Tour Grand Classical Tour Of Greece Plus Mani And Monemvasia (Sma

Meals

• 9 breakfasts • 10 lunches in traditional tavern with a soft drink or beer or local wine (500 g) • 3 dinners in traditional taverns with a soft drink or beer or local wine (500 g) -Gastronomy is one of the main aspects of the total tour experience offered. -All meals are at selected traditional taverns with high-quality dishes.

Transport

• Mini van • Cog Railway, Kalavryta-Diakopto -Our company cooperates with leading transfer companies which use vehicles of the latest technology with the most stringent standards. All minivans are equipped with comfortable seats, air condition and large windows. Our experienced drivers will do everything they can so that your transfer be safe and pleasant.

Guide

Local & Expert Travel Director throughout your trip. The Tour is accompanied by one of our local English/Spanish speaking guides. The guide stays with the group throughout the whole trip and has excellent knowledge of the places visited. He/She will provide you rich information about Ancient and Modern Greece, including historical, cultural and social aspects.

Accommodation

9 overnight stays in double / twin rooms at 3* or 4* hotels Accommodation in authentic, (most of times family run boutique hotels) comfortable and ideally located hotels. -2 nights hotel accommodation in Nauplion -1 night hotel accommodation in the castle of Monemvasia -1 night hotel accommodation in Areopolis or Limeni -1 night hotel accommodation in Pylos -1 night hotel accommodation in Olympia -1 night hotel accommodation in Delphi - 1 night hotel accommodation in Meteora - 1 night hotel accommodation in Veria

Not included:

Others

-Museum Tickets and Archaeological Sites Please check if you belong in one of the Free or Reduced admission categories below. Free admission for: • Members of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece and equivalent Chambers of member-states of the EU, upon presentation of their membership card • Members of the ICOM-ICOMOS, upon presentation of their membership card • Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes, Military Schools or equivalent Schools of EU member states, as well as Schools of Guides, upon presentation of their student identity card • Young people, up to the age of 18, upon presentation of their Identity Card or passport for age confirmation. Reduced admission for: • Greek citizens and citizens of other Member – States of the European Union who are over 65 years old, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin • Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes or equivalent Schools of countries from outside the European Union, upon presentation of their student ID cards

Insurance

Flights

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Day 1 Day 1: Athens - Corinthia -Epidavros - Argolis
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Athens - Corinthia -Epidavros - Argolis

Departure from Athens for the famous Canal of Corinth and Ancient Corinth where we will visit the Museum of Ancient Corinth and the Archaeological site. We will see the temple of Apollo, the fountain of Peirene and the spot from where the Apostle Paul spoke to the locals – Then we will find ourselves in the town of Loutraki and IRAION (Ancient sanctuary) where we will dive into the blue waters of the fantastic Lake Vouliagmeni (Lunch in the tavern by the lake).

Then we will drive south to the Ancient Epidaurus, the organized archaeological site of Asklepieion and the main points of interest: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Theater and the surrounding archaeological site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site). During our visit we will be able to watch an Ancient Theater performance in the evening (from Late June to Mid August).

Overnight stay at Nafplio

Distance 210 Km: about 3 hours drive
Day 2 Day 2: Palamidi - Argolis Plain - Tiryns - Mycenae - Argos - Lerna - Nafplio
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Palamidi - Argolis Plain - Tiryns - Mycenae - Argos - Lerna - Nafplio

Morning departure for Palamidi the huge castle on the hill. From there we have a panoramic view at Argolis plain and a deep immersion into the Greek mythology, prehistory and history. We can imagine the figures of Perseus, Adrastos, Atreus, Hercules, Agamemnon, Ifigeneia, Orestes, the monster Hydra in Lerna and so many others. The glory of Greece is in front of us.

A few kilometers below, opposite the Argolic Bay we will visit the Ancient Mycenae, one of the most glorious cities of Argolis (another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site) and one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece.

We will have to learn about its history, as it was the realm of mythical Agamemnon, and it is considered to be the most important and richest palace of the late Bronze Age. Immediately afterwards we will have a wine tasting with traditional Greek food at a local winery belonging to the network of the Peloponnese wine roads. Then we will find Argos , the most ancient city in Europe and the water springs of Lerna where we will dive into the waters of Amymoni river, exactly on the point of its estiary to the Argolic gulf. We will have lunch at a local fish tavern at the village Myli by the sea.

Then we come back to the romantic city of Nafplio. We will be in a host of attractions and beauties: Palamidi, Bourtzi, Syntagma Square, we will walk to Akronafplia and we will be lost in narrow alleys.

Overnight stay in Nafplio.

Distance 110 Km: about 1 hour and 45 minutes drive
Day 3 Day 3: Sparta-Mystras-Monemvasia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sparta-Mystras-Monemvasia

Departure for Sparta, the glorious ancient city of the south Peloponnese, the city of Tyndareus, his sons Castor and Pollux known as the dioscuri, Menelaus and the beautiful Helen, the city of Leonidas, of Pausanias, the glorious leader of the battle of Plataea (479 BC), of Lycurgus, the ancestral lawmaker and the city of so many heroes .

