION TOUR
This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (shortstop).
Continue and pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex
Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the
Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the
memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the
National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis
visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The
Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the
harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts an order
in the mind”, the Parthenon.
Tour will end by visiting the Acropolis and the new
Acropolis Museum, “State of the art” in museum construction and very
rich in content.
After the city tour, we will meet and take you to a very
pleasant afternoon tour 65km out of Athens. Drive along the coastal
road, pass by the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza
to the most southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white
marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way, you have a
splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After
visiting the Temple of Poseidon, located on the edge of the peninsula,
you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion or
have refreshment at the nearby cafeteria
DAY 3: ATHENS – EPIDAURUS – MYCENAE – ANCIENT OLYMPIA
Leave by the Coastal Road to the Corinth Canal (shortstop). Drive on
and visit Epidaurus which was a small city in ancient Greece, at the
Saronic Gulf. Reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius,
the healer, Epidaurus was known for its sanctuary, the cult of Asclepius
at Epidaurus is attested in the 6th century BC.as well as its theatre,
which is once again in use today.
The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The theatre is marvelled for its exceptional acoustics, which permits
almost perfect intelligibility of non-amplified spoken word from the
proscenium or scene to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their
seating.
Then proceed to the Town of Nauplion ( short stop) drive
on to Mycenae. and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of
Agamemnon. Departure for Olympia Through Central Peloponnese Overnight
in Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games at the selected hotel.
DAY 4: OLYMPIA – WINE TASTING – IOANNINA
In the morning we will visit the archaeological site and
the Museum of Ancient Olympia. Olympia was a sanctuary of ancient
Greece, known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical
times, the most famous games in history.
The sanctuary, known as the Altis, consists of an unordered
arrangement of various buildings. Enclosed within the temenos are the
Temple of Hera (or Heraion/Heraeum) and Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion and
the area of the altar, where the sacrifices were made. The Hippodrome
and later stadium were also to the east.
To the north of the sanctuary can be found the Prytaneion and the
Philippeion, as well as the array of treasuries representing the various
city-states.
Olympia is also known for the gigantic ivory and gold
statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was
named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Antipater of
Sidon.
After that, we will visit a famous winery to see how the
wine was made the old times and how they make it in nowadays. We will
have the opportunity to taste some of the local wines together with
local Greek meze. Will have lunch in a nice restaurant in Amaliada and
then travel to Ioannina passing from the new bridge of Rion – Antirion.
We arrive in Ioannina for overnight at the selected hotel.
DAY 5: IOANNINA – PAPINGO VILLAGES – VRELIS MUSEUM
We will spend the day visiting Vrelis Museum of
Greek History and Wax Effigies with impressing figures like being alive
and ready to talk to you.
The village of Papingo proper is surrounded by
snowcapped mountains in winter, and also has provisions for lodging as
well as tavernas serving up traditional Greek food, coffee, and spirits.
We will take photos and feel like being very close
to the sky as we see the area from this very high point. Every place
and every moment seems to be unique and also welcoming you.
We will also visit the neighbouring Vikos Gorge that
attracts many hikers and mountaineers from around the world. The Vikos
Gorge is the largest canyon in Greece and (disputably) in all of Europe:
it has the greatest depth to width ratio – as shown in the Guinness
Book of Records 1997.
DAY 6: IOANNINA – PAMVOTIS LAKE – PERAMA CAVE – METSOVO – METEORA
After breakfast, we will take a small drive to lake Pamvotis commonly also known as Lake of Ioannina, the largest lake of Epirus.
We say goodbye to Ioannina and drive to Perama Cave located
4km outside the city on your way to Metsovo. It is the first cave in
Greece to undergo touristic development. The cave extends over 14.000
sq. m. Here scientists found teeth of cave bears. The cave has
stalactites and stalagmites and was dedicated to Pluto and Persephone.
The touristic route goes downhill at its beginning and uphill at its
end and covers a distance of 1.100 m. The tour lasts approximately 45
minutes. The guides of the cave will welcome us at its entrance and will
make sure to give us complete information about this exhibition of
natural artwork.
After that, we will drive to Kalambaka with a stop in
Metsovo for lunch. We arrive in Kalambaka for overnight at the selected
hotel. Tonight we will admire the sunset on the top of Meteora rocks and
have dinner in a local taverna.
DAY 7: METEORA – DELPHI
After breakfast, we will visit the famous Meteora
Monasteries. Meteora is one of the largest and most important complexes
of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos.
Among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be
suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see
exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. The six monasteries are built on
natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of
Thessaly near the Pineios river and the Pindus Mountains, in central
Greece. The Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Following our visit, we will drive to Ancient Delphi
passing from the town of Trikala and Amfisa. We arrive at Delphi for
accommodation at the selected hotel.
