Amazing Greece (9d)

Amazing Greece
Explore the history of Greece, immerse in the local culture
An itinerary including the best of Ancient Greece plus lesser-known sites
and amazing local experiences (including hiking and culinary fun!)

Itinerary in detail
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Daily Itinerary
Athens
Overnight Athens
Athens
Overnight Kalambaka
Kalambaka area (Meteora)
Overnight Delphi
Delphi
Overnight Olympia
Olympia
Overnight Olympia
Mystras
Overnight Sparta
Epidaurus & Mycenae
Overnight Nafplion
Corinth & Kechries and
Cape Sounion
Overnight Athens
Depart
Included in the tour
• 2 overnights in Athens
• 1 overnights in Kalambaka area
• 1 overnights in Delphi
• 2 overnight in Olympia
• 1 Overnight in Sparta
• 1 Overnight Nafplion
Private Guided Sightseeing
• Athens, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
• Meteora monasteries
• Delphi and the Museum
• Olympia and the Museum
• Epidaurus
• Mycenae
• Corinth and Kechries
• Cape Sounion
• All arrival and departure transfers
• Daily breakfast and select meals
• Professional tour escort throughout the tour
• All entrance fees as per itinerary
Driving times
• Athens to Kalambaka 4 ½ hours
• Kalambaka to Galaxidi 3 ½ hours
• Galaxidi to Nafplion 3 ½ hours
• Nafplion to Athens 2 ½ hours
(approximate timing without stops)
Siva Travel Services Greece ( www.siva.travel )

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A beautiful itinerary including six
UNESSCO world heritage sites and
amazing in-depth experiences
highlighting the destination visited.
Day 1
Arrival in Athens
Welcome to Athens! Our staff will be waiting for you at
the airport for your transfer you into Athens. A drive of
about 45 minutes to your hotel.
Time at leisure to discover Athens! Redolent with
history and mythology, Athens is a vibrant city,
enlivened by bustling outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets
that wind through the city's ancient sites and its fair
share of urban eccentrics. Athens is one of the world’s
oldest cities, full of things to see and do. It manages to
be rich in history but also hip as well.
Tour sightseeing Highlights
Sightseeing (included)
✓ Athens Acropolis*
✓ Acropolis Museum
✓ Meteora monasteries *
✓ Delphi ancient site *
✓ Museum of Delphi
✓ Archeological site of Mystras*
✓ Site of Epidaurus*
✓ Site of Mycenae*
*A UNESCO World Heritage site
Tonight enjoy a local dinner in the heart of Athens
Overnight in Athens
Welcome Dinner

Day 2
Athens Sightseeing
Acropolis
Today enjoy sightseeing in Athens. Your expert guide will give you the
opportunity to fully understand the role of Athens in antiquity and through
the ages. Your guide will reveal to you the secrets of the Acropolis & the
Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the Kallimarmaro
Stadium, built of marble for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Experience the ancient wonders and relive the birthplace of democracy,
twist and turn through the Plaka’s narrow streets and find ancient sites,
cafes and shops full of history and character.
Mars Hill (Saint Paul)
Next visit Mars Hill is the location of one of Paul’s most important gospel
presentations during his visit to Athens in his second missionary journey
(Acts 17:16-34)
Acropolis Museum
After the visit to the Acropolis continue to the Acropolis Museum. A
beautiful new museum (opened in 2009) with exceptional finds from the
Acropolis, including 36 panels of the Parthenon’s storied frieze.
Free time for lunch under the Acropolis hill.
In the afternoon set off from Athens, North to the town of Kalambaka for
your overnight stay.
Thermopylae
On the way to Kalambaka a short stop at Thermopylae where King Leonidas
and the 300 Spartan held the mountain pass in the battle of 480BC.
Overnight in Kalambaka area

