Category: <span>Flight programs</span>

Sport and Hiking Tours

Classic Journey and Marathon Run in Athens

  • Running Marathon
1 DAY
ARRIVAL AT ATHENS-CONTINUE TO OLYMPIA-SHORT STOP AT THE CANAL OF CORINTH-OVERNIGHT

Upon your arrival at Athens, we will continue towards Olympia by bus. On our way, we will have a short stop at the Canal of Corinth. Then, we will head to our hotel in Olympia. Dinner and overnight.

2 DAY
CITY TOUR IN OLYMPIA-AFTERNOON WALK TO THE ANCIENT STADIUM AND COUBERTINS’ HEART-GRAVE-LECTURE ON THE OLYMPIC GAMES-RETURN TO THE HOTEL-OVERNIGHT IN OLYMPIA

In the morning, we will have a city tour in Olympia-city of the Olympic Games, with their still-standing effect. Since 776 BC gained a panhellenic character and reached their peak in 576 BC. The Olympic Games were held every four years on the first full moon after the summer solstice for almost 1200 years. The names of every victor were written down on a chronological table. The spreading of Christianity brought radical religious and social changes, leading the Games to decay until their official banishment by emperor Theodocius. A walk will follow to the ancient stadium to Coubertins’ heart-grave and then a 40-minute lecture on the history of the Olympic Games on the slopes of the stadium. Then, we will return to our hotel in Olympia for dinner and overnight.

3 DAY
GUIDED TOUR ON THE SITE-VISIT TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM IN THE AFTERNOON-VISIT TO OLYMPIC ACADEMY-OVERNIGHT IN OLYMPIA

In the morning, we will have a guided tour on the site of Olympia. Short break for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the archaeological museum, one of the most important in Greece, initially accommodated in neoclassic Syngeion, now Museum of Olympic Games, and nowadays in a building near the excavation site, designed and erected between 1966 and 1975 by architect Patroclos Karantinos. In 1982 took its actual form and it was renovated in 2003. Its collection is arranged along ten clockwise halls in chronological order. Then on agreement with the Greek NOK, visit to the Olympic Academy. Return to the hotel-dinner and overnight.

4 DAY
TO ATHENS VIA DELPHI-VISIT TO DELPHI-ARRIVAL AT ATHENS-OVERNIGHT IN ATHENS

After breakfast, we will head to Athens via Delphi. We will visit the archaeological site of Delphi, a holy place in the honor of Apollo, god of music and poetry. We will visit Apollo’s sanctuary with the Athenian treasure house, Apollo’s temple, the theater, the stadium and the museum with the bronze statue of the Charioteer (Iniochos). Then, we will continue towards Athens, Arrival and check-in. Dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
FREE MORNING-VISIT TO THE STADIUM-ACROPOLIS

In the morning you may have a walk free of schedule. We will visit the stadium and field where the battle took place. Later, we will visit Acropolis; not only a landmark in Athens but also the national monument of Greece, standing 155 m over the sea-level and -taller than any building in the plateau- visible from far away. Athens’ Acropolis has been declared a part of the world cultural heritage by UNESCO since 1986.According to Theodore Heuss, Acropolis is a European hill beside Calvary and Capitol. Return to our hotel.

6 DAY
TOWARDS MARATHON-START OF 20 KILOMETERS MAXIMUM RUN-OVERNIGHT IN ATHENS

In the morning, we will head to Marathon by bus (about 20 km from the field where the famous battle took place) from Kallimarmaron Stadium, where the modern Olympic Games were established in 1894. This is an asphalt-paved distance. The very Marathon: Marathon is a place in the northeast of Athens, on the eastern coast of Attica, of about 8.500 inhabitants. Near this area, in 490 BC a battle between the Persians and the Athenians took place. The Athenians were victorious under general Miltiades. From this battle is inspired the legend of Pheidippides the messenger. According to the commonest version of the story, Pheidippides brought the news of victory to Athens and Areopag and died from exhaustion. As long as this distance is rather improbable to be indeed crossed by the runner and is expressed by Plutarch for the first time, about 600 years later of the battle, it must be part of the Athenian propaganda. On this story modern Marathon runners are based. It is 20 km at maximum. Return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.

7 DAY
TO THE AIRPORT OF ATHENS-DEPARTURE

Transfer to Athens airport.

Agrotourism

Dionysus’ Gift-Wine Tour

  • Vineyard
1 DAY
ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT OF ATHENS-CONTINUE TO TOLON-OVERNIGHT

Collection of the group at the airport of Athens. We will continue our journey along the west coast of Saronic Gulf, crossing the Canal of Corinth (the world-famous artificial canal connecting the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth). Short stop for photographs. If the group wishes and provided the weather is good and there is enough time, we could visit the archaeological site of ancient Corinth. We will continue our journey to Tolon in the Argolic Gulf. Dinner and overnight.

