DAY 1: Welcome to Athens! Greece
Arrival at Athens International Airport, meet and transfer to your hotel for check in. Remaining of your day at the only district a visitor may see the Greek capital as it was 100 years ago or enjoy your shopping at Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets. Welcome dinner at Plaka at traditional restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Athens. (D)
DAY 2: Athens
On your way to the Acropolis, you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and have a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. 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 famous Parthenon. We walk to the Theatre of Dionysus which is built on the south slope of the Acropolis Hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleutherous.
The first orchestra terrace was constructed on the site around the mid- to late sixth century BC where is hosted the City Dionysia. Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home and admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era. Meeting with Theater Association for an interactive workshop. Return to your hotel and remaining of your day at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Athens (B)
DAY 3: Visit Ancient Corinth Epidaurus Nafplion
Drive on and visit the ancient town of Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. The remains of the city, which include the Agora (marketplace) and Apollo's Temple (6th century B.C.) and the theatre of Ancient Corinth was rebuilt on the top of the older one whose first building phase dates back to the end of the 5th century and clearly show how rich and important Corinth was in Ancient Times.
On the way stop for lunch continue to Epidaurus with its 4th century B.C. theatre, famous for its astonishing acoustics. and the town of Nafplion, a modern seaside resort and old town, is crowned by the mighty ramparts at the Palamidi Fortress. A performance at Ancient Epidaurus Theatre Festival
Overnight at hotel at Nafplion (B)
DAY 4: Nafplion Argoa Theatre Athens
Nestling in the southeastern side of the castle hill, to be linked to the agora, it overlooked the ancient city and was visible from the Argolic gulf. Preexisting small sanctuaries existed on the same spot, including those of the Dioskouri and Zeus Eubouleus, remained untouched during construction of the monument. Built during the Hellenistic period, in the early third century BC, probably to host music and drama contests during the Panhellenic Nemean games which were then transferred to the town of Argos from the sanctuary of Zeus in Nemea, almost simultaneously, the Heraian games were also transferred to Argos. According to evidence, the oldest Nemean competition taking place in the theatre of Argos in 205BC involved guitar players and singers.
The monument also hosted political conferences such as the regular session of the Achaian Sympilitia during the second century BC Return to Athens early in the afternoon. (B).
DAY 5: Full Day Tour Delphi
Arrive at Delphi, the center of the 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, the most famous oracle of the ancient world. Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing masterpieces of the ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer, the famous athlete Aghias and the Sphinx. Free time at Delphi for lunch and return to Athens by the same route. (B)
DAY 6: Thorikos Threatre and Cape Sounio
Initially excavated in 1886 the ancient theatre of Thorikos has attracted much attention due to is unusual layout. Its irregular oval auditorium and also rectangular orchestra whether reflecting the early date of the theatre or the gradual development of its seating capacity, renders this theatre a unique sample of the architectural evolution of ancient theatres.
We drive the southernmost 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, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion.
We return along the coastal road, passing by the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni & Varkiza, the Athenian Riviera. (B)
DAY 7: Athens
Farewell dinner at Kuzmina restaurant (B, D)