Unfortunately, today there is not much left of the famous city. Fanatic priests in the 18th Century destroyed what was left of the earthquakes and the wear of time.

We visit the river Evrotas, the statue of Leonidas, the archaeological site and the archaeological Museum.

Then we head to the enchanting castle of Mystras (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site), where from the top of the hill we will descend the narrow corridors and the streets of the castle-city. We will visit the castle, the Byzantine churches, the monasteries and the palace of Palaiologoi, the last Byzantine emperors.

We will try the local food in Mistras or Sparta.

After lunch we depart we will get to the romantic Monemvasia where we will wander in this uniquely preserved medieval castle-city roads with its arched alleys, churches and mansions.

Overnight at a romantic hotel in the castle of Monemvasia.

Distance 300 Km: about 4 hours drive
Day 4 Day 4: An Interesting Tour On The Laconian Mani - Cavo Matapan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: An Interesting Tour On The Laconian Mani - Cavo Matapan

Departure for Gytheion the largest and one of the most beautiful cities in the area of Mani. We will have a walk on the dock of the city and the isle of Kranai where Paris and beautiful Helen spent their first night before sailing for Troy.

Then we visit the stunning Diros Caves with its extremely beautiful and exquisite caves . We get in the boats to do a 5000 meters boat trip in the subterranean caves lasting 30 minutes and 10 minutes walk. One of the most beautiful lake caves in the world! The crystal-studded stalactites and stalagmites are spectacular in shades of rose, green, amber, black, blood red, and purple.

We are leaving for Cape Tainaron (Cavo Matapan) located in the middle leg of the Peloponnese peninsula – Visit the small temple of Poseidon, which also functioned as a necromancy once. The cave inside the temple is said to link Down with the Upper World. Following a good path we will reach the lighthouse (optional), built in 1882 and dominates the Cape Tainaron, which is said to be the 2ond southernmost tip of Continental Europe.

Walking back we take our bus and drive to the beautiful bay Porto Kagio where we will have our lunch in a local fish tavern by the sea.

On the way back to Areopolis we will visit the settlement of Vathia, the most photographed traditional settlement of the Peloponnese, and the beautiful settlement of Gerolimenas.

Throughout our journey we pass through cities that were part of the Koinon (Common) of free Laconians, most of which no longer exist. At this point (village Kyparissos) there was the ancient Kainipolis, which was sunk by a deadly earthquake.

We are now in the heart of Mani, Mesa Mani (Inner Mani) and we are going up to Areopolis, whose central location in Mani makes it its capital.

We will have the opportunity to see this beautiful small town, the gorgeous coastal settlement of Limeni in the bay of Oitylon and also the magical coastal settlements of Neo Oitylo and Karavostasi.

In the evening we will walk in the traditional part of Areopolis and admire the local architecture, the towers and the churches. A traditional dinner at a local tavern will follow.

Overnight at Aeropolis or Limeni.

Distance 190 Km: about 3 hours and 20 minutes drive
Day 5 Day 5: Discovering The Amazing Messinian Mani-Stoupa- Kardamyli-Kalamata-Pylos
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Discovering The Amazing Messinian Mani-Stoupa- Kardamyli-Kalamata-Pylos

Departure for the Messinian Mani and Kalamata, a really gorgeous city, the capital of the district of Messinia. We Stop at Stoupa for a swim in the sandy famous beach of Kalogria and a dive in the fabulous bay of Phoneas gorge. We are close to Kardamili, a beautiful seaside village of Messinian Mani, famous for its rich traditional cuisine. (Lunch).

Then we will make a tour through the fascinating city of Kalamata.

In our visit to the amazing Pylos, a small town – built in the bay of Navarino, we will stop at Heroes Square for a coffee.

Overnight stay in Pylos.

Distance 140 Km: about 2 hours and 45 minutes drive
Day 6 Day 6: Western Peloponnese - Ancient Olympia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Western Peloponnese - Ancient Olympia

After our breakfast, a morning dip at Voidokilia beach. Its hollow-shaped, the golden sand and its blue-green waters make it without doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in the Mediterranean Sea.

Then it is worth visiting the Palace of Nestor, the legendary wise king of Pylos, who took part in the Troy campaign.

On our way to Ancient Olympia we will have lunch in the fishing village of Kakovaton one hour drive before getting to Ancient Olympia.

Then we leave for Ancient Olympia, a journey back in time to the greatness of ancient Greece and to the place that gave birth to the Olympic Games.

We‘ll visit the Museum, the big archaeological site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site) and the ancient Olympic stadium. Here we will have the opportunity to see, among others, the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium and the spot where the Olympic flame lights up before its traveling to the place where the Summer and Winter Olympics take place.

You can enjoy a late afternoon walk in a scenic landscape on the road above the ancient stadium leading to the Olympic Academy premises. Dinner at a local tavern.

Overnight stay in Olympia.