2 DAY
ARGOLIS (A VERY OLD WINE-GROWING AREA)-NEMEA, ADMINISTRATING DISTRICT OF CORINTH (HERCULES’ BLOOD)-VISIT TO PALIVOS WINE CELLAR-VISIT TO MYCENAE-RETURN TO OUR HOTEL

After breakfast, we will head to Nemea. Our destination is contemporary Nemea, an world-known wine-growing area. It is also known for the Lion of Nemea of the Greek mythology, killing of which was one of the twelve Heracles’ (Hercules’) Labors, later celebrated with games like the Olympic Games. Towards Zeus’ sanctuary, we will visit a winery, where grapes for the well-known Agiorgitiko wine are grown. We may also try wine from its wine-bar. The winery lies between a vineyard and an olive-grove. On our return, we will visit Mycenae, excavated by German admirer of Ilias Heinrich Schliemann. Then, we will return to our hotel in Tolon. Dinner and overnight.

3 DAY
NAUPLIA-VISIT TO EPIDAURUS-VISIT TO SKOURAS WINE CELLAR-RETURN TO TOLON

Once we have breakfast, we will head to Epidaurus, known in the past for its vineyards and olive-groves as well as the sanctuary and sanitarium of Asclepius, god of medicine. In addition, we will visit the ancient theater will its famous acoustics, where a theater-festival is held in summer. After that, we will visit another winery which includes two wine-cellars in Peloponnese, in the region of Nemea. Closing our visit there, we will go to the city of Nauplion, which is built on the coast of the Argolic Gulf and offers not only many attractions but also a marvelous view of the Aegean Sea. We will have a walk across the old town, which along with many newly-built neighborhoods and the archaeological museum will open a window to the past. Dinner in Nauplia. Overnight in Tolon.

4 DAY
OLIVE MUSEUM IN SPARTA-TROUT FARM-WINE GROWING ESTATE TSELEPOS-TOLON

Having had our breakfast, we will head to the Olive Museum in Sparta. In the Olive and Olive Oil Museum there will be an exhibition of the ultra-modern olive-tree cultivation and processing. After our visit there, we will go to the small town of Kastori, where we will have a short visit to the a trout farm, which has won many “Gourmet” prizes. Then, we will go to a winery, which operates under principles that promote and establish local wine and types of grapes. After wine tasting, we will return to Tolon.

5 DAY
OLYMPIA, CRADLE OF OLYMPIC GAMES AND WINE AREA-WINE GROWING ESTATE MERKOURI-OVERNIGHT IN THE AREA OF PATRAS

Continuing our tour, we will cross Arcadia to Zeus’ sanctuary in Olympia, city of the ancient Olympic Games. We will be guided in the excavation site of ancient Olympia and the museum. Leaving the sanctuary and the museum with the unique sculptures, we will visit a historic wine cellar, a 140-years-old traditional olive-oil and wine producing facility, that has won European prizes for its excellent quality of wine. Then, we will continue our journey to our hotel in the area of Patras. Dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
VISIT TO DELPHI-WINE GROWING ESTATE LAZARIDIS-RETURN TO ATHENS

After breakfast, we will head to Delphi from Rion in Peloponnese over the largest suspension bridge of Europe to Antirrion in the mainland and will pass from Nafpaktos, Galaxidi, Itea, Amfissa and Delphi. Provided the weather is good and there is enough time, we will stop in the romantic city of Galaxidi for coffee and promenade. Later, we will pass from Amfissa to Delphi. We will visit the archaeological site of Delphi, with its ancient oracle on the slopes of Parnassos, a sacred place dedicated to god Apollo, god of music and poetry. After that, on our way to Athens, we will visit a winery in Kapandriti. There, a 20-hectar vineyard of organic cultivation near the banks of Marathon Lake is kept for a new generation of wine, with many gold medals “Oenotria” won  for Cabernet-Sauvignon and Agiorgitiko 2007 “Mundus Vini 2011”-Germany. Transfer to our hotel in Athens. Dinner and overnight.

7 DAY
ATHENS CITY TOUR-VISIT TO WINE GROWING ESTATE VASSILIOU-EVENING TRIP TO CAPE SOUNIO

After breakfast, we will have a city tour in Athens, visiting both old and modern city of Athens (Zeus temple, University, National Library, Parliament, Kallimarmaron Stadium). Visit to Acropolis and new Acropolis Museum. Acropolis is not only a landmark in Athens, but also the national monument of Greece. In the afternoon, we will have a trip to Cape Sounio, in the south end of Attica in the Aegean Sea and visit to the 5th century BC temple of Poseidon. Leaving Cape Sounio, we will visit the last winery, where we will be guided and try wines. Finally, we will enjoy the marvelous sunset from the temple and have dinner in a fish tavern. Return to Athens and overnight.