DAY 8: DELPHI – ATHENS
After breakfast, we will visit the archaeological site of Ancient Delphi and the museum.
Delphi was the centre of Ancient World – the “Omphalos”
(Navel of Earth) – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of
the Hellenic World.
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled
beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.
Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of
Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek
sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.
Then we will drive back to Athens via Levadia city. We arrive in Athens early in the evening for overnight at the selected hotel
DAY 9: ATHENS – SANTORINI
At the indicated time you will be transferred to
the Athens airport for your flight to Santorini or to Piraeus port for
your ferryboat to Santorini. Upon your arrival, you will be met and
transferred to your hotel hotel
DAY 10: SANTORINI – VOLCANO CRUISE
Today
enjoy a half day cruise to the small islands of Nea Kameni & Palea
Kameni located inside the caldera, the Hot Springs with the green and
yellow waters (with free time for swimming) and the island of Thirassia.
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Vlyhada marina.
Orientation with the boat and sailing on the south coast of the island.
We will pass near the red and white beaches and continue
sailing the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea to the Caldera. Near the
Nea Kameni (volcano island) we will see the old port and then go to
Palea Kameni and Thirasia. We will see the hot springs with green and
yellow waters and have time for swimming here or in another place
depending on the season of the year.
We continue sailing below Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira towns and will arrive in Vlyhada marina.
Transfer to your hotel
DAY 11: SANTORINI
A day at leisure to enjoy and know this unique island. One of the
jewels of small volcanic archipelagos five islands is undoubtedly
Santorini. Santorini was created due to a volcanic eruption culminated
in the explosion of a volcano caldera, therefore, its rugged landscapes
dotted with huge cliffs.
Santorini’s capital, Fira, with white-washed houses, narrow streets
and open air cafes that cling to a steep cliff, is at the top of the
beautiful island where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the bay.
Discover Santorini villages that retain their authenticity, with
beautiful blue and white buildings and barren volcanic rocks. It is a
very fascinating and picturesque island. A magical place that has
nothing to do with the rest of the Greek islands, a place to spread the
peaceful and hospitable nature of its people.
Not to miss the sunset from the Caldera nor the Greek and Mediterranean food in the island’s restaurants and taverns.
DAY 12: SANTORINI – ATHENS
At the indicated time you will be transferred to
the airport for your flight to Athens or to the port for your ferryboat
to Piraeus. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to the selected hotel in Athens
DAY 13: ATHENS – AIRPORT
According to your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flights back home
STARTING POINT: Athens, daily January to December TRAVEL PLAN: 13 DAYS/ 12 nights
What’s Included
4 nights hotel accommodation in Athens
1 night hotel accommodation in Ancient Olympia
2 nights hotel accommodation in Ioannina
1 night hotel accommodation in Meteora
1 night hotel accommodation in Delphi
3 nights hotel accommodation in Santorini
Half day Athens city tour with the Acropolis Museum with a professional Guide (group tour)
Afternoon tour to Cape Sounion
Air tickets Athens – Santorini – Athens or Boat tickets Piraeus – Santorini – Piraeus
Half Day Santorini Volcano Cruise
All transfers as per program
Entrance fees to the archaeological sites during guided sightseeing
The services of an English speaking driver-tour leader while out of Athens in Mainland Greece
Daily breakfast
Government Hotel taxes
A special overnight tax of €4 for 5*
hotels, €3 for 4* hotels, €1,5 for 3* hotels and €0,5 for 2* hotels per
person per night to be paid by clients directly to the hotels in Greece.
Thank you for the wonderful time in Greece. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Besides all the nice restaurants you brought us to with those amazing Greek cuisine, we appreciate very much the additional ‘extras’ you did for us. Looking after us so well during the entire trip. We have learned much about Greek culture and way of life, not just the magnificent history.
Thanks to our guide Apostolos, we tasted some of the best cuisines in Greece. Every meals was enjoyable, and the Greek wines were great and inexpensive. Greece is truly beautiful with spectacular scenery.
We would certainly recommend you and destination Greece to our friends.
76%
of cruise-going families agree that cruise vacations are better and
more enjoyable than traditional land-based vacations in a study
reported by the FCCA. Cruises are the perfect and safe getaway
vacations for families of all types. From tropical destinations, to
the storied landscapes of the Pacific, to the enchanting history of
the Mediterranean, cruise style vacations offer
multi-country and city destinations on the vast open sea –
something that a land-based location can’t compete with.
Set
Standards Before Sailing On The Seas
Before
embarking on these grand adventures, however, it’s important to set
guidelines as a family to ensure a safe and fun family
vacation. Sit down with your kids and discuss a set of ground rules –
what freedoms they’re allowed – before sailing off to your
destination. While it’s important to set guidelines as a family,
many cruise lines are making it easier for parents by going hi-tech
with passenger bracelets that not only can track purchases,
but can also act as a location tracker for those you’re traveling
with.