Distance 120 Km: about 1 hour and 50 minutes drive
Day 7 Day 7: Foloi, The Forest Of The Centaurs - The Stunning Chelmos Vouraikos National Park -An Impressive Passage To Greece Mainland-Delphi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Foloi, The Forest Of The Centaurs - The Stunning Chelmos Vouraikos National Park -An Impressive Passage To Greece Mainland-Delphi

Our tour continues to Foloi forest, the traditional village of Divri (Lampeia), the water springs of Aroanios river in the magical place of Planitero and finally to Kalavryta, a martyric small town that suffered a massacre (known as the holocaust of Kalavryta) in December 1943 by the Nazi troops which refers to the near extermination of the male population and the total destruction of the town. In the winter this town is very popular for many tourists visiting the nearby very good ski center of the mount Chelmos. After walking down the main road of the town there will follow a visit to the Monastery of Mega Spileon and the village of Zachlorou from where we will take the Cog railway to Diakofton village in the Corinthian gulf. We will enjoy the natural beauties of Vouraikos gorge taking one of the most beautiful natural trips of Europe with the Cog railway.

Continuing our trip, we will reach the Rio – Antirio bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges. The 2,380-metre-long bridge crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio (on the Peloponnese peninsula) to the town of Antirio on mainland Greece. Arrival to Delphi, where we will spend the night.

Distance 280 Km: about 4 hours drive
Day 8 Day 8: From The Navel Of The World To The Perched Monastic Community Of The Meteora Rocky Formation
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: From The Navel Of The World To The Perched Monastic Community Of The Meteora Rocky Formation

We visit the popular archaeological site of Delphi, also known as “the navel of the world”. It constitutes the point where the most important religious center of antiquity was founded and flourished. Their archaeological site was declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.

We will spend about three hours exploring the archaeological site of Delphi, the Kastalia Fountain, the Temple of Athena Pronaia and the Treasure of Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Way, the Ancient Stadium of Delphi and the Ancient Theater, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.

At noon we visit the village of Arachova to take a walk into the main road of this mountainous village and soon after we leave for Meteora.

Dinner and overnight stay at Meteora.

Distance 316 Km: about 3 hours drive
Day 9 Day 9: Visiting The Monasteries On The Rocks
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Visiting The Monasteries On The Rocks

Today we will see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries built on the tops of the imposing rocks and stand safely in various and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the caves of the rocks. Then they left higher to build the impressive monasteries (UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites)

We visit the monasteries of Grand Meteoron, Holy Trinity, Varlaam& Roussanou (guided by a local guide). Lunch in a good tavern in Kastraki.

In the afternoon we leave for the city of Veria, a rural city that produces and exports peaches and had the honor to host Apostle Paul, who founded -after Philippi and Thessalonika- a Christian church here.

A walk in the town. We will see the spot from where the Apostle Paul spoke to the locals. –Lunch in a local tavern

Overnight stay at Veria

Distance 160 Km: about 2 hours drive
Day 10 Day 10: Some Great Macedonian Cities - Alexander The Great -Thermopylai -Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Some Great Macedonian Cities - Alexander The Great -Thermopylai -Athens

After breakfast we leave for Vergina to visit the Archaeological site of Aigai, the first capital of Macedonia, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status as "an exceptional testimony to a significant development in European civilization, at the transition from classical city-state to the imperial structure of the Hellenistic and Roman periods".

In 336 BC Philip II was assassinated in Aigai’s theatre and his son, Alexander the Great, was proclaimed king. We will see and admire here –among other things- the burial sites of several kings of Macedonia, including the tomb of Philip II which had not been disturbed or looted, unlike so many of the other tombs there.

Then we drive south (45 Min.) to the Archaeological site of Dion, another Macedonian city, located at the foot of Mount Olympus, best known for its great ancient Macedonian sanctuary of Zeus. Philip II and Alexander the Great celebrated victories here, and Alexander assembled his armies and performed magnificent sacrifices here on the eve of his campaign to Asia in 334 BC.

After our lunch in a local tavern we depart for Athens through the historical battlefield of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans stood against the huge Persian army. We will have a coffee near the beautiful beach of Kamena Vourla. We arrive in Athens in the evening.

Distance 450 Km: about 4 hours drive

10 days tour

Grand Classical Tour Of Greece Plus Mani And Monemvasia (Sma

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Itinerary of your trip Grand Classical Tour Of Greece Plus Mani And Monemvasia (Sma

Day 1: Athens - Corinthia -Epidavros - Argolis

Day 2: Palamidi - Argolis Plain - Tiryns - Mycenae - Argos - Lerna - Nafplio

Day 3: Sparta-Mystras-Monemvasia

Day 4: An Interesting Tour On The Laconian Mani - Cavo Matapan

Day 5: Discovering The Amazing Messinian Mani-Stoupa- Kardamyli-Kalamata-Pylos

Day 6: Western Peloponnese - Ancient Olympia

Day 7: Foloi, The Forest Of The Centaurs - The Stunning Chelmos Vouraikos National Park -An Impressive Passage To Greece Mainland-Delphi

Day 8: From The Navel Of The World To The Perched Monastic Community Of The Meteora Rocky Formation

Day 9: Visiting The Monasteries On The Rocks

Day 10: Some Great Macedonian Cities - Alexander The Great -Thermopylai -Athens

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