8 DAY
RETURN

Preparation for return and transfer to Athens airport, “Eleftherios Venizelos”

Classical Greece

Explore Pelops’ land-Peloponnese

  • Nauplia
1 DAY
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS-CONTINUE TO TOLON AT ARGOLIC GULF

Arrival at the airport of Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Continue to Tolon  in Argolic Gulf or Loutraki in the Gulf of Corinth. Dinner and overnight.

2 DAY
TRIP IN ARGOLIS (NAUPLION-MYCENAE-EPIDAURUS-ANCIENT CORINTH-RETURN TO TOLON

After breakfast, we will head to Nauplion (Nauplia)- the first Greek capital after the Ottoman rule. We will meet the sight of the Bavarian Lion in the entrance of the city, the Archaeological Museum and the Folklore Museum-the city’s museum. Later, we will visit the archaeological site of Mycenae-excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876/77 (Lions’ Gate, Cyclopian walls, kings’ graves, Atreus’ treasure). We will continue to Epidaurus-sanctuary of god of medicine, Asclepius. We will be guided in the sanctuary and the ancient theater with the famous acoustics. Then, provided the weather is good and there is enough time, we will visit Ancient Corinth– a small harbor in the Gulf of Corinth, near the famous canal separating the mainland from Peloponnese. We will also visit the temple of Apollo-one of the most important monuments of antiquity, with its ruins lying beneath the hill of the ancient forum. After our visit, we will return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.

3 DAY
TOWARDS MYSTRAS-VISIT TO THE DIROS’ CAVE-TOWARDS GYTHION OR SPARTA

After breakfast, we will head to Mystras, where we will be guided among the byzantine ruins near Sparta in Mount Taygetos. After lunch, we will visit the Cave of Pyrgos of Diros. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to tour in the cave by boat through the lake of the cave ca 1200 m. towards the exit. After that, we will go to Gythio or Sparta to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.

4 DAY
DAY-TRIP TO MONEMVASIA-OVERNIGHT

After breakfast, we will head to Monemvasia, a small port-city and important base and fortress in the byzantine era. It lies on a cliff close to the shore of the prefecture of Laconia, in the southeast of the Peloponnesian peninsula. During the Greek War of Independence in 1821/30, there, at “Gibraltar of East” an important landing took place. Following our visit, we will return to our hotel in Gythion or Sparta. Dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
TOWARDS AREOPOLIS-MANI-PLATSA-KORONI-OVERNIGHT IN PETALIDI

After breakfast, we will visit Areopolis with its historical monuments. From Areopolis the Greek Revolution begun on the 21st of March 1821. In the church of Taxiarches the flag of the revolution was risen. We will continue our journey to Platsa, outside of Messenia (Mani), well-known for its byzantine churches. Continuing our journey, we will go to Koroni, a picturesque small town, 52 km southwest of Kalamata on the coast of the Messenian Gulf. In Koroni, the picturesque venetian fortress completes and covers the mountain. Its large triangular shape icludes two inner courtyards with grout and is built during several stages. The view is also impressive. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel in Petalidi. Dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
TOWARDS PYLOS-VISIT TO NESTOR’S PALACE IN CHORA-METHONI-RETURN TO PETALIDI-OVERNIGHT

After breakfast, we will go to Pylos, a small harbor on the western coast of Messenia. The small town is built in the south of a large bay, known by its medieval name “Gulf of Navarino“. Excavations in the north of the bay revealed a palace of the 13th century BC, believed to belong to Nestor. We will visit the ruins of the palace, which belongs to the mycenean era. Later, we will head to Methoni, a city close to Pylia. Without doubt the venetian palace is impressive and distinguishing feature of the area and one of the most important palaces in Greece. Then, we will return to our hotel in Petalidi. Dinner and overnight.

7 DAY
PETALIDI-VASSAE-OLYMPIA-OVERNIGHT IN THE AREA OF PATRAS

After breakfast, we will head to Olympia, where we will have a short excursion to the foothills of mountain Kotilios to visit ancient Vassae with the admired Temple of Apollo Epicurius. At noon we will go to Olympia, where the Olympic Games were born in 776 BC, having panhellenic character. We will visit the excavation site of Olympia and the local museum. We will continue to our hotel in the Patras area. Dinner and overnight.

8 DAY
A SCENIC WALK ON THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE OF KALAVRYTA-TOWARDS ATHENS-OVERNIGHT

In the morning, after breakfast, we will travel by bus from Diakofton along the coast of the Corinthian Gulf (about 20 minutes away). From there, we will travel downwards with the legendary cog railway through the Vouraikos Gorge towards the mountain village of Kalavryta. On our way to the Cave of the Lakes we will visit the historic monastery of Aghia Lavra, an important national memorial in Greece. With about 20 minutes with bus ride, we will reach the Cave of the Lakes, where we will be guided. Afterwards, we will return to Kalavryta for lunch. On our return from Kalavryta to our hotel, we will visit the Mega Spileon monastery so as to enjoy the breathtaking view of Vouraikos Gorge. Then, we will return to our hotel in Athens. Dinner and overnight.

