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ITINERARY
Welcome to Athens! According to the Greek mythology, the name “Athens” comes from the goddess of wisdom, Athena. After clearing immigrations and collecting your bags, meet our representative in the arrivals area. Your private vehicle is waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Check into your hotel.
At the hotel, you will be briefed on your tour and then, proceed for a welcome dinner in a typical Greek tavern accompanied by folk dance – a fun and interactive beginning to your holiday.
Overnight in Athens
Wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast and check out, as we hit the road this morning for Volos. Enroute stop at Thermopylae or Hot Gates, aptly named for its hot sulfur springs. Witness the famous battle between the Greeks and Persians at the Centre of Historical Information through 3D technology – a fun way to be introduced to Greek History. Using the virtual reality application of the battle of Thermopylae and the military equipment of Greeks and Persians, you are transported to the battlefield and actively participate in the preparation of soldiers before the conflict.
Thereafter, to Volos, a mythical destination.
On arrival, check into your hotel.
Arrive at Volos – jewel of the Pagasetic Gulf and shrouded in Greek Mythology is believed to be the birth place of a strange race – the Centaurs, beings which were part equine and part human. The sea creates a wonderful seafront with picturesque little restaurants at Volos.
Overnight in Volos
After breakfast this morning, you will head out for an Excursion to Kalabaka - Meteora.
At Meteora you will visit 3 main monasteries and discover the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of this area. This Meteora Tour will take you back to the dark ages and the story of the first hermits and monks, who laid the foundations of what later on became the monastic community of Meteora. Overnight in Volos
Post breakfast set of early to Pelion, which is amazing any time of the year. Alexander the Great besieged and occupied the Illyrian fortress of Pelion to secure the northwestern border of Macedonia before heading south.
After lunch, depart to Dion, which stands at the foot of Mount Olympus and it was the most important sacred city of the Macedonians. Brilliant festivals and celebrations were held by Archelaos, Philipp II and Alexander. It is best known for its ancient Macedonian sanctuary of Zeus Overnight at Olympic Riviera.
After breakfast this morning, we will visit Vergina and Pella which were glorious cities of the kingdom of Macedonia in ancient times. Today it houses one of the most beautiful museums of Greece.
Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, where you will visit the archaeological site and the museum. You will certainly be impressed by the outstanding mosaic floors that used to decorate the city's grand mansions. Our last stop for the day is Salonika, the pearl of Macedonia and the second-largest city of Greece.
Overnight in Salonica.
After breakfast, time to explore the beautiful town of Salonica. See the Galerius Arch (Kamara), the Rotunda monument, the Citadel and the City Walls for some breathtaking views of Salonica. Thereafter see the White Tower, which is the most commonly known monument of Salonica and the symbol of the city because of its prominent position, long history, and implosive architecture. Continue walking towards the Nea Paralia to see the statue of Alexander the Great and admire the famous umbrellas - a true ornament of the City. See the historical Aristotelous square and the ancient Roman Agora as well as the Dikasterion Square which can't be forgotten.
After lunch visit the Archeological museum one of the largest in Greece and the central museum of northern Greece where visitors are welcome to experience its unique collections of ancient artefacts as well as its rich and extrovert cultural activities.
Overnight in Salonica
Check out this morning after breakfast and travel to Delphi.
After lunch, explore Delphi which lies at the foot of Mount Parnassos. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Begin with a tour of the Delphi archeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of the most important digs in Europe. There we will see famous monuments like the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, the monument of Platea and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. Thereafter visit the Delphi museum, with it's spectacular exhibits
Overnight in Delphi.
After breakfast, head to Olympia, situated in the western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the Gods, it lies on the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush green landscape.
Although secluded near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one world-wide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus. The origin of the festival goes back centuries.
Overnight in Olympia
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and check out to return to Athens. Enroute stop at the romantic city of Nafplio. According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike.
The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark on the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues are all witness to these influences.
After lunch, return to Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Refreshed after a well deserved night’s rest and a good breakfast, you will be ready to discover this city of philosophers! On this tour you will see the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896, built entirely of white marble. It's also one of the oldest in the world. Also see the Greek Parliament. To the front is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by an elite regiment called the Evzones. The changing of guards by the Evzones takes place on the hour and is a popular tourist attraction. The traditional outfit and the ceremony are something not to be missed!
Next see the National Library, which confirmed as the intellectual heart of modern Athens. See the magnificent Acropoli, the greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag. It is the most accurate reflection of splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles. The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution. Also visit the Acropolis Museum where you can bring yourself up close to the impressive marble masterpieces found on the Acropolis.
Rest of the day is free for you to indulge in some shopping.
Overnight in Athens.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport to board your flight back home with wonderful memories of your unconventional Greek Holiday with Airtours Holidays India!!