Greece
Greece is the cradle of Western civilization. Its ancient city states first developed the social structure known as democracy. A visit to Greece provides an insight into the ancient world as this Mediterranean nation contains an unparalleled collection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins. Visits to the Acropolis and Delphi will provide eternal memories and illustrates why Greece is a unique destination.

CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF GREECE

The tour name says it all. This is the most popular itinerary for first-time scholars to Greece to see the mainland's most important classical sites.

Tour Highlights Acropolis at Mycenae • Theatre of Epidaurus • Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games • The Temple of Apollo, Delphi • The Acropolis in Athens

DAY 1 LONDON TO ATHENS - CORINTH AREA
Today we will depart from London and fly to Athens. You will be met at the airport by your guide and transfer to Corinth, one of the largest and most prosperous cities in ancient Greece. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you on some introductory sightseeing.

DAY 2 MYCENAE, NAUPLIA & EPIDAURUS
Our sightseeing will begin in Mycenae. We will pass through the famous Lion Gate and inside the walls of the Acropolis, where excavations have uncovered the Palace Complex. Next we continue to Nauplia, where we will explore the old city, with its picturesque streets, Turkish fountains, fascinating mosques and outdoor cafes. Our final stop of the day is at Epidaurus. On a hillside lies the Theatre of Epidaurus, the most famous and best preserved of all the ancient theatres in Greece. The theatre could accommodate 14,000 spectators and the acoustics are still a marvel of engineering.

DAY 3 TRIPOLIS - OLYMPIA
This morning we will make an early start and drive through Tripolis and Megalopolis across spectacular mountain gorges before arriving in Olympia. This was the home of the original Olympic games, held in 776 BC. Walking through the ancient Altis, it is easy to make out the buildings as they once were. We will also see the Temple of Hera and the magnificent Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which housed the gold and ivory statue of the god.

DAY 4 OLYMPIA - DELPHI
After breakfast we head to Delphi one of the most sacred spots in their world. Its setting is dramatic - a natural amphitheatre that faces the sea and which lies under the shadow of Mt. Parnassos. On arrival we explore Delphi. The Sacred Way winds up the hill to the Temple, past the treasury buildings of the various ancient city states to the ruins of the Doric Temple of Apollo. This was the home of the Pythia, the oracle who, seated on a tripod above a deep crevasse, would deliver the prophecies of the gods. After exploring the sacred site, we will visit the treasures found in the Delphi Museum.

DAY 5 DELPHI - ATHENS
Today we will drive to Athens this morning and begin our sightseeing at the Acropolis, which has dominated Athens for over 2,000 years. The Parthenon crowns the Acropolis and is a temple that celebrates perfect order and harmony in its columns and the friezes that decorate it. Below the Acropolis stands the Agora, the commercial and public centre of ancient Athens. During the day, we will also make a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which contains a superb collection of sculptures from the area. This evening we will enjoy the atmosphere of the Plaka District.

DAY 6 ATHENS TO LONDON
Your guide accompanies you to the airport for the return flight home.

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