9 DAY
ATHENS-CITY TOUR-VISIT TO THE NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM-EVENING IN PLAKA-OVERNIGHT

In the morning, we will have a city tour in Athens. We will visit Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum. Acropolis is not only a landmark in Athens, but also a well-known monument of Greece. Shopping in the old city of Athens Plaka. After that, we will have a short visit to the port and city of Piraeus. Later, we will return to Plaka (the so-called Montmartre of Athens). Here, we will have dinner in a typical Greek tavern at the foothill of Acropolis and have the opportunity to enjoy the local hospitality and folklore art as well as the south-European temperament. At about midnight, we will return to our hotel.

10 DAY
ATHENS-RETURN

Transfer to Athens airport. Preparation for departure.

Classical Greece

A long Weekend in Athens

  • Athen
1 DAY
THURSDAY, ARRIVAL IN ATHENS-PORT PIRAEUS-ATHENS BY NIGHT

Arrival in Athens and pick up by our tour-guide. Transfer from the airport to the hotel with a small informational city tour. Later, in the evening we will visit the port of Piraeus (short city tour). Afterwards, we will visit the old town of Athens-Plaka (the so-called Montmartre of Athens). Here in a typical Greek tavern, beneath Acropolis, we will have our dinner, enjoying Greek folklore art and hospitality along with dances and folklore shows easy to take part in. After midnight, we will return to the hotel. Overnight.

2 DAY
FRIDAY, OLD AND MODERN CITY OF ATHENS – DINNER IN PLAKA 

Athens, the center of culture, history, science, the city of the sun of Attica, the city where the Greek heart beats. Athens, where the opposites meet. Neither today’s way of thinking nor the lively rhythm are typical of what western cities know about the shine and size of the past. Visit to Acropolis and the historic centers of the Parliament, the Academy, the National Library, the University and the National Museum. Acropolis is not only the landmark of the city of Athens but also the most important national monument of Greece. 155 meters over sea level stands over the buildings of the whole city of about 5 million inhabitants and is visible from quite a distance. It was built in the era of Pericles, by the master builders Iktinos, Mnesicles and Kallicrates and according to the design and supervision of Phidias. Acropolis of Athens was the castle dedicated to the town goddess Athena. A must-see is the new Acropolis Museum. Coffee break in the old city of Athens, Plaka. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

3 DAY
SATURDAY: DAY-TRIP TO ARGOLIS (ANCIENT CORINTH-EPIDAURUS-MYCENAE)

After breakfast, we will head to the Canal of Corinth (well-known for the previous-century excavation of the local isthmus, connecting now the gulfs of Saronicos and Corinth) through the areas of Megara and Eleusis. Short stop for photographs. We will continue our journey with a visit to the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth. Corinth is a small port in the Gulf of Corinth, near the famous canal on the marvelous mainland of Peloponnese. About an hour away is Mycenae one of the oldest cities of not only Europe but also of the whole world, which was excavated by famous German antiquarian and Ilias-admirer Heinrich Schliemann. Here lived the glorious winners of the Trojan War. A famous sight is the Lions’ Gate of the remains of the acropolis. We continue by visiting the town of Nauplia, a beautiful city with an excellent history. Nauplia, the first capital of Greece.Passing through vineyards and gruff olive trees, we will reach the archaeological site of Epidaurus, center of the cult of Asclepius, god of medicine, and the famous ancient theaters with the great acoustics, which host plays-dramas and comedies of ancient Greek poets- in summer. In the afternoon we will return to Athens. Overnight.

4 DAY 
SUNDAY, FREE MORNING-AFTERNOON AT CAPE SOUNIO-LUNCH AT A SEASIDE TAVERN

Free morning. We will have the opportunity for a walk in Athens’ old town Plaka and Monasteraki. In the afternoon, we will have a trip to the southern end of Attica just before Aegean Sea, Cape Sounio, also dedicated to Poseidon, god of sea, and the 18 columns of his temple still standing since its building in the 5th century BC, one of the most sacred ancient temples. In addition, the sunset here is thought to be unforgettable and one of the best in Greece. Visit to the temple of Poseidon. On our return to Athens, we will have dinner at a seaside fish tavern. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

5 DAY
MONDAY, SHOPPING IN ATHENS-TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT-START OF RETURN

After breakfast, provided the weather is good, we may visit the Greek National Museum and buy souvenirs or visit local shops. Later, you will be transferred to Athens airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”.

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