Make
Your Way To The Mediterranean
One
of the most coveted and grand landscapes to cruise away to is the
colorful Mediterranean coast. Both parents and kids will be
mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors of Italy’s southern coast
or the cool blue oasis of a Greek village. While porting at these
countries, enjoy learning the history of Greek and Roman soldiers,
take a ride on a gondola in Venice, or stop at the Agora Market. This
destination not only is magical in its appearance, but offers an
educational experience for the children.
Wherever you decide on as a perfect destination for your family, discuss not only guidelines before your trip, but also what type of experience you yearn for. Tropical? Glacial getaway? Mediterranean? Fortunately, there’s no wrong way to go.
Classical Greece with Sparta and Mystras 8 days tour will show you all the most important places of Ancient Greece and the ruins of the Medival city of Mystras
DAY 1: ATHENSUpon your arrival, you will be met and transferred toyour hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Tonight we will have a panoramic tour of Athens and we will take you to a nice Greek restaurant at Pendeli mountain for dinner
DAY 2:ATHENS –HALF DAY CITY TOUR – GREEK NIGHT
This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (shortstop).
Continue and pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colourful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, theNational Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts an order in the mind”, the Parthenon.
Tour will end by visiting the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum, “State of the art” in museum construction and very rich in content.
Afternoon free to visit Plaka (The old Athens city) with lots of souvenir shops, restaurants and taverns.
Tonight we will take you to a restaurant with Greek popular music (the transportation is included but not the meal and the drinks)
DAY 3:ATHENS – EPIDAURUS -NAUPLION –SPARTA
Leave by the Coastal Road to the Corinth Canal (shortstop). Drive on and visit Epidaurus which was a small city in ancient Greece, at the Saronic Gulf. Reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius, the healer, Epidaurus was known for its sanctuary, the cult of Asclepius at Epidaurus is attested in the 6th century BC. as well as its theatre, which is once again in use today.
The Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The theatre is marvelled for its exceptional acoustics, which permits almost perfect intelligibility of non-amplified spoken word from the proscenium or scene to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their seating.
Then proceed to the Town of Nauplion, the first capital of Greece. We will see the Bourtzi and the Palamidi fortresses and have lunch in a nice restaurant. Then we drive to Sparta.
DAY 4:SPARTA – MYSTRAS – VYTINA – STEMNITSA – DIMITSANA – LAGADIA – OLYMPIAAfter breakfast in the hotel, we will visit Mystras. Mystras is a fortified town situated on Mt. Taygetos, that served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries, experiencing a period of prosperity and cultural flowering. The site remained inhabited throughout the Ottoman period when it was mistaken by Western travellers for ancient Sparta.
The frescoes in the Peribleptos Monastery Church, dating between 1348 and 1380, are a very rare surviving late Byzantine cycle, crucial for the understanding of Byzantine art.
In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will leave Mystras and drive to Olympia following the non-tourist roads. We will have a lot of drive through the forest, passing through the villages of Vytina, Pirgaki and Elati and arrive in the famous Stemnita with a lot of stone houses with a special colour. Then we go to Dimitsana, a small town that stands on the top of a small hill, with nice houses and a special open-air HydropowerMuseum which we will visit inside. We continue to Lagadia village, famous for its architecture, built on the slope of the mountain. We leave the village and drive from the mountains to the flat Ancient Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games for overnight.
DAY 5:OLYMPIA – WINE TASTING – DELPHI
Olympia was a sanctuary of ancient Greece, known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times, the most famous games in history.
The sanctuary, known as the Altis, consists of an unordered arrangement of various buildings. Enclosed within the temenos are the Temple of Hera (or Heraion/Heraeum) and Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion and the area of the altar, where the sacrifices were made. The Hippodrome and later stadium were also to the east.
To the north of the sanctuary can be found the Prytaneion and the Philippeion, as well as the array of treasuries representing the various city-states.
Olympia is also known for the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Antipater of Sidon.
After the visit to the ancient places, we will go to a famous winery for inspection and wine tasting with Greek meze.
Then drive on through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi for overnight.
DAY 6:DELPHI – METEORA
Delphi was the centre of Ancient World – the “Omphalos” (Navel of Earth) – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic World.
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.
Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Depart for Kalambaka, a small Town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks for overnight.
Before going to bed we have to admire the sunset on the top of Meteora and have dinner in a nice place outside the city.
DAY 7:METEORA – ATHENS Meteora is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and the Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. The Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (visit the Leonida’s monument). Arrive in Athens in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 8:ATHENS – AIRPORT
According to your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
Please note:
The ideal time for this tour: April to October
The ideal size of the group: 4 to 8 persons
Official English speaking guide only on the Athens city tour
The price per person will be calculated according to the number of persons participating
Hotel category can be from 3* to 5* (5* hotels not available in all places)