Day 3
Visit the Meteora monasteries and an amazing
hike !
When you awaken to see the awe-inspiring rock formations
unfold before your eyes, you will easily understand why it is
named the Meteora, which means “suspended in the heavens
above.” Today set off from your hotel to above the charming
mountain villages of Kastraki and Kalambaka and visit two of the
six surviving monasteries of the Meteora. A UNESCO world
heritage site and one of the most important complexes of
Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world ,the Meteora have
for centuries captivated visitors with their awe-inspiring beauty.
You will be able to see how the monks live today and enter the
most captivating Byzantine basilicas in Greece.
Hike
From atop the Meteora follow a beautiful trail down to the town
of Kalambaka. An easy trail with stunning views.
In the afternoon set off to the town Delphi for your overnight
stay.
Overnight in Delphi
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Day 4
Sightseeing Delphi and Bee keeping !
Today, in the morning enjoy the sightseeing of Ancient Delphi,
ancient worlds most famous oracle and a spectacular site.
The site is at the foot of the mountain. Passing by the Castalia Spring
you will visit the archaeological site and view 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.
The site is very large and there is a lot to see including the famous
oracle where in ancient times people believed they would learn what
their future held.
Enjoy the views from the site, they are incredible – the setting is so
impressive that in ancient times it was considered the navel of the
world. After visiting the site next stop is the museum. The Delphi
museum has spectacular exhibits including the frieze of the Treasury
of the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos the
metopes of the Athenian treasury and the famous bronze Charioteer.
The exhibits complement what you saw at the site and allow for a
better understanding of the role Delphi played in antiquity.
Set off from Delphi to the town of Olympia.
Bee Keeping
On route to Olympia a stop a local bee keeping facility to see a local
bee keeping farm. A real and in depth look into local life at a family
run honey producing farm.
Overnight Olympia
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Day 5
Olympia. Visit Ancient Olympia.
This morning you visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the
Olympic Games.
Olympia
Visit the main archaeological site and afterwards the very interesting
museum. At the site you will see the temple of Zeus which once housed
one of the 7 wonders of the World – a statue of Zeus made out of ivory
and Gold. Your expert guide will show you the gymnasium where the
athletes trained, the nymphaeum and of course the main stadium in
which the games were held. The museum is a short walk from the site
and contains the 4th Century BC statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, plus a
number of other finds from the excavations including the Nike of Victory
by Paeonios. According to Olympic legend she used to come down from
the sky to hand a palm leaf to the winners.
The site of Olympia is one of the most important in Greece and one of
the most awe inspiring due to its beauty and unique setting. It is not only
that it is so rich in history – it is a lovely spot to visit.
Cooking Class
After the sightseeing learn about the secrets of Greek and the
Mediterranean cuisine taking part in a cooking class. Local produce and
of course local recipes which you will help prepare – and then enjoy!
A fun activity allowing for an understanding of the connection between
produce, recipes and local food culture.
Overnight Olympia
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Day6
Olympia to Sparta. Visit Mystras
Set off from Olympia Sparta. Enjoy a spectacular drive through
the mountains of the Peloponnese.
On the way you will stop to visit Mystras. Often overlooked it is a
spectacular sight with a rich history and extensive grounds to
explore.
Sightseeing Mystras
Mystras, the 'wonder of the Morea', was built as an
amphitheater around the fortress erected in 1249 by the
prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by
the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians,
the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking
medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. Mystras was
a living settlement from the 13th century to the 19th century
when it gradually started to be deserted due to the
foundation of the new town of Sparta. It retained its
completeness as a fortified urban unit of the late-Byzantine
period. Mystras constitutes a unique example of a Byzantine
city, an expression of flourishing urban society within the late
Byzantine Empire. As a political and administrative provincial
centre of the Byzantine state, Mystras became a unique
intellectual, cultural and artistic centre.
Mystras is a truly outstanding example of late Byzantine
culture which influenced the rest of the Mediterranean world
and beyond.
Mystras
After visiting Mystras it is a short drive to Sparta, the famous city
of ancient Greece.
Museum of Olive Oil
Greece is known for the production of Olive oil and the beautiful
small museum of Olive oil in Sparta is an opportunity to see how
it is has been produced trough the ages.
Overnight in Sparta
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Day 7
Sightseeing Epidaurus and Mycenae and afternoon
walk-tastes of Nafplion town
After breakfast, set off north towards the town of Nafplion. On route
some of the most spectacular sites of Greece.
Sightseeing Mycenae and Epidaurus
Walk under the famous Lion gate up to the Mycenaean acropolis and
the Palace. Mycenae is very impressive as it is possible to feel the city
as you retrace the steps of the ancients. See the tomb of Agamemnon
and the ruins of the Cyclopean walls that protected this mighty city.
The site of Epidaurus, which is listed as a world heritage site by
Unesco, is vast. With ruins of temples and hospital buildings devoted
to the healing gods; considered to be the birthplace of Asklepios. The
site monuments, particularly the temple of Asklepios, the Tholos and
the Theatre are some of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture
dating from the 4th century BC. For most visitors Epidaurus is known
for the magnificent theater which still stands there – and is still used
for plays and other performances. Take the time to walk the grounds
leading up to the theater and there check the famous acoustics. The
theater is considered a marvel of engineering and the acoustics are
unrivalled even by today’s standards.
(lunch at leisure)
Nafplion orientation with Ice cream stop!
In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the city including
tastes of the area. On this walking tour you will learn about the history
of Nafplio and you will be stopping along the way for tastings and
various local treats.
Overnight Nafplion

Nafplion waterfront

Day 8
Sightseeing of Corinth and Kechries (St Paul footsteps)
Highlights of the day!
• See the Corinth Canal
• Visit ancient Corinth and the
archaeological museum
• See the Bema of Saint Paul
• Visit the port of Kechries
• See the Corinth Canal
• Visit Cape Sounio temple of
Poseidon
Set off from Nafplion to Ancient Corinth. Corinth was capital of
the province and the one of the richest and largest cities of
Ancient Greece. Strategically located guarding the narrow
isthmus that connects the Peloponnese to the mainland it was a
powerful commercial center near two sea ports.
Corinth considered to be the home to the legendary Jason of the
Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece. The streets of Ancient
Corinth were once trodden by the likes of Pausanias and Saint
Paul. Follow in their footsteps and visit the Temple of Apollo, the
ancient theatre the Peribolos of Apollo, and other site highlights.
The ruins are mostly Romaic, but the 5th century BC temple of
Apollo which is of Doric style dominates over the site. Corinth’s
history spans from pre historic times and the traces of each
period can be seen at this very interesting site.
Corinth, a Roman imperial colony and capital of the province of
Achaea, experienced a period of great prosperity during the
Roman era. Saint Paul arrived in the city in the mid-1st c. A.D.
During Paul‘s stay in Corinth, he was brought for judgment before
the proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus on the accusation
of conducting illegal teachings. According to tradition, the site of
Paul’s trial was the Bema, a large elevated rostrum standing
prominently in the centre of the Roman Forum of ancient Corinth
and from where the city’s officials addressed the public. Probably
because of the monument’s connection to Saint Paul, the Bema
was transformed into a Christian church during the Byzantine
period.
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Cape Sounion
Day 8 (Continued)
Sightseeing of Corinth, Kechries and Cape Sounion
Even after Saint Paul's departure, he kept in contact with the
Christian community; in fact, he addressed some of his most
famous epistles, the Epistles to the Corinthians, to its leaders. The
Bema has been partially restored and prominent within the site of
Ancient Corinth. After the visiting the site, you will also visit the
very interesting museum. Located on site the museum houses
many beautiful statues and exquisite pottery. A relatively small
museum with lots of beautiful finds from the site.
Your next stop will be at the ancient port of Kechries where
according to Acts 18:18, the Apostle Paul stopped during his
second missionary journey. Although there is not much to see at
the site, the historical significance and role it had in antiquity is of
great interest.
Depart from Kechries to Athens. Crossing the spectacular Corinth
Canal the drive to Athens is appox 2 hours.
Reaching Athens, another highlight of the trip today is the visit to
Cape Sounion. Located at the tip of Attica, Cape Sounion is one of
the most beautiful
The Bema
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Day 9
Farewell
The Greek island holiday ends today, but the fond
memories remain!
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, with the rest of the day at
leisure until your flight home.
In this trip don’t miss..
✓ Check the acoustics of the Theater of
Epidaurus!
✓ In Ancient Olympia walk the
Olympic stadium. Retrace where
the Olympic Games were born.
✓ Walk to the top of the Mystras hill
Breakfast
✓ See the Sunset over the Meteora
✓ Taste the local delicacies of the
destinations visited – honey, olive
oil and amazing fresh produce.

Map of the trip
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Historical Greece
Useful Information
Walking
This tour includes walking on uneven ground. The sights visited at parts
include uphill walking on unpaved ground. Keep in mind that all ancient
sites have unpaved paths.
What to definitely pack
• Comfortable walking shoes – non slip.
• Casual clothing
• A warm jacket
• Hat and sunscreen
Wi-Fi
Most hotels, restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
Cell Phone coverage
All of Greece has good cell phone reception.
Languages
Most of the Greeks speak English also (and those who do not will definitely
make an effort to understand and help out)
Currency
The currency in Greece is the EURO
Credit Cards
Visa, Diners Club, American Express, Master Card are accepted at most
shops and restaurants. Visa is probably the most widespread of all.
Banks
Major towns have banks, smaller towns have ATM.
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Greece
Weather pattern for Athens
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Notes on the presentation
This presentation is indicative of the program on offer.
Actual Inclusions, hotels and room categories are as per the costing of the program.
Accommodation is confirmed at the time of firm go ahead and according to deposit plan.
Operational timetable / and rotation of tour may differ according to final programming if this is
deemed necessary for the better operation of the tour.
Payments, deposits and actual inclusions are as per the costing sheet and any subsequent
revisions of such.
White Label tours
All logos and company information will be according to the
branding provided to SIVA by the operator.
Tours with SIVA Travel.
Your personal advisor will make sure all the details
of your trip are set up perfectly for you.
Detailed information and great suggestions of what to do, what
you must see and where you should definitely dine will be
given to you.
Tailored to your personal style of holiday.
Siva Travel Services Greece ( www.siva